Guest Ranch Holiday in Mexico - Marianne’s Experience

luxury Guest ranch holiday in mexico

In June 2024 Marianne joined us during our Mexican retreat. We had such an amazing time sharing our common passion for horses and travel as well as experiencing this mexican horse riding holiday together. Memories we will share and which will last a lifetime !

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I’m Marianne, 37 years old coming from Bordeaux in the south west of France.

When did you start horse riding?

I’ve been horse riding for 6 years only. I’ve always been around horses but never had the courage to ride them. But sure enough, it only took one experience for me to be hooked and finally began this wonderful adventure!

Was this your first riding holiday?

Yes indeed it was my first horse riding trip. I've traveled many times and had the opportunity to go horseback riding, but I've never taken a vacation solely for the purpose of horseback riding.

Why did you choose the all inclusive Mexican retreat?

After discussing various options with Mathilde, she suggested Mexico as the perfect one for me. I needed to feel comfortable with the rides since I've been afraid of cantering after a major fall in France. This ranch welcomes riders of all levels, so I could choose to go on a calm and peaceful trail ride or a more active one, depending on how comfortable I felt.

The other reason is that I’ve never been to Mexico before, and the place looked so amazing ! I told myself that this could be a my “once in a lifetime experience” so let’s do this !

How were the days organized?

During breakfast (served between 8 & 9 am) we chose our horse and how long we wanted to ride. As for the excursions outside the ranch, we prefered to plan them at the start of the week with the help and recommendations of the staff.

In between rides we came back to the ranch and enjoy a fabulous lunch under the musical tree, with a beautiful view near a waterfall. After the trail rides or excursions we enjoyed the swimming pool, asked for a massage (which is amazing by the way), or drink some cocktails and play pool. Dinner was served around 7pm in the dining room.

We also chose some half day excursions which gave us time for one riding tour in the afternoon after lunch.  We always went for a whole day excursion at Teotihuacan as there is a lot of beautiful sightseeing to do !

What did you think of the trail rides and your guides?

The trail ride were organized by the guides depending on their feelings. We followed them through the fields and hills to discover the beautiful, typical nature and landscapes of central Mexico. 

All the guides were very attentive of our level while riding and how we’re feeling to make sure everyone is comfortable. And if we had a special request we could ask and they always did their best to fulfill it.

Regarding the trips to Teotihuacan and Tula, we were accompanied by guides from the ranch. They escorted us to the archaeological sites and shared some insights about them. Since we preferred not to have too many explanations and wanted to explore on our own, this arrangement was ideal.

What did you think of the facilities and the meals?

All the meals from breakfast to dinner were amazing and homemade. If you have a special diet (for example you’re vegetarian), they will adapt the menu. Everything was made to make us feel comfortable and at home. In a whole week we had a very wide range of mexican meals and got the chance to eat local.

As for the rooms they are very quiet and comfortable. Housekeeping is coming every morning and a fresh jug of water is also refilled every day and put in the room.

Extra services like massages or manicures are also available. I had two massages…after days of horse riding, it was the best ! They realy focus on the muscules used when horse riding, so no sore legs for me during the whole week !

The swimmingpool and jaccuzzi were also really great. We enjoyed those every day with a nice homemade margarita or piña colada.

The team is there for everything you need…from a special request, to an excursion or a having a taxi to pick you up at the airport, they’re the best !

Could you share one specific” unforgettable memory” during this retreat?

Choosing only one memory is impossible…!

The first experience was quite personal: before going to Mexico, I was apprehensive about cantering due to a bad fall I had in France. During our first trail ride, our guide asked if we wanted to canter. Initially, my gentle horse Armani didn’t pick up the pace, which suited me just fine (he was very calm and relaxed). However, as we crossed a field in the middle of nowhere, he suddenly cantered. It was such a magical and emotional moment for me as I managed to put my fears aside. After that, I cantered the whole week which was unimaginable for me, 24h before landing in Mexico ! This vacation truly helped me regain confidence in both myself and horses.
Quick note for begginers…this place is perfect for you to put all you apprehensions aside and really have some fun !!

Another memory would be our last trail ride. We woke up at 5.00 am to see the sunrise from the top of a hill. Even if it was cloudy, the feeling of cantering to chase the sun was just incredible, plus we got to take some amazing photographs.

At last, all the beautiful encounters I made, the giggles we had together, and friendships I created through this memorable trip will remain the best memory which I’ll hold forever !

What would you recommend the next riders wishing to participate in this retreat? (visits they shouldn’t miss, equipment etc)

Do not forget the sunscreen you don’t suspect the power of the sun over there ! 

Even if it’s a whole day, you must go to Teotihuacan. It's worth it to see those amazing pyramids ! I aslo recommend the friday market, you will really be immersed in the local life, plus you can find some really beautiful leather articles (belts, boots, horse tack, you name it !). The place to be to bring back some souvenirs !

“This one week trip has been magical. I discovered a beautiful country, the kindness of mexicans, a new culture and new ways to see things. And on the top of the list comes all the fun we have when we share a common passion. Horses bring people together!”

— Marianne

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