Permaculture
Course 2007

     Estancia Ranquilco, accessible only by horse, deep in the Andes mountains of Argentina in Northern Patagonia, offers Equestrian Immersion, on its magical lands for the horse enthusiast who desires to further his or her interest in all things equestrian in a place where horsemanship is a way of life.

     Ranquilco is a 100,000 acre working cattle ranch. The estancia breeds and operates about 1000 head of cattle, 30-40 horses, a small heard of merino/corriedale sheep, and goats.

    There is a plethora of ranch activities to get involved in and everyone is invited to take part in the areas of their interest. We feel that it is of great value to embrace the lifestyle at the estancia and to have the free time and relaxation to open up to the timeless messages of nature.

    The vision of Equestrian Immersion is to provide riders with a unique vacation as well as a learning experience.

    Our horses are mostly Criollos; over the years we have had an Arabian stallion and a criollo stallion as well as some polo (thoroughbred) bloodlines on the ranch. The horses are generally very hardy mountain horses, fun, easy to ride and dependable as good working partners. The Arabian's amongst them are known to be a little more spirited and agile, for those that are looking for more of a challenging ride.

    We pretty much have a horse to match every level of rider, beginning with the tamest horses able to be ridden by children and first time riders, to the horses that are in great shape and ready for the more intermediate and advanced riders. We even have recently trained horses needing very experienced riders able to guide these youngsters to the next level of their training, I'm sure we can match your ability to the right horse to make your stay a very memorable, fun experience.

Special For 2008 Immersion:

     Veterinarians, Darlene and Theresa, will combine over twenty-five years of experience in veterinary medicine to instruct interested participants in a variety of equine health topics. Both have an avid interest in horses. Theresa has experience with cutting horses, working cattle on horseback, young horses, western horsemanship and enjoys trail riding. Darlene and her husband raise draft cross horses using their experience in trail riding, packing, colt starting, basic dressage and western riding to make recreational riding horses.
Equine health topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: basic equine anatomy and physiology, conformation, preventative care, parameters in the normal and ill horse, first aid and illnesses. We will explore equine health in a series of fun, hands-on lessons and demonstrations. There will be plenty of time for questions.

Equestrian Immersion Offers:

- Every one will be provided with their own rig, we have an assortment of traditional gaucho saddles, polo saddles, and a few jumping saddles to choose from. Your saddle and tack will ultimately be decided on by which horse you end up riding most often, as correct saddle fit is very important.
- All day rides.
- 3 - 4 day pack trip into the Andes .
- Cattle drives (overnight and day long to sales).
- Morning round up.
- Lessons for beginning riders.
- Packing - we mostly use sawbucks on the estancia - learn to tie a basket hitch and barrel hitch, how to throw a diamond and a double diamond. Most of our horses are trained to be packed as well as be ridden, however, we generally use mules for the packing as they are more resilient. Packing is a handy thing to know in these areas as this is how your food and luggage will be coming in and going from the estancia!
- Basic Veterinary skills; (Please know that none of us have been schooled in the veterinary sciences, the knowledge offered is purely from our own self study and experience). We will cover a horses vital metabolic signs and functions, their norms and what it may mean if they are abnormal. Confirmation and basic physiology of the horse. Basic first aid, wound management, lameness detection and cures, nutrition, diet, de-worming, rotation plans, and conditioning.
- Games on horse back; musical chairs, bareback dollar, obstacle course.
- Horse swimming in the river and lakes up in the high mountains.
- A basic understanding of the English and Western disciplines and their principles.
- Tack repair, maintenance, basic stitching, handy knots, how to make bridles, cinches and other simple articles of tack such as rope halters.
- We have a large library and many bookshelves throughout the houses filled with novels and "good reads" left by our guests as well as veterinary manuals and books covering horse nutrition, breeding management, training methods, leatherwork, how to make articles of tack and books on general ranch and farm skills.

    At the end of January (23-27) the annual provincial fair, "La Rural" takes place in Junin de Los Andes, 6 hours south of our estancia. As people may have limited time we did not include a trip to La Rural as part of the Immersion package, however all guests are encouraged and welcome to come along, although additional costs will be involved. It is a great experience to which all of the surrounding estancieros bring their prized animals; cows, horses, goats, sheep, lamas, fowl, and any other prized farm animals and products they may have. Among many of the events during the week there are shows, a traditional parade, jumping and competitions put on by the army, pole bending, and games on horseback, finished off with the awards ceremony, dinner and a dance on Saturday. There are many booths and vendors with the traditional Argentine gaucho tack and clothing, silversmiths, knife makers, local artisans, rawhide tack and leather-goods, woolen goods, and homemade foods offered for sale.

    As lodging is difficult to find during that time, please specify as soon as possible whether you would like to come for the Rural or not, that way I can reserve a room for you, however you can always camp with the horses!

 * Please note that transport, food and lodgings away from the estancia to the Rural will be at an additional cost.

    Those of you with plenty of time on your hands are welcome to come to the estancia before, and/or stay on after the course. There will be an additional charge of $30 USD per day, plus the additional price of your chosen lodging. This includes all meals, tack and a horse, we would please ask that you be flexible in terms of tack and available horses during this time as your first choice may not always be available.

Equestrian Immersion begins on the 3rd. of January and ends the 23rd of January.

    Prices for the Equestrian Immersion start at $2,000 USD. This includes pick up in Zapala, transport to and from the estancia, all course offerings and meals, including beer and wine.

    You are responsible for getting to the town of Zapala for pick up. We would suggest that you arrive a day early as pick up on the 3rd will be at 9:30 am at the main hotel of Zapala called “Hotel Coliqueo” (conveniently located one block from the bus station). Please note: Arriving a day early will give you time to rest from your journey and get any special food items or snacks you may require prior to arriving at the estancia as it is a long way from the nearest grocery store!.

    From Zapala it is a 3 hour drive to the main trail head, where we will eat lunch before continuing on horseback to the main estancia.

 * For detailed information on how to arrive in Zapala please email us and we will be happy to help you plan your trip and perhaps put you in touch with other clients who may be traveling at the same time.

    As there is limited space available, please choose from the following accommodation, giving us your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices.

These prices are in addition to the $2,000 course cost.

    Suites: $40 USD/day

Castle Room; Double bed, fireplace, wood heated hot water in bathroom, exquisite view overlooking the river and private patio.

Dossie´s House; Double bed, day window bed, small sun room/sitting area, wood heated hot water in spacious bathroom, with views over the river and pasture.

Apartment; Double bed, 2 singles, 2 fireplaces, sitting room, wood heated hot water in bathroom, view over big house patio and river.

NOTE: All wood heated showers work very well, - a fire will be lit for an evening shower every night.

    Individual rooms with private bath: $30 USD/day

Fountain Room; Double bed, electric water heater for private shower, large dresser, overlooking rear patio and fountain.

Stone Room; 2 singles, wood heated hot water private bath, located near the garden.

    Rustic Rooms: $20/day

“Rustic”, meaning that the rooms have no bathroom or running water. You will be sharing an outhouse and will have your choice between various solar and wood heated showers.

Annie`s Studio; double bed, writing desk, wood cook stove, shared patio with Ronaldo`s studio over looking the river.

Ronaldo`s Studio; Single bed, drawing table, , and patio.

Boliche; Single bed, large fireplace, bar, loft with double. bed, located near to the pool and horse gathering corrals, large patio, dance floor, outdoor fireplace and grilling pit, views up the river valley and pastures below. (The Boliche is our estancia "bar” so please expect the occasional dance and nightly gathering).

    Camping: $10 USD/day

    There is also the option to camp. There are many lovely spots near the main houses and further away. We have tents and tarps as well as a lot of extra sheepskins which are great to sleep on. However you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

    January is the height of summer. Swimming is great in the pool or at the river, where you can even swim with your horse. The riverside sauna is great at the end of a long day on horseback.

    As long as the weather has been kind there will be fresh veggies from the garden, and the cherries will be at their ripest with wild plums coming on towards the end of the Immersion. Daytime temperatures may briefly reach 90 degrees, but it is a delicious dry heat and the evenings are always cool. There are no mosquitoes or poisonous snakes.

    Fly fishing lessons and river access is available at $150 a day.

    Below is a basic list of things one should bring:

- Down jackets and your own sleeping bags – but no mats, as we use the sheepskins which so comfortably cover the saddles. NOTE: We can provide sleeping bags for a few who do not have them, please let us know at time of booking.

- Helmets are optional.

- A wide brimmed hat for the sun, make sure that it has a stampede string as the wind is sometimes very strong.

- Good rain gear (we do provide the traditional woolen ponchos).

- Tall riding boots, chaps, or half chaps.

Course Contact Info:

   Please send all emails to both,
asranquilco@yahoo.com and ashleykentc@hotmail.com

   Please note when we are on the estancia we do not have an internet connection or a telephone, however our emails are checked regularly for us and will be answered briefly until we are able to answer them in person.

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