A British holidaymaker was left in awe when he witnessed an unusual sight during his boat trip in the Mediterranean. Ben Hancock, 26, captured a video of a man riding a horse in the sea next to their boat while visiting Malta as part of a two-week cruise with his wife Olivia. The couple had taken a five-euro boat ride around the historical village of Marsaxlokk, known for its colourful wooden boats with ‘eyes’ drawn on the front. As they were admiring the scenery, they were surprised to see a man and a horse in the water in the midst of the harbour.
Ben’s video shows the man in casual clothes riding the horse, which appeared to be struggling in the deep water. When they asked the rider what he was doing, he explained that they were training the horse for races in that manner. Ben, a content manager from Lancashire, described the scene as “crazy” and said it became the highlight of their holiday. He noted that the training method seemed extreme compared to traditional approaches in the UK, where horse training is more formal and orderly, typically done in stables.
According to Ben, the horse was galloping in deep water, indicating that it was not touching the ground and appeared to be having difficulty staying afloat. Despite the bizarre sight, the rider seemed nonchalant as if it was a normal day for him. Ben and Olivia found the unexpected spectacle to be both random and comical, drawing everyone’s attention away from the usual tourist sights in the village. The couple couldn’t help but marvel at the unconventional training method and how different it was from what they were accustomed to back home.
Reflecting on the experience, Ben expressed amusement at the unconventional training technique and how it diverged from the more formal practices in the UK. He acknowledged that while it seemed unusual to him, it might be a traditional method in the region. The couple found the unexpected encounter to be a memorable and amusing highlight of their holiday, overshadowing the typical tourist attractions they had visited. The sight of a man riding a horse in the sea next to their boat left them both amazed and entertained, offering a unique glimpse into a different cultural practice.
The couple’s encounter with the swimming horse in Malta’s harbour served as a reminder of the diverse and often surprising experiences that travel can bring. While the sight may have been unconventional to them, it provided an intriguing insight into the local traditions and practices of the region. Ben and Olivia’s memorable boat trip in Marsaxlokk became more than just a scenic tour, offering a glimpse into a world where even the most ordinary activities can take on a fascinating and unexpected twist. Their story serves as a testament to the joy and wonder that come with embracing new encounters and perspectives while exploring unfamiliar destinations.