Notes From An EqScape Newbie

Thanks to one of our fantastic ladies from last year for sharing these great tips!

Figuring Things Out

- If you have a question, someone else has almost certainly already asked it. Search the FB group for #EqScape and you will find pictures, questions and answers, and just about everything you could need to know about the trip.

Travel & Arrival

- The easiest way is to fly into Tucson (TUS) and arrange the ranch shuttle.

- The second option is to fly into Phoenix (PHX) and drive approximately two hours.

Packing Tips

- Check the PWE Facebook group for the official packing list, or it's available HERE

- Highly recommend: A saddle cushion (like a Chevaroo) for comfort, a scarf to manage dust on rides, and allergy medicine/nasal saline gel.

- Helmets are available, but many bring their own. If you see someone with a riding helmet on their head on your plane, it's probably a PWE headed to TV. Wide-brimmed hats are helpful for sun protection.

- Wear what you want. Don't pack anything fancy. There's no dressing up for dinner, just come in your riding clothes. Pants are required for the dining room, no swimsuits, so bring a cover up or your favorite chaps.

- Western or English riding pants and boots are fine. Jeans provide better protection from the cactus spines, and they are a real threat out on the trails. Riding Warehouse is a great resource, and remember to use our discount code. Ariat, Wrangler, and Kimes Ranch are favorite brands. Justins or Ariats make good affordable western boots.

- There is a Boot Barn in Tucson, so if you want an in person trip to a western store, someone usually has a car or can uber there for a shopping spree.

Accommodations & Booking

- PWE has a designated person for sign-ups. Contact them to arrange your stay. This may change from year to year, so check the official announcements under the Events tab on the PWE page for current info.

- Arrangements include single ($600+/night) and double ($400+/night) rooms. Room configurations vary (two beds, pull-out couch).

- If you need a roommate, ask on the PWE page or let Tanque Verde know during sign-up.

- Travel Insurance is HIGHLY recommended due to the ranch's strict cancellation policy (e.g., Allianz).

Ranch Amenities

- Rooms have a mini-fridge and small coffee machine.

- A 24/7 room outside the dining area offers free coffee, tea, fruit, and granola bars.

- We can usually con the shuttle driver into stopping at the local Safeway on the way to the ranch to grab snacks and booze.

- Amenities include an outdoor pool, a large jacuzzi, a small indoor pool, and a workout room.

- The Doghouse Saloon is the main spot for evening gatherings and drinks.

Dining & Tipping

- Most food and activities are included in the package price.

- You will sign a food bill for every meal and write in a tip. Food costs are removed from your final bill; only tips are charged.

- Ballpark Tip: Breakfast $4, Lunch $6, Dinner $8-$10.

- Meals typically offer a buffet and/or a menu to order from from breakfast and lunch. Dinner will be sit down this year, staggered in about 15 minute intervals for seating so we don't stress out the staff.

- The Cowboy Cookout (BBQ, live music, bar tab) is held twice a week.

Activities

- Sign-ups: Open at midnight one week prior to the activity day. While certain activities (like team penning) may fill up, waiting lists or requests often secure a spot due to last-minute cancellations.

- DO NOT stress about signing up for everything. Even if the ride you want is full on the sign ups, wander down and see if there is room. It is almost guaranteed that someone will have signed up and be drunk by the pool and fail to show up. You can get on almost every ride you want, and if not, wait an hour and there is another one. The exceptions are the sunset and adventure rides, as those tend to fill up.

- Horseback Riding: Options include Sunset, Breakfast (highly recommended for the blueberry pancakes!), Adventure, Walking, Intermediate (walk and trot), and Lope Rides.

- Lope Check: Required every six months to participate in Lope Rides. It can be challenging; taking an intermediate lesson first is helpful.

- Other Activities: Jeep Tours, Pickleball, Tennis, Yoga, Falconry, Silversmithing (jewelry/figurines), Leatherwork (belts/tags).

PWE Fun

- Scavenger Hunt: Torree posts daily clues on WhatsApp for raffle tickets. Write your name on the tickets and drop them in the container for your desired prize during the last night's Cookout.

- Contact Val Norton, if you have connections for raffle prize donations.

- A swag bag with fun items and discounts is provided.

- Many wear a unicorn onesie to the final Saturday Cowboy Cookout!

This trip is an amazing experience shared with wonderful women who love horses and practice medicine. I’ve already signed up for next year and see why this annual trip is a must!