Raul’s childhood experiences would prove to provide the platform from which he would realize his future dreams of training, riding, teaching others to ride, and living with horses every day at Bahía de los Sueños. Raul’s earliest memories are filled with visions of horses. Growing up in Mexico City, one may think that Raul would not have had much, if any, exposure to the equestrian world. Although his father worked as reporter, and his grandfather was in the grocery store business, the family enjoyed horses and rodeo as a sport. They owned horses, and boarded them at an equestrian center outside the city. At every opportunity, his father and grandfather would bring young Raul as they traveled to train their horses, and participate in rodeos throughout the Mexican mainland.

At the young age of ten, Raul’s father sent him away to learn how to train. When he was fourteen, he trained his first horse, Cimarron, a three year old colt. At about this time, Raul started competing in rodeos throughout mainland Mexico. By the age of nineteen, he was a regular figure on the Mexican rodeo circuit, winning awards, and competing in big events.
Even though Raul’s father exposed him to the sport of rodeo at a young age and encouraged his advanced development in training horses and competing, he yearned for Raul to receive a formal education, and pursue a modern career. Respecting his father’s desire that he graduate and become a mainstream business professional, Raul entered into a computer systems administration program. After successfully completing the program and graduating, he accepted a position to oversee a company’s computer operations in Mexico City. The life of horses he once knew and loved had escaped him; he was now confined to an office environment.
After two years, Raul realized that he was not being true to himself. His dreams and passions were born from his childhood experiences of being around horses; he could no longer ignore this reality. Raul had a burning desire to recapture the equestrian way of life. The monetary rewards of training, rodeo riding, and taking care of horses paled in comparison to the pay he received from his corporate computer related position, yet he realized that his dreams were not about money. Having great respect for his father, Raul reluctantly approached him to inform him of what was on his mind. He explained to his father that his heart belonged with horses, and he wanted to realign himself with this lifestyle. His father hesitated upon hearing about Raul’s desires, yet eventually encouraged him to be true to himself, and lead the life he felt so passionate about.
Cimarron, Raul’s first horse, died at the age of sixteen years old. The horse who he had trained as a boy, showed off at rodeo events, and took such pride in, was now gone. This was a very difficult time for Raul, but his love for horses remained strong. He decided to start his own horse training business. Not only did he train horses, yet he instructed others how to train.

While in mainland Mexico, Raul had a long time affiliation as member of the Mexican Rodeo Federation. This relationship eventually led to his acceptance of the Federation’s offer for him to travel to Baja, Ca, and open Mexican rodeo schools across the state. He moved from the Mexican mainland seventeen years ago to begin this challenge. Since that time, Raul has created seven Mexican rodeo arenas in Baja, including one in La Paz, BCS, and another in Cabo San Lucas, BCS.
Ultimately, Raul’s equestrian career path led to his decision to call Bahía de los Sueños home in 2005. He was given the opportunity to use his thirty-seven years of experience to create the dream masterpiece equestrian center at the Gran Sueño Resort Hotel, located in the center of Bahía de los Sueños. He strategically placed and designed the stalls, arena, stables, and training ring based on his many years of studying various equestrian design layouts throughout Mexico. The equestrian center grounds at Bahía de los Sueños are spotless; there is no mud because used water is funneled and captured below the ground. The stalls are equipped with removal rubber floor mats, providing comfort for the horses, and more efficient daily cleaning by the equestrian staff. The grounds are covered with lush landscaping, including Palm trees and a wide variety of colorful flowers.


At the time Raul made the decision to establish an elite equestrian center at Bahía de los Sueños, he also thought it was a good time to retire from Mexican rodeo. With the opportunity to make Bahía de los Sueños his final and ultimate destination, he would be able to continue his joy and passion for equestrian activities, yet in a more relaxed environment. His decision was in large part due to the fact that he was overcome, as so many people are, by the beauty of “The Bay of Dreams”. It made sense to him that the equestrian center and the development would be successful not only due to the magnificent beauty of Bahía de los Sueños, yet the opportunity for people to have an ultimate lifestyle.
Bahía de los Sueños is grateful for Raul’s efforts in maintaining the most magnificent equestrian center in Baja, CA. The service he and his staff provide aims to exceed visitor’s expectations. Guests at the Gran Sueño resort hotel have the opportunity to meet with Raul, and take a lesson or escorted arena ride. Trail riding in the foothills of the Laguna Sierra Mountains, or along the white sandy beach of the aqua blue Sea of Cortez can also be arranged.

In addition to world class equestrian adventures, visitors at Bahía de los Sueños can take advantage of unique opportunities such as world class golfing, whale watching, spa treatments, snorkeling with whale sharks, sport fishing, spearfishing, snorkeling with a colony of sea lions, scuba diving, kayaking, sailboarding, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, waverunner riding, hiking, bird watching, tide pool exploring, or a day cruise to Jacques Cousteau Island.
For more information about equestrian or other lifestyle activities at Bahía de los Sueños, contact me at dennis.carr@bahiasuenos.com or (310) 402-2209 ext 4161.