Booking

• How do I book?

  • Once you have filled out the Rider Inquiry Form and we have made contact with you via email or phone, we will send an invoice for the deposit, which will reserve your reservation.

  • After the deposit is made, we will send you a welcome packet with information about your upcoming stay. This will include packing suggestions, weather info, event info, and general info about the ranch. There will be a form to fill out for rider info, airline itenerary and waivers.

  • A week before arrival, we will send another email confirming arrival and pickup information. We will give you instructions on when and where to meet. As well as answer any last minute questions.

• What airport should I fly into? What time should I arrive and depart?

  • We offer airport transfers from the Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ). We pick up from the airport or local accomodations between 10-12pm on day of scheduled arrival.

  • If you are staying at a local hotel, there are plenty of safe and inexpensive options around the airport, such as the Best Western and La Quinta. If you would like to explore the area, we do suggest taking an Uber to the NobHill or Old Town areas. These are both safe areas to walk around, with good shops and restaurants. The Sawmill Market is within walking distance from Old Town.

  • If you are driving in check in is 11am, we suggest arriving at least by early afternoon so you can settle in and join us for a short welcome ride from the ranch.

  • Departures are between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. We do not plan any activities for departure days, but we do offer breakfast.

  • We are unable to accommodate guests before or after their scheduled arrival or departure. We understand that flights can be delayed. (We can adjust pick-up and drop-off times within reason.)

Guest Info

• We welcome couples, groups, and solo male travelers in addition to the majority of our female guests who travel alone.

• We accommodate up to five riders at a time.

• We welcome guests from all over the world!

Riding

• Riding Requirements

  • Why do we ask our riders to be able to post a trot and a two-point canter? We cover a lot of country when we ride, and posting the trot and two-point canter allows both horse and rider to travel a further distance before requiring a break. Both positions create a lighter seat, which is easier on the horse’s back as well as more balanced over our diverse terrain.

  • We ask you to be able to catch, groom, and saddle your own horse for two reasons. It builds a better bond with your equine partner, and it helps us stay on time. We will answer any questions about how we approach horsemanship, grooming, and tacking. We will always double-check the tack before and during the ride to keep our horses and riders safe and comfortable.

  • We will have a mounting block available at the trailer, but if we have to dismount on the trail for any reason (bathroom breaks included), riders do need to be able to mount on their own. We can often find an appropriate rock or log to assist.

• What is our riding style philosophy?

  • Our horses are trained to work off light pressure and loose contact. Our horses do respond to seat and leg aids, such as shifting your seat back to ask for a stop. A loose reign asks the rider to trust the horse’s self carriage and the rider’s own balance and ability to ride from the seat (instead of balancing with the reins). To keep our horses light, we ask the rider to release contact unless asking for a cue. Cues include slowing down, stopping, backing up, turning, and transitioning to a trot or canter.

  • We ask riders to actively ride their horses. There will be times when we can relax and chat as we walk along the trails. When we are in areas like the mountains, you can trust where your horse will place their feet, but the rider will need to keep the horse on trail as needed. Horses are aware they are carrying a rider; however, they lack the spatial awareness to know that a rider can fit under a branch or past an obstacle. It is up to the rider to guide their partner.

  • We do ride in groups, often single-track or in pairs. We ask riders to give each other about a horse's head distance between themselves and the horse in front. Horses are instinctual creatures and travel in herds with close contact. We know that horses can get pushy with one another, so this distance can be maintained with half halts. When trotting or cantering, riders do need to maintain awareness of the terrain, other horses, and their own mount (including speed).

  • Trail Etiquette: We go as a group. Horses, being herd animals, want to stick together. If one horse and rider leaves the group or goes at a different pace, it can cause undo stress in the other horses. So if one horse trotts off, the other horses will follow. We will always go at the same pace and stop together. We can split rides at times if a rider doesn’t feel comfortable at a canter.

• What is the Welcome Ride?

  • On the arrival day, we will meet at the barn at about 2pm, depending on the weather, for a short safety and expectations meeting. Every barn does things a little differently. We find going over a few basics, like catching horses, grooming, and tacking helps our riders and horses get to know each other better. We then head to the arena where we will warm up with walk-trot transitions, turning, stopping, and backing. This is not a lesson, but will give you a feel for how we’ve trained our horses to cue to basic commands and aids. Once everyone feels comfortable we will go for a short 1 hr trail ride from the ranch, giving you the oportunity to further connect with your trail partner. If your tack doesn't feel right, needs to be adjusted, or if you and your horse don’t jive please let us know! We can easily change things on this first day.

  • If this is your first time booking with us, this first-day meeting and ride is mandatory.

TYPE OF RIDING

• We are not the usual dude ranch experience. We have a variety of trails that offer different adventures daily. We will have the opportunity to take long trots through the woods, canter in sandy river beds, and climb steep terrain. Many of our trails are on public lands and shared with other hikers, bikers, and equestrians. This means that we often have to stay on marked single-track trails. Many of the areas we ride in are subject to weather. For example, some places we usually canter may not be available due to flooding.

• We are not endurance riders, but we do cover the country. We can easily ride 15 miles in a day on flat, easy trails that lend themselves to long trots and canters. On other days, we will go shorter distances but will be traversing mountain ranges. There may be times when we will need to dismount and walk the horses for short distances.

Itinerary

• What does a typical riding day look like?

  • A lot of this depends on the weather and time of year. Spring and Fall are our most temperate time of year, how ever a stray snow storm can still show up in May or October. In the summer months late June- August we are leaving the ranch early becasue of heat or rain storms. Yoga retreats we have classses before breakfast and dinner. We try and alternate Long and Short days of riding during the week.

  • Our daily adventures often take up the majority of the day, because we trailer out to our trails. We usually leave the ranch at 9 am and don’t get back until 4 pm. Depending on the fitness and ability of our riders that week, we can extend some of these days for more saddle time in more remote terrain. However, we cannot guarantee this due to weather, time of year, and operational needs.

• What is the tourism day? Do I have to go? Can I ride instead?

  • Our guests come from all over the world, and they want to experience the rich culture that New Mexico has to offer. On the fourth day of your stay, we will visit our local horse rescue and visit either Madrid, Santa Fe, or Albuquerque. Which town we visit will depend on the event or activity scheduled for that week. For example, during Indian Market Week, we go to Santa Fe, during the wine festival, we are in Albuquerque, and during yoga retreats, we go to Madrid.

  • We are a very small outfit with a limited staff. The tourism day gives our horses a much-needed down day. We also don’t have the staff to take some guests riding and others on the tourism day. If this isn’t your thing, you’re more than welcome to enjoy a day at the ranch instead of joining the tourism day.

Example Riding Days:

Example Riding Weeks

These are just examples. Times and activities will depend on the weather and the season. Free time can be spent on the ranch at the pool or hot tub, going for walks, napping, etc. You can always add yoga classes to your stay. You can also book other adventures such as biking, hiking, SUP, and kayaking with our partners at MTS Adventures.

TYPE OF RIDING

• We are not the usual dude ranch experience. We have a variety of trails that offer different adventures daily. We will have the opportunity to take long trots through the woods, canter in sandy river beds, and climb steep terrain. Many of our trails are on public lands and shared with other hikers, bikers, and equestrians. This means that we often have to stay on marked single-track trails. Many of the areas we ride in are subject to weather. For example, some places we usually canter may not be available due to flooding.

• We are not endurance riders, but we do cover the country. We can easily ride 15 miles in a day on flat, easy trails that lend themselves to long trots and canters. On other days, we will go shorter distances but will be traversing mountain ranges. There may be times when we will need to dismount and walk the horses for short distances.

  WHAT TO PACK?

  Requirements:

  • Helmet (if you don't have one of your own, one will be provided for you) 

  • Boots with a small heel. We highly suggest riding or hiking boots. You will need to be able to walk in varied terrain.

  • Long pants, breeches, or riding jeans. 

  Packing Suggestions:  Plan to dress in layers; mornings are cool and afternoons are warm. Light casual clothes are suggested for evenings and outings during the summer months. Heavier jackets and clothing for spring and fall. Along with toiletries and medications, please bring plenty of sun protection, such as sunblock, hats, sunglasses, a light long-sleeve shirt, and lip balm. Our high altitude makes sunburns very likely. We do have a pool and hot tub, so don’t forget your bathing suit. The time at the ranch, including meals, is very casual. On our tourist day, we suggest comfortable shoes as we do a lot of walking. You would be comfortable in jeans, short, or a sundress.

  For riding: Half chaps and riding gloves are suggested because we encounter cactus and low branches. A light jacket or rain poncho. If you don't have any of this gear, we can provide it for you. Many of our riders have found that padded bike shorts can help with the long days in the saddle.

  Yoga: We provide mats, blocks, blankets, and straps. The yoga studio is located outside; be prepared for cool or hot temperatures.

  Extras: electronic chargers and batteries, a camera, extra cash for souvenirs, and tips. If you are traveling from outside of the United States, do not forget your passport and any paperwork.

  We provide: towels, a hair dryer, basic toiletries, water, and snacks on the trail, three meals a day, free wifi, laundry, and transportation to and from the airport.

Extras

• PHOTOS

  • We take lots of photos! We understand that trying to take the perfect photo on horseback can be difficult, so we try to take photos of you during your stay. We will then send you a link to a Google folder where you can download our photos and upload your own. Please feel free to tag us on social media! #enchantmentequitreks

  • We do have free wifi, but it can be intermittent during storms. Our cell service is spotty at the ranch. 

• HEALTH

  • We have a high desert climate, which means we are very dry. Lots of water consumption, hydration packets, nose spray, lotions, and oils do help. Nosebleeds can happen. 

  • We are located at high altitudes and ride in even higher altitude areas. If you have any altitude sensitivities, please look at medications before arrival.

  • We have a hot climate in late June–August. We try to avoid the hottest parts of the day by riding early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you are sensitive to heat, please plan to book your stay accordingly. 

  • Alergies - We have high juniper and cedar pollen. It is always a good idea to bring a non drousy allergy medication.

• EXTRA COSTS

  • We offer three meals a day, except for breakfast on arrival day and lunch and dinner on departure day. We will visit a local reasurant during your stay; this will be at your own expense. We keep a budget-friendly choice in mind. The average cost is $25. We can stop by a grocery store for any extras, snacks, canned drinks, sodas, or alcholic beverages you may want during your stay.

  • We do visit local vendors and stores. All take debit and credit card payments.