Online competition aims to encourage kids to saddle up

Ranch Rider, is launching an online competition for younger horse lovers at Mylittlefoal.com; with a view to encouraging more children to take up the reins.

Open to riders, non-riders and those who are simply mad about horses, entrants will have the chance to name a newborn foal that will be arriving in Spring 2008 at the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona.

Elaine Barrett, of the Arizona Office of Tourism, comments: “This competition is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness, not only of Arizona, but of the fun exercise that can be had with horses in the great outdoors. It's great to see children being encouraged away from their video games and possibly looking into learning a useful skill that will stay with them for life."

The specialist tour operator is well aware of the benefits where kids and riding are concerned and Ranch Rider sees the launch of the ‘My Little Foal’ competition as a unique opportunity to develop children’s interest in a positive, healthy and family friendly activity.

Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments: “Riding is a great sport for kids to be involved in, as not only does it generate a love of horses, but also the great outdoors. It might start with a ranching holiday, but post vacation children can indulge in this favoured pastime at a riding school, and later on down the line, at equestrian events. Above all, riding is a passion that usually stays with us for life, and a competitive spirit centered around caring for horses is an ideal way to develop well-balanced children, who learn empathy and consideration for others first hand from their four legged friends.”

Ranch Rider knows that the competition will be a compelling opportunity for young horse fanatics everywhere as the winner will receive an official horse naming certificate signed by the White Stallion, a year’s subscription to Horse + Pony magazine and VIP membership to the publication’s website.

All applicants will receive a free downloadable A4 poster of Trouble (or officially, She’s Big Trouble), a beautiful solid bay with one white hind coronet band, who is also mother-(mare)-to-be. In addition, extra horsey widgets in the form of funky foal wallpapers will be available to download direct from the website at Mylittlefoal.com.

After all this horsin’ around Ranch Rider is sure that there will be a strong interest from younger riders and their parents looking to visit the White Stallion and meet the new foal; and as Arizona is a year round destination, families can opt for winter sun or an alternative to the summer beach stay. A ranch holiday could also be the start of a family health plan to get fit; and with no age limit on this adventure activity Grandma and Grandad can come along for the ride too.

Elaine Barrett, of the Arizona Office of Tourism, comments: "In Arizona you really are spoilt for choice with horse orientated activities taking place around Tucson, Greater Phoenix, Wickenburg, Prescott, and Sedona - there's even riding at the Grand Canyon!

“With its varied terrain and bright, sunny weather, the Grand Canyon State is a terrific place to play outdoors, and horseback riding is the perfect activity to challenge your skills.”

The White Stallion Guest Ranch in Arizona is one of many family options in Ranch Rider’s 2008 brochure. A Spanish style retreat, the ranch is surrounded by scores of scenic trails and children as young as five can ride their own horses.

Weekly rodeos, team penning and hayrides are all part of the programme with volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard and a petting zoo for the little ones, making this the perfect family ranching retreat. A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider for a family of four (including, two adults and two children aged 2-11 years) costs from £2,070. Departures available year round.

Other family oriented options in Ranch Rider’s portfolio include, the award winning Tanque Verde Resort Ranch in Arizona (A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider for a family of four including two adults and two children aged 4-17 years, costs FROM £2,954) and the Paradise Guest Ranch, set in a tranquil valley in Wyoming’s Big Horn National Forest.

A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider for a family of four including, two adults and two children aged 6-12 years, costs from £3,073. Departures available May to September *.

* The Paradise Guest Ranch is adults only from 24 August to 28 September 2008.