From Sunrise to Sunset...

ESCAPE TO RANCHO DEL LAGO!

CLINICS, GETAWAYS and EVENTS...

There is a special place, conveniently located in central Texas, with breathtaking vistas by day, countless stars by night and horses who would love to meet you.  Enjoy total immersion with horses in beautiful surroundings.  See Andalusians, Haflingers, Aztecas, Hispano Arabs, Icelandics and gaited Peruvian horses from National Championship bloodlines on 3 continents.  A dozen Champions, including 6 National Champions in 3 different breeds call Rancho Del Lago their home.

One of the great things about horses is that, no matter what your level of experience, you never stop learning and growing.  Whether you want to improve your horsemanship, get some quality family time or just chill out, a getaway at Rancho Del Lago is a great investment. Our staff have helped dozens of people with everything from how to shop for a horse, to teaching their horse to play basketball.

                                        photo of Marquesa by K Bar M, others by the Henslee family

For more info, e-mail walterhenslee@yahoo.com or phone (979 292 5784 or 512 273 2525)

photo of Magico, left and Legendario, far right by K Bar M, others by the Henslee family

Events in 2008:

April (tentative timing) - We have volunteered to be a Host site for the ANCEE Revision/Inscription team in Texas.  We are currently trying to determine the level of demand in Central Texas and work with other potential host sites.  E mail us immediately to reserve space.

June 7 - Clinic/Open House in conjunction with the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse at Rancho Del Lago, McDade, Tx (30 min east of Austin).  Olympic level dressage clinician Carol McArdle (click for bio) and a free evaluation by Leslie Cummings, (click for bio) Dressage schooling show judge and Prix Saint Georges level competitor, will highlight another all star cast this year.  

Other Rancho Del Lago Clinics on available on demand.  Select a basic program, or with advance notice, we can build a customized clinic to meet your specific needs and interests.  Additional riding lessons are available at a discount to guests.  Featuring: Ruperto Vasquez Salinas (halter and gaited horse trainer); Nancy Smith (English dressage, hunter/jumper trainer) and the Henslee family on Business Concepts, Groundwork, Clicker Training and How to Exhibit Your Horse. 

1) Horsemanship Clinic

Friday PM: Ranch tour and orientation.  Safety, meet the breeds, dinner, settle into quarters, videos, assessment of experience level

Saturday AM: Breakfast, groundwork or morning ride, instruction and feedback on cues and equitation

Saturday Mid Day: Free time, lunch

Saturday PM:  Halter handling and presentation, help with afternoon feeding, dinner

Saturday Late afternoon / evening: Free time, videos, photography, explore nearby towns

Sunday AM: Breakfast, optional topics (photography, horses as a tax deductible business, overcoming undesirable habits, etc)

2) Weekend Getaway / Family Bonding 

Friday PM: Ranch tour and orientation.  Safety, meet the breeds, dinner, settle into quarters, goal setting for weekend

Saturday AM: Breakfast, groundwork or morning ride, instruction and feedback on cues and equitation

Saturday Mid Day: Free time, lunch

Saturday PM:  Hike, swim, hang out with horses, photography, gather eggs, help with afternoon feeding, dinner

Saturday Late afternoon / evening: Free time, videos, or explore nearby towns (Elgin, Bastrop, Austin, Round Top)

Sunday AM: Breakfast and meditation, pick a topic of interest to you (photography, communication with your horse, trick training, how to find the right horse, etc)

Just a taste - We can share what we've learned the hard way, from hundreds of books, tapes, articles, seminars, and clinics, combined with over 80 man years of experience by our staff with multiple breeds of horses. Choose from topics like -

• How to shop for a horse and negotiate the best price
• Safety - What you don't know can hurt you, and your horse
• The importance of groundwork; gaining communication and respect
• Setting your equine operation up as a business; pros and cons; tax consequences
• Fencing, barns, corrals and paddocks
• How to buy tack that fits your horse
• Feed, nutrition and supplements
• Breeding, foaling, imprinting
• When to call the vet and when to treat it yourself
• Types of horse trailers; loading and unloading

Did you know?

• When shopping for a horse, demand to see the horse being caught and tacked. Be certain that the owner or trainer rides before you climb aboard and shows you how to cue the horse. Start off in a confined area, like a corral or paddock.
• Did you know that a run-in shed can be depreciated over a 7 year period if it's called a feeding facility but must be depreciated over a 20 year period if it's called a barn or stable?
• How do you easily know if the saddle you're about to buy at the tack store or auction will even fit the back of your horse? Do you really want to find out when you get home?

RATES

• Full weekend customized getaways and clinics - Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Orientation plus activities and instruction. Room Queen bed and  private bath, including breakfast, lunch and snacks.  Horse boarding is available if you want to bring your horses, on a space available basis at $12 per day per horse.  Must be current on shots, worming and Coggins.

• Rates

  Single night, single occupancy                $150

  Single night, double occupancy              $195
  Two nights, 3 days, single occupancy     $295
  Two nights, 3 days, double occupancy    $395

  Two night package price for four            $595

  Two night package price for six              $895

  Two night package price for eight          $1195

A booking fee of 1/3 will secure your reservation by personal check, money order or Pay Pal over the internet.  This is non refundable, but we will work to accommodate unexpected changes necessitated by emergencies or extremely inclement weather.  We are not currently able to accept credit cards except via Pay Pal. 

Getting There:
Rancho Del Lago is located just 4 miles north of Hwy 290 at McDade, 12 miles east of Elgin, Tx., about 30 miles east of Austin, Tx. The nearest airport is Austin Bergstrom (about 45 minutes away). 

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RDL Bloodlines of Peruvians, Andalusians, Andalusian crosses

Dr. & Mrs. Walter Henslee, 156 Martin Ranch Rd, McDade, TX 78650

Phone 512-273-2525 (home) or 979-292-5784 (cell)