Years after horseback rides in seawater were first introduced to touristic areas, the practice has gained popularity in Egypt, with several travel agencies now including it in their programs.
Fit horses are trained to walk or swim in coastal areas, while carrying human riders.
Hundreds of foreign tourists have taken to the experience so far – particularly in Hurghada, where three brothers from Fayoum Governorate took advantage of their horse-breeding and training expertise to start a horseback riding business.
The Tito brothers rented a stable in a famous resort, purchasing a few horses in what would become the headquarters of the business.
Today the brothers own 20 trained, licensed horses, which they claim are well cared-for and provided continuous veterinary care.
Hamada Tito, one of the brothers, told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the horses involved in these trips have a specialized diet. Horses eat in accordance to a schedule with breakfast at 6 am, lunch at 12 pm, and dinner at 7 pm. He added that each has its own veterinary certificate.
The most “famous” horses are named Rambo and Princissa, according to Hamada.
He affirmed that tourists, especially Germans but sometimes Egyptians, love horseback riding in the sea, whether individually or in groups.
Prior to any trip, tourists are trained on how to ride horses in a desert area, to ensure their control over the horse in any environment.
The trips include long routes that extend for a full day in the desert, and shorter routes of five hours, from north Hurghada to Sinzo Area (20 kilometers long).
The latter is organized in the wood forest and the desert of Hurghada, he added.
The third and most popular trip is the horseback sea voyage. The route is organized in a sandy area free of any marine organisms or coral reefs, and in line with environmental conditions.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
