Planning a horseback adventure in Oaxaca? Here’s what you need to know:
- Wear long pants, boots, and a long-sleeved shirt
- Always wear a helmet for safety
- Choose a reputable tour with certified guides
- Prep your body with stretches and exercises
- Learn basic Spanish horse-riding terms
- Stay alert and stick to busy areas
Key preparations:
- Gear: Jeans, boots, hat, sunscreen
- Safety: Helmet, reputable tour, small groups
- Fitness: Stretch, exercise core and legs
- Language: Basic Spanish horse terms
- Awareness: Stay alert, follow guide instructions
| What to Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Water | Stay hydrated |
| Sunscreen | Protect skin |
| Light raincoat | Weather changes |
| Cash | Local purchases |
| First-aid kit | Emergencies |
Remember: Safety first, listen to your guide, and enjoy Oaxaca’s stunning landscapes from horseback!
Related video from YouTube
Oaxaca‘s Landscape
Oaxaca’s diverse terrain makes horseback riding a real treat. You’ll trot through beaches, forests, hills, mangroves, and plantations – each offering a unique slice of Mexican beauty.
Riding Through Oaxaca
Your horse’s hooves will carry you across:
- Sandy shores of Puerto Escondido
- Lush canyons along the Manialtepec River
- Southern Sierra Madre Mountains with jaw-dropping views
- Mangroves teeming with birds
- Local plantations growing corn, coconuts, peanuts, and papayas
Want a popular route? Head to Atotonilco Hot Springs. It’s a scenic ride capped off with a soak in warm, soothing waters.
Weather Watch
Oaxaca’s weather can be a mixed bag:
| Condition | Range | Riding Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Up to 90°F (32°C) | Wear light, breathable clothes |
| Humidity | Up to 86% at night | Drink plenty of water |
| Rain Chance | Up to 70% some days | Pack a light rain jacket |
| UV Index | Can be extreme | Slather on that sunscreen |
Heads up: Weather can flip on a dime, especially in the afternoon. Morning rides often have the best conditions.
"Our January ride was sunny and warm – perfect for exploring ranches dotted with huge cacti and colorful wildlife." – Happy Trail Rider
Getting Your Body Ready
Want to ride horses in Oaxaca? You’ll need to prep your body first. Here’s how to boost your balance and stamina:
Balance Boosters
A strong core keeps you steady in the saddle. Try these:
- Planks: 30 seconds, 4 times
- Side planks: 30 seconds each side, 2 sets
- Superman: 4 sets of 30 seconds
For better coordination:
- Opposite arm & leg reach: 10 reps each side
- Bicycle crunches: 2 sets of 20
Endurance Builders
To tackle Oaxaca’s scenic routes, you need stamina:
| Exercise | Sets x Reps |
|---|---|
| Squats | 2 x 40 |
| Lunges | 2 x 15 |
| Calf raises | 3 x 20 |
| Glute kickbacks | 2 x 15 each leg |
Add some cardio:
- 30-minute jog or brisk walk, 3 times a week
- 20-minute HIIT workout, twice a week
Don’t forget to stretch after workouts. Focus on hip openers like Pigeon Pose and Figure-Four Stretch.
"You need to be just as much an athlete as your horse." – Sophie Baker
Start this routine 4 weeks before your trip. And always check with your doctor first.
What to Wear and Bring
Shoes and Clothes
For your Oaxaca horseback adventure, you’ll need:
- Jeans or long pants (Wrangler jeans work great)
- Long-sleeved shirts (like Jessie Kidden blouses)
- Closed-toe shoes with a heel (hiking shoes or cowboy boots)
- Light jacket for cool evenings
| Season | Temp (°C) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Apr | 22 – 25 | Low |
| May | 27 | Low |
| Jun – Sep | 22 – 25 | High |
| Oct – Nov | 22 – 25 | Low |
Sun Protection and Extras
Don’t forget:
- High SPF sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Light raincoat (Jun – Sep)
- Basic first aid kit
Pack light. The ranch provides saddlebags for water and snacks.
"Long sleeves are a must for sun protection on trail rides." – Oaxaca tour guide
Dress respectfully in town. No short or revealing clothes.
Picking a Good Tour
Choosing the right tour company can make or break your Oaxaca horseback adventure. Here’s how to find a solid operator:
Finding Trustworthy Tour Companies
- Check reviews: Look for companies with lots of happy customers. Horse Riding Puerto Escondido gets rave reviews:
"Amazing tour guide Alvaro!!! Professional, knowledgeable, fun, respectful, and an absolute pleasure. He goes out of his way to make sure you have an amazing experience." – Tripadvisor Member
- Experienced guides: Pick tours with guides who know their stuff and can share local insights.
- Horse care: Choose companies that treat their animals well. One rider noted:
"The horses are well trained and obviously loved and taken care of." – Mandy B, Mansfield, TX
- Personalized rides: Some operators, like Horse Riding Puerto Escondido, adjust tours based on your skill:
| Skill Level | Tour Type |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Calm horses, guided rides |
| Intermediate | Tougher trails |
| Advanced | Faster rides, varied terrain |
- Compare prices: Tours in Puerto Escondido cost $60-$100 per person. Some booking sites offer discounts.
- Check certifications: Book with licensed operators who’ve had safety training.
- Tour options: Popular choices include sunset beach rides, hot springs trips, and river trail adventures.
sbb-itb-111719f
Staying Safe
Safety comes first when riding horses in Oaxaca. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Helmets and Safety Gear
Always wear a certified helmet. Look for these standards:
| Standard | Region |
|---|---|
| PAS015:2011 | UK |
| VG1 01.040 2014-12 | Europe |
| ASTM F1163:2015 | US |
A helmet meeting multiple standards is best. Also wear:
- Long pants
- Closed-toe shoes (boots with a small heel are ideal)
- Gloves for better rein grip
Basic Horse Safety
Follow these rules around horses:
1. Approach from the side
2. Speak before approaching
3. Use a lead rope, not the halter
4. Tie horses "eye high and no longer than your arm"
When riding:
- Stay calm in the saddle
- Keep feet in stirrups
- Keep distance from other horses
"Making hard hats mandatory at our ranch has prevented several concussions. We see one or two damaged hats a year from falls." – Bayard Fox, Equestrian Expert
Talking with Your Guide
Good communication with your guide is key to a great horseback ride in Oaxaca. Here’s how to make it work:
Useful Spanish Words for Riding
Know these Spanish phrases to connect with local guides:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Puedo montar este caballo? | Can I ride this horse? |
| ¿Cuántos años tiene este caballo? | How old is this horse? |
| ¿Qué raza es? | What breed is it? |
| Vamos a dar un paseo | Let’s go for a ride |
Other helpful words: Caballo (horse), Jinete (rider), Silla (saddle), Riendas (reins)
Practice these before your trip. It’ll boost your confidence.
Following Instructions
Listen to your guide. It’s crucial for safety and fun. Why?
- Guides know the terrain and horses best
- You’ll ride more comfortably
- You’ll get local insights during the ride
Nicolas from Horse Riding Puerto Escondido says:
"Our guides are experienced locals. When riders follow their instructions, it leads to a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable experience for everyone."
To follow instructions well:
- Pay attention during the pre-ride briefing
- Ask if you’re unsure
- Watch for hand signals
- Stay alert throughout the tour
Before You Ride Checklist
Ready to hit the trails in Oaxaca? Here’s what you need to know:
What to Pack
Pack these essentials:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Water | Beat the Oaxaca heat |
| Snacks | Fuel up on the go |
| First-aid kit | Just in case |
| Sunscreen (high SPF) | Shield your skin |
| Light raincoat | For surprise showers |
| Bug spray | Keep insects at bay |
Don’t forget:
- Swimsuit (for post-ride dips)
- Cash (local markets and drinks)
- Adapter (non-US visitors)
Final Checks
Before you saddle up:
- Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes (boots are best)
- Ask for a helmet if you want extra protection
- Check that your saddle fits right
- Make sure your horse is calm and responsive
- Double-check the weather and dress accordingly
Safety first, folks. As Nichole Chirico, a seasoned rider, puts it:
"Wearing a helmet while riding is a great way to stay safe."
During Your Ride
Let’s make your ride smooth and fun.
Getting On and Off the Horse
Mounting and dismounting safely is crucial. Here’s how:
1. Mounting
Stand on the horse’s left side, facing its tail. Hold the reins in your left hand. Put your left foot in the stirrup. Push off with your right foot and swing your right leg over.
Pro tip: Use a mounting block if you can. It’s easier for you and the horse.
2. Dismounting
Take your feet out of the stirrups. Swing your right leg over. Slide down the horse’s left side.
Always get on and off on the left side. As Shannon Dueck, Pan American Games Silver Medalist, puts it:
"One of the most important parts of riding safety is being able to properly mount and dismount safely."
Sitting and Guiding Your Horse
Good posture and control make for a comfy ride:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Sit straight, shoulders back | Slouch or lean forward |
| Keep heels down | Let feet slip from stirrups |
| Look ahead | Stare at your horse |
| Move with the horse | Fight the horse’s movement |
To guide your horse:
- Use gentle leg pressure to move forward
- Pull lightly on reins to slow or stop
- Turn by pressing your leg on the opposite side you want to go
Kathy Richardson, a Certified Horsemanship Instructor, says:
"Successfully communicating with horses requires building a strong relationship based on mutual trust and respect."
After Your Ride
Your Oaxaca horseback adventure’s over, but you’re not done yet. Here’s how to bounce back:
Stretch It Out
Spend 15-20 minutes stretching to ward off stiffness. Try these:
- Child’s Pose: Kneel, sit on heels, arms forward. Hold 1 minute. Hits hips, thighs, ankles.
- Couch Stretch: Kneel by a couch. One foot behind on couch, back knee down. Lean forward. Hold 1-2 minutes each side. Opens hips, eases back tension.
- Butterfly: Sit, feet together, knees out. Hold 30-60 seconds, 2-4 times. Great for inner thighs and hips.
- Thread the Needle: On all fours, slide one arm under, twisting upper back. Hold 60 seconds each side. Targets shoulders, back, neck.
Hydrate and Rest
Post-ride, water and rest are your best friends:
| Why | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Replace fluids | Drink water, even if not thirsty |
| Prevent dehydration | A cup of water every hour |
| Aid recovery | Try electrolyte drinks for long rides |
| Regulate body temp | Use cooling towels on neck and wrists |
Scott Lico, Trainer and Rider, says:
"I sometimes take ibuprofen (follow bottle instructions) to help with inflammation."
Conclusion
Ready for your Oaxaca horseback adventure? Here’s what you need to know:
- Wear jeans, boots, and a long-sleeved shirt. Don’t forget a hat for sun protection.
- ALWAYS wear a helmet. Use the Horse Safety Checklist before riding.
- Pick a reputable tour with certified guides and small groups.
- Stretch and exercise to prep your body.
- Learn basic Spanish horse-riding terms.
- Stay alert and stick to busy areas.
Remember, safety comes first. As Michael Gascon says:
"If they don’t pass this Checklist, I don’t ride them! And neither should you!!"
With these tips, you’re set for an unforgettable Oaxaca horseback experience. Enjoy the ride!
