Upcoming Events

MARCH 2013 Fund RAISER for Transportation Fund! Don't Miss it!

Best of America by Horseback     8 Day/7 Night Trail Ride Vacation in Costa Rica!
      Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat

Dear Fellow 'Pura Vida' Trail Riders:

The locals in Costa Rica greet each other by saying 'Pura Vida' which translates to 'pure life' meaning the best things in life are the essence of life...nature, earth, simple pleasures.

I want to invite you to join me and Best of America by Horseback on an 8 day/7 Night “Costa Rica Jungle Pura Vida Trek” at Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat.
Space for this trek is limited to 20-22 riders, with room for additional non-riders, depending on the number of singles/couples to register, if you are interested, you must act fast!
The Dates for the trip are March 16th to 23rd, 2013

Horseback Riding in Costa Rica:The Costa Rican horses, Costarricense de Paso, also known as Criollo, are a combination of several Spanish horses (Barb, Andalusian, and Arabian) and the Peruvian Stepping Horse. This magical combination has created horses with a smooth, comfortable, dancing gait. The spirit of the Costa Rican horses will touch your soul. They are fearless, strong, sure footed, hardworking and extremely versatile. Trek horses will consist, for the most part, of Criollo’s, Quarter Horse’s and/or a mixture of the two breeds.
During the week, you will be in the saddle "on the trail" more than 18 hours. There will be another 8 or more hours in the saddle, depending on your participation in Cowboy Games and Tope (Traditional Costa Rica horse parade). Total hours "in the saddle" for the week can exceed 26 hours!
Again, this riding vacation will be limited to 20-22 rider participants. We expect the spaces to be filled immediately after this announcement, but if we are wrong, we reserve the right to cancel the trip for insufficient number of registrations. The Trek will include 6 guides including professional naturalist guide(s) and local cowboys. Please note: Trekkers will be driven to and from daily starting/ending points and their base camp. There will be three base ‘camps’. #1 Leaves and Lizards, #2 Finca Tuete Hacienda, #3 Finca Ojo de Agua ‘luxury’ bunk house. All lodging options have hot showers, private bathrooms, great food, nice linens, maid service and comfy beds. Lodging will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.

PLEASE NOTE: The riding on this trip is NOT for beginner riders.
                All rider participants must be strong intermediate riders and above.
                        Helmet riders must bring their own helmet. Helmets are highly recommended. Itinerary for our Costa Rica Jungle ‘Pura Vida’ Trek:

March 16^th Day 1: Ground Transportation to your ‘base camp’. It is a 3 hour drive from either SJO or LIR. Welcome Dinner at Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat. March 17^th Day 2: Choose horses and participate in traditional Costa Rican Tope in Monterrey- a small, typical Costa Rica Town. Hours in the Saddle: +/- 4 March 18^th Day 3: Waterfall Ride. Ride through pastures, rivers, and rainforest. Go for a refreshing swim at the waterfall in the rainforest and then head to ‘Finca Tuete’ a working dairy farm. Hours in the Saddle: 4 March 19^th DAY 4: Trek to Venado Valley. Ride across countryside through open pastures, rainforest and country roads to ‘Finca Ojo de Agua’ in Venado Valley. This 90 acre horse farm has over 40 acres of protected, primary rainforest and is bordered by the beautiful Rio Nilo. It has a large outdoor arena and a small indoor arena. Hours in the saddle: 6.March 20^th Day 5: Cowboy Games. Costa Rican guides have organized a fun filled day of cowboy related cultural activities…full of surprises and competition! While no formal "trail riding" this day, there will be time in the saddle participating in these ‘Cowboy Games’.March 21^st Day 6: Rainforest and Mountain Ridge Ride. Enjoy stunning views of the Arenal Volcano riding through rainforests, pastures and country roads.  Return to Finca Tuete. Hours in the saddle: 6
March 22^nd DAY 7: Day at Liberty. Free morning to ride and play at liberty. Take the opportunity to ride bareback, practice new skills and swim with your horse in a pond! Or choose to relax for the morning and then we will all head to The Springs Resort and Spa in the afternoon for a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Goodbye Dinner at Leaves and Lizards in the evening.
March 23^rd DAY 8: After breakfast transportation back to the airport.
This will be a one-of-a-kind ride to remember! The Dates for the trip are March16th to 23rd, 2013
Registration is $3000 per riding participant and $2800 for non-riders.

Register for the trip at
http://www.leavesandlizards.com/
or by calling: 1-888-828-9248Part of the proceeds from this trip will support Vinculo con Caballo, the therapeutic riding program at Leaves and Lizards Retreat. Important Notes:
Air fare required from your origination will be to SJO or LIR airports. All flights must land by 11 am on March 16^th or you will need to fly in on the March 15^th, and spend the night near the airport. Departing flights on March 23^rd should not depart before 12 noon. All Participants must provide proof of travel accident insurance and are strongly urged to purchase trip cancellation insurance in case of unexpected emergencies. Minimum age for trekkers is 16.

Included in the rate:·         Transportation to and from Leaves and Lizards and either SJO or LIR airport IS included in the rate. ·         3 meals per day. Special diets can be accommodated, in most cases.·         Single travelers may be paired with other single travelers, only if necessary for space. You may inquire about a single supplement fee if you prefer not to share a room.·         50% deposit is due to confirm your reservation. Your place is not confirmed until the deposit is received.·         50% balance due 45 days before the trek. ·         In the unlikely event of a trip cancellation by Best of America by Horseback due to insufficient participants, full refunds will be made.·         Otherwise, since cancellations will not receive a refund, you are encouraged to purchase travel cancellation insurance to cover unexpected emergencies that may cause cancellation of plans. ·         NOTE: This vacation is all-inclusive except that airfare to/from Costa Rica, alcohol, soda pop, and tips are not included.