Natural Horsemanship Clinic in Guanacaste Guanacaste Costa Rica Horseback riding can be a life-long adventure…but learning to ride should start with basics that includes not only love of horses, but respect and safety.  During this clinic, children, young riders, and adults will be taught basic equestrian skills including Centered Riding, horse management, and trail riding using Natural Horsemanship Techniques that can prepare them for any future disciplines. Your instructor has been practicing Natural Horsemanship for over 20 years and trained scores of horses on the ranch using techniques that work. Learning from experience and some of the masters, he has evolved from a Guanacaste cowboy, farm vet, into an accomplished rider, trainer and teacher. He is recognized for his love of teaching both horses and their human partners.  The clinics are small and personalized according to the levels and goals of each rider and matched to the level of the horse. We will help you become a better, more confident rider and partner with your horse using Centered Riding Techniques. From basic riding skills for young riders to more disciplined, advanced riding techniques for experienced riders, this clinic will improve your riding skills. All sessions are individually designed for participant’s level.  Experience natural horsemanship training and riding: from ground work to centered riding with young horses and high stepping Spanish breeds. During your stay, you will also learn about imprinting foals and non violent training. Riding Clinic Short Getaway Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Ranch Airport: Tamarindo Airport (TNO) Transfer: Tamarindo airport, Liberia airport, or hotels Riders: Min 1 riders Max 4 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Can be booked between 5-7 nights

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers are available from Liberia International Airport (LIR), Tamarindo Airport (TNO), or hotels at anytime on any day of the week.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please note that sequence of day activities may change depending on arrival day. Beach ride times depend on low tides. Day 1 itinerary depends on arrival times, if late arrival the itinerary will be adjusted. The itinerary below can be modified to fit a 5-7 day stay. 

Day 1: Arrival
You will be transferred from the Airport to the finca, located just minutes from the beautiful Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. This afternoon, you will have a Ranch Orientation and a Natural Horsemanship Demonstration.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 2: First Lesson & Trail Ride to Tempate and Cartagena
After a full ranch breakfast, you will have your first private Natural Horsemanship Training Session: Introduction to Natural Horsemanship. You will learn to connect with your horse and become a “funny looking lead horse with two legs”.
In the afternoon, you will leave for the small cattle town of Tempate and travel the Old Spanish Trail through large haciendas. Look for monkeys, tropical birds and dry tropical vegetation on this back country trail. We will stop for cold drinks in Tempate then ride on to Cartagena for dinner at a typical cantina. You and the horses will be trucked back to the ranch. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 3: Second Lesson & Hacienda Roble Ride 
You start the day with your second session of the Natural Horsemanship clinic. Learn about imprinting foals and using the round pen, as well as hands on working on ground work with your horse. Explore technics used by popular clinicians.  
In the afternoon, go the beautiful Hacienda Roble for the Sabanaro Cowboy Ride on the large cattle ranch and pick up your ranch horse to explore the working ranch and the wetlands. The horses are well-trained  ranch horses. Lunch of your choice at a typical restaurant. For the adventurous include an exciting canopy zipline tour (extra cost). Dinner at the ranch or beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 4: Third Lesson & Cantina Ride
This morning, it is time for your Natural Horsemanship Session III in the pasture. Today, you will learn how to catch your horse and focus on horse communication. This is followed by in the ring practice of Centered Riding Techniques. Then, mount your horses for The Taste of Guanacaste ride through beautiful ranch country and  small villages to one of our most popular family cantina stops, Chilito’s, in the small town of El Llano. Sample their famous fried chicken and chip and a real taste of Guanacaste culture. In the afternoon, ride back to the ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 5: Morning Ride & Fourth Lesson
Today, take an early morning breakfast ride along the old Spanish oxcart trails, passing through beautiful wooded countryside, ranches and small typical villages. Along the way you may see Howler Monkeys, colorful tropical birds or other wildlife, while getting a glimpse of the traditional sabanero, cowboy culture, of the Guanacaste people. When you arrive at the the Rancho, tie up your horse for a typical Costa Rican breakfast cooked the traditional way over lena (firewood).  In the afternoon you will have your fourth Session of the Natural Horsemanship Clinic. Dinner at the ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 6: Rest Day
After breakfast, enjoy a free day (no riding). You have the option of being taken to Tamarindo Beach (local activities available: shopping, swimming, surfing, catamaran sailing, snorkeling tour... at extra cost) or choose one of the many optional tours offered in the area including Canopy/Zip line, Monkey Park, or all day tours to Blue River Resort or Arenal Volcano (extra cost).
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 7: Beach Day
We will drive you to the beach in Puerto Viejo, where you will meet your horses. Saddle up and ride the beautiful white sand beaches of Puerto Viejo, Conchal and Brasilito. Then, will unsaddle you horses for your Last Natural Horsemanship Session and photos on the beach. The horses will be trucked back to the ranch and you will have picnic lunch/dinner at the beach (times depend on tides).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast take your last photos before you are transferred to the airport, or next destination. 
Meals included: Breakfast




Beach Riding Extension

Day 9: Guanacaste Village Ride
Today, take an early morning breakfast ride along the old Spanish oxcart trails, passing through beautiful wooded countryside, ranches and small typical villages. Along the way you may see Howler Monkeys, colorful tropical birds, or other wildlife, while getting a glimpse of the traditional sabanero (cowboy culture) of the Guanacaste people. When you arrive at the village of Portegolpe, tie up your horse for a typical breakfast cooked over lena (firewood) at the home of a local family. After, ride around town to see life in a small Guanacaste village. Free afternoon at the ranch and sunset dinner on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 10: Sightseeing (no riding)
After breakfast enjoy a free day. You have the option of being taken to Tamarindo Beach and go shopping, swimming, or surfing. Later on, enjoy a sunset and a dinner on your own in Tamarindo. We will pick you up by arrangement. If you would like, you can opt for one of the many other tours offered in the area including Canopy/Zip line, Monkey Park, Coco Beach, or all day tours to Arenal Volcano or Granada Nicaragua.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 11: Ride to la Garita
After breakfast, meet your horses in the small village of La Garita and ride on secluded back country roads through dry tropical forest to the beach. Stop at Puerto Viejo for a cold drink, then ride along the beautiful Pacific beaches of Pt. Viejo, Conchal, and Brasilito. Tie up your horses for a lunch at the beach, at Don Brasilitos, with an option to swim before you are taken back to the ranch. In the afternoon, you can choose between two options: take a private lesson or work with your own horse using Natural Horsemanship Training in the ring. A sunset ride or dinner rides arranged depending on the tides.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, if time permits ride in the ring or take your last photos and say goodbye before you transfer to Liberia or Tamarindo Airport . Optional stop at a gift shop or market is available depending on return flight times.
Meals included: Breakfast



Monteverde Extension

Day 9: Transfer to Montverde
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Monteverde (to be determined). Stop for lunch on route or add white water rafting with lunch.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 10: Cowboy Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy riding the all day Cowboy tour (6 hours in the saddle - If you wish we can arrange a shorter ride)! The rest of the day is free for optional tours or visit the Quaker Community or Santa Elana.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch with Cowboy Tour
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 11: Guided hike in the Monteverde Clouded Forest Preserve
Breakfast at the hotel. Look for resplendent quetzal, other tropical birds, and unique flora and fauna while walking a variety of trails. A wildlife guide and transportation is included. Visit to the hummingbird area at the visitors center. Afternoon free for riding or natural history tours. Option for a Night Rainforest Walk.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to Liberia or San Jose for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Non-Riding Activities
Located minutes away from the most popular Pacific Beaches, there is ample time to take advantage of beach activities, canopy tours, fishing, river floats, and more.  On the ranch, watch the Howler Monkeys feeding in the trees, and colorful tropical birds and flowers in our gardens while you enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee.

We can book the following activities for you at an extra cost (inquire for rates):

                                                Cartagena area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	92	93	95	96	93	90	90	90	88	88	89	90
Average Low Temperature (°F)	72	73	75	76	76	75	74	74	73	73	72	71
Average High Temperature (°C)	33	34	35	36	34	32	32	32	31	31	32	32
Average Low Temperature (°C)	22	23	24	24	24	24	24	23	23	23	22	22
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	0	0	0	1	12	15	12	14	17	17	8	1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
In some ways, Costa Rica is unlike almost all other countries in the world. The country is made up of many different climate zones, which also creates a lot of microclimates within the country. There is not a true winter season, and it is classified as a tropical country because of how close it is to the equator. It is more or less divided into two seasons, a dry season, often referred to as high season, and a rainy season, often referred to as green season. There is consistently about twelve hours of sunlight per day for the entire year.

During the months of February to April, you will find the highest temperatures. Similarly, months like September through November are generally the coldest months that the country sees.

The amount of rainfall in Costa Rica does fluctuate fairly drastically. From May to November, the rainfall is quite heavy, with the most rain coming in September and October. Opposite of that, December through April has very little rainfall, if any. Nationwide, the country averages around 100 inches per year, with some specific areas receiving up to 25 feet of rainfall per calendar year in mountainous areas.

This particular area of Costa Rica known as Guanacaste has 3 distinct seasons: 
-          Dry season (December to April)
-          Green season (May to September) with occasional rains;
-          Rainy season (September to mid November)

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended) - available to borrow

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pajamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Swimsuit

Sandals

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

 

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Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.

Description
At the ranch, there are 2 spacious private casitas that can sleep up to 4 people each. All casitas have air conditioning, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, DVD, High speed internet, WIFI, and open sky shower in private bathroom. All accommodations have access to splash pool, bar, and maid service. Cool off in the swimming pool after your ride or sip a cold drink while you watch the horses from the porch rockers. There is a safe in the main ranch house. Laundry is available for an additional fee.



Casita Mandrina
A comfortable casita with a queen and double bed, kitchenette, indoor star shower, cable TV with DVDs.

Casa Roble
A new 1-bedroom furnished house with a queen bed, single bed, and LR single bed, dining area, and full kitchen bar. 

Room Occupancy
There is no single supplement fee in 2021.
Staring from 2022, a single supplement fee will be charged.



Meals
All meals are included in the package (except for lunch and dinner on the rest day).
If adding on the Beach Extension dinner is not included on Day 9, lunch and dinner not included on day 10.
For the 4 night Monteverde Extension dinner not included on day 9 and 10, lunch and dinner not included on day 11.

Selection from a breakfast menu daily, including fresh fruit, fresh juices, cereal, eggs, meats, pancakes, fresh baked breads. Breakfast is provided on the garden porch or poolside.
Most lunches are at typical restaurants on the rides.
Dinners at the ranch and at local restaurants.

Wine, beer and liquor are extra. Guests are free to bring their own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
 

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western, English, McClellan
Horses:		Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
Pace:		All paces according to riding level, 3-5 hrs per day
Level:		(2.5 to 3.5 out of 5)    Low intermediate+
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 4 riders

Pace
The pace is adjusted to rider level and experience. Walk/trot on most of the trails, with cantering in safe and open areas, beaches, and country roads. Walk, trot and cantering in the arena. We spend 3-5 hours in the saddle per day.

Horses
We are proud of our horses, trained with natural horsemanship and known for their comfortable ride and noble character. You will love riding our well-trained horses, a mix of the noble Spanish horses, known for their easy ride and great temperament.  Many of our horses were born and trained on the ranch using Natural Horsemanship techniques, Imprinting and other non-violent methods. 
Most recently the finca began a “Paint and Paso” breeding program with a goal of breeding Criollo horses with “color and comfort” using their handsome paint stallion and Criollo mares.
We will match rider to horse to give the best riding experience available in the area. 

Passports

Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater.

Passport Note

(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:

(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA for stays over 90 days;

(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria and Ireland for stays over 30 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/1
Australian	No/2
Canadian	No/1
USA	No/1
Other EU	No/1/2
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.