Testimonials

The trail ride is the culmination of everything I learned from the first five sessions I’ve had with Rancho Mati! Aside from the beautiful scenery the trail provided, it also offered an excellent application to practice the gaits I’ve learned so far.

The trail ride also made my balance better and increased my horse’s responsiveness to my commands. Overall, I gained so much confidence after the trail ride and it resulted to a stronger bond between my horse and I. 

I look forward to learning other gaits so I can apply it the next time I do trail riding!!

Ranho Mati has got to be best equestrian center in the Philippines. The staff here are knowledgeable and extremely friendly, teaching you step by step how to ride a horse properly. On top of this, they make sure that all riders are safe. In just 1 month of consistent visits, I was able to achieve my goal of cantering. Highly recommend this place for anyone interested in dressage/show jumping. Rancho Mati operates like a family, and I’m grateful to have discovered this place.

If I were to describe Rancho Mati in three words, it would be rest, growth, and joy. Ever since the pandemic hit, it seemed like our world was spinning around with all the chaos around us. Discovering Rancho Mati was like discovering a pause. A safe space to connect with yourself and God’s creations. I am able to thrive as an individual and as a rider. My riding lessons always push me to give my 100 percent. The instructors, crew, and even the horses have been so patient and supportive in every session I’ve had and I’ve never left the ranch without a big smile on my face. I can definitely say that spending my weekends at Rancho Mati is one of the biggest joys in my life.

It's always a good investment investing on a new skill. Before even finding out about Rancho Mati, I have always been ecstatic and excited to ride horses. Learning from Rancho Mati made me ride confidently and at ease. The proper training of basic riding skills, understanding the horse's body language, and appreciating the art of it all were worth every sweat and hours under the sun. The people there were very gentle and accommodating and at the same time, would dare you to be strong in asserting your control up on that saddle. My riding sessions became my fresh air in a week's worth of work. It's a skill that I am still learning that's definitely worth investing on, and worth sharing stories with.

There came a point in my life when things were so overwhelming that I couldn’t sleep. There have been times when I’m so preoccupied with problems that I couldn’t function well. That’s when I realized I’m starting to have anxiety. I prayed unceasingly about everything, and God redirected me to this center through my friend, Patricia.

It was my first day of class in Rancho Mati when Bea handed me over an alcohol with a printed Bible verse from Philippians 4:6 that says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I knew right then and there that this was the place God brought me to take a rest, meditate, surrender, and just feel His loving presence. 

Since then, riding has been my therapy in capping off my stressful week from work. It allowed me to take my mind off anything that has been worrying me out and just focus on myself and the horse. For me, it’s more than just a sport. It’s about building partnership between the horse and the rider. Riding helped me improve my balance and coordination as I direct the horse in different directions. It also taught me how to be a good listener and learn to understand what the horse is telling through their body language – when its time to walk, trot, or canter. Lastly, horses know exactly what we are feeling, and they mirror it back when riding! Certainly, they are a great teacher of self-awareness. 

Rancho Mati provided a place that enabled me to overcome my anxiety and reminded me to be grateful for all the blessings God has given. I have always felt gratitude towards the staff, the people, and the community of riders around me since I started joining the center. I think it’s one of the best things about thankfulness – the more you express it, the more you notice things to be grateful for. It provides a different perspective in life and reminds you not to be overwhelmed by temporary circumstances. Perhaps what I’m feeling testifies the core values the center instills to its riders more than anything else!

Breathe, pray, ride and let go.