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Experience Nearby Animals Pony Ranch
Horseback riding is very popular in Curaçao among locals and tourists. You will find many ranches scattered across the island that are home to a wide variety of horses and ponies. The one closest to Villa Leoni is Rancho El Paso. At this ranch, PonyPret Curaçao offers a range of activities related to ponies. PonyPret specializes in activities for children of four years old and up, but adult pony fanatics are also welcome to enjoy the company of the gentle hoofed companions at the ranch.
How to book
You can get in touch with PonyPret Curaçao via WhatsApp. If you are lucky, there may be a time slot available on the same day. However, it is best to make a reservation a few days in advance. You can book a 45 minute pony riding session for kids at 35 guilders per person at the time of writing. In July and August there is a special “Vacation on the ranch” program for children. This year (2023) the prices are 60 guilders per day or 275 for five days of pony related fun with drinks, snacks and lunch included. In a full morning and part of the afternoon, children can enjoy all sorts of pony related fun, like water activities, decorating the ponies, pampering the ponies and, of course, riding the ponies. In case you have specific wishes for your experience at the ranch, PonyPret is flexible to accommodate your requests. Given the location of the ranch, PonyPret does not offer tours outside the ranch, but the ranch has all you need for a lovely day with the ponies.
How to get there
PonyPret Curaçao is located at Rancho El Paso. The ranch is 3.6km from Villa Leoni, which is only five minutes away by car. When you exit the Caracasbaaiweg at the junction on the east side of Eden Mall to Kaminda Duvert Boy Nicolina, you will see the gate of Rancho El Paso on your left after 600 meters. There is ample parking space on the ranch. Just send a message when you have arrived and the gate will be opened for you to drive in.
Meet Wendy and Luna
The first thing you will notice upon entering the ranch are the beautiful ponies frolicking in the grand outdoor riding ring surrounded by palm trees. You will be welcomed by Wendy, the owner of PonyPret Curaçao, who will take you to the stables. There you will meet her pony Luna. She is the most gentle pony you can imagine. Luna is very calm and comfortable around children. Wendy takes the greatest care in getting the children acquainted with Luna until they are confident to get up close and pet her nose. It really helps to take away any anxiety that small children may have before mounting Luna later on, so they can get the most out of the experience.
Tacking up
After getting acquainted with Luna at the outdoor stables, Wendy walks the kids to the indoor stables to get the riding gear. The most important item is the riding helmet, or cap. These are provided by PonyPret in all sizes, ensuring a safe ride for riders of any size. By the way, it is advised to put on closed shoes and long pants before visiting the ranch. You may not think of it, considering the hot climate, but it is actually the most comfortable attire for pony riding. Wendy involves the children in every aspect of pony riding from the start, by letting them help carrying the gear and tacking up. In the process, she explains what everything is for and answers all the children’s questions. As such, Wendy’s approach is very engaging and educational at the same time. Before tacking up, the children get to give Luna a good brush, so she looks nice and shiny for the ride. The brushing also helps to strengthen the bond between Luna and her riders even more.
Pony riding
When Luna is fully tacked up it is time to mount her and start the ride. The ride takes you all around the grounds of Rancho El Paso. The ranch provides an absolutely scenic setting for a pony ride. The ranch has a cozy, rustic vibe and the surrounding views are simply stunning. As you make your way through a line of palm trees at the start of the ride, you ride up to a glorious view of the glorious Huize Scherpenheuvel. It is a 19th century monument that has served as a seminary, orphanage and vocational school over the years. Currently, it is home to the Faculty of Medicine of St. Martinus University. The next leg of the ride takes you down another line of magnificent palm trees and around a field of tall grass. After passing the water pumping windmill you will pass by a papaya patch and massive mango trees. A slight uphill segment then takes you to an unfenced riding ring with panoramic views of the ranch and the surrounding area. In the ring, Luna speeds up to light trot, which is very exhilarating, especially for the smaller children. Then, it is time to head back to the stables.
Showering the pony
Back at the stables after an amazing tropical pony ride, the fun is not over yet! After dismounting Luna, she is off to the shower to get a well-deserved cleanse. The children are actively involved in this part of the activity as well. Showering Luna is about as much fun for them as the riding itself. When Luna is all clean, she is ready to head back to her stable for a quick rest and a healthy snack.
See you soon, Luna!
Back at the stables it is time to say goodbye to Luna. A small warning, you may not want to leave the ranch! The atmosphere at the ranch is so blissful. The ponies all look beautiful and are clearly taken care of very well. Connecting with these majestic animals in such an adorable rural setting on a Caribbean island is definitely an unforgettable experience. Wendy’s love and passion for ponies is unprecedented. She is also very knowledgeable and great with kids. We wholeheartedly recommend going for a pony ride with Wendy and Luna and are already looking forward to our next visit to PonyPret Curaçao at Rancho El Paso.
