My riding adventure in Ecuador all began with a new pair of shoes. Not for me, of course, but for my horse. You might say it even came up by chance, if you believe in that sort of thing. I shared with my farrier that my daughter was studying in Quito when he mentioned that he had clients who had traveled to Ecuador to ride. The seed was planted in my mind and the idea began to grow. Could I really do it? Could I go? Since I’ve never had success simply thinking things into existence, I embarked on my “Google-enabled” research and the trip spun itself into reality.

Trail Ride in the Pululahua Crater near Quito, Ecuador

I never thought I would experience a ride in another country. “That seems too exotic,” I told myself. “Other people do those kinds of things,” I repeated as I tried to come up with excuses to disqualify myself from going. But despite attempts to self-sabotage, I was on the threshold of a trip that would change how I view myself as a horsewoman and create precious memories that will last a lifetime. One by one, my excuses became irrelevant as time passed and my planning progressed. When I think of my time in Ecuador, and I’m afraid to try to capture it down on paper. It’s a wildly romantic dream, precious and fresh in my mind, that defies description. Despite the intimidation I feel about recording this experience, it was so wonderful that I can’t help but share it all with you!

“You are here.” The incredible view atop the Teleferico looking down at the city of Quito, Ecuador

The two horseback riding tour groups I reached out to in Ecuador were Hacienda La Alegria and Green Horse Ranch. Although both have fabulous reviews on TripAdvisor, I chose Green Horse Ranch due to scheduling availability, the overall organization of their website and the promptness of their replies to my emailed questions. Astrid runs the ranch and offers rides with guides who speak several different languages. Green Horse Ranch https://greenhorseranch.zohosites.com/ is located in the STUNNING Pululahua Crater about 90 minutes from Quito.

Uploaded by Riding In Circles Equestrian on 2019-12-29.

Quito is a wonderful city to explore! While in Quito, we stayed at Hostel 593 (a boutique hostel with private baths). From there, we were able to walk to several delicious coffee shops and explore all the region had to offer, including open-air markets, cable car rides, and landmarks or tourist attractions. Transportation out to the ranch is included in the riding fee and is a fun part of the adventure. Beware if you are prone to carsickness, it might be a good idea to sit in the front seat! My daughter did this and was fine despite the winding (and beautiful) drive into the valley.

When you think of a volcanic crater, I’m not sure what comes to your mind, but it’s impossible to imagine anything as striking as Pululahua until you see it in person. It is lush, remote, and immune from the relentless pace of time.

When we arrived for our ride, we were greeted by our guide at our meeting point, Pululahua Eco-lodge. After watching a short safety video and gearing up (I brought a helmet, half chaps, and boots, but the ranch has gear available as well), we headed out to meet our mounts who were tacked up and ready to go.

Pululahua Eco-Lodge was the launching point for our day ride.

The horses in Pululahua are an adorably spunky, non-fussy lot. They know their job and are accustomed to many different types of riders. I stewed about how to describe our riding abilities when filling out the trip questionnaire on Green Horse Ranch’s website. If I say I am a beginner will my horse be able to canter? If I say intermediate, will they give me a horse that is unmanageable?! No worries! We labeled ourselves as beginner-intermediate and the horses were a great fit. My son, who has been on a horse only a handful of times, handled cantering like a pro and had fun while doing it!

Uploaded by Riding In Circles Equestrian on 2019-12-29.

The ride itself was something out of a dream. The first segment was a meandering 90 minute ride down into the crater, walking through lush green landscape and over ancient lava flows. Our guide, Gabriel (who does EVERYTHING for the horses) visited with us in English and told us about the history of the area we were riding through, including the names of different birds and plants along the way. We stopped for lunch, secured the horses, and hiked down to the Rio Blanco to find volcanic pools and stretch our legs a bit. I was pleasantly surprised by this little outing, as it gave us a chance to see things the horses couldn’t easily reach. We returned to the horses and Gabriel served us a delicious picnic lunch while we talked about the ride and shared stories with one another.

The journey back to the eco-lodge had a different flavor. Still beautiful, still awe-inspiring, but much more lively! Gabriel asked, “The horses like to run a little on the way back, is that okay?” My ears pricked and my mind buzzed with questions like “I don’t know, is it? How close is the nearest medical aid? Can my son stay on? Let’s be honest…can I stay on?” But despite these thoughts, my head nodded yes, and off we went! I’m so glad we did. Our canter, trot, and run back, were thrilling! The horses were sure-footed and knew the path well. Please excuse the bumpy video below. I don’t have a Go-Pro and was holding my phone with one hand. This is also why there is no video of the run or canter! :)

At the end of a run uphill, we walked and trotted the horses over ancient lava flows in the Pululahua Crater outside Quito, Ecuador

Horse trial ride in the Pululahua crater of the Andean Mountain range in Ecuador along trade routes used for smuggling by the indigenous people of the region. This trail was narrow and steep, in portions I had to move my legs back or up to avoid the rock walls.

We traveled primarily over steady trails, open countryside, and ancient lava flows. At one point, I let out a whoop. It came from deep inside me where an adventurous little girl still resides. The little girl self that makes me love riding horses and spurs me to have fun while doing it! We rode through impossibly narrow trails used as trade routes for smugglers hundreds of years ago, saw indigenous people patiently working the land with an ox and single blade plow, and shared in the joy of local families out together on a holiday weekend. A warm sense of fulfillment flooded my soul as we savored our reprieve from the persistent weight of time, enjoying a place where even the clock seems to stand still.

Horseback trail ride in Ecuador with Green Horse Ranch. Horse paddocks can be seen with fence posts that are live trees.

My heart overflows when I remember this incredible time together. There’s a simple beauty in Ecuador that heals the soul. It flows out of the wild, natural world in this mountainous country and through the warm smiles of its beautiful people. The beauty is enhanced by the contrast between the bustling city of Quito, which is home to more than three million people, and the remote villages with family hostels that welcome.

This balanced beauty is also found in a person who realizes that they can be both brave and afraid, adventurous and cautious, hesitant and confident. My hope is that after reading this brief highlight, you can see the beauty of these contrasting tensions in yourself too. Consider the possibility of what can happen when you embrace these realities within as you seek your next adventure. Maybe you will even find it on the back of a horse 😉.