FAX: 297-5878733
Cell: 297-5935245
Ponderosa Ranch is an equestrian center that specializes in the following areas: Care and boarding of privately-owned horses, Training of show horses, Lessons for the novice and experienced rider, Horse shows, Trail rides. Management Ponderosa Ranch is owned and operated by Luis “Lucho” Claro, one of the island’s most well respected horsemen. One in a long line of horseman, Lucho Claro has a lifetime’s worth of experience, having been raised on a horse ranch in Cartegena, Colombia, and now having spent more than 30 years in Aruba, involved in the local and regional show circuit, training different horses (including “Casanova,” an island grand champion) and providing riding instruction. Trail Ride Operations Ponderosa objectives: It is the intention of Ponderosa Ranch management and staff to offer a safe and pleasurable experience to all its visitors by catering to the needs of its customers. For its trail rides, Ponderosa specializes in small, intimate groups (no more than six riders at any one time) in which increased customer care and customized service is possible. Furthermore, Ponderosa management and staff seek to offer a more complete equestrian experience, offering better quality horses to its customers as well as additional instruction and exhibition events to its trail ride clientele. Prospective clientele All riders are welcome at Ponderosa Ranch, from novice to expert levels (maximum weight: 250 lbs.) However, children must be 7 years or older in order to ride their own horse. It is up to the discretion of the parent if they wish to have a child younger than 7 years old accompany him or her on the same horse (seated behind or in front of the parent on the saddle). Trail ride destinations, duration (as of May, 2001): Wariruri Cove (beach, miniature “natural bridge”), Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins: from start to finish a total of 2 hours spent on the trail. Natural bridge: 2 hours, 45 minutes Value-added features (all tours): Beginner rider orientation Each rider is given the opportunity to become accustomed to his or her mount by riding first in the controlled environment of the show ring. A short lesson in riding instruction is concluded in the ring. Parent and child programs Ponderosa makes it possible for one parent to enjoy the trail, while the other parent remains at the ranch with their child or children. Pony rides are offered, as a courtesy, to all children who remain behind at the ranch with a parent. Days, hours of operation Ponderosa Ranch is open to the public Monday through Sunday, offering its trail rides at 9:00 in the morning, and again at 3:00 in the afternoon. Hotel pick-up schedule: MORNING: Marriott to the Phoenix: between 9:00 – 9:10 a.m.+/- Amsterdam Manor to the Bushiri : between 9:10 – 9:20 a.m.+/- Renaissance: 9:20 a.m. AFTERNOON: Marriott to the Phoenix: between 2:30-2:40 p.m.+/- Amsterdam Manor to the Bushiri: between 2:40-2:50 p.m.+/- Renaissance:2:50 p.m.+/- Price list: Duration: 2 hours Tour Time: 9:00 - 11:00 Noon - 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Price per person: US$ 65.00 p/p for Regular Tour Price per person: US$ 90.00 p/p for Private Tour (Minimum 2 person) Duration: 2 hours and 45 Min Tour Time: 9:00 - 11:45 Noon - 3:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Price per person: US$ 75.00 p/p for Regular Tour Price per person: US$ 100.00 p/p for Private Tour (Minimum 2 person) Execution of trail rides Horses employed: Horses range in quality level from Paso Fino to Paseo horses. All horses are healthy, well-maintained horses originating from Lucho Claro’s own private stock. Guides: A total of two experienced guides accompany group trips, one positioned in front of the group, the second positioned behind the group. Rest stops, refreshments: Each trail ride involves one stop, giving riders an opportunity to dismount, stretch their legs and enjoy a refreshment. A glass of water or ice tea is provided to each rider at the rest stop. Trail activities: Requests to take photos or to canter the horses (dependent on skill level of rider) will be honored during the trip. |
