Explore two US states at the New Haven Ranch
Staying true to its cowboy roots, Ranch Rider is adding a new working cattle ranch to its Wyoming portfolio. A chance to experience the west “Dances With Wolves” style, the property is situated close to the South Dakota border some of the very same scenery featuring in the award winning movie. Guests have the option to explore both states on horseback, the owners helping to drive their neighbour’s cattle from June through September.
The Black Hills provide a truly cinematic landscape, an old ghost town (located on the ranch’s grounds) and gold digger town of Deadwood (only two hours away) appealing to “die hard” western fans. Revolving around the real cowboy lifestyle, branding, sorting and checking fences feature on the list of activities, and Cisco the spotted Donkey pitches in on request as a live steer.
Natural “Parelli” horsemanship lessons are available and on a hot day guests can cool off with their mounts and swim the horses in the lake. Hiking, target shooting, boating and trout fishing are alternative pursuits, the owners often arranging off ranch excursions to local rodeos, country dances, and horse auctions.
A landscape with yet more movie backdrops, the famous Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower are both easily accessible from the property. The latter is also considered to be a holy place by the Lakota Indians, but this is only one feather in New Haven’s war bonnet as the Badlands and the Battlefield of Little Big Horn are located in the same area.
A ranch with an intimate atmosphere, at the end of the trail guests are welcome to kick back in the hot tub under the stars or shoot a game of pool before retiring to one of five cosy cabins all with private facilities.
7-nights with Ranch Rider from £995pp (two sharing) including, accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers: £75pp (from Rapid City) or car hire from £250. Departures: May & October. Return flight from: £789pp.
For more information, visit ranchrider.com.