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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
21 Aug 2024
Feedback
10
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Details
Description
We have a small ranch outside of the town of Oaxaca in southern Mexico where we provide trail rides and weeklong riding vacations for riders and non-riders alike. The network of trails leads through comunual land and farmlands, through villages and over mountain passes. We are a small team with a family-like feeling to it and put the well-being of our horses and safety in first place. Currently there are 13 horses (arabs, arab-mixes and mexican criollos), a donkey, three dogs, a cat and free-range hens on the ranch. We are passionate about Oaxaca, it's culture and nature and of course about horses.
We are specifically looking for VERY experienced, confident riders trained in classic equitation. It is essential that the rider be comfortable riding / training the horses alone as well as in the company of the owners. Riders who can only ride "Western-style with single hand necking reining need NOT apply.
We are looking for riders skilled in ground work, comfortable handling spirited horses in open country and riding young horses. Our youngest horse is a five-yr. old Arab gelding, very sweet and calm for his age.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The ranch is situated in Oaxaca's Tlacolula Valley only a 35 mins drive from the city of Oaxaca. Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most diverse regions, both culturally as well as nature wise. Living on the ranch and working with the local members of our team will give you an in dept view of rural mexican lifestyle (the owners are Mexican/Canadians along with a staff of 4 Mexicans). Rojas is a village that produces traditional cheese and still is sustained by agriculture. People here are very wecoming and quite used to foreigners as there are two other projects in the village who frequently have volunteers. Apart from practicing your Spanish with them, you will find that the locals just love to share their knowledge of the land, their culture and view of live with anyone who'll listen.
Mary Jane and Gabriel, the owners of the ranch are the people you would principally work with.There is also a permanent barn manager and farrier who lives on the ranch who there would also be interaction with. ,
Many sites of interest such as pre-hispanic ruins, waterfalls and traditional crafts villages are easy to reach by public transport.
Help
We are especiffically looking for someone with experienced English style riding skills. Help us train our young horses, arabs, arab-mixes and mexican criollos while also lending a hand to everyday work on the ranch, ie. tacking horses, maintenance, stable work, errands and hospitality. It is essential that you have the appropiate riding skills to handle a young, spirited horse in open country, are comfortable around big animals, that you can work indepentently and in a team and that have a drivers licence. Spanish language skills are an advantage.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
You will have your own room on the ranch behind the kitchen, furnished with a bed and a wardrobe. Bathroom and toilet are private. You'll have access to a kitchen stocked with simple but nutritious food where you can prepare your own meals.
What else ...
Oaxaca is has a rich cultural history and indigenous traditions are very much alive in the rural areas. It is one of Mexico's main travel destinations attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy it's traditions, cuisine, handycrafts, art and not least it's spectacular nature.
The ranch is about 45 mins from the city center (by public transport) and other sights are within the reach of day trips.
The owner, Mary Jane, lives part-time on the ranch but the care taker/ horse manager lives full time with his family.
We usually work Monday to Saturday in the mornings but schedules can change according to season and demand.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (5)
It must be stressed that, in literally a matter of minutes, she solved a nagging behavioral problem with the youngest gelding Trail… read more
Mary Jane is a strong, kind and inspiring woman. She has a really big passion for her horses as well as for the rest of the natural environment. She knows a lot about birds so if you want to… read more
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Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.6)
Communication:
(5.0)
It must be stressed that, in literally a matter of minutes, she solved a nagging behavioral problem with the youngest gelding Trail… read more
Mary Jane is a strong, kind and inspiring woman. She has a really big passion for her horses as well as for the rest of the natural environment. She knows a lot about birds so if you want to… read more
You'll love it if you like the countryside
While she came to my ranch to train horses, she also intuitively helped with guest hospitality and kitchen work. Her native tongue is French; she speaks excellent English and good Spanish.
And asset to any environment.
Melodie we will… read more
