Spring break is all about trying new things. If you've never thought about equestrian vacations, then riding a horse on the beach [http://www.jekyll-island-family-adventures.com/beach-horseback-riding.html] might just be your cup of tea.

And there's no better place than Driftwood Beach [http://www.jekyll-island-family-adventures.com/jekyll-island-beach.html] on Georgia's Jekyll Island for beach horseback riding.

Victoria's Carriages and Trail Rides offer several trail rides on Jekyll Island at fair prices. All rides are on a per-person basis.

You can experience a one-hour beach ride for $58.00; a 1/2 hour ride for $38.00; a 1 1/2 hour ride for $78.00; when twilight arrives, try their Sunset Ride, which costs $68.00.

You need to be at least 8 years old to ride a horse by yourself (younger kids aren't allowed to double with a parent). There's a weight limit, too. Two hundred forty pounds is the max for horseback riding on the beach.

Your trail ride begins at Jekyll Island's Clam Creek picnic area, on the northern end of the island. Victoria's Carriages and Trail Rides has a horse camp there, under the shade of ancient live oaks adorned
with Spanish moss.

The island horses are gentle stock, and you'll have no trouble mounting and following your guide down the trail.

If you're an inexperienced rider, or have never been horseback riding on the beach, rest assured. Victoria's Carriages and Trail Rides will place you on one of their docile island horses, and help you overcome any uncertainty you might have about riding. Before you know it you'll be a semi-accomplished horseman - or woman - or kid!

You'll begin your beach horseback riding adventure at Clam Creek, in the horse base camp across the road from the picnic area.

The first leg of your ride is thorough maritime forest, where the sound of the wind through the live oaks, the shuffle of your horse's hoofs along the woodland trail, and the creek of saddle leather will lull you into a peaceful state of harmony with the environment.

Soon, you'll adjust to your horse's gait. Rocking easily to the rhythm of your horse, you'll start to gain confidence. Before long, its as if you've been riding all your life!

After a while, the trail leaves the maritime forest and you'll start riding alongside a virgin salt marsh. Watch for the wood storks
roosting in the tree copses, and listen to the song birds hidden in the branches.

Raccoons and deer make their homes in the area. On a soft-walking horse, it's not unusual to walk right up on some of these animals as they move through the marsh grasses and fringe edge environment.

The horse trail winds along, and soon you'll find yourself following your horse's nose out onto Driftwood Beach.

Riding along the beach - and enjoying the salty sea breezes and the "boneyard" trees that gives Driftwood Beach its name - may be the most fun leg of the ride.

What are the boneyard trees? They're huge oaks and pines that were undermined by erosion, and have fallen into the sea. Wind and salt water have scrubbed and polished these trees into beautiful driftwood-gray sculptures.

Make sure you bring a camera, and take plenty of pictures of Driftwood Beach. It's one of the most photographed beaches
in the United States.

Across St. Simons Sound is the St. Simons lighthouse, another favorite subject for photographers - and a don't miss photo op for you!

All good things come to an end, however. Soon your beach horseback riding adventure is over. Follow your guide across the Clam Creek bridge and back to where you started at the horse camp.

Horseback riding on Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach can get in your blood. It's good to know that you can always return for another Jekyll Island horseback riding adventure!

To book your horseback ride, call Victoria's Carriages and Trail Rides at 635-9500.