Our mounted volunteer program is an optional extra for those riding enthusiast who want an intense horse experience while at Ranquilco. You will live and work alongside the regular volunteers, but your duties will include a variety of horse related tasks. You must be an advanced rider to participate in this program as you will be caring for horses and may be helping novice riders.

 
In the past, mounted volunteers have:

- been responsible for rounding up horses in the morning, catching them in the corral, grooming and saddling them for guests
- taken guests out on day rides
- taken on pony express duties, carrying messages over the cordillera, or just around the corner
- accompanied our gauchos on their work when they need an extra hand
- journeyed up into the Andes as assistants on mountain pack trips
- rendered medical aid to horses and foals with injuries
- gone on cattle drives that covered several days
- taught novices to ride
- worked with young horses being broken in by Sky and Horacio
- cleaned, repaired and organized tack

There are a couple of important notes about the mounted volunteer program. All horse use on the estancia comes down to availability and the health of the horse and our pastures. Therefore, we can never guarantee horse use. As a guideline, mounted volunteers are given priority for all horse related volunteer work on the ranch and are asked to perform mounted duties for at least three days out of every week they stay on the ranch. Mounted volunteers may also ride for pleasure while on the ranch.

Mounted volunteers can select from a variety of accommodation options for their stay (see pricing page). They must pay an additional $75 per week for horse use. A one time fee of $150 covers your entry and exit to the estancia by horse, including a pack horse or mule for your luggage, plus an orientation to our traditional tack and riding western style.

All potential volunteers must read:
 
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
A Message from Ashley
Volunteer Accommodation Options & Pricing
How to Sign Up for our Volunteer Program

Return to Volunteering home page.