Oaxaca Explorer Ride
Oaxaca Mexico: (IT-MXCS01)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/america_central_mexico_oaxaca_explorer.aspx
Introduction
Oaxaca
Mexico
Discover Oaxaca's magical countryside on horseback. Mount our team of experienced horses and ride along ancient paths with exotic vistas in one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. As you venture into a timeless way ride past ancient adobe brick walls, living cacti fences and cart horses with loads of fresh alfalfa. Scenes of oxen plowing the fields give way to fascinating vegetation on the endless trails that lead into the foothills and untouched backcountry. Each day the rides include destinations such as artisan mescal makers and world class archeological sites. On the shorter riding days there is time in the afternoon to tour the Oaxaca valley, enjoy a massage or learn to prepare Oaxacan cuisine from local cooks.
The state of Oaxaca is located in the south of Mexico and straddles the Sierra Madre mountain range. Broad valleys and majestic peaks characterize this geographically challenging state and Oaxaca's micro-climates are unique among the world's ecosystems; the state enjoys some of the largest biodiversity in Mexico. Due to its rugged and isolating terrain, the many cultures of Oaxaca have survived through years of outside influences. Oaxaca is culturally fascinating and is home to many native ethnic groups and rich craft traditions. The city of Oaxaca has been declared a Cultural Patrimony of the World by UNESCO and the Zapotec village of Teotitlan, where this ride is based, is world famous for its hand-loomed rug weaving.
Your home for the trip is a hacienda-style country house, and at an elevation of 5,500 feet the climate is comfortable for both riding and sleeping year round – even during the summer months. In addition to individually catered daily rides you can enjoy bird watching, take in local fiestas and shop for some of the best crafts in Mexico. Improve your riding with yoga classes especially designed for riders or experience a ceremonial native sauna known as temascal.
Endurance Riders Welcome! The hacienda’s guides and horses regularly compete in endurance competitions and took two 1st place spots and two Best Condition Horse awards in 2009 at the Mexican National Endurance Circuit, 40-mile category. Two endurance race weeks will be open to our clients to compete in.
Accomodation
The Rancho sits nestled at the base of the western foothills of the valley of Tlacolula, the eastern arm of the great valley of Oaxaca. While the ranch is only 20 minutes from Oaxaca, a UNESCO world heritage city with all the cultural experiences it has to offer there are countless fascinating destinations within 20 miles of the ranch.
Traditional Mexican architecture in wooden beams, wild cane and hand-painted tiles define the design of the three spacious guest rooms of the adobe lodge. Guests will relax to expansive vistas on their 300 sq. ft terrace that nearly duplicates each private living space. Well-stocked kitchenettes in each room make relaxing in the warm sun after the day’s adventures even better.
But if you prefer a freshly made Margarita just meander up the stone walkway to the ranches’ spacious open-style kitchen & dining room where local cooks prepare fresh Oaxaca specialties. The Rancho is about outdoor living and its old-fashioned verandas offer 360º views down valley and up into the mountains.
Riding
Your Hosts
The owners of the Rancho combine over 25 yrs. of living in the valley
and exploring the far reaches of the state of Oaxaca. They are active
guides and your hosts at the ranch. The experiences you’ll have and the
people you’ll meet reflect their “favorites”, and that’s what separates
the Rancho insider tours from the generic offerings hired guides
provide.
Mary Jane is also a writer, and her published works include two books
about the traditions of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca Celebration, on
Zapotec tradition and cuisine and Weaving a Cultural Testimony, about
Zapotec rug weaving. Her essays on traditional Oaxacan culture and
mezcal, and the Day of the Dead have appeared in the monograph, Artes de
Mexico.
Both Bobby and Mary Jane are avid endurance riders and share their love and knowledge of nature and the countryside with guests.
Meet the horses
The geldings:
WMA Zebulun, pure Polish Arabian, born 2004
Spirit, pure Arabian, born 2001
Centurion, Mexican Criollo, born 1996
WMA Elijah, pure Polish Arabian, born 2004
The ex-Mexican Army trio:
Mambo, born 1988
Bossanova, born in 1989
Samba, born 1988
The Mares:
Newest Style, pure Polish Arabian, born 2003
Torrid Elegance, Anglo-Arab, born 1995
Mighty, pure Cañada Criollo, born 2007
The Stallions:
Chocolate, Mexican Paint born 1998
Fernandez, pure Polish Arabian, born 2000
Piquin ½ Arabian & ½ Mexican Criollo, born 2003
Meet the minis
The Minis
We’ve given each horse a profile because they each have their own personalities. But in one way they are all alike - they love their job, whether it’s a fast-paced endurance competition or teaching a novice about the nuances of good trail riding.
Whether you are a complete novice riding for the first time or an experienced rider looking for a spirited gallop in open country we have the right horse for you - and the right horse may very well be the same horse. We pride ourselves on our horses’ flexible minds and calm temperaments.
Bobby and Mary Jane firmly believe in letting their horses be horses when they’re not working. The horses live in open-style paddocks with a friend or two, and open fences between one group and the other.
The geldings are all wonderful guys - they love the trails at any speed and several that regularly compete in endurance rides are also our steadiest & calmest horses.
The mares – like most women – set the pace for our herd. They like to go - but that can mean hours of marching up and down hills as well as getting down to fast-paced business. Tory & Newest are bred and due to foal in late spring. Little Mighty is the newest to our barn but quickly settled in to her new life.
The three stallions are among our most affectionate horses. They are gentle and courteous with humans, always enjoying a nice scratch behind the ear.
The miniature horses are working horses too! They carry small children and picnics on their strong little backs, and Velvet our black mare was a prizewinning driving horse when she lived in Texas. We are currently developing an equine therapy program for small children with developmental challenges.
Riding Instruction
The
horses have a reputation for being cheerful, willing, well-socialized
and intelligent. All of the instruction integrates understanding the way
the horse perceives the world, other horses and humans, an essential
key to successful partnership with equines.
Riding Classes
These classes are perfect for novices to
horse riding. Within our riding arena students focus on principals of
good equitation which include: balance, body movement and the horse,
developing a good seat and soft hands. Progressing from walk to trot to
canter are sequentially taught. Private classes to small groups.
Appropriate for all ages. We have gentle well-trained horses for
novices.
Instructional Trail Riding
One of the great joys of riding
a horse is going out on trail rides & Bobby and Mary Jane believe
in getting novice riders out on trails as soon as the basic riding
skills have been acquired. Riding a horse on uneven footing, up and down
hills and around curves teaches the rider to adjust their body position
with the terrain. Riding on narrow trails quickly teaches the novice
the importance of properly steering the horse. And best of all trial
riding is fun and the countryside is interesting.
Endurance Riding Clinics
Mary Jane, Bobby and Gabriel all
compete regularly in endurance riding competitions. Endurance riding is
much like a marathon on horseback with periodic vet checks during the 25
to 75 mile one day ride. These riding clinics address the important
themes of conditioning a horse for competition, pacing during the ride,
diet and nutrition of the endurance horse and proper saddle fitting and
tack.
Equine Therapy
Mary Jane is a certified yoga instructor and
holistic health therapist and brings valuable aspects of these practices
to her equine therapy instruction. Equine therapy can be simply defined
as the beneficial action contact with horses has on human beings. This
can be as subtle as building self-esteem & stress management to a
mind, body & spirit therapy for developmentally challenged children
and adults. Both the miniature horses and the large horses are valuable
assets to these sessions.
Customized programs can be arranged with daily riding sessions focused on any of the above instruction.
Itinerary
Day 1 Afternoon or early evening arrival at the ranch, your home for the next 6 nights. The ranch is located 12 miles (18 km) from the center of the city of Oaxaca and just 18 miles from the city’s airport, it is nestled on the edge of the charming cheese-making village of Rojas de Cuauhtemoc. Settle into your room, have a cool drink and soak up the vistas of the southern arm of Oaxaca Valley. Meet your guides and horses, enjoy a freshly made margarita and savor Oaxaca’s world famous cuisine for dinner.
Day 2 After a freshly prepared breakfast ride out from the ranch and onto trails lined with towering organ cacti and weathered mesquites festooned with wild orchids. Within minutes the ride descends into a hidden ecosystem rich in massive columnar cacti and old growth elephant-foot yuccas. At a high lookout point we take a break in the shade, have a snack and enjoy the big-sky views north to the Sierra Juarez. As the ride progresses westward micro-ecosystems home to rare agaves, ferns and cacti that live side by side, come and go. This ride exemplifies the amazing biodiversity Oaxaca is world famous for. Return to the ranch to a typical Oaxacan comida, the big meal of the day for locals. Relax, take a siesta, bird watch from your private patio or go sightseeing in the city of Oaxaca. For dinner we’ll drive just a few minutes to the town of El Tule, home of a 2,000 year old cypress tree, one of the largest and oldest trees on earth. This town is also famous for its traditional Oaxaca specialties. Leisurely dinner, stroll the quaint plaza and time to see the tree. (4-5 hours of riding)
Day 3 Today is a point to point ride beginning at the ranch and ending in the famous rug-weaving village of Teotitlan. We ride our way east across the valley of Tlacolula. Valley lanes traversed by cart ponies laden with fresh-cut alfalfa meander through some of the valley’s most fertile farmland. The good footing allows for a quick pace. Shepherds with their mixed herds of goats, sheep, donkeys and cattle are a common sight along the way. Time stands still as majestic Zebu oxen united by massive wooden yokes plow the land. A fresh picnic lunch awaits us at Dainzu, an archeological site noted for its figurative stone carving. Winding eastward we’ll find the hidden entrance to an enchanting mountain pass: a geological and botanical feast for the eyes. Sweeping vistas give glimpses of the narrow western arm of the Oaxaca valley. The ride ends at the home of talented Zapotec rug weavers, where you can learn about this craft and shop for beautiful hand-woven wool rugs. On the drive back the ranch we’ll stop to a see the artisan production of mescal and to sample this famous Oaxacan distilled liquor. Sunset cocktails and dinner follows. (4-5 hours of riding)
Day 4 From the ranch we ride past pecan orchards and flower farms before finding the remnants of the old Camino Nacional, worn stones still mark this long-abandoned road. In Tlacochahuaya, a quiet native village, we ride up to a famous 16th century Dominican church. Recently-evangelized Indians painted the walls and ceiling to reflect their naturalistic approach to religion. At a recently restored hacienda relax over a freshly prepared lunch. As the ride turns back toward the ranch, smooth trails wind through hills richly forested with old-growth candelabra and nopal cacti. Ancient oxen trails lined with native flora offer rare vistas of the most southern reaches of the valley. With time and energy permitting riders can, with a little help from an experienced farmer and a calm pony, learn to drive the carts so typical of Rojas or relax away sore muscles with a therapeutic massage. Sunset cocktails and dinner at the ranch. ( 4-5 hours of riding)
Day 5 Horses and riders seek out trails that meander along the rugged foothills due south from the ranch. This remote backcountry is home to the Cara Cara eagle, distinctive by its creamy makings. Rolling hills lined with blue-green agave plantations and women in bright costume working the fields are some of the images along this ride. As the valley begins a gentle ascent we’ll ride up to a fresh picnic lunch and time to relax. After a short ride we reach our destination of San Marcos Papalutla, nestled in the southern foothills. Village potters demonstrate their traditional craft with charming burnished pottery available for purchase. A short drive through fascinating rural Oaxaca returns riders and horses to the ranch. Join the ranch’s excellent cook in a class on classic Oaxacan cuisine. Cocktails and dinner at the ranch. (4-5 hours of riding)
Day 6 Horses and riders take a short drive southeast to explore this fascinating corner of the Tlacolula valley, home to Mesoamerica’s earliest civilizations. This is an area was recently declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Around every bend lie exotic flora, unique rock formations and sweeping vistas. Ancient farm lanes, great for extended trots and canters, turn into trails that lead into true backcountry rich in rare palmillos and candelabra cacti hundreds of years old. During this ride you visit a working hacienda , ancient agricultural terraces and ancient Zapotec ruins. The experienced trekking horses deftly ascend trails opening onto otherworldly plateaus surrounded by sweeping views across the broad valley and up into the Sierra Juarez. Picnic lunch. Optional visit to the archeological site of Yagul or visit the historic center of the city of Oaxaca. Sunset cocktails and special farewell dinner at the ranch. (5-6 hours of riding)
Day 7 After freshly prepared breakfast it is time to depart. Transport pre-arranged to the airport or the city.
Endurance Race Option
Riders will spend 4 regular days of riding (average of 4 hours per day) and then spend another 2 hours learning the basics of conditioning and feeding the endurance horse, pre-competition preparation, feeding during and after the competition, passing the vet checks. We will provide, if requested, a mentor to accompany the rider during the competition, at no extra charge. The January and July endurance races will offer 20 and 40 km competitions for the novice endurance rider. Only riders with prior endurance riding experience will be eligible to compete in the 60 and 80 km. category. All competition fees include ride registration, tack and crew.
Itinerary subject to change.
Rates and Dates for Oaxaca Explorer Ride
Rates include:
Riding: Over 25 hours of riding.
Guides: English speaking, experienced & with ample local knowledge.
Lodging: 6 nights accommodation
- double occupancy at comfortable country guesthouse. $200 single occupancy supplement.
Food: All meals, beer or wine with meals & cocktails.
Transfers: Upon departure from the ranch to airport or city hotel
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Dates Note:
Additional dates are available on request with a minimum of 3+ riders.
Rates do not include:
Massages, taxis for excursions to and from Oaxaca.
Other Info
Meeting: Oavaca
Airport: Oaxaca
Transfer: Oaxaca airport
Climate:
The average temperature in Oaxaca - except for the coast - is 18° C. There are several types of climates in the state. The valley of Oaxaca is temperate. In the mountainous areas, with altitudes above two thousand meters, the weather can be cold.
Any rainfall in Oaxaca tends to come from afternoon showers, with the day starting out sunny, clouding up, raining and then clearing again.
What To Bring:
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants/ jodpuhrs: Light weight, stretchy pants that are cool but protect from rubs work best.
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Short riding boots/ narrow hiking boots and half chaps (boots should be comfortable for walking)
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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A hat with brim for sunprotection
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Long sleeves in your shirt or blouse
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A light jacket
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A bandana or big handkerchief is very useful as towel, cleaner and against the dust
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Another thick jacket or a sweater
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Bathing suit (optional)
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Pocket knife
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