Readying for the Ranch
The Ranch is working land: 39 acres under conservation easement, a herd of formerly wild mustangs, and very few walls. A little preparation lets you arrive present. Read through, then complete the form at the bottom before your session.
Henrico, Virginia
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Travel & Parking
The Ranch sits in Eastern Henrico, a short drive from downtown Richmond.
Flying in
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the closest airport. Rideshare and taxis serve the Ranch, but return pickups can take a while in the countryside, so book your ride back ahead of time.
Driving
Use the street address above. Map apps can lead you to the wrong drive on rural roads: look for the Tomorrow Co. sign at the gate and go slowly on the gravel.
Parking
Park in the marked visitor area and walk in from there. Please don't drive past the parking area, onto the grass, or near the horse paddocks.
Arrival
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your start time to settle, find the restroom, and get coffee. If you're running late, let your contact know so the group can wait for you.
The Land & What to Wear
Most of the work happens outside: in the arena, the meadow, the cedar grove, and the treehouse. Rain doesn't stop us. The arena is covered, so the day goes ahead as planned. Dangerous weather, such as lightning or extreme heat, is a reason to reschedule, and we'll contact your organizer if that happens.
Wear
- Closed-toe shoes or boots you don't mind getting muddy. No sandals around the horses.
- Layers. Mornings and evenings run cooler than the forecast suggests.
- A rain shell, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Clothes you can sit on the ground in.
Bring
- A refillable water bottle.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Any personal medication you may need during the day, including an inhaler or EpiPen.
Ticks & terrain
Ground is uneven: roots, gravel, and pasture. Stay on mown paths where you can, and do a tick check when you get home.
We can accommodate a range of physical abilities. Our UTV can carry you between sites across the property, so long walks aren't required. At this time we're unable to accommodate guests who use a wheelchair or other mobility device. If you have questions about your needs, reply to your invitation email before your session.
The Herd
Our mustangs were born wild. They are part of the work, and they are still animals with their own boundaries. Their safety and yours depend on a few simple rules.
- Approach a horse only with a facilitator present.
- Never enter a paddock or the arena with horses on your own.
- Don't feed the horses, including treats or grass from your hand.
- Stay out of the area directly behind a horse.
- Move calmly, speak at a normal volume, and keep your hands visible.
- If a horse walks away from you, let it go. That is information, not rejection.
- Tell a facilitator before the session if you're nervous around horses. You can take part fully from outside the fence.
No horse experience is needed. Nobody rides. Horse activities are ground-based and always optional.
Earth Closets
The Ranch uses composting toilets, which we call earth closets. They use no water and keep waste out of the land and the watershed. They're clean, ventilated, and odor-free when used properly.
How to use them
- Sit to use the toilet, every time.
- Toilet paper goes in the toilet.
- Close the lid when you're done.
If you poop, take a scoop. If you pee, you're free. After a bowel movement, add one scoop of cover material from the bin. After peeing, skip it: extra cover tips the compost too far toward brown material.
Please keep out
- Wipes of any kind, including "flushable" ones.
- Menstrual products. Use the trash bin provided.
- Trash, food, or liquids poured in.
Hand-washing and sanitizer stations are next to each earth closet.
Breastfeeding parents: with a bit of notice, we'll run power to an earth closet so you can pump in private, in our rocking chair. Let us know in the form below.
Being Here
A few norms that help the group get the most from the place.
Phones
We ask for phones to be put away during sessions. Breaks are built in to check messages. If you're on call, tell your facilitator at arrival.
Food & water
Drinking water is always available. Let us know about dietary needs in the form below.
Your pace
Every activity is an invitation. Stepping back from any part of the day is always fine. Tell us what you need.
Your Details & Agreements
One form per participant. It takes about five minutes.
See you at the Ranch.
Thank you. Your details and agreements are on file. Bring boots, layers, and a water bottle.
Questions before your visit? Reply to the email that brought you this link.