Reto Rauch

Reto grew up in the Lower Engadine, in the rustic village of Sent, and still lives there today with his wife and two children. However, Reto has spent a lot of time on the farm since he took over. «It's worked out that way and is more efficient for me, especially in the morning, when I stay in San Jon the night before,» reports Reto. His family visits him regularly – especially at the weekends, his daughter and son are with him and give him lots of support. Livio helps him diligently with feeding the horses – Flurina likes to take care of the horses and helps the guests with saddling and grooming.

Reto takes us into his everyday life and behind the scenes of the San Jon riding stable and saloon.

Reto starts the day with a fixed routine: every morning at 5.30 a.m., he is the first to go into the stables and feed the horses. «I really appreciate this time – during feeding I enjoy the peace and quiet and the atmosphere as the day slowly dawns and the sun's rays fall over the mountain peaks. And if one of the horses isn't feeling well, I notice it sooner than if the animal is in the herd throughout the day.» Today, Reto has the support of his son. Distributing the hay takes about 45 minutes. The horses eat around 600 kilos a day – in addition to the fresh grass during the daily grazing.

After the horses have been looked after, it's the guests' turn. Breakfast is freshly prepared every day, and Reto attaches great importance to using regional ingredients. «Regionality in the kitchen is very important to me – if we can't source the produce from the Engadin, we switch to Swiss products.» Reto is also consistent when it comes to the drinks. For a few guests, this meant getting used to and switching to products that are not so familiar. But on the whole, the new concept has been well received and guests are curious to try unfamiliar dishes or drinks prepared by Reto and his team.

Despite this impressive selection, Reto only rarely goes on rides. Instead, his wife Yvonne and daughter Flurina are often out and about with the horses. Since taking over the riding stable and saloon, he has been very busy with office work. There have been a few changes: For example, Reto introduced work processes that make it easier to plan the working day with 45 horses and the scheduling of employees. «As soon as the work processes have levelled out, I will certainly have more time again to help with the horses in the stables and go for rides.»

For Reto, it is extremely important that he can separate himself from the company and enjoy his private life with his family. «I want to be there when my daughter goes skiing, for example, or when my son Livio wants to go on a mountain tour with me. I take this time for myself and enjoy these breaks with the family.» This means a certain amount of change for the business on San Jon, as well as good cooperation with a well-coordinated team. «I do spend more time than expected at San Jon, but I'm not available 24/7. The tasks are divided up within the team - we support each other and this works very well.»

As part of his agricultural training, Reto was looking for a business where he could apply the practical part and incorporate the theory. This is how he came to San Jon and witnessed the development of the riding stable and saloon. «The business has grown very close to my heart over the years.» When the opportunity arose to take over San Jon, Reto was initially surprised – it was something he had always wanted, but had never really expected to take over the business. As we all know, good opportunities come your way when you least expect them. This was also the case for Reto. Within six months, he took over the riding stable and saloon in a smooth transition. Reto had worked with the previous owners, Men and Brigitte, for over 27 years and the three of them had a long-standing and good friendship.

The multi-day rides – such as the three-country rides and two-day rides into Val Müstair – are very popular with employees. These treks are also suitable for beginners. However, a certain level of fitness is required as well as enjoyment of riding and horses. «Otherwise it will be long days when you realise after two hours that riding doesn't appeal to you,» says Reto with a laugh. Although he doesn't have much free time for riding at the moment, Reto makes an exception today. Together with his daughter Flurina, he is going to Bain Crotsch to see Agata, the biggest horse in the Engadin.

Reto would also like to continue cultivating the potato field and organising a festival afterwards. Volunteers meet in San Jon, harvest the potatoes together and enjoy delicious dishes, the main ingredient of which comes from the soil just a few metres away. No modern tools are used, even during planting. The field is ploughed with 2 hp, so that the potatoes can just sprout out of the ground in all directions and be collected. The next potato harvest followed by a festival is planned for autumn 2025.

With the takeover of San Jon, Reto has taken a big step into a new phase of his life and does not regret his decision. After giving up his previous business – the «Bieraria Tschlin» brewery and other small projects – he has made a fresh start at the age of 48 and fulfilled a long-cherished dream.

Pictures and text: Michelle Zbinden