Ranch Rider – Made in America

If John Wayne was an inspiration, then Ranch Rider’s new 2008 brochure is sure to capture the imagination. Each of the tour operator’s new ranch stays is steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience that has stood the test of time for centuries.

A new section entitled ‘optional adventures’ covering the US and Canada, has also been added to the brochure, with highlights including, the Calgary Stampede in Alberta and the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge steam railway, in Colorado.

Many ranches can lay claim to Western movie set backgrounds, but at the Dryhead Ranch in Pryor, Montana, an outfit that has been operating since 1898, this is the real Wild West. Breeding its own quarter horses, and housing 800 head of cattle, the ranch is a rarity, as 97% of the USA’s cowherds are in groups of less than 50 cows. Based in 20,000 acres of open grassland, the setting is remote, and even travelling to the ranch requires a 4X4 – the final destination, the less well-travelled Eastern slope of the majestic Pryor Mountains.

Travellers in May will be branding around 100 calves a day or gathering the quarter horses to make mare groups, before driving them back out to pasture with a selected stud. In the summer time, the cows are herded up to the high country; and ranchers are treated to an overnight camp, complete with cook tent, teepees, a campfire and roasted marshmallows.

Other activities include, bull gathering, roping, vaccinating, salting, weaning colts, horse drives and even pregnancy testing. Authentic cattle drives also operate throughout the year, in the Spring, Summer and Autumn, covering old Sioux trails and the Medicine Wheel Historical site. All this, and still room for Lil’ Buckaroos (riders under 12 years) who can ride the trails and quiz wranglers on the Historic Buffalo Jump, or head off in search of bones and arrow heads.

Accommodation is based in the newly refurbished bunkhouse, the ranch lodge or one of three private cabins. A 6-night stay at the working ranch with Ranch Rider costs from £1,425pp, departing mid May to mid Oct. (Ranchrider.com/montana.asp)

Elkin Creek is one of the last remaining ranches to offer cattle drives in British Columbia, an activity that also forms part of the popular branding weekend, held in May. Located in the Chilcotin region, the surrounding area is home to the famed wild horses of the Brittany Triangle; said to number in their hundreds by the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, a relatively isolated group which still practices equine culture, closely identifying themselves with their horses.

Wild horse safaris are available to guests along with a riding programme geared to all levels of riders incorporating, horsemanship training, daily cattle drives, trail riding and sorting – Elkin Creek’s cowboys following the earliest traditions, with assistance from a diverse herd including, well-trained quarter horses. The ranches proximity to the sparkling Vedan Lake also makes the location ideal for wind-surfing, lake kayaking, paddle boating and lake or fly-fishing; and its status as one of the last untouched mountain gems in Chilcotin, means the surroundings are perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

The ranches eight traditional log cabins consist of two bedrooms, an ensuite bathroom and private decks with mountain views – the latter completing the wilderness experience. A 7-night stay at the guest ranch with Ranch Rider costs from £1,625pp departing mid-May to mid-Oct. Excludes transfers as car hire recommended.
(Ranchrider.com/bcolumbia.asp)

The Beaver Creek Ranch in Saskatchewan is a family owned working ranch and horse training centre, set in the rolling hills of the Qu’Appelle Valley. With 200 head of cattle to tend to, the owner knows a thing or two about horses, and an equine assisted learning centre is also located at the ranch; allowing individuals, groups and even corporate entities to peer into the depths of their soul through the eyes of a horse. Trying out life as a ranch hand might involve herding cattle, team roping and penning or even working buffalo on horseback, after which guests can take a hayride through the scenic valley and cozy up in front of a cowboy campfire.

In the month of May ranchers are invited to help with the sorting and branding of new calves and with over 200 acres of Canada’s heartland to explore guests can also enjoy hiking and riding in the surrounding area. The Wild West parallel continues, with accommodation based in comfortable country themed lodge rooms, the ranch taking a maximum of only six guests. A 7-night stay at the working ranch with Ranch Rider costs from £1399pp, departing mid-May to mid-Sept.
(Ranchrider.com/saskatch.asp)

Cattle and horse drives, pack trips, white water rafting excursions and self-drive already form part of the Ranch Rider brochure, but the new section of optional adventures will allow ranchers to experience the Wild West with a twist. The Canada section now incorporates the Rocky Mountaineer, or Canada’s Orient Express, excellent wildlife viewing with Bear and Whale Watching at Knight Inlet and the Calgary Stampede. A Western extravaganza which has evolved since its inception in 1912, to include rodeo, parades, chuck wagon racing and more; the Calgary Stampede now rivals the Edinburgh festival in terms of international recognition.
(Ranchrider.com/advents.html)

In the US travellers can choose to view the Grand Canyon from the skies, with up to seven different flight packages, tour through Sedona in a Pink Jeep, speedboat down Lake Powell, river raft on the Colorado River or ride back in time on the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Railway. A route that has been in operation for over 126 years, the latter allows guests to relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear, with ample time to catch the scenery – the train travelling at a maximum 18 mph.
(Ranchrider.com/advents.html)

All the above prices (unless otherwise stated) include International flight, all accommodation (based on two adults sharing), transfers, gratuities, meals, and all ranch based riding. Fuel surcharge not included. Ranch Rider offers flights from the following departure airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Additional departure airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich are available at a £50pp supplement.

Visit Ranch Rider at Ranchrider.com for further information.