Push play and take a little winter horseback riding vacation at The Home Ranch, one of the “1000 Places To See Before You Die” in the American West. A renowned Colorado dude ranch in the summer and fall and a boutique Colorado Winter Resort and family vacation destination in the Winter, The Home Ranch is the ultimate destination for a Colorado winter vacation with luxury lodging, gourmet cuisine,cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and daily shuttles to Steamboat Ski Area. For more information on winter vacations visit www.homeranch.com.
Thanks to www.ZarasPlanet.ie Jillian Godsil and Rosemarie Meleady visited the best venues for Horse Riding Holidays in South Africa. This is Ants Hill and Ants Nest near Johanesburg in South Africa. It’s the perfect vacation destination for an equestrian safari.
My husband Paul was diagnosed with MS about ten years ago and as his mobility has deteriorated it has been increasingly difficult for us to go on the kind of outdoor holidays we used to enjoy. I looked on the internet for activity holidays for people with wheelchairs and saw one for a riding holiday in Arizona. We had both been keen riders and for a time Paul attended riding for the disabled. Unfortunately he had to stop as he could no longer dismount safely.
I doubted very much that this advertised holiday would be suitable but rang Have Horse Will Travel anyway. Emma assured me that this particular guest ranch would definitely be able to get Paul on and off the horse, how much he could do once mounted would have to be seen. After some discussion with Emma, she put together an individual itinerary for us and organised all the details down to the taxi!
For our first 3 nights we stayed in Las Vegas at the Flamingo hotel, right on the Strip! Our room overlooked Caesars Palace and Las Vegas was a total eye opener, more over the top than we could have imagined, lively and busy and colourful. The casinos were amazing, huge and gaudy and busy 24/7. I thought I would have to have a small go on the slots, but after I had spent a whole $5 I was so bored I had to give up – the last of the big spenders.
Emma had booked us a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon and we were to be picked up at the hotel. What we didn’t expect was the long black stretch limo and driver awaiting us – wow! We were so amazed, we had expected a taxi! The helicopter flight was awesome, much smoother than I expected. And the Grand Canyon…… what can I say, we were boggled by it, it was huge and deep and has to be seen to be believed.
On the Sunday we travelled to the ranch. This was about 2 ½ hours away, through what at first glance, seemed dry and barren scenery. The ranch itself was as different from Las Vegas as it could possibly be – quiet, isolated, calm and above all friendly and welcoming. Carrie and Dan made us feel at home straight away and throughout our stay nothing was too much trouble for them. They have such a “can do†attitude as does every member of staff, that they make you feel anything is possible.
I really did not think they would get Paul onto a horse and even if they did he would not be able to go outside the arena. To the great joy of both of us they did get Paul mounted, on a very patient gelding called Cochise. The first time Paul just went round the arena but as he was able to stay in the saddle unaided he was taken round the perimeter of the ranch. As he hadn’t ridden for over 3 years he soon tired but the big grin on his face when he came back was something special.
I enjoyed my first ride as well, just a walking ride to allow the wranglers and Carrie to decide what type of ride and which horse would be most suitable. Jef, the wrangler on my first couple of days there was super. Once he found out I was interested in the natural history of the area he went out of his way to point out different lizards, birds, plants and a lot of other information about the area. The horses were all well mannered and easy to ride. I found the first saddle I used uncomfortable, much to my surprise, as western riding always looked so much more relaxed than English. However the second day I rode a different horse with a different saddle and it was a completely changed experience as it was every bit as comfortable as I had hoped. Neck reining was a whole new process too and took a bit of getting used to, but the horse I rode was quite unflappable and didn’t get upset at my occasional lapses into riding with a direct rein, he just ignored me!
Once the Carrie knew what we were able to do I went out on some quite fast rides. There are some wide sandy washes in the area, safe and perfect for loping (cantering to me!) and we could lope for long distances, much further than I am used to. Up close the desert is not as barren as it first seems, with many small wild flowers, cactuses of various persuasions (some very fierce) and my favorites the Joshua trees. To our great pleasure Paul was able to accompany us on the start of each ride. A couple of members of staff always walked with him and he would ride out for 20 minutes or so before turning back. He could have done the same in the afternoon, but as fatigue is a major problem he usually stayed at the ranch, often surrounded by the ranch dogs who were pleased to have someone there to make a fuss of them when the staff were busy.
The weather was sunny but surprisingly cool, so riding was very pleasant.
However it got quite windy in the afternoons and on the Thursday a real sandstorm blew up. Carrie and Dan said it was only the second time they had experienced such a bad one since they set up the ranch. Most of us passed on the afternoons ride, it was like being sandblasted and quite unpleasant, although a couple of people did go out. Unfortunately the wind was so strong that it lifted the covers from the pool and hot tub which quickly filled with sand and debris. It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of Dan and his team that they had them cleaned out, refilled and working as normal by Saturday morning.
The food was of the same standard as the rest of the holiday – 3 full meals per day, freshly cooked (OH the Ribs… and the warm fresh cookies….. the deserts…….)and as much as you wanted. There were some really brilliant other guests, mealtimes were great and often it was hard to drag yourself away from the table to enjoy the after dinner entertainment.
I can’t praise this holiday enough, it was magic. For any former riders out there who can’t ride now because of mobility problems this place was perfect and if you can ride it’s just as great. Our heartfelt thanks to Emma for sorting it all out and helping us through some minor hiccups. We loved it!
For many centuries horseback riding has been much popular for many reasons. Soon, horse riding became a chief mode of travel. First, horses were mainly used for fighting and hunting purposes as the speed of the horse gave people good advantage. With the arrival of carriages, people are able to move themselves and their belongings to long distances with very little difficulty. But nowadays, horseback riding finds its use in recreation and therapy. Horseback riding camps are offered from almost anywhere in the world to anyone. It provides a wonderful and thrilling experience much more than merely riding through hills and valleys.
Instructions about caring of horses and grooming are also fundamental requirements for attending these camps. They will teach about various kinds of tack, like saddles, halters, bridles, bits and other horse gear. Most of the riding levels catered to in these camps, and they are appropriate for both beginner and experienced riders who might find themselves lucky enough to possess a horse for the first time in their life time.
While choosing a horseback riding camp, you should first make a decision on which style of riding your children wants to learn. Western riding is usually associated with ranches, cowboys and rodeos. These camps could be found all through the United States, and are also commonly known as Dude Ranches or Guest Ranches in western portions of the country. Most of the western riding activities comprises of trail riding and barrel racing. Western saddles are designed keeping comfort and security of the riders in mind, so it will have a higher seat back and front so riders feel the safety while on the horse.
On the other hand English riding, in general focuses on racing and horsemanship. This riding style requires both the horse and rider to have more freedom of movement, so these saddles will not give as much as support and security as in a Western style saddle. For a first time rider, you can consider joining a western riding camp.
Horseback riding is a very good therapy for people of any age with any physical disabilities. This therapy provides a funny environment to carry out new skills and also e skills existing that people are seeking to improve. Also they enjoy the benefits of being around people with whom they could relate easily. By following the instructions of the riding counselors, we can discover how to walk, run and canter the horses correctly with confidence. After attaining enough skill and self-confidence, take part in supervised trail rides and advanced riders could learn various show fundamentals.
If you are eagerly looking to do something different the next time summer rolls about, you could consider horseback riding camps. The experiences and enjoyment gained at these camps will make sure that your stay would be a highlight and you’ll keep in mind forever. Starting with the least experienced or novice level, these camps could teach your kids a lot about receiving comfortable experience with the horses themselves additionally to riding them. When they get the basics down, and if they choose like that, they could ultimately advance their skills to much higher levels.
Mari milian is an Expert author for Horseback riding camp and youth summer camps. She has written many articles like Exercise camp,boys summer camps,children summer camps and music summer camps. For more information visit: paliadventures.com contact her at caterina.milian@gmail.com
Horseback riding has been popular for centuries for a many reasons. Soon, horseback riding became a primary mode of travel. In the beginning, horses were primarily used for fighting and hunting. The speed of the horse gave people a great advantage. With the advent of wagons and carriages, people could move themselves and their belongings long distances with comparatively little difficulty.
Today, horseback riding is primarily used for recreation and therapy. Horseback riding camps are available from and to almost anywhere in the world. From Alaska to Mexico, from Botswana to Mongolia, horseback riding camps provide much more than just merely riding through hills and valleys.
Instruction about horse care and grooming are also basic requirements for attending a horse camp. They also teach about different kinds of tack, such as saddles, bridles, halters, bits and other horse gear. Most riding levels are catered to in horseback riding camps, and they are suitable for both novice and experienced riders who may find themselves fortunate enough to own a horse for the first time in their life.
When choosing a horseback riding camp, you must first decide which style of riding your child wants to learn. Western riding is generally associated with cowboys, ranches, and rodeos. Horseback riding camps can be found throughout the United States, and are also known as Dude Ranches or Guest Ranches in many western portions of the country. Popular western riding activities include trail riding and barrel racing. Western saddles were designed with the comfort and security of the rider in mind, so it has a higher seat back (cantle) and front (pommel) so riders feel secure while on the horse.
English riding, on the other hand, generally focuses on jumping, racing and horsemanship. This style of riding requires the horse and rider both to have more freedom of movement, so these saddles don’t provide as much support and security as does a Western style saddle. If your child is a first time rider, they might want to consider a Western riding camp.
Horseback riding is great therapy for persons of all ages with physical or mental disabilities. This type of therapy provides a fun environment to practice new skills and existing skills that people are seeking to improve. In addition, they are able to enjoy the benefits of being around people with whom they can easily relate.
If you’re looking to do something a little different the next time summer rolls around, consider horseback riding camps whether you own a horse or not. The experiences and fun gained at horseback riding camps will ensure that your stay will be a highlight you’ll remember forever.
To know more about horses and horseback riding, visit Horse Riding Guide
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