USA - New Mexico, Ranch Retreat and Trekking

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from NT of London on 12/11/2024

Basic Program (7 days) running throughout the year, late April to Oct.

Day 1
On the day of arrival you will meet in the barn around 2pm for a short safety briefings before going over some of the basics to help you get acquainted with your horse, including catching and grooming the horse. There will then be an introduction to the basic cues for walk/trot transitions, backing up, turning and stopping in the arena before your set off for a short trail ride to help you further connect with your trail partner. This is an opportunity for you to adjust tack if you are not comfortable or your horse if you do not click.

Typical Riding Days
At this ranch you will be able to take advantage of New Mexico's diverse landscapes and terrain by trailering out to a new trail each day. The horses are loaded along with their tack and a picnic, and together you will travel between 20-45 minutes to your riding destination. Some days you will be galloping through the sandy arroyos of a painted desert, the next day scaling the alpine forests or splashing through the waters of the Rio Grande river. On a typical day you will ride two hours out, picnic lunch, and ride about two hours back. Thanks to the trailering a wide variety of landscapes and terrains are accesible and the best of New Mexico is at your disposal. Some terrain lends itself for long trots and canters where other mountainous areas require more technical riding at a slower pace, there may be occasions where you need to dismount and lead your horse for a short time. On average you will ride between 3-5 hrs a day. At the end of each day you return back to the ranch where a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a comfortable bed awaits.

Tourism day
Each vacation week includes a tourism day to show the diverse culture of New Mexico. This day provides the opportunity to visit a historical town, attend an event, dine on fabulous food, or shop in local galleries and bodegas. It always includes a stop at Walkin N’ Circles Ranch, where many of the ranch's rescue horses started their journey.

Final Day
On the final morning, following breakfast you will depart for the airport. Departures are between 9am and 12pm. 

Special Event Weeks

EquiYoga Retreats
Escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life and enjoy a rejuvenating retreat that combines the healing of yoga and the tranquillity of trail riding. Spend time learning about EquiYoga, a unique approach to horsemanship that borrows asanas and breathing techniques from yoga and translates them into the saddle. This is in addition to the usual riding program.

October Balloon Fiesta
Every October people from all over the world come to New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, one of the most photographed events in the world. With the Sandia Mountains looming above the valley and the river winding below, the hot air balloons have a perfect backdrop to fill the sky. During your stay you will ride with these picturesque globes floating overhead. Each day is planned for optimum balloon viewing and mild terrain so that you can take as many pictures as possible. You will get up close and personal with these inflated airships when you spend the morning helping at the fiesta blowing up and launching a balloon. The afternoon will be spent amongst the wide variety of vendors with local foods and arts and crafts. Don't miss a unique way to experience this amazing event! The usual ridng program takes place.

Local events running during 2025 (Some incur an event fee, part of the 'Tourism Day')

The Gathering of Nations (22 - 29 April, 6/7 nights 2025) ($45 event fee)
This is the largest Pow-Wow in North America with over 565 tribes from around the U.S. and 220 from Canada participate and compete. This event highlights the many celebrated traditions of the Native American culture, such as dancing, singing, drumming, bead work, costumes, jewellery, pottery, and weaving. 

Madrid Blues Festival (4 - 11 May 6/7 nights 2025) ($45 event fee)

New Mexico Wine Festival (22 - 29 May 2025) ($40 event fee)

Rodeo De Santa Fe (18 - 25 June 2025, 6/7 nights) ($45 event fee)
One of the oldest rodeos in the southwest, is located just minutes from the historical Santa Fe Plaza. It’s an annual stop on the rodeo circuit for many of the best contenders from the nation.

Independence Day & Rodeo (1 - 8 July 2025) (No event fee)

Ranch Rodeo (16 - 23 July 2025) ($50 event fee)

The Santa Fe Indian Market (14 - 21 Aug 2025, 6/7 nights) (no event fee)
Unrivalled in both size and prestige. More than 100,000 collectors, gallery owners and fans of Indian art, flood Santa Fe.

The New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo  (7 - 14 Sept 2025, 6/7 nights) ($45 event fee)
This combines an appreciation for agriculture, highlights local artists, and presents the largest rodeo in the state. This event offers a variety of exhibits featuring livestock, gardening (such as the 110lb pumpkin), horse shows including, western, English, and driving, arts and crafts.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There are approximately 15 horses all of which have been rescued and cared for by establishment. They vary in height between 13-16.3 hands and the heard includes a range of breads such as Quarter horses, Thoroughbreds, Pinto, Arab Cross and Mustang. All of the horses have been trained in trail riding skills and have excellent manners. The horses wear Western or Australian Stock saddles, snaffle bits or bitless bridles

The centre believes strongly in natural training methods, a philosophy of working with horses based on the horse’s natural instincts and methods of communication, with the understanding that horses learn from pressure and the release of pressure. Spending time with the horses to gain their trust is paramount in turning these animals around.

Many of the horses come to the rescue centre not only with malnourished bodies but broken spirits. The program concentrates on slowly rebuilding the horse physically and mentally through a relationship built on trust, respect, and understanding. Each horse at the ranch has come from a rescue situation.

The core ranch horses have been through this training program and have blossomed into healthy and happy horses who love their job.

The ranch offers a Foster Program which encourages relatively local riders to adopt and take home their own horse, allowing the centre to reach even more animals who need a second chance, a little time, and a lot of compassion.

The welcome ride includes some instruction on the basic aids and cues for walk/trot transitions, stopping and backing up and is followed by a 45min trail ride so that you can get properly acquainted with your horse. If you feel your tack needs adjusting or you don't bond with your horse, there is opportunity to change things.

The horses are trailered out to different destinations each day so you can explore further afield but this does mean you will be expected to help tack up your horse and should be able to mount and dismount unassisted.

You should be intermediate level or above due to the terrain and lengths of the rides. Riders should be comfortable at a walk, posting trot, canter, as well as mount/dismount the horse unassisted. Riders are expected to be able to catch, groom, and tack their horse. (English or Western) Riders do need to be physically fit enough to be in the saddle 3-4 hours a day. Riding hats are required.

The weight limit for this ride is 200 lb/91 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

You will stay at quaint guest house just minutes from the main ranch. The two story house is nestled on a juniper and pine tree ridge overlooking the valley below. It offers three bedrooms, two single rooms with shared bathroom and downstairs one twin room with en suite bathroom.

To avoid charging a single supplement the two single rooms are booked on a first come first serve basis. The twin can be booked by a solo traveller willing to share with someone of the same gender. There is also a shared kitchen and common room filled with books and games.

The guest house is environmentally conscious and has been designed with composting toilets, grey water systems, and re-purposed furnishings. The rooms also include toiletries, towels and a hairdryer. There is also free WiFi and access to a laundry service.

Wooded paths lead to reading nooks, hammocks for naps, meditation alcoves and quiet spaces for yoga. The hot tub is available year around and the swimming pool is open during the summer between June and Sept. The property is teeming with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and berry bushes just ripe for the picking. Bicycles are available for further exploration. It is conveniently located close to golf courses, hiking and mountain biking trails, ski areas, and the river.

Meals are mainly New Mexican cuisine, rich with local ingredients, slow cooked meats, and spiced with roasted green and red chili. Breakfast is European style, lunches offer light salads or soups, and evenings filled with sit down, family style dinners, relaxing next to a fire and gazing out at the stars.

It is possible to accommodate many food restrictions and allergies. Vegan, lactose intolerant and gluten free menus available at an additional cost of $25.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. You should be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, you are normally not eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

New Mexico is the perfect place to explore the out doors with 360 days of sunshine. April to early June are spring like with cooler mornings leading into warm days and the occasional stray snow shower. Late June - August temperatures increase and are often in the 90’s, monsoon rains help to cool things off in the afternoons from July- Sept. In the summer months we often ride early in the mornings or later in the evenings in order to avoid the heat of the day, and siesta by the pool after lunch. Our Autumn runs from September-November, it brings a crispness to the air and the possibility of snow by late October. The ranch is located at 7,200 ft above sea level, and is always about 10 degrees cooler than Albuquerque. We are considered the high desert which means hot days can lead to cool nights, so plan to dress in layers no matter what time of year.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

BE AWARE: There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the US. The USA Food and Drug Administration website contains further information and advice on bringing medicines into the USA.

Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

You should take suitable steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks. There are occasional outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Health authorities have classified the USA as having a risk of Zika virus transmission in Florida and a few parts of Texas

You can contact the emergency services by calling 911.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the USA and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

In the USA the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).

There is free wifi, but it can be intermittent during storms. Cell service is spotty at the ranch. Rooms all have plugs for charging equipment. The Ranch is also happy to take lots of photos of you during your stay and will send you a link to a google folder where you can download our photos and upload your own on your return home. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

Plan to dress in layers, mornings are cool and afternoons are warm. Light casual clothes are suggested for evening and outings during the summer months. Heavier jackets and clothing for spring and autumn. On the tourist day, comfortable shoes are needed as there is a fair bit of walking and jeans or a sundress. Meal times are causal dress.

- Riding Helmet - We strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot) (padded bike shorts can sometime help with the long hours in the saddle)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a small heel are acceptable. You will need to be able to walk in varied terrain.
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Light jacket or rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Hat
- Bathing suit for the pool and hot tub
- Sunscreen
- Lipbalm
- Sunglasses
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Electronic chargers and batteries, camera, extra cash for souvenirs and tips

Provided by hosts
Towels, hair dryer, basic toiletries, water and snacks on trail.
Riding helmet

This is a 8 day / 7 night programme with 5 days riding or a 7day / 6 night programme with 4 days riding available on set dates between late April and October.

2025 Basic Programme: 22 Apr, 4, 15 May, 18 Jun; 1, 16* Jul, 14 Aug, 7 Sep; 21* Oct (*Full)
2025 EquiYoga: 3 Aug; 21 Sep
2025: Balloon Fest: 21* Oct (*Full)

There are two single rooms available and offered on a first come first serve basis for no cost. The downstairs twin room can be booked by friends/couples or two solo travellers willing to share with someone of the same gender.

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E. Annie Proulx’s three books of Wyoming short stories (“Close Range”, “Bad Dirt”, “Fine just the way it is”)

Mary O’Hara’s “Flicka” triology.

The Virginian” by Owen Wister (a classic one) and

Zane Grey’s Western novels.

C.J. Box (i.e. “Open Season”) and

Craig Johnson (i.e. “The Cold Dish”).

Cowboy poet Baxter Black 

“Where Rivers change Direction”, a memoir by Mark Spragg about life on an early dude ranch.

“Where the Rivers Run North” by Sam Morton, a historical novel.

“The Meadow” by James Galwin.

Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans by by T. Fehrenbach 

Discovering Natural Horsemanship: A Beginner's Odyssey by Tom Moates.

.Monty Roberts books, particularly ‘The Horse Whisperer’

Notes From A Big Country by Bill Bryson and

Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck.

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

In 2023 Yoga classes $25 for short class, $45 for long class or $60 for a combination of classes
Biking, hiking, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and snow shoeing are all available locally.

The area has a range of different ecosystems such as desert, pine forest, alpine forest, river forests and canyons, all through which you may ride. You are likely to see cacti, cottonwood forests, ponderosa pine and aspen trees. On your trail riding you may also see deer, coyotes, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, turkey, hawks, raptors and a variety of other birds. These animals tend to keep a distance, so you will need to keep your eyes open.

It may be possible to coordinate a morning ride along the banks of the Rio Grande and an afternoon kayak or SUP in rivers red waters.
Non riding partners can also paddle along the river watching you ride along its banks and meet for a picnic lunch.

The USA has 4 main times zones - Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Vermont is on EST, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah are all on MST, California is on PST. Weights and measures are imperial although weight is always expressed in pounds, not stone. The US gallon is 3.8 litres in contrast to an imperial gallon which is 4.2 litres. Mobile telephone: 4G and 5G is widely available throughout the US in cities, towns, villages and along main highways with AT&T having the best overall coverage and T-mobile offering better speeds in cities. There is NO cell reception at the ranch, but there is WiFi in our saloon and office. There are still a few rural areas which have the older CDMA telephone networks. To be able to call from these areas we recommend buying a cheap Verizon phone from eg Walmart (from $13) and topping up with credit. Almost all hotels and airports offer free wifi connection.