Reaction to Sea Horseback Rides in Alanya: Cruelty to Animals

A tour company in Alanya organizing beach horseback rides has sparked outrage among animal rights activists. Arife Yanık, President of the Antalya Candost Association, has made a statement regarding the situation.

In Alanya, one of the most popular districts for both local and foreign tourists, a company offering sea, safari, and horseback tours has faced backlash over a social media post. The post showed a female tourist riding a horse in the sea, with the water reaching the horse's mouth and nose. Many social media users reacted strongly, criticizing the apparent distress of the horse and questioning where animal rights activists are.

"Forcing Animals to Swim in Deep Water"

Murat Karabayoğlu, President of the Antalya Chamber of Veterinarians, stated that the footage of horseback riding in the sea is not harmless: "They are forcing the animal to swim in deep water. This is a form of cruelty to the animal. Authorities need to control the situation and conduct inspections. These animals are not meant to carry people while swimming. Constant exposure to deep water is highly problematic for animal welfare. These are animals raised on farms, suitable for riding."

Karabayoğlu continued: "These horses are riding horses, rented from farms or suitable for land rides. As long as there are no issues like stony or gravelly areas on the beach and they are properly cared for and shod, there shouldn’t be problems. However, floating in deep water with people on their backs is not appropriate. While all animals can swim, they can do so only without additional weight. Therefore, we strongly oppose this; it is a form of cruelty to the animals."

"The Horse May Become Exhausted"

Arife Yanık, President of the Candost Association, noted that while horses enjoy swimming and it can be part of their exercise, it is problematic when it involves salty water and waves, especially if done repeatedly. "Considering it's a tour company, many tourists may want to participate in this activity, but it is not healthy for the animals. Repeated activities in salty water will tire them out. It is no different from carriages. Multiple people may participate in this activity, and the horse could end up exhausted. There should be proper permits for such activities. They are exploiting these animals, using them in ways that cause them distress, and making money from it."

Yanık also pointed out that riding horses in the sea violates Law No. 5199 and added: "Additionally, it is inhumane to continuously work these animals under this climate and heat. Although animals can enter and exit the water, constant exposure to the sea and walking on sandy areas is additionally exhausting. We want the business providing this service to cease. As you know, we have already eliminated carriages through efforts and protests. It is no different from the exploitation of animals. Horses can be ridden, but under appropriate conditions. Horses' hooves are shod, and they should not be ridden on asphalt or sandy areas. Such conditions are unsuitable for them. Since this is done as a business and attracts a lot of tourists, the animals are overworked. It is cruelty to animals and a violation of animal rights."

In Alanya, there are also horseback tours available in coastal, forest, and natural areas with Mediterranean views, starting from 1500-1600 TL. Many travel agencies include horseback riding activities in their Alanya tour packages.