Comfort
There are 8 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, plus one separate cabin with its own facilities. Rooms can have twin, double, triple, or queen beds, and all have a hairdryer.
The main lodge, decorated in Western style, includes a dining room, pool table, table football, and a shop selling riding gear, apparel, and tack.
Rooms are located in the main building and open onto the shared living area. If you prefer more privacy, a separate cabin can be booked for an additional charge (please see dates and prices)
Meals
Meals are taken family-style in the dining room at the lodge.
Meals are offered buffet-style: continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring hearty, home-cooked dishes blending American and Italian influences.
Expect freshly baked bread and desserts, barbecues, grilled meats, and a variety of international dishes. Meal schedules may vary depending on daily ranch activities.
For full-day rides, lunch will be a picnic out on the range.
Coffee, fruit, and cookies are always available in the dining room.
Alcohol is not included but can be purchased locally.
Climate
The ranch sits at an altitude of around 1,450 meters (4,760 ft) and enjoys a continental, low-humidity climate.
April–May and September–October: widest temperature variations (5°C to 20°C / 40°F to 68°F). Expect changeable weather and bring layers.
June–August: warmest months, with average temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F) and peaks up to 30–35°C (86–95°F) during the day. Evenings are always pleasant and breezy.
Tips
Tips are compulsory in USA. The local team expects to get 10% of the cost of your stay. Traditionally, guests give one envelope to the head cowboy, who then distributes it among the team.
Tips can be given in cash or by card.
Packing list
We recommend layered clothing, including a jacket, hat, boots, and sunscreen. If you plan to enjoy the lake, don’t forget your swimsuit.
A shop is available on site for purchasing clothing and gear. Please bring a US plug adapter for charging phones and laptops (not provided by the ranch).
The ranch has a few saddle bags available to lend, but not one per rider - we recommend bringing your own.
Pack warm clothing regardless of season, as weather conditions can change quickly and rain or storms are always possible.
Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be particularly cold
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend western boots or short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged.
- Waterproof shoes/boots can be useful for abundant dew in the mornings or when it rains
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of warm, thick socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful.
Nightwear
- Pyjamas
Other useful items
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding - there are no saddlebags.
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Water purification tablets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
