|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Costa Rica
Intro to Costa Rica
![]() Guanacaste
Belize
Mexico
Honduras
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
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
2 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2021
| A | 2021 | 4 day trip, AP | 4d / 3n | $695 |
| B | 2021 | 5 day trip, AP | 5d / 4n | $925 |
| C | 2021 | 6 day trip, AP | 6d / 5n | $1160 |
| D | 2021 | 7 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | $1995 |
| E | 2021 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | $1625 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Tour Dates for 2021
|
| A |
2021
|
01/01
- 09/15
|
4d / 3n
|
4 day trip, AP
|
1
/2
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2021
|
01/01
- 09/15
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip, AP
|
1
/2
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2021
|
01/01
- 09/15
|
6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
1
/2
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2021
|
01/01
- 09/15
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
1
/2
|
Reserve
|
| E |
2021
|
01/01
- 09/15
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP
|
1
/2
|
Reserve
|
|
Your arrival and departure can be any day of the week!
|
Note:
Due to COVID-19 Corona virus pandemic and certain travel restrictions we are applying some temporary policy changes to some of our tours.
For Natural Horsemanship Clinic in Guanacaste (RCCR02):
We recommend clients should come into Liberia Airport.
If you cancel your trip due to illness (affecting you or a close family member), you will have the right to rebook your trip within one year at no extra cost (depending on availability). This policy is in effect for bookings affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
For 1-3 riders, we suggest including Natural Horsemanship or Centered Riding sessions.
Until December, we will not do mountain extensions, only beach extensions for safety reasons.
It looks like, by of August 1st, flights will be allowed from the EU, with Canada and the UK shortly after that. We have and will adapt the tours to the regulations set by the government and assure the safety of our clients.
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
|
During this clinic, riders of any age 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 riding discipline.
Your instructor will be Esteban. He has been practicing Natural Horsemanship for over 20 years and trained many horses on the ranch using techniques that work. Learning from experience and some of the masters, he has evolved from being a Guanacaste cowboy and farm vet, into an accomplished rider, trainer and teacher. Esteban is recognized for his love for teaching horses and their human partners. From basic riding skills for young riders to more disciplined, advanced riding techniques for experienced riders, a class from Esteban will improve your riding skills.
The clinics are small and personalized according to the levels and goals of each rider, matched to the level of the horse. Esteban will help you become a better, more confident rider and partner with your horse using Centered Riding Techniques. From ground work to saddle work, the connection between horse and riders is very important!
Meeting:
Ranch
Airport:
Tamarindo Airport (TNO)
Train station:
--
Transfer:
Tamarindo airport, Liberia airport, or hotels
Distance:
15km
|
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
215 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
2 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.
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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 S. more
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 |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
|
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.
Description
We have 2 spacious private casitas with 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 2020.
Staring from 2021, a single supplement fee will be charged.
Meals
All meals are included in the package.
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 includes
and 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
215 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
2 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.
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
Natural Horsemanship Clinic in Guanacaste
Tour Code:
RCCR02
4 days /
3 nights
~$695.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|