Posted: 18th March 2020 | Back to news feed

There may be restrictions on your current travel plans, but there's nothing stopping us from indulging in a little travel inspiration, our "Top five places to Saddle Up" supplying you with ready-made reasons to book a riding holiday once we turn the corner.

We've covered all the bases, from fabulous family-friendly summer ranches to fall "adult-only" experiences, so hit the trail with us and let the Ranch Rider team provide the spark for your next equestrian adventure.

Lying east of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming's 650,000-acre Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is focused on horseback riding, horsemanship and working cattle, its string of 130 horses including Quarter Horses, Paints and a growing number of Mustangs - 30 in total available to ride. While it's usually an adult affair at this luxury property, in the summer the ranch opens its gates to guests with kids as young as eight years - families practising the art of "togethering." Combine guided riding and fishing with a stop at a local mountain stream, swap your saddle for a mountain bike and explore the surrounding landscape, learn how to work the cattle with a qualified wrangler and at the end of the trail take a dip - the new lap pool resembling an infinity pool as you swim directly towards Shell Canyon and the Big Horn Mountains. Six-nights with Ranch Rider from £2,690pp (two sharing) and from £2,289pp (eight to 11 years) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from £190 return from Cody (based on two people + £40pp each additional) and return flights from £889pp and from £774 (under 12 years). http://ranchrider.com/ranch.php?ranch=30


Picture your home away from home set in a secluded location in the Pike National Forest - a whole week spent horse riding and revelling in the splendour of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Showcasing the ways of the West for over 100 years, Colorado's Lost Valley Guest Ranch is open to families in the summer, and come autumn it caters to grown-ups, so if your significant other is a reluctant greenhorn or you are saddling up solo, this is the perfect place to meet other equestrians who share your passion. A choice of "Ride, Ride, Ride," Horsemanship and Round up weeks are available at the end of the season, and even better still you'll be booking the ranch's best value rates - a seven-night stay priced from only £1,675pp (no single supplement).  The price includes accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from $120 (return from Denver) and return flights from £889pp. http://ranchrider.com/ranch.php?ranch=7


We have several year-round properties in our handpicked collection of ranches, which means you can saddle up at any time of year - Arizona one of our most popular states.  Part of the Good 'Ole American West, Tombstone epitomises the spirit of the country's early pioneers, several hundred mining claims setting it firmly on its path to becoming one of the most famous 1800s boomtowns and an enduring part of the frontier history. Fortunate for fans of this enchanting era - the Tombstone Monument Ranch lies only three miles west of its namesake, its playful exterior (its buildings a replica of what you might expect to see back in the day) no match for its more challenging adventures, the fast canters taking you across the rough and ready dusty tracks. Gallop your way to Fairbank, on the all-day ride - Tombstone's original railhead once the departure point for the ore pulled from the city’s silver mines and the scene for one of the old West’s last great train robberies - the heist led by lawman turned outlaw, Burt Alvord. Unspoilt as far as the eye can see, the dramatic landscape surrounding the ranch is in many ways still the real wild west, the trails showcasing ancient Indian petroglyphs, abandoned railroad grades and trestles, forgotten mines and old prospector’s monuments - including that of Ed Schieffelin, the man who discovered the mineral deposits that triggered the Tombstone silver stampede. Seven nights from £1,260pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes return flights from £879pp. http://ranchrider.com/ranch.php?ranch=60


Offering "cowboy comfort with history and hospitality," Saskatchewan's fifth-generation Historic Reesor Working Ranch (founded in 1904) is the first in the province to be designated as a Provincial Heritage Property, the owners giving their guests an insight into a lifestyle that has seen few changes over the course of more than a century. Cattle drives, riding fence lines, cattle health checks, scenic horseback adventures and typical ranch chores are on the list of must-do pursuits, the rides (and guided ATV tours) taking you across the Cypress Hills and leaving you with spectacular views of the seemingly endless Canadian Prairies. You will also be visiting the home of a genuine cowboy poet, ranch owner Scott Reesor weaving this distinctly western artform into the informal evening entertainment. A treasured bonding experience, brush and saddle your own horse on a daily basis -the ranch's longer rides challenging more experienced riders, and the weekly "Cattle Drive 101" an exhilarating experience for everyone. Seven-nights from £1,149pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes car hire from £340, gratuities (left to guests discretion) and return flight from £989pp. Departing 01 June to 30 September. http://ranchrider.com/ranch.php?ranch=40

 

Keen on conservation? Stay at South Africa's Ant Collection in the malaria-free Waterberg - the region home to the country's second-largest rhino population. The owners offer valuable insight into the plight of these horned mammals through their non-profit "Save The Waterberg Rhino," and a learning holiday for little ones, ’Bug & Spoor’ experiences allow younger guests to step into the shoes of a ranger. Expect some show-stopping animal encounters on your week-long stay, a wide variety of plains game and the endangered rhino living and grazing amongst the horses. Post sundowners in the bush, retire to World’s View cottage, the property complete with its own private pool, a waterfall shower and a bath with a view (the outdoor tub overlooking the open savannah) - the perfect place to steal away for your own secret safari without the kids. Walking safaris, optional Big Five game drives and night sky safaris also feature on the list of pursuits - and an opportunity to play a small part in preserving the majestic rhino - the price of the holiday includes a conservation fee. Six nights with Ranch Rider from £2,350pp (based on four people sharing) and from £989pp (up to 11 years) including accommodation, meals, drinks, riding safaris, and game drives and taxes. Excludes transfers from £450 (two people) and gratuities left to guests discretion and return flights from £879pp and from £765pp (under 12 years). Any day departures, year-round. http://ranchrider.com/ranch.php?ranch=41


For more riding holiday inspiration visit Ranch Rider (01509 618 811; ranchrider.com) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.

The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.

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