Finca Estrella
Trail Ride (3 hours) “Pine Forest”
31.03.2023
05., 06. & 19.04.2023
What can I expect from a Finca Estrella 3-hour trail ride? Here you’ll find all the important information about the schedule, the stable, the ride itself, whether photos were taken, and my conclusion.
Table of Contents
Information
Guests paid for the Finca Estrella 3 h ride in cash and these were group rides with other guests. On site, helmets were available free of charge. The rides were done in western saddles and with bitless bridles.
Stable
The horses were kept in different herd sizes in open stables with shelters, wearing fly masks and fly sheets. They received hay four times daily and concentrates twice daily. Each paddock had a large water container that was always filled. The open stables were clean because the team mucked out regularly.
Arrival
On arrival, we were greeted by the dogs and the team. We waited until all guests had arrived, then discussed our riding experience and were assigned our horses. Meanwhile, the staff brought the horses from their paddocks, tied them up, picked out their hooves, and removed their fly sheets. Guests were allowed to groom the horses themselves. Each tie-up spot had a clean grooming box labeled with the horse’s name. Everyone chose a helmet. The staff saddled the horses, and each rider was given a saddlebag to store drinks in plastic bottles. Before bridling, there was a briefing with all necessary ride information. Staff then bridled the horses. We led them to the arena and lined up in a set order. Each horse was sprayed with fly repellent. Using a mounting block, the team helped each rider one by one—tightening the girth, steadying the horse while mounting, adjusting stirrups, and sharing tips about the horse. Finally, the guide mounted up, and the ride began.
My Trail Ride Diary
Your personal companion for your ride trips– with plenty of space for photos and notes!
Trail Ride
The ride started directly from the stable. We rode up the steep little path to the road, where occasionally cars passed. Along the road, we rode through the village of Cruz del Camino until we left it behind. At a corner, we turned right and began the steep ascent into the forest. At the top, we took a break. Riders dismounted, and the horses were allowed to graze. The team checked the hooves for stones and removed them if necessary. After the short break, each rider mounted from a rock while the guide held the horses. Once the guide was back on her horse, we continued our ride through the hilly forest. On straight paths, advanced riders had the chance to trot, and experienced riders could canter. The trot and canter stretches were short due to the limited paths, and the guide always made sure no horses got injured. We rode a loop through the forest until we reached the starting point of the forest section. There, we all dismounted again to let the horses graze once more. We walked the steep hill down on foot, as it was too steep to ride. At two points, guests had the option to either walk or ride until it became too steep again. Through the village of Cruz del Camino, we led the horses, and at the end, we could ride a little further until we reached the steep path back to the finca. The last few meters, we led the horses back to the stable.
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After the ride
Back at the stables, we brought the horses to the tie-up spots. The staff took over, unbridled and unsaddled the horses, and tied them up again. Each horse received a bucket of hay. While the horses ate, the staff checked hooves, cooled legs with cold water, and cleaned saddle areas with warm water and a sponge. Before returning the horses to their paddocks, they were covered again with fly sheets and, in some cases, fly masks. The staff waited until the horses finished eating before turning them out.
Photos
The owner took a group photo in the forest at a beautiful spot. Upon request, individual pictures were also available.
My Review
I really enjoyed this ride. The horses were very well cared for, and everything was relaxed and well organized. I especially liked that we walked on foot during steep downhill paths. The short grazing break was also a nice touch, giving the horses a chance to snack on grass.
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