Welcome to the Ranch!
Welcome to Horses by Jose!🌵
We are so glad you’ve joined us today. You’re currently heading away from the city and into the heart of Baja’s horse country. Sit back, relax, and get ready for a true ranch experience.
A Family Business at Heart
When you ride with Horses by Jose, you aren’t just a customer—you are a guest of the family. Our ranch is run on love, hard work, and deep roots.
Jose & Erin: Jose leads the herd with decades of Baja ranching experience, while Erin (Jose’s partner) keeps the ranch running smoothly and is like a mother to the whole crew.
The Next Generation: You’ll see Jose’s son, Alex, and Junior (who is like a son to Jose) leading the way.
The Helping Hands: Even the younger kids helping out around the stables are Jose’s nephews and grandkids—learning the traditions of the vaquero from a young age.
We truly feel like one big family here—from the 28 horses and the ranch animals to our team and the guests who visit us. We are so delighted to share our little piece of heaven with you today.
What to Expect Today
Your adventure starts at our ranch in La Mision. Once you arrive, we will:
Match you with a horse that fits your experience level.
Get everyone saddled up and comfortable.
Head out for a ride through some of the most diverse landscapes in Northern Baja.
The Route: We’ll wind through the trails of the Estuary, a protected bird sanctuary. Keep an eye out for Great Blue Herons, Egrets, and hawks. From there, we’ll ride along the river and out onto Playa La Mision—widely considered one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the region.
Meet the Ranch Crew
Beyond our 28 horses, the ranch is run by a cast of local characters you’re sure to meet:
Pacas the Puppy: Our official (and very enthusiastic) greeting committee.
Jesus the Cat: The true boss of the ranch. You’ll likely find him napping in a sunbeam or supervising the tack room.
Guajolote: Our resident Turkey! In Spanish, Guajolote literally means Turkey—he’s so iconic we just named him after what he is.
The Next Generation: On your way in, keep an eye on the parcela (pasture) just a short distance from the ranch. You’ll see 8 of our young horses out there. They are the future of our riding team!
A Little Local History
You are visiting a very special part of Mexico.
The Name: Our town is named for the Misión de San Miguel Arcángel, an 18th-century Spanish mission located right here in the valley.
Horse Culture: This is a rural community where the horse is still at the center of life.
The Dance: La Mision is the official birthplace of the Calabazeada—a high-energy "cowboy dance" that mimics the movements of working horses and livestock.
Take a Piece of the Ranch Home
Want to remember your ride? We have ranch gear available at the gift station!
T-Shirts: $20
Baseball Caps: $25
Cozy Sweatshirts: $40
Colors: Generally available in Gray, Black, and Burgundy. Just ask us about your size!
One Last Tip
Our guides will be taking photos and videos of you throughout the ride so you don't have to worry about your phone. Just breathe in the salt air and enjoy the connection with your horse.
See you at the ranch!— The Horses by Jose Team
Thank you again for hosting us. This is such a highlight of our trip and the only repeat thing my daughter wanted to do!
-Stephanie
adventure awaits
My granddaughter and I were on a cruise and decided to go horseback riding with Horses by Jose while in Ensanada. My granddaughter's dream was to gallop along the beach. Jose, Junior, Erin, and Zeus made sure she got to Live Her Dream.
If you love horseback riding or just want to give it a try you will not be disappointed. They take pictures and videos (no charge) so you can focus on fun. They are happy to accomodate all skill levels and ensure that everyone has an amazing ride. My granddaughter lived her dream and this grandma got to share the experience and create cherished memories.
THANK YOU, hope to see you again. - Traci
We are two for two in awesome horseback riding experiences with Erin and Jose. We’ve only been to Ensenada twice, and the family has chosen this cruise ship experience both times. It’s not your basic trail ride. While it starts with a trail ride, you head to the beach where they let you loose to ride at your pace/ability. One daughter just walks along the waves, while my other daughter and I get ours racing in a flat out run along the beach. The second time we had a bit more time in Ensenada, so Erin planned an incredibly special food and drink experience with tacos and margaritas! Could not have enjoyed our time more. - Casey
