With its relaxed country atmosphere, Devonshire is the perfect parish in which to go horseback riding, and it has a long equestrian history. The wooded hills, paths, and valleys, as well as its scenic stretch of Railway Trail, provide rare peaceful paths for riding in Bermuda’s overdeveloped environment.

Competitive harness pony racing is a popular event held most weekends September–May at the new National Equestrian Centre (48 Vesey St., Bermuda Equestrian Federation president Michael Cherry tel. 441/234-0485, harness racing 441/291-7223 or 441/505-0903, www.bef.bm). Formerly called the Vesey Street Racetrack, the center has an egg-shaped track, a few bleachers, washrooms, and a canteen that’s open during races, which are held evenings (under lights) or Sunday afternoons and are usually advertised via the hotels and Tourism Department’s events calendar.

Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children. Horse shows are also held at the center, where local riders vie for honors in dressage, equitation, jumping, and show jumping.