It’s a common site in Ocean City, MD—owners and their four-legged friends strolling the boardwalk and beach, enjoying the space and relative freedom made available during the off-season. Recently, the familiar silhouettes against the backdrop of the waves changed, when horses were permitted for the first time, to ride with their owners, down the famous stretch of sand.
For those who own horses, and share a fondness for the historic boardwalk, downtown buildings, and familiar landmarks such as the pier—the opportunity to ride here certainly adds to the quintessential beach experience. It also requires a little advanced planning; permits must be obtained in advance from City Hall, and an annual fee of $50, or a daily fee of $20 applies. Riders are also asked to clean up after their horses, even on the beach areas.
Though a newly approved activity for Ocean City, area horse aficionados have been enjoying beach riding for years. Assateague Island National Seashore allows horseback riding, accessible from the North Beach area, in the off-road zone, clear to the Virginia border. Riders check-in at the Ranger Station, and only the $10 daily fee (or annual pass for $30) applies. No special permits are needed.
The Delaware Seashore State Park has special equestrian guidelines for each beach where horses are allowed: Towers Ocean, Keybox Road, Cape Henlopen, and Fenwick Island. Permissible dates for riding and beach access are specific to each. One location—Keybox Road even allows riding May 1 through Labor Day (the only beach area open to riders during the summer season), weekdays only.
Veteran horsewoman Lisa Tossey, who has ridden for over 30 years, appreciates the natural beauty the state parks offer riders.
“In Delaware you can pass by historic landmarks like the Indian River Life-Saving Station. In Assateague you may glimpse bands of wild ponies in the dunes or pelicans skimming over the waves. The beaches change with the seasons, weather, and tides, so each ride is different and a unique experience,” said Tossey.
Tossey grew up in Salisbury, MD and was a member of the Chesapeake Pony Club where she participated in dressing, eventing, and show jumping. Currently, Tossey takes her Clydesdale cros,s Big Kahuna trail riding all over the area.
The first time Tossey rode her horse on the beach, provided a fresh perspective,
“His name is ‘Big Kahuna' so you’d think he’d be a natural out there, but watching him react and respond to the waves coming in and the sand beneath his feet on our first few outings made me look at the beach with fresh eyes.”
For those who have yet to experience the sensation of flying down the shoreline on the back of a majestic horse, with the waves lapping beneath, Tossey’s personal reflection serves as inspiration to get out there and ride.
“Sharing the experience with good friends on a gorgeous day is just wonderful – the warm sunshine, fresh sea breeze, and great view from the back of my horse can't be beat.”
The seasonal deadline for riding on the beach in Ocean City, MD is fast approaching—the last day is March 30th, with riding permissible once more on November 1st. To obtain a permit in person, visit the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall at 301 Baltimore Avenue or online here. The riding season extends until April 30th at the Delaware State Park beach areas—the exception being Keybox Road, as mentioned previously. At Assateague Island National Seashore, riding is allowed until May 14th on the Maryland side.
A special thank you to Lisa Tossey for the use of her photographs found in the gallery below.
Pictured riders and horses as follows:
- Lisa Tossey, Ocean Pines, MD, riding Big Kahuna
- Matthew Amey, Ocean Pines, MD riding Big Kahuna
- Jerean Adkis, Selbyville, DE, riding Andy
- Karen Higgason, Bishopville, MD, riding Nani
- Jimmy Higgason, Bishopville, MD, riding Moon
