When you think of the American west you might well conjure up images of rugged cowboys riding across the dusty trails, but this landscape also has a more glamorous side. Julia Roberts bought her own ranch in New Mexico; Kate Bosworth tied the knot at The Ranch At Rock Creek in Montana and more recently Gwyneth Paltrow saddled up in Big Sky Country and reviewed three properties for her website, Goop.
Riding holiday specialist, Ranch Rider has been selling ranch holidays for almost two decades so we asked Marketing Director, Ruth Daly for her five top pick of where to go glam on the range.
1. The Wildcatter, Texas
Located on 1,500-acres, The Wildcatter Ranch is a sanctuary for cowgirls who are looking to swap their stilettos for spurs. Each of the luxurious lodge rooms and cabins harken back to a time when cattle barons roamed the range and famous chieftains held firmly to their lands. The famous Goodnight-Loving Trail is not far from the property and exclusive private rides can be booked. Archery and skeet shooting are also on offer and a well-being boost courtesy of the wilderness, there's an infinity edged pool overlooking the Brazos River. Six nights with Ranch Rider from only £996pp (no single supplement).
2. Triple Creek Resort Ranch, Montana
A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux, the Triple Creek Resort Ranch is an adult only hideaway. Star luxury, Gwyneth Paltrow visited the ranch in 2014. The property is situated at the base of the highest peak in Western Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains, all of the spacious log cabins nestling amongst the towering pines. Over the course of the summer guests can choose from horseback rides, croquet on the lawn and scenic float trips, and what romantic cowgirl could resist a massage followed by wine in the hot tub and a private dinner for two in her own secluded cabin? Six nights with Ranch Rider from £2,336pp (two sharing). Image (c) Kelly Gorham.
3. Brush Creek Ranch & Spa, Wyoming
Wyoming's Brush Creek Ranch & Spa covers 30,000-acres of the Cowboy state, the property set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre and Snowy Mountain Ranges. A string of sure-footed quarter horses and paints are available to ride, and out of the saddle there is plenty more on offer including mountain biking, clay shooting, archery and fly-fishing. Guests have the option to sign up for yoga classes held on the expansive deck of Falcon Peak Overlook or for an extra fitness boost they can hire a personal trainer. The remote yurt adventure on the outer stretches of the ranch is a magical glamping experience. Six nights with Ranch Rider from £3,294pp (two sharing).
4. Tombstone Ranch, Arizona
Wake up on Main Street in the Wild West, the Tombstone Monument Ranch resembling a frontier town from the 1800s. Where history and culture combine you can hit the road on a drive leading to the Dragoon Mountains, the landscape best explored with a member of the local Yaqui Indian tribe. At the end of the adventure, take a dip in the pool or the Jacuzzi. Guests have the option to stay in the Courthouse, the Mining Office, the Jail or even Kitty’s Bordello - all of the furnishings meticulously mirroring the era. Seven nights with Ranch Rider from £982pp (no single supplement).
5. The Zapata Working Cattle & Bison Ranch, Colorado
Owned by the Nature Conservancy and run in partnership with Ranchlands, the Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch is committed to preserving the eco-system and the heritage of the West. Activities include riding across the back of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and herding the cattle or the 400 head of domestic bison. For an added thrill saddle up amongst 2,500 wild bison conservation herd. Luxuriously rustic, the accommodation is not what you would expect at a traditional working ranch – all of the lodge rooms beautifully furnished with elegant southwestern décor. Six nights with Ranch Rider from £1,570pp (no single supplement).
Ruth Daly is a keen horseback rider and she is the proud owner of Kizzy, a 14.2 colour cob mare. "We've been together since she was five, and now she’s 18 years old," says Ruth. "Kizzy has been my rock, and we have such a great relationship." They have taken part in show jumping, cross-country and sponsored rides including the sponsored ride during the Burghley Horse Trials. Ruth enjoys riding western in North America and more recently she discovered the wilds of Africa on horseback, her honeymoon spent at Macatoo, a luxury riding camp in Botswana.
Ranch Rider is a specialist tour operator offering riding holidays in the US, Canada, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Argentina. Add on self-drives are also available. For more information please contact: 01509 618811; info@ranchrider.com; www.ranchrider.com. ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150
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