Can someone tell me if the negativity surrounding horseback vacations in Costa Rica is valid?

Having been a horse outrigger in my earlier years, the only abuse I have seen happens more in the heavy tourist areas. I assume that you known something about horses, then you know that the care and treatment (shots, vet bills, etc) of horses in the US is not cheap and the same holds true in CR.

Unfortunately, during the high tourist seasons (which is now) SOME of the horses are literally worked to death because not all owners can afford the proper care.

In Jaco for example, it is not uncommon to see the same horse running walking up and down the beach from sun up to sun down in 80-85 degree heat. I have even seen 3 people on one horse.

Grant you I/m sure there is abuse but I would almost bet nowhere near of that in the US. One thing to remember, a CR horse will sweat more (due to the tropical environment) and look leaner (due to the dietary habits), thus looking like it is being abuse (and then some idiot, who knows nothing about environment changes, writes about it) where in fact, it is probably in better physical condition then most horses in the US.

Here is a link to one of the most respected outfitters in CR.

http://www.horseback-riding-tour.com/

I think you will see they take care of their horses.

The most disturbing information that I have heard is that you won´t want to go back to your house and may end up living here.

Don´t worry, the horses here are well kept.

Lic.Gregory Kearney Lawson.

yep all horses in costa rica contain a flesh eating bacteria. no, of course not, go ride your horses.