# Rancho Baile de la Luna, full reference

Rancho Baile de la Luna is a family-run horse ranch in Atotonilco, about 20 minutes outside San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. It is not a tourist operation: rides go out with one to four guests, single riders are welcome, and nearly every guest review mentions feeling like family. The ranch also runs Spirit Horse Journeys, women-centered equine-wisdom retreats held on the working ranch itself. In the owner's words: "This is not a polished retreat center. It's a real, working ranch. That's part of its magic."

Founded 2022 by Chris and Jeff Rausten, who moved from Moon Dance Ranch in Southern California. Chris has 50+ years with horses and competes in working equitation. Roberto, the wrangler, is a San Miguel de Allende local with 30+ years of horse experience; he guides most rides and teaches kids' lessons. Rating: 5.0 from 19 reviews across Google and GetYourGuide.

Address: San Miguelito 10, El Fresno 1, Atotonilco, Guanajuato, Mexico
Coordinates: 21.0042, -100.7978
WhatsApp (preferred): +1 909 240 4981 · Email: info@ranchobailedelaluna.com
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 17:30. Closed Sunday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rancho_baile_de_la_luna · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ranchobailedelaluna

## Trail rides
Bookable any day (Monday to Saturday), one to four riders, beginners welcome, horses matched to experience. Guided, usually by Roberto. Trails cross the high desert campo, the village of San Miguelito (where the kids get lollipops from riders, a ranch tradition), the Río Laja area, and the Presa de los Torres.

### The One Hour Ride
Duration: 1 hour. Price: $1,200 MXN per rider. Riders: 1 to 4 riders.
A one-hour horseback ride through the high desert campo outside San Miguel de Allende. Small groups of one to four riders, beginners welcome, $1,200 MXN per person.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/rides/1-hour

### The Hour and a Half Ride
Duration: 1.5 hours. Price: $1,400 MXN per rider. Riders: 1 to 4 riders.
A ninety-minute horseback ride near San Miguel de Allende that reaches the village of San Miguelito. Small groups of one to four riders, $1,400 MXN per person.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/rides/1-5-hour

### The Two Hour Ride
Duration: 2 hours. Price: $1,600 MXN per rider. Riders: 1 to 4 riders.
A two-hour horseback ride through the countryside outside San Miguel de Allende. There is more than one two-hour route, so you can ride with us again and see somewhere new. One to four riders, $1,600 MXN per person.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/rides/2-hour

### The El Macehual Lunch Ride
Duration: About half a day. Price: $2,600 MXN per rider. Riders: 2 or more riders.
A horseback ride from Rancho Baile de la Luna out to El Macehual for a long country lunch, then an easy ride home through the campo. $2,600 MXN per rider, Thursday through Sunday.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/rides/el-macehual-lunch

### The Nirvana Breakfast Ride
Duration: A long morning. Price: $2,200 MXN per rider. Riders: 2 or more riders.
A morning horseback ride from Rancho Baile de la Luna to breakfast at Nirvana, riding out in the cool early light. $2,200 MXN per rider, any day with two or more riders.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/rides/nirvana-breakfast

### The Sunset Ride
Duration: About 1.5 hours. Price: $1,400 MXN per rider. Riders: 1 to 4 riders.
An evening horseback ride near San Miguel de Allende timed to the sunset, about ninety minutes through the campo in golden light. One to four riders.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/rides/sunset

## Spirit Horse Journeys (equine-wisdom retreats)
Non-riding, ground-based work with the herd. Group journeys run ONLY on set dates; private sessions are scheduled individually.

### The Four Agreements Retreat
Women-only. Capacity 8. Price: $2,750 to $3,550 USD. Dates: September 3 to 8, 2026, six days.
A six-day women's equine-wisdom retreat at Rancho Baile de la Luna near San Miguel de Allende, September 2026. One of don Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements each day, guided by the herd and a credentialed facilitator bench. Eight women, $2,750 to $3,550 USD including lodging, meals, transport, and hot springs.
Included: Four full days of guided horse experiences and personal exploration; Five nights of accommodation in a beautiful, peaceful setting; Nourishing meals, five breakfasts, four lunches, and five dinners; Daily transportation between the hotel and the ranch; Transportation from the airport on arrival, and back to the airport on departure; An afternoon at the hot springs spa, with transportation there and back; Exploration and dinner in San Miguel de Allende, with transportation into town; Your choice of a horseback ride, Reiki, or massage.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journeys/four-agreements-retreat

### The Fire Horse Series
Women-only. Capacity 8. Price: $3,000 to $4,000 MXN per day. Dates: September 26, 2026 · The Herd's Wisdom, Relational Harmony; November 14, 2026 · Dreaming with the Horse, Vision for the New Cycle.
Fire Horse is a series of women-only single-day equine-wisdom retreats at Rancho Baile de la Luna near San Miguel de Allende. Eight women, one day with the herd, $3,000 to $4,000 MXN. Next dates September 26 and November 14, 2026.
Included: A full day on the ranch with the herd; Morning and afternoon guided sessions; Coffee and tea on arrival, and a long ranch lunch; A closing ceremony.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journeys/fire-horse

### The One Day Spirit Horse Journey
Open to all. Capacity 8. Price: Price on request. Dates: announced on the site.
A one-day equine-wisdom journey at Rancho Baile de la Luna near San Miguel de Allende. Non-riding groundwork with the herd, open to all, on set dates.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journeys/day-journey

### The Two Day Immersive
Open to all. Capacity 8. Price: Price on request. Dates: announced on the site.
A two-day equine-wisdom immersion at Rancho Baile de la Luna near San Miguel de Allende. Two consecutive days of groundwork with the herd, on set dates.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journeys/immersive

### Private One-on-One Sessions
Open to all. Capacity 1. Price: Two hours or four hours, price on request. Dates: announced on the site.
Private one-on-one equine-wisdom sessions at Rancho Baile de la Luna near San Miguel de Allende. One guest, one facilitator, one or more horses. Sessions run two hours or four hours, scheduled around you.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journeys/private-sessions

### Reiki with Horses
Open to all. Capacity 1. Price: $1,200 MXN per hour. Dates: announced on the site.
Reiki sessions in the presence of the herd at Rancho Baile de la Luna near San Miguel de Allende, $1,200 MXN per hour. A new, quiet offering that pairs energy work with the settling company of horses.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journeys/reiki

### Constellations with Horses
Open to all.  Price: Price on request. Dates: announced on the site.
Family constellation sessions held with the herd at Rancho Baile de la Luna near San Miguel de Allende, guided by Maria Lucero and including chakra balancing. The horses join the field and respond to what is present.
URL: https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journeys/constellations

## Lessons
- Adults: with Amy Spencer (CHA-certified, bilingual), Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings. One-hour private lessons in Western, English, or Dressage; focus areas include biomechanics and centered riding, natural horsemanship and groundwork, and therapeutic riding. https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/lessons
- Kids: with Roberto, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/lessons

## Horse leasing
- Full-time: $10,000 MXN/month. Ride any day; all-inclusive care (farrier, vet, deworming, dental, chiropractic); tack, wrangler support, dressage arena (~20x40 m), working equitation obstacles.
- Part-time: $5,000 MXN/month. Three days a week (standard Monday/Wednesday/Friday).
https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/leasing

## The herd (11 horses)
- **Capitán** (Trail boss): A 22-year-old sorrel Criollo gelding from Mexico, Capitán is our trail boss with a big personality. He can be a bit sassy while getting tacked up (we like to call it "expressive charm"), but once you are in the saddle he is smooth, steady, and a joy to ride. Suitable for beginners and often used for lessons, he will carry you with confidence and style. Ask anyone who has ridden him: Capitán does not have passengers, he has fans.
- **Rio** (Equine wisdom): At 25 years old, Rio is our elegant dun Kiger Mustang mare from the United States. And yes, she is actually the niece of the real-life horse who inspired the animated film Spirit. She has recently retired from carrying riders, because arthritis eventually catches up with even the strongest mustang, and she has earned her rest. She has not retired from working. Rio is one of our most trusted partners in the equine wisdom journeys, the Reiki sessions, and the constellations, where what she offers has never had anything to do with being ridden. Do not let her age fool you. She has the heart of a wild mustang and the soul of a gentle teacher.
- **Holly** (First rides): Holly is our 19-year-old Appendix Quarter Horse mare with a heart of gold. Kind, calm, and endlessly patient, she is perfect for first-time riders or anyone looking for a relaxing ride through the countryside. She is the kind of horse that makes you feel like you have been riding forever, even if it is your very first time.
- **Morita** (For confident riders): Do not let her petite frame fool you. Morita, our 13-year-old flea-bitten gray Quarter Horse mare, is a powerhouse with a fiery spirit. She has a go-go-go attitude and prefers to prance rather than stroll. Best suited for confident, experienced riders who enjoy a little extra pep in their step. Born and raised in Mexico, she brings a whole lot of heart to every trail.
- **Chilaca** (New mama): Named after the spicy chilaca pepper, this beautiful sooty buckskin Quarter Horse mare lives up to her name. At around 8 years old, Chilaca is spirited, intelligent, and full of personality. She is best matched with intermediate or advanced riders who can appreciate her zest while guiding her with a steady hand. Chilaca has a new baby and is taking some time off from riding right now. Motherhood suits her.
- **Elizabeth** (Gentle drama queen): Elizabeth is an 11-year-old dark bay Appendix Quarter Horse mare with a heart of gold and a hint of drama. She is gentle, affectionate, and always eager to please, but she is also on high alert for anything that might be hiding behind a bush. Her curiosity sometimes turns into sudden spooks, so she is best suited for experienced riders who can stay calm, cool, and collected no matter what surprises the trail holds.
- **Amiga** (Equine wisdom): Amiga is a sweet, gentle pinto mare with perfect ground manners and a heart that loves connection. She thrives in our equine wisdom sessions, where her calm presence and intuitive nature help people feel safe, seen, and supported. She especially enjoys being brushed and spending quiet moments with guests, making her a wonderful partner for grounding, emotional connection, and gentle healing work.
- **Kalypso** (Wild-born): Kalypso is an 11-year-old Kiger Mustang mare. She came to us as a yearling straight from the wild, and she still carries that beautiful Mustang spirit in her heart. She is easygoing, loving, and deeply connected to her people, but every now and then you can still see a spark of her wild roots, which only adds to her charm. With her sensitivity and intelligence, Kalypso forms strong bonds and brings a special kind of presence to those who spend time with her. She recently took first place in working equitation with Chris in the saddle.
- **Flynn** (The playful one): Flynn is an 8-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding. He is a sweet, playful, and curious boy with a bright, energetic spirit. Sensitive and affectionate, he loves connecting with his humans and brings a fun, youthful energy to the ranch. His gentle nature and big heart make him a joy to work with, whether he is exploring new things or simply soaking up attention. Like Kalypso, he came home from his first working equitation show with a first-place ribbon.
- **Maya** (Gentle on the trail): Maya came to us the way the best ones often do, through someone who loved her. Her owner, an older woman, had to return to the States for her health, and she wanted Maya to land somewhere she would be cared for and loved rather than simply sold on. She asked us. We said yes. She has turned out to be exactly the horse you hope for: steady on the trail, patient in a lesson, and easy with riders who are still finding their seat. If you are nervous about your first ride, Maya is a very good place to start.
- **Regalo** (The newest heartbeat): He was born an hour after the end of Chris's birthday, which is how he got his name. Regalo means a gift. He arrived the way foals do, overnight and all at once, and immediately reorganized everyone's priorities. Chilaca is taking time off from the trails to raise him, and the rest of us take time off from getting anything done whenever he is out in the field. Ask about him when you visit. Everyone does.

## Facilitators
- **Chris Rausten**, Founder, 50+ years with horses: Chris Rausten is the founder of Rancho Baile de la Luna and the creator of Spirit Horse Journeys. Her journey with horses began at age seven with a $35 Shetland pony and has shaped nearly every part of who she is. From early years riding freely to later studies in dressage and natural horsemanship, and decades of hands-on care and training, Chris approaches horses as both student and steward. She actively trains and competes in working equitation. Alongside the horses, Chris has spent a lifetime in personal and spiritual exploration. As the creator of the retreats, she designed both the physical space and the experience itself, and her role is to hold the container: steady, intuitive, and nurturing, with clear structure when it is needed. At the heart of her work is a simple belief that when a space is held with care and authenticity, meaningful experiences unfold naturally.
- **Amy Spencer**, CHA-certified instructor, bilingual: Amy Spencer brings a lifetime of lived experience with horses, shaped by a life spent between Mexico and the United States. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she moves naturally between cultures as well as within the subtle, unspoken language of horses. Her work focuses on biomechanics and the therapeutic art of equitation, exploring how horse and human move, communicate, and find balance together. She is a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor and a certified equine therapist. A daily practitioner of Kundalini and Pranayama yoga, Amy incorporates breath, awareness, and energy into her teaching, creating a safe and supportive environment for deeper connection. She offers clear guidance while allowing each rider to develop awareness through direct experience.
- **Marti McGinnis**, EAGALA Level 2 Certified Equine Specialist: Marti McGinnis is a lifelong creative, facilitator, and pioneer in equine-assisted learning, with over 40 years of experience guiding people through experiential and transformative processes. With a Master's degree in Communication and decades as a professional artist, her work brings together authentic expression, human connection, and the intuitive wisdom of horses. She is an EAGALA Level 2 Certified Equine Specialist, a certified Equine Assisted Learning facilitator, and in 2024 completed a Level 2 Certificate in the Therapeutic Use of Person-Centred Creative Arts in the UK. Co-founder of HorseJourneys and founder of QuantumSparks, her current work, Charcoal Horse, blends equine-assisted learning with drawing and reflective art. Her approach is non-riding and experiential: presence, observation, and creative expression in the company of the herd.
- **Jocelyn Rausten**, Mindvalley Certified Life Coach: Jocelyn Rausten is a Mindvalley Certified Life Coach who brings a grounded, intuitive, and compassionate approach to her work. She holds a degree in Biology and Chemistry from Lewis and Clark College, bringing a thoughtful, holistic perspective to human behavior and growth. She has long been recognized for her natural ability to listen deeply, reflect insightfully, and guide others with clarity and care. Her calm presence and thoughtful questions gently uncover patterns, beliefs, and possibilities that may not be immediately visible. She is especially drawn to working with young adults and those navigating transitions, identity, and life direction, providing the space for reflection and integration that the experiential work with the herd opens up.
- **Jeff Rausten**, Ground crew, transport and the table: Jeff is Chris's husband, and he does the things that decide whether a day actually works. He drives the transport for the one-day retreats, and he prepares and serves the lunch that everyone ends up talking about afterwards. Every retreat has a person who quietly holds the practical side together so the rest of us can be fully present with the horses. Here, that is Jeff.
- **Maria Lucero**, Functional therapies through the horses' heart: Maria Lucero guides the constellation work at the ranch, along with chakra balance sessions, blessings, and pelvic healing, all of it done in the company of the horses. Her starting point is simple and close to our own: horses are healers, purely because of the presence they bring. Presence is the thing a person has to arrive with, and once it is there, letting go becomes possible. She also works with graphology and the Enneagram as tools for getting to know yourself better.

## Frequently asked questions
Q: How much is a horseback ride in San Miguel de Allende?
A: At Rancho Baile de la Luna a one-hour trail ride is $1,200 MXN, an hour and a half is $1,400 MXN, and two hours is $1,600 MXN, per rider. Groups are one to four riders, and single riders are welcome. That is deliberately simpler and less expensive than the all-day deluxe tours most operators sell.

Q: Do I need riding experience?
A: No. Most of our guests are beginners. We match each rider with a horse that fits their comfort level, give basic instruction before heading out, and keep the pace easy. Horses like Holly and Capitán have carried hundreds of first-time riders.

Q: Is it safe for beginners?
A: Yes. Rides go out with at most four guests, always guided, usually by Roberto, our caballerango with more than 30 years of experience, and Chris or Jeff, or both, usually ride along too. The horses are calm, well cared for, and know every trail. Guests consistently mention feeling safe in their reviews. The same honesty applies to age. Trail rides are for riders 12 and up, or 10 for a child who is mature and has had enough lessons to control a horse on their own, since we do not put two riders on one horse. Younger children are welcome for a lesson or a pony ride in the arena.

Q: How long are the rides?
A: Regular trail rides are one hour, an hour and a half, or two hours. We also run occasional signature rides, a breakfast ride to Nirvana and a lunch ride, that take a long morning or half a day. We deliberately keep rides short and honest instead of pushing all-day packages.

Q: Can kids ride?
A: Yes, with one honest limit. For trail rides we ask that riders be 12 or older, or 10 if the child is mature and has had enough riding lessons to control a horse on their own. Out on the trail a child needs to be able to handle their own horse, and we would rather say so than put a young rider somewhere they are not ready for. Younger children are still very welcome. They can take a lesson or have a pony ride in the arena, where we are right beside them the whole time. Roberto teaches children's lessons on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and has a real gift with young riders: patient, safe, and encouraging. Tell us your child's age when you write and we will tell you honestly what fits.

Q: What should I wear for horseback riding?
A: Closed-toe shoes, preferably with a small heel, long pants, sunscreen, and a hat **that will not blow away**. We mean that last part. A hat that takes off at a trot is a hat you will be walking back for. Leave dangly jewelry at home. Mornings and evenings can be cool in the high desert, so layers work well. We handle everything else.

Q: Where exactly is the ranch?
A: Rancho Baile de la Luna is at San Miguelito 10, El Fresno, in Atotonilco, about 20 minutes outside San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. We are minutes from the Santuario de Atotonilco, the UNESCO World Heritage site, and the La Gruta and Escondido hot springs.

Q: How do I book?
A: Message us on WhatsApp at +1 909 240 4981, which is the fastest way, or use the contact form and we will get back to you, usually the same day. A day or two of notice is plenty for most rides. US guests who do not use WhatsApp can text the same number.

Q: Are the retreats women-only?
A: The Fire Horse day series and the six-day Four Agreements retreat are women-only. The one-day Spirit Horse Journey, the two-day immersive, private sessions, Reiki, and constellations are open to everyone, and men are genuinely welcome there. Trail rides, lessons, and leasing are open to all.

Q: What is included in the six-day retreat?
A: The September Four Agreements retreat includes four full days of guided horse experiences, five nights of lodging, all meals (five breakfasts, four lunches, five dinners), daily transport between hotel and ranch, airport transfers, an afternoon at the hot springs, dinner in San Miguel de Allende, and your choice of a horseback ride, Reiki, or massage. Price is $2,750 to $3,550 USD depending on room and timing, capped at eight women.

Q: Can I book a retreat or journey on any day?
A: No, and this trips people up, so here it is plainly: retreats and Spirit Horse Journeys run only on set dates, announced in advance. Trail rides, lessons, and private sessions can be scheduled around you. If no date is posted for the journey you want, join the waitlist and you will hear first.

Q: I am traveling alone. Can I still ride?
A: Yes. We will take a single rider, which many ranches will not. Our groups are one to four riders, never a busload, so riding alone here does not mean tagging along with strangers. It means the trail, the guide, and the campo to yourself.

Q: When is the best time of year to ride?
A: Every season has its argument, but the rainy season, June through September, is spectacular: the high desert turns deep green, wild sunflowers grow taller than a rider, and the trails to the river and the Presa de los Torres are at their best. Winter brings crisp golden light and cool mornings. Rain usually falls as brief afternoon showers, so morning rides run year round.

Q: Are the horses treated well?
A: Yes, and it is the first thing we would want you to ask. Every horse here has a name, a personality, and a place in the family. They live on the land, not in a booking system. We keep groups small and the pace easy so no horse is overworked, we rotate who goes out, and Sundays the whole herd rests. We match each horse to the rider in front of us rather than the other way around, and we lead by listening to the horse, never by force. Older horses are not sold off when they slow down. They stay.

Q: How do lessons work?
A: Adult lessons are with Amy Spencer, usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings: one-hour private sessions in Western, English, or Dressage, with a focus on groundwork, biomechanics, and centered riding. Kids' lessons are with Roberto, usually Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Other times can sometimes be arranged, and we can sometimes take two riders together, so ask about availability. Message us and we will find your first slot.

Q: How far is the ranch from San Miguel de Allende?
A: About 20 minutes by car, in Atotonilco. Most guests come by taxi or Uber; tell us when you book and we will send you the exact pin so the driver goes straight there. If you would rather not explain the way to anyone, we work with two trusted private drivers who know exactly how to find us. They charge 600 pesos round trip. Just ask and we will put you in touch.

Q: What is the youngest age a child can ride?
A: For trail rides, 12, or 10 for a child who is mature and has had enough lessons to control a horse on their own. We do not put two riders on one horse, so out on the trail every rider needs to be able to handle their own. There is no minimum for the arena. Small children can have a pony ride or a lesson with us walking alongside, which is usually the happier introduction anyway. Write to us with your child's age and we will tell you honestly what fits.

Q: Do I have to ride a horse at the retreats?
A: No. The retreats and Spirit Horse Journeys are ground-based: you work beside the horses on foot, not from the saddle. No riding and no horse experience is needed, ever.

Q: Can horses help with anxiety, grief, or stress?
A: Many guests come away calmer. Horses are large, honest, present animals, and simply being near one, on the ground, breathing, slowing down, tends to settle a busy nervous system. This is not a medical treatment or a clinical claim, it is presence and attention, held by an experienced facilitator.

Q: Is this equine therapy?
A: We call it equine wisdom work, not therapy. It is adult, ground-based, and non-clinical, held by trained facilitators. It complements psychotherapy well for guests who are already in it, but it does not replace it.

## Nearby
Santuario de Atotonilco (UNESCO World Heritage site), La Gruta and Escondido Place hot springs, Coyote Flaco and Nirvana country restaurants. The ranch's journal at https://ranchobailedelaluna.com/journal has full local guides.