Get ready to do something new on the range as specialist riding holiday operator, Ranch Rider has rounded up a list of exciting 2015 activities, events and set-jetting locations.
Saddle up for a new half day ride at the Tombstone Monument Ranch, the Arizonian city still filled to the brim with tales of lawlessness, battles and silver bullion. Cowboys and girls will stop off for a refreshments at Big Nose Kates - the establishment named after the common law wife of gunfighter, Doc Holliday. One of the most famous western bars in America, the building was formerly The Grand Hotel - the Clantons and McLaurys supposedly staying here the night before the Battle at the OK Corral. Team penning and Old West replica gun shooting are also due to be added to the ranch’s list of pursuits later in the year. Seven nights at the Tombstone Monument Ranch with Ranch Rider from £982pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes return flight from £839pp. Year round departures.
Lonely Planet recently revealed their “Best in the US 2015” list - the travel publisher including South Dakota. This year, the state will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Custer State Park Annual Buffalo Roundup (25 September), when 1,300 buffalos move to their winter grazing territory. Bound to be a major highlight on any self-drive itinerary, the western spectacle can be combined with a riding holiday at the Crow Creek Working Ranch - the perfect place to enjoy a taster of the cowboy lifestyle before seeing this semi-centennial event. Roping, branding, doctoring and cattle gathers are on offer to guests over the ranch season. Seven nights at the Crow Creek Working Ranch with Ranch Rider from £881pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes transfers from £150 (per group) and return flight from £859pp. Departures May to October.
Take to the skies on a new heli-wine tasting tour in British Columbia. After lifting off from the meadow at the Siwash Lake Luxury Guest Ranch the helicopter will fly due west over to the mighty Fraser River, then follow it south; steep valley walls, hoodoos, Jack Jones Rapids and golden grasslands viewed from above. A hike along the sage strewn bench lands is included part way through the adventure, along with wine tasting at the Fort Berens Winery in Lillooet. The town, which is located at the start of the provinces historic Gold Rush Trail is one of British Columbia’s newest emerging wine regions. The boutique ranch offers unlimited riding across its 80,000 acres and horsemanship lessons. Guests can also enjoy a range of treatments at the tented Sigh-wash Spa. Book before 31 March & save (10%) £399pp: six nights at the Siwash Lake Guest Ranch from £3,596pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activites, taxes and gratuities. Excludes, spa treatments, heli-wine tasting tour, car hire from £289 and return flight from £899pp. Departures May to September. Full price £3,995pp.
Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor will be starring in “Jane Got a Gun,” the upcoming indie western due for UK release on 25 September. The movie was shot in Sante Fe, New Mexico - America’s oldest capital. The city is home to a chuckwagon load of history and Billy the Kid is one of its most famous residents. Add in a stay at the Creek Working Ranch in the Pecos River Valley. Around 84 miles from the historic metropolis, the Kid (nicknamed “the fastest gun in the West”) and his gang once rode across the very same terrain. Seasonal activities include branding and cattle drives. Seven nights at the Creek Working Ranch with Ranch Rider from £1,144pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from £75pp and return flight from £859pp. Departures April to October.
The origins of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s world famous Musical Ride hearken back to the mounted precision drills of the Force’s early days. On 21 July a 33 strong troop will visit Fort Walsh. Once home to the famous musical horses, the site was the first headquarters of the force from 1878 to 1882 and the most heavily armed garrison in the days of the early west. Add in a stay at La Reata, the working ranch only a short drive from the Cypress Hills and watch this historic display of pageantry - “The Charge,” the highlight of the event! Seasonal branding and round ups are offered at the ranch and overnight pack trips and rodeo visits are available over the summer months. Book before 31 March and save (10%) £92pp: Seven nights at La Reata Working Ranch with Ranch Rider from only £833pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activites and taxes. Excludes transfers from £110pp and return flight from £959pp. Departing 18 May to 12 October. Full price £925pp.
The Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Kwa-ZuluNatal province covers 6,000 acres. A wide variety of game roam across the bushveld; giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, hartebeest and impala often sighted while out on horseback. The luxury safari lodge also serves award winning cuisine at the the El Prado Restaurant, and this year (opening dates to be confirmed) guests will have the opportunity to be pampered at the newly built spa. Six nights with Ranch Rider from £829pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, riding safari and game drives, use of facilities and taxes. Excludes car hire from £225pp and return flight from £839pp. Year round departures.
Ranch Rider (01509 618 811; ranchrider.com)
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