Being our main host in Argentina, I was thrilled to host our Mexico ride for the first time. I wasn’t sure if it would be my style — but I absolutely fell in love with the country, the culture, the people, the horses, and the food! As always, the guests made the trip. We had an incredible group of 12 women who were easy-going, always up for a canter — and never said no to a drink.
This blog is written by Stine Andersen. Check out her Instagram here.
I only had one day in Mexico City before the ride and I stayed in Condesa which is a quiet neighbourhood full of expensive restaurants and cute parks. I spent the day walking around the parks and taking in the beautiful architecture and small streets. In Condesa you can find high end Mexican restaurants or walk around until you spot a small restaurant with plastic chairs outside, which is what I did. Trying a little bit of everything from the menu. The next day, we were picked up for the ranch. Independence Day was around the corner, so traffic turned our 1.5-hour drive into three — just in time to get settled before dinner.
September is the season for the wildflowers which makes the rides feel even more magical. This year they had received a lot more rain than the previous years, so the fields were green and the flowers had already been blooming for a few weeks. We only had a few afternoons with light rain and the rest of the time it was either a little overcast or sunny. Perfect weather for riding horses!
Our rides took us across wide open fields (ideal for long canters), dirt roads, and winding trails through cornfields and historic little towns. The horses were surefooted and clearly knew the routes — they were ready to gallop before we even asked.
Besides the guests and horses, the guides truly make the trip. Our two vaqueros didn’t speak much English, but that never stopped them from connecting with guests and answering questions. They were always quick to help — whether adjusting stirrups or ordering beers — and made sure everyone enjoyed both their horses and their holiday. A silly joke or cheeky reply was always guaranteed.
Our guide stopped to grab a drink, leaving his horse patiently parked outside the shop. Out on the trails, we often met other vaqueros herding livestock from field to field. They always greeted us with a wave as we moved aside to let them pass. Fridays are market days in a nearby town, where you can find everything from leather goods to fresh fruit and vegetables.
Each horse carries a poncho tied to the back of the saddle for guests. We only needed them once, on our full-day ride — and by the time the vaqueros had helped everyone get theirs on, the sun broke through the clouds and it was already time to take them off again.
If you ever feel like taking a break from riding, you can schedule a facial or massage at the ranch. There are also half- and full-day excursions you can swap for a ride. Our group chose to ride almost every day, so we only did one morning excursion to the market. The rest of their “off time” was spent by the pool or in the jacuzzi — usually with a drink (or four) in hand. On the 16th, Mexican Independence Day, the ranch surprised us with a special celebration. During dinner, a mariachi band played, and since we had three guests with September birthdays, we turned it into a birthday party as well. After dinner, we took the party — and the drinks — outside for a bonfire, and the band followed us out, getting everyone up and dancing under the stars.
It’s a free for all and you can drink all the beers and margaritas you desire. Some of them led to chilling by the pool, refreshing yoga in the morning or an armwrestling competition.
Thank you to everyone who joined our Hooves Around Mexico trip — it was such a pleasure to meet you and share this ride together!
