Five ranches with a fitness kick
Horse riding holidays have a strong association with fitness, an hour in the saddle burning around 240 calories – the equivalent of a 30-minute jog or cycle ride. This is a major plus for anyone thinking of hitting the trail this summer but, according to tour operator Ranch Rider, a week on the ranch offers more than a simple workout in the saddle.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments “Native spa therapies, horsemanship instruction, fitness guru weeks, and guest rodeos are offered at many of our properties – and the ability to unplug and reconnect with nature, a 2013 health and wellness travel trend, is central to any riding holiday – all of our ranches based in stunning wilderness settings.”
For a horsey week with a “Latino” kick try Ant’s Nest. Out of the saddle, fitness Guru, Alexandra Spyratos, will be hosting Zumba classes and Aqua Zumba as part of a special health week. The workout is described as a “calorie-burning dance fitness-party,” an added bonus for anyone opting for a horseback safari in South Africa. 7-nights from £1,399pp (two sharing) including, accommodation, meals, drinks (including alcohol), riding safaris, 4×4 safaris, guided walks, additional wellness activities, use of facilities and taxes. Excludes car hire from £295pp and gratuities and return flight from £839pp. Departing 21 September.
The Double E ranch’s five-night cowgirl weeks are designed for greenhorns of the fairer sex. From grooming and saddling your horse to cattle driving and participating in a showdown rodeo there are plenty of challenges, and budding Annie Oakley’s can bond along the way. 5-nights in New Mexico with Ranch Rider from £1,325pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from $100pp from Silver City and return flight from £839pp. Cowgirl weeks run from February through October, departures on request.
Wyoming’s luxury Brush Creek Ranch & Spa is ideal for spa goers in search of therapies that will connect them to their destination. Experience a Native American healing ritual in your own private teepee, calming mists of lavender and sage stick smoke reconnecting you to the energy of the earth. Perfect for anyone who has healthy holidays at the top of their list, there are also opportunities to work the cattle, master the climbing wall and ropes course or hire a personal fitness trainer. 6-nights from £2,549pp (two sharing) including, accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, premium drinks and beverages (including alcohol), taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £249 and return flight from £799pp. Departures 24 May to 05 October.
At Oklahoma’s High Point Horse Ranch you can work on your psyche in the arena. Horsemanship is the main focus of the stay, a technique that helps riders to form stronger bonds with their mount and their significant others. Only an hour from Oklahoma City there’s also the option to shop ‘til you drop, the state capital featuring numerous trendy local boutiques. 7-nights from £705pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and transfers. Excludes return flight from £785pp. Departures May through October.
For a full body, mind and soul workout try British Columbia’s Echo Valley Ranch. The Baan Thai Spa is where east meets west, 2,000 years of healing handed down to this home on the range by native Asian therapists. Offering a holistic approach to health and wellness, there’s also the option to book a class on eating right for your blood type, the chosen dishes aiding digestion and lowering cholesterol. 6-nights from £2,069pp (two sharing) including, accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £302 and return flight from £859pp. Departures June through September.
For more information, visit ranchrider.com.
