By Carla White via Baja.com

Some might call this a Pony Tale, but it is a story of good works, happy outcomes and Baja travelers who see Mexico in a way they never thought possible. It about Pretty Horses of Baja Rescue (and how everyday travelers can support the cause by visiting, riding and playing with the ponies — not to mention wine tasting, eating BBQ and more).

Here is a happy horse who now lives off the beaten track thanks to All the Pretty Horses of Baja Rescue

The main highway from north to south through Baja parallels the coastline, running through Playas, Rosarito, Puerto Nuevo, Cantamar, and southward. At many points along this route, visitors can stop off at restaurants and bars for some tacos and beer, or drive down a road to find a snatch of beach, or pop into an abarrotes (mini-mart) store for a soda. They then can continue on their merry way to Ensenada or other fun destinations. But there is a lucky few who, by word of mouth or cosmic fortune, find a spot off the beaten track to the east of the highway near PrimoTapia (around kilometer 46), up in the lomas near Rancho Macias, where Pretty Horses Rescue has worked its magic: Here, horses clamber on scrubby open hillsides framed by the vast vistas of Pacific Ocean and overlooking a strangely verdant area known as Descanso. The visitors who discover this equine sanctuary are changed forever and leave having had a fascinating, off-the-beaten-track kind of experience that will be a lasting memory.

But how did it start? What inspired someone like Krystal Redmon to dream up this horse-bitten concept? Well, it began about five years ago, with a horse named "Miss Bones," and a happen-chance visit to a ramshackle horse rental operation, where Krystal spotted the sad looking mare – and her sad-looking baby, "Rocket." A number of visits later, a payment to the owners and some tender moments spent walking on the dunes near Primo Tapia finally resulted in Miss Bones being brought with her foal to her new home with Krystal. Suffice it to say, things soon were going better for Miss Bones and for a number of other animals in varying states of sorry repair. The rescue had gone from an adoption to an operation…and continues. But Krystal's mission is to not let people forget to help. Just because there is a place for needy equines doesn't mean there is money and support to pay for it. Horses keep coming, all the time. Some in better shape than others.

Pretty Horses Rescue raises money through hillside rides, barbecues, wine tastings and more to save the horses and bring them new life.

Thanks to Pretty Horses Rescue, Miss Bones is living her life and meeting children, families and Baja travelers who want to explore the off-the-beaten track areas of Baja Norte and who relish the idea of being able to share the special moments of nature and vistas with these gentle horses who seem to know that they are loved and cared for.
(One recent visitor there, Ruth Rockwell who lives in Bajamar, noted, "This group takes the horses out of Rancho Macias. I went on a ride, and it was INCREDIBLE. So many horses and cows and wildlife running free. We stopped at 3 places for wine and cheese. Then had a barbecue at Rancho Macias!"

Pretty Horses Rescue is having a holiday event to help raise funds to support the cause. According to Krystal, there will be a lot of horsing around and some great fun. The event will take place in El Pescador (north of Puerto Nuevo), and will feature music by 'The Lonesome Cowboys', Texas Barbecue, auctions, a meeting with Miss Bones herself, and there will be the satisfaction of knowing that 100% of all proceeds will benefit Pretty Horses Rescue.

What is the Event: All the Pretty Horses of Baja Rescue for cowgirls and cowboys who care!
Where: At El Pescador, kilometer 44
When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 2013, 1 p.m.
What to Expect: Texas BBQ, a kissing booth, and some fun!
How to Dress: Cowboy casual.

______

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for Baja, California, supported by a full-service travel agency staffed with local "Travel Savants".Baja.com offers Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. To contact Baja.com, call 855-BAJA-411 or email info@baja.com.