So, the coolest thing I did in Jamaica was swim with a horse.  I went to the Half Moon Equestrian Centre about 3 miles down from the Ritz Carlton to an event advertised as "horseback riding on the beach".  The event had a note at the bottom to wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes, which made sense to me (water could splash up).  When I got to the Centre, it was explained to me that we will get in the water.  Still, I'm thinking "no big deal".  So, my guide, Nevoi, a young Jamaican Boy of about 19, leads my horse, Braveheart (see pics), into the local areas of Montego Bay and down to the beach.  When we get to the beach, he tells me to take my clothes off (mind you, dirty minds, I have a swimsuit underneath).  While I am changing, he is taking the saddle off of Braveheart.  Then I am instructed to get on Braveheart bareback and hold on to his mane with both hands as we trot into the water.  As we get deeper into the Carribean, I am instructed to lay down.  A few moments later, I realized that we were so far into the ocean, that Braveheart was actually swimming!  Nevoi told me to lay on Braveheart's back with my legs straight out (I guess so I would not get caught up in swimming horse legs).  Then after a few more minutes of swimming around with my new-found horse friend, Nevoi instructed me to slide to the back of the horse and hold on to the tail while Braveheart pulled me.  How awesome is that!  Swimming in the warm Carribean water under the gorgeous Jamaican sun with a beautiful horse, and he is doing all the work...sooooooo cool.

If you EVER have the chance to do this kind of ride, I highly recommend it!

Thanks, Braveheart and Nevoi!

Melissa