8 Day Rescue Horse Ranch Vacation in New Mexico, USA: Ride with Purpose
USA Horseback Riding Holiday
Enchantment Equitreks is the destination for adventurous equestrians who are looking for more than a nose-to-tail operation. They want to show you the rich landscape, southwest culture, and unique cuisine that make New Mexico unforgettable!
Key information
- Rider weight limit: 200 pounds / 90.7 kilograms, but can be waived for a tall athletic man
- Horse height range: 14 to 16.2 hands
- Tack type: Western
- Horse breed: Quarter Horse, Paints, Mustang, Thoroughbred, and Grade
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- 6 days of horseback riding
- Approximate daily riding time: 4 to 5 hours
- Ride through the painted desert, alpine forests, and river beds
- 1 tourism day
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Transfers to and from the airport
Skill level
- Intermediate
Types
6 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
Facilities
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Smoke-free property
- Special menu request
- Yoga deck
- Yoga studio
- Bicycle rental
- Free bicycle
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry
Your lodgings will be at quaint AirBNB just a short walk from the ranch house. The two-story house is nestled on a juniper and pine tree ridge overlooking the valley below. Decorated in a rustic and eclectic southwest style, it offers three bedrooms, two and a quarter baths, a shared kitchen, and a common room. Free WiFi and access to laundry service. The area is landscaped for relaxation. Wooded paths lead to reading nooks, hammocks for naps, meditation alcoves, and quiet spaces for yoga.
The hot tub is available year-round, and the pool is open during the summer. The property is teeming with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and berry bushes just ripe for the picking. Bicycles are available for further exploration. The area is conveniently located close to golf courses, hiking and mountain biking trails, ski areas, and the river.
Environmentally conscious
- Composting toilets
- Greywater systems
- Solar
Landscaped for relaxation
- Wooded paths lead to reading nooks
- Hammocks for naps
- Quiet spaces for yoga
- Mountain bikes available
- Hot tub and pool available
Program
Daily schedule
Day 1
- Arrival and settle in
- Welcome ride and orientation
- 19:00 Dinner
Day 2
- 08:00 Breakfast at the main house
- 09:00 Departure from ranch to ride
- 10:00 In the saddle, ride three hours with snacks on the trail
- 14:00 Lunch at the trailhead
- 15:00 - 19:00 Back at the ranch for free time (swimming, hiking, napping, and yoga)
- 19:00 Dinner
Day 3
- 07:00 Departure from the ranch to ride
- 08:00 Breakfast at the trailhead and then ride three to four with a break for snacks
- 13:00 Lunch at the ranch
- 14:00 - 19:00 Free time
- 19:00 Dinner
Day 4
- 08:00 Breakfast at the main house
- 10:00 Visit Walking iN Circles Rescue
- 11:00 - 15:00 Visit Madrid, Albuquerque, or Santa Fe and have lunch at a local restaurant
- 16:00 Back at the ranch
- 16:00 - 18:00 Free time
- 19:00 Dinner
- Optional: attend an event (rodeo, wine festival, pow wow, Indian market, etc.)
Day 5
- 08:00 Breakfast at the main house
- 09:00 - 12:00 Free time
- 12:00 Lunch at the main house
- 14:00 Departure from ranch to ride
- 16:00 - 18:30 Ride
- 19:00 Dinner out on trail
Day 6
- 08:00 Breakfast at the main house
- 09:00 Departure to ride
- 10:00 In the saddle, ride for two hours
- 12:00 Lunch on the trail
- 13:00 Ride one and a half hours
- 15:00 Back at the ranch
- 15:00 - 19:00 Free time
- 19:00 Farewell dinner
Day 7
- 08:00 Breakfast at the main house
- 09:00 Departure from ranch to ride
- 10:00 On the saddle, ride three hours, with snacks on the trail
- 14:00 Lunch at the trailhead
- 15:00 - 19:00 Back at the ranch and free time
- 19:00 Dinner
Day 8 - Departure day
- Breakfast
- Departure
About the holiday
Each day is a new adventure as you ride four to five hours exploring desert canyons, wading through river beds, climbing towering mountains, tracing the steps of cowboys, and looking out for ancient pottery shards. You will visit historical Santa Fe, where the Spanish conquistadors once rode through and Native Americans now sell their beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry. Enjoy an all-day adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of New Mexico. Unlike many outfitters who ride in the same area, Enchantment Equitreks takes advantage of the diverse terrain by trailering out to a new trail each day.
They load horses, tack, picnic with clients, and drive 20 to 45 minutes to the riding destination. Some days, you will be galloping through the sandy arroyos of a painted desert. The next day, you will scale alpine forests, and Enchantment Equitreks loves to splash through the waters of the Rio Grande River. A typical riding day is two hours of riding, a picnic lunch break, and two hours of riding. Time in the saddle depends on weather and terrain. You do not camp out in these places but return back to the ranch, where a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a soft bed await.
Horse riding requirements
Safety is the number one priority. Enchantment Equitreks is not a nose-to-tail dude ranch but an equine adventure business. All of the horses have been trained in trail riding skills and manners; however, they do have a mind of their own. To thoroughly enjoy your stay, they ask all riders to meet the following criteria:
- Intermediate riding level due to the length and terrain of the rides
- Firm seat with soft hands
- Comfortable at a walk, posting trot, and two-point canter
- Riding in a group at all paces over varied terrain
- Basic horsemanship skills such as catching, grooming, leading, and tacking up
- Mount and dismount with minimal aid (You can use a well-placed rock or log if needed)
- Physically fit to be in the saddle for three to four hours, or 10 to 15 miles a day
If you do not feel that you meet these criteria or do not ride regularly, but are still interested, they strongly suggest riding lessons. This will help you to be more confident and comfortable in the saddle. They will give riding tips and suggestions on the trail to keep you safe, however, they do not give riding lessons.
Horses
While the Enchantment Equitreks team is dedicated to providing you with an amazing experience, they are also committed to healing the horse community. All of their ranch horses were originally rescued and have been expertly re-trained as experienced trail horses. Enchantment Equitreks continues the work with the rescues through their rehabilitation non-profit.
Enchantment Equitreks prescribes a natural training method, a philosophy of working with horses based on the horse’s natural instincts and methods of communication, with the understanding that horses learn from pressure and the release of pressure. Enchantment Equitreks believes that spending ample time with the horse to gain their trust is paramount in turning these animals around. Many of Enchantment Equitreks' horses come to the rescue not only with malnourished bodies but also broken spirits.
The program concentrates on slowly rebuilding the horse physically and mentally through a relationship built on trust, respect, and understanding. The core ranch horses have been through the training program and have blossomed into healthy and happy horses who love their job. The horses range from 14 to 16.2 hands tall, between seven and 30 years old. The breeds range from Quarter Horse, Paints, Mustang, Thoroughbred, and Grade.
Included excursions
Tourism day
You love to ride, but you might also love to enjoy the diverse culture of New Mexico. This tour includes a day off from riding to visit a historical town, attend an event, dine on fabulous food, or shop in local galleries and bodegas. Enchantment Equitreks will offer a short demonstration of their work with rescue horses and Enchantment Equine Rehabilitation Center.
Instructors
Justyn Vogel
As co-owner and outfitter of Enchantment Equitreks, Justyn has blended her passion for horses and yoga in the EquiYoga program. After practicing for 15 years, she received her teacher training at Indi Yoga Studio in 2017. Trained in a Vinyasa and Yin style that focuses function over form, Justyn leads classes focused on rider release and body awareness. Her classes embrace those new to yoga and practicing yogis. She will take you from mat, to saddle, to trail with sessions designed to create awareness of the asana and horsemanship connection.
Location
This holiday will take place at Enchantment Equitreks, New Mexico, USA. This small ranch is nestled in the pines at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains. New Mexico offers varied landscapes including deserts, mountains, and rivers. It is rich with cowboy culture, Spanish influence, Native American traditions, and outstanding cuisine.
Distances
- Albuquerque - 40 minutes
- Santa Fe - 1 hour
Features
Activities
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Kayaking
- Stand up paddle boarding
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
General
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Hammock
- Kitchen
- Smoke-free property
- Special menu request
- Yoga deck
- Yoga studio
Services
- Bicycle rental
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry
Food
All meals are included in the price. New Mexican cuisine is wholly unique, rich with local ingredients, slow-cooked meats, and spiced with roasted green and red chili. The meals not only showcase this local flavor, but the ingredients are plucked straight from Enchantment Equitreks' gardens, local farms, and ranches.
Each morning, you will be greeted with a European-style breakfast set out in the guesthouse or patio. Lunches will often be picnics during the day's ride. The evenings will be filled with sit-down, family-style dinners, relaxing next to a fire, and gazing out at the stars. They are able to accommodate many food restrictions and allergies for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free menus (25 USD upcharge for vegan menu).
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Whole food
Exclusive Gifts
Enchantment Equitreks has prepared a few special surprises for you, including unique experiences and thoughtful extras to make your journey even more memorable.
Yoga: Rider Restorative Yoga Session
Things to do (optional)
Many of the weeks are built around events in New Mexico. Event fees may apply for certain weeks.
- Gathering of Nations Pow Wow: April
- Madrid Blues Fest: May
- Rodeo weeks: June, July, September
- Indian Market: August
- Fall Colors: October
Excursions
Book your next outdoor excursion with Enchantment Equitreks' partners at MST Adventures. With 360 days of sunshine, New Mexico is the perfect place to explore the outdoors. Whether you would like to add an excursion to your visit or look for an adventure for a non-riding partner, mountain, stream, and trail adventures offer biking, hiking, SUP, kayaking, and snowshoeing.
Enchantment Equitreks can coordinate a morning ride along the banks of the Rio Grande and an afternoon kayak or SUP in the river's red waters. Non-riding partners can also paddle along the river, watching you ride along its banks and meeting for a picnic lunch.
Yoga a la carte
You can book a yoga class at the ranch.
- Long session: 45 USD - one hour and 15 minutes
- Short session: 25 USD - 45 minutes
- One long and one short session: 60 USD
What's included
- 6 days of riding activities
- 1 tourism day
- Balloon Fiesta (upon the package you choose)
- 7 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Snacks and water on the trails
- Transportation to and from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- Equestrian equipment (helmet, chaps, and gloves)
- Use of basic toiletries, towels, and hairdryer
- Access to the hot tub, pool, and laundry
- Yoga equipment (mat, blocks, blankets, bolsters)
- Wi-Fi
Included Exclusive Gifts
Yoga: Rider Restorative Yoga Session
A gentle, floor-based session for riders to release tension in hips, back, and shoulders after time in the saddle. Using supported poses and breathwork, this practice improves alignment, mobility, and body awareness. No experience needed. Reset your body and return to the saddle more balanced and connected.
What's not included
- Airfare
- 7.625% NM tax
- 10% gratuity
- Event fee (if applicable)
- 1 meal out in a restaurant on the tourism day
- Extra activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer included
Albuquerque International Sunport
34 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Transfer from and to the airport is included. Enchantment Equitreks will pick you up from the airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., while drop-off is between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Enchantment Equitreks will meet you at the baggage claim curbside at a pre-determined time.
Arrival by shuttle
Enchantment Equitreks can pick you up and/or drop you off at a local hotel or AirBnB. Transfer times will be the same as airport transfer times.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
Reviews
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