Horse Riding Around the Globe
Have you always fancied yourself a cowboy or cowgirl? Maybe
the gauchos, with their zest for life, are more your tribe? Whether you ride
English saddle or Western, want to gallop through awe-inspiring scenery or take
beginners’ lessons from professionals, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime
equine experience at any one of these five destinations…
USA
– THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK, MONTANA
The décor of The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana is inspired
by iconic Western themes and the horse-riding guides or ‘wranglers’, deeply
encourage guests to openly embrace Western riding traditions and style. Spend
your days trail riding through 6,600 acres of sagebrush hillsides and
snow-capped peaks beneath wide-open skies and atop one of The Ranch’s 75
Quarter Horses. Once your inner cowboy or cowgirl has been unleashed try your
hand at roping, barrel racing or pole bending. Then when you return, give your
weary muscles a break with a Saddle Sore Soak at The Granite Spa.
QT Tip: Sit on hay bales and see the weekly summer rodeo,
watching cowboys ride a bucking bronco or gallop a steer
ARGENTINA
– LA FORTUNA, BUENOS AIRES
Discover the dramatic open landscapes of the legendary
Argentine cowboy or ‘gaucho’, at this authentic estancia. Watch gauchos rear
cattle, shear sheep and herd horses as you eat a delicious ‘asado’ barbeque in
the poolside cabana, surrounded by forested hills and an endless blue sky.
Saddle up with indigenous horsemen for a long horseback ride and learn
time-honoured gaucho customs and traditions. Taking a ride in one of the 6
antique carriages is a must, as is tasting some fine Argentinian Malbec in the
wine-cellar.
QT Tip: Embrace all sides of the passionate and dramatic
gaucho culture; put your best foot forward
and take a lesson in the Argentine tango
SPAIN
– MAS MATEU, EMPORDÀ
Step back in time for a true Catalan experience at this 18th
century private villa, set within 173 acres amongst the majestic Gavarran
mountains and with magnificent views of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the
distance. The show-stopping feature of the estate is its first-class equestrian
facilities which, led by a member of Spain’s classical training team, have been
used as a training ground for the Spanish Olympic team. Brush up on your show
riding acumen in one of the estate’s arenas, being trained by a professional
instructor, before feasting on a Catalonian banquet out on the terrace under
the stars.
QT Tip: After a hard day’s ride, lounge in the villa’s
cinema and watch the latest blockbuster
USA
– MUSTANG MONUMENT, NEVADA
By the end of your stay at Mustang Monument, you will have
taken owner and philanthropist Madeleine Pickens’ cause to save America’s
mustangs into your heart. Ride up Spruce Mountain to see the reserve’s 650
rescued mustangs, an unforgettable outdoor adventure and the only opportunity
in the US to see mustangs in their natural habitat. Observe, learn about and photograph these wonderful
animals who are descendants of the wild horses that helped pioneers settle the
untamed West. After a scrumptious Native American dinner, settle around the
campfire listening to cowboy balladeers strumming and storytellers weaving
spellbinding stories about those mystical mustangs.
QT Tip: Pry the family away from the mustang reserve for
one afternoon’s Paintball Team Challenge
For more information please contact: info@quintessentiallytravel.com
or please call: +44 (0)20 7022 6560
