Holidays with a purpose

One could be forgiven for thinking that ranch stays are all about horseback riding, as its an activity that draws people year after year to the US and Canada. However, look a little closer and you’ll find holidays with a great deal more on offer than simply riding the trails. As a leading specialist, Ranch Rider unearths some of the lesser-known options available to guests who stay at home on the range.

There are all sorts of travel photography clinics on offer, but if you combine a horse drive with some snap happy expertise, there will undoubtedly be plenty of atmospheric shots to catch on camera. The Rock Springs Guest Ranch in Bend, Oregon can attest to this fact, as they have produced award-winning photography from their Annual Autumn Horse Drive Round Up Photographer’s Clinic.

Imagine it, the sun begins to set and the cowboys stir up the dust, the horses charging by as the cameras whizz and burr. Guests can also get in on the action from the rocky cliffs or snap close ups of the resident cowboys and cowgirls back at their home on the range. In addition, the Rock Springs ranch offers a session with horses and riders for still shots and panning, and an expert angler will wade in the pond for water based casting shots. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from 1,697pp, departing 02 September. (Inclusive of 3-night Annual Autumn Horse Drive Round Up Photographer’s Clinic and 7-night self-drive including accommodation and car hire for the duration of the stay).

Chocoholics Anonymous, should try the Hideout at Flitner, a luxury working ranch in Wyoming. Wondering if there is a link between chocolate and the Wild West? This sugary concoction might have more to do with the resort ranches proprietor and his roots, as opposed to Western history, but who cares if you have a sweet tooth. The upscale Wyoming ranch is teaming up with Geert De Coster, chocolate-chef and owner of Centho-Chocolates in Duisburg, one of the top ten artisan chocolate makers in Belgium. Having attained his official mouth watering place, as one of the Best Belgian Chocolatiers of the World (BBCW), Geert will be showcasing his talents with ranch guests during October.

Culinary explorers can experience gourmet dining, learn about the latest in chocolate making and indulge in the fruity, spicy and intensely powerful flavours of the Centho collection. A guilt free holiday - ranchers can also take comfort from the fact that it is possible to burn off 250 calories an hour in the saddle. 6-nights with Ranch Rider from 1,992pp. October departures available on request.

Buck Brannaman has been bit, kicked, bucked off and run over by horses since the age of 12. However, you’ll be pleased to hear that the following option is not a lesson in self-flagellation, but natural horsemanship. Described as a living legend, Buck’s career spans over 30 years, and guests can now join the folk hero at the McGinnis Meadows Cattle & Guest Ranch in Montana. Featured twice in the Guinness Book of World Records, Buck was equine technical advisor on The Horse Whisperer film and doubled for Robert Redford in the round pen. A chance to get better acquainted with your four-legged friend, and your loved ones - we kin you not - ranchers can saddle up with Buck for 7-nights from 1,974pp with Ranch Rider. Somewhat of a mini celebrity, Buck's sessions get booked up quick so Ranch Rider is giving advanced notice for summer 2009 departures.

Looking to change your fortunes as the credit crunch takes hold? Ranchers can always follow in the footsteps of the early prospectors and try their hand at gold panning in Clinton, British Columbia. In 1857, miners and fortune seekers travelled to Clinton, their hopes lying in the pay dirt of the Fraser River. While the main treasure was discovered by Billy Barker, in what is now aptly known as Barkerville, (99 miles North of Clinton), guests can still head to the Echo Valley Resort Ranch and Spa in search of hidden riches. The ranch offers instruction from its resident gold panning expert and the opportunity to strike gold, as he points out secret spots along the historic Fraser River. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from 1,901pp. Departures April to October inclusive.

Are you itching to fulfill your lifelong passion for art? Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, and bordered by the Coronado and Saguaro National Forests, is the Tanque Verde Ranch. Aside from riding, the Arizona based resort ranch offers a variety of activities, including desert art. Guests can capture the beauty of what US Geographer, Ellsworth Huntington, described as the greenest of deserts, and indulge in weekly classes, offering instruction in landscape painting with watercolors, charcoal and pencil. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from 1,176pp. Year round departures.

For more information, log on to Ranchrider.com.