Gracias!

We often get asked - “Do you rescue horses?” The reality is, we have, in fact, ‘rescued’ a number of horses, for various reasons. One horse, Luna, was a legit rescue, from near starvation, where she was basically abandoned. But the rest have been for a variety of less intense reasons - a friend who could no longer afford to keep his mare, so we took her in (Flicka). Or another friend whose mare was having problems walking and needed a change of terrain (Xochitl). In all we have actually taken in over a dozen horses for one reason or another, finding homes for some, and giving a home to the others.

But, when people ask that question my go to answer is, “No, we don’t rescue horses - we rescue young men.” Now, ‘rescue’ might be too strong a word for it, but the reality is that at the ranch we are able to provide opportunity to a number of young men - ranging in age from six years old to four times that. The ranch provides an opportunity for these young men to work with the horses, to learn both horsemanship as well as responsibility. It also gives them the chance to interact with a much greater cross-section of humanity than this small little town would normally allow. Because of the horseback rides that we offer, and that we cater to tourism from all over the world, the young men are able to meet people from all walks of life and to get a glimpse into a much larger world than the pueblo of La Mision.

So, when you come for a ride with us, you not only get the chance to have fun, to enjoy your connection with the horses and with nature, to rewild your life for a moment, to escape the ordinary of the day to day grind, but you also do good in the world - literally. Your horseback riding with us helps us to continue to provide opportunity to a young generation of vaqueros so that they can grow up and pursue their dreams. Your visits to the ranch help these young men learn how to interact with people from all walks of life. When you book a ride with us you are directly making an impact in the world that has ripples far greater than you could imagine.

So, from the depths of our hearts - and from the hearts of our horses, sheep, goats, dogs, cat and Taquito the donkey - gracias!