Horseback riding across silver sands is the stuff of dreams but visitors to our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals can go one step further – they can SWIM with horses.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is offered by C Ponies, an AMI leisure company with a big heart.

Most of their horses are rescue animals nurtured back to health and wellbeing.

These magnificent creatures are your companions for a ride along the island’s silver sands – the perfect place to spot wildlife including dolphins and manatees.

You then enjoy an experience that will stay with you forever, and amaze your friends, the opportunity to ride a horse as it swims in the ocean.

You will be in waters no more than 3ft deep but will feel a sensation described as ‘like flying’. Hold on to your trusty stead’s mane as their legs move rhythmically through the water.

The horses are never forced to swim, it’s actually their favourite bit, according to C Ponies. You can add extra magic by choosing the sunset package.

The firm offers other riding adventures, too, such as exploring the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve Ride.

C Ponies is just one of many amazing leisure experiences you can enjoy on AMI. Browse our Idyllic Holiday Properties vacation rentals to book your stay and make this part of a magical holiday experience.

To find out more, to or book a horseback ride, visit cponies.com

Image courtesy of C Ponies

If you love to feel sand between your toes our holiday home locations in Portugal and Florida offer beach perfection.

Both destinations are famous for their beaches. In 2020 Portugal’s Algarve  was voted the Best Beach Destination for the 7th time in the prestigious World Travel Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry. Portugal has also been named Europe’s Leading Destination.

The Algarve has long been famous for its beautiful sandy beaches featuring stunning rock formations. The region boasts 87 blue-flag beaches and 48 beaches with full facilities for disabled beach-goers.

There are several wonderful beaches to explore near our holiday homes in the village of Vilarinha and town of Lagos, the latter boasting its own ample beach, which is pictured in winter. You often have an entire beach to yourself to walk, explore and enjoy.

Meanwhile, Florida’s Anna Maria Island offers wonderful stretches of clean silver white sand. There are three main public beaches at Bayfront Park, Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach, and three large areas with multiple beach access points on the Gulf side of the City of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.