Equestrian Vacations And Internship Accommodations

Participants in the equestrian vacations and summer internships live in a spacious, newly refinished ranch house in the midst of the vineyard with valley and mountain views. Please see Schedules for dates.

After a day filled with horses on the 40 acre facility in the hills of Aptos, California, participants may go for a swim in the pool or relax on the large deck overlooking the vineyard and valley and mountains. The more contemplative can enjoy the tranquility of the pond. For the more energetic, there are hiking trails and nearby beaches plus the quaint resort towns between Santa Cruz and Monterey to explore.

In the spirit of team camaraderie, two persons typically share a bedroom. Arrangements can be made so that couples may have their own room with private bath and access to the deck.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks and hors d'oeuvres are included and are prepared and served by our cook. Special diets can be accommodated with prior notification.

Free time is available in the evenings and on weekends for sightseeing and other activities.

Aptos is a quaint village, established in 1851, located southeast of Santa Cruz, a popular seaside resort. The Foundation is located in a rural wooded area with an elevation of 500 to 700 feet. Temperatures are quite moderate, summer ranges from 55° to 85°, winter from 28° to 65°. Occasional fog occurs in the summer months but usually dissipates by mid-morning. Our woods consist of redwood, pine, fir, oak, madrone, eucalyptus, bay, as well as others.

We are close to the several thousand acre Nisene Marks Park which has miles of hiking trails through varied terrain. There are miles of beaches for walking, beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, surfing and scuba diving. At the ranch we have a resident population of deer, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats - all are often seen traversing the ranch during the daylight hours. Resident birds include California quail, Steller's and scrub jays, thrashers, woodpeckers and raptors (hawks, falcons, owls, occasional golden eagles). Being on the Pacific migratory route, we are visited seasonally by an exceptional number of species of birds.

A 15 to 30 minute drive brings you to Santa Cruz with the famous beach boardwalk, numerous beaches, Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks, Roaring Camp Steam Railroad, the University of California and Long Marine Laboratory, as well as many other parks and points of interest such as many small but award winning wineries. Within 30 to 90 minutes drive to the south are Monterey and the Monterey Peninsula, site of historic and scenic beauty including the renowned 17 Mile Drive with its fantastic shoreline and golf courses, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, and Cannery Row. To the north are Natural Bridges State Beach (migratory stop-over of the monarch butterflies), Ano Nuevo State Reserve (home to thousands of elephant seals, sea lions and sea birds seasonally), more beaches and parks and rugged, scenic coastline. For those interested in an excursion of greater length, some points of interest include the majestic Big Sur coastline, Hearst castle, Yosemite, San Francisco, and the Napa Valley.

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