Saddle Up & Get Back In Shape

Neil McLoram — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:39 +0000

With the recession finally relinquishing its grip on those purse

strings, we can all focus on our personal health rather than that of

our bank balance. According to Ranch Rider, fitness holidays are not

simply concerned with trekking and hiking into the hinterland

(although many guest ranches will offer these pursuits), as riders

can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle.

So if that New Year’s resolution to get back in shape has been

shelved along with your gym club membership, grab the reins and head

to North America, Africa or Argentina with Ranch Rider.

If you want to give your body the full work out, why not try the

Tipiliuke Lodge in Northern Patagonia. The Argentinian estancia

features special programmes including, the “Alchemist Trail,” where

guests can combine riding and trekking with meditative techniques. 7-

nights from £1,899pp. Excludes internal return flights from Buenos

Aires to Chapelco Airport from £325pp. Year-round departures. Return

flight from £695pp.

If you’re a greenhorn with a penchant for the cowboy lifestyle, the

Dryhead Ranch in Montana will have a mini-horse drive just for you.

A new activity geared towards novice riders, wannabe wranglers can

spend a whole day in the saddle and round up the horses from May

through August. 6-nights from £975pp (no single supplement).

Excludes transfers £90pp and gratuities left to guests’ discretion.

Departures: 23 – 29 May, 20 – 26 June, 18 – 24 July and 15th – 21

August. Return flight from £549pp.

Need some motivation? Why not take your girlfriends along for the

ride and opt for the Cowgirl Boot Camp at the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch

in British Columbia. There will be opportunities to hit the trail,

rope the livestock and enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks and hors

d’oeuvres with your BFFs in the unspoilt Nemaiah Valley. The

complete health and wellness package, yoga, massage and life-skills

coaching round off the 2-night stay. 7-nights from £1,145pp.

Departures: 11 – 13 June. Excludes car hire from £249 per week and

gratuities left to guests’ discretion. Return flight from £579pp.

Swap the 4X4 for some real horsepower and game drive on your trusty

steed in South Africa’s malaria free Waterberg region. Guests of the

Ant Collection will be able to get up close and personal with the

wildlife, the horses living and grazing amongst the various game on a

daily basis. 6-nights £1,380pp (save £600pp). Excludes transfers

£160pp and gratuities left to guests’ discretion. Year-round

departures. Return flight from £695pp.

You’ll never be too old to saddle up at the Stagecoach Trails in

Arizona. The Yucca based homestead has a no barriers approach to

fitness and the ranch features a mounting ramp for senior cowboys. 7-

nights from £724pp. Excludes car hire from £210 per week. Year-round

departures. Return flight from £489pp.

-ends-

All prices (unless otherwise stated) are based on two sharing and

include full board accommodation, all ranch based riding, use of all

facilities, gratuities, taxes and transfers. Subject to availability.

Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811, email info@ranchrider.com or

visit www.ranchrider.com for further information. ATOL PROTECTED No

4660 ABTA 96395/V915With the recession finally relinquishing its grip on those purse strings, we can all focus on our personal health rather than that of our bank balance. According to Ranch Rider, fitness holidays are not simply concerned with trekking and hiking into the hinterland (although many guest ranches will offer these pursuits), as riders can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle.Saddle Up & Get Back In ShapeSaddle Up & Get Back In ShapeWith the recession finally relinquishing its grip on those purse strings, we can all focus on our personal health rather than that of our bank balance. According to Ranch Rider, fitness holidays are not simply concerned with trekking and hiking into the hinterland (although many guest ranches will offer these pursuits), as riders can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle.

With the recession finally relinquishing its grip on those purse strings, we can all focus on our personal health rather than that of our bank balance. According to Ranch Rider, fitness holidays are not simply concerned with trekking and hiking into the hinterland (although many guest ranches will offer these pursuits), as riders can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle.

So if that New Year’s resolution to get back in shape has been shelved along with your gym club membership, grab the reins and head to Canada with Ranch Rider.

A great trip, as offered by Ranch Rider

Why not take your girlfriends along for the ride and opt for the Cowgirl Boot Camp at the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch in British Columbia. There will be opportunities to hit the trail, rope the livestock and enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres with your BFFs in the unspoilt Nemaiah Valley.

The complete health and wellness package, yoga, massage and life-skills coaching round off the 2-night stay. 7-nights from £1,145pp.

Departures: 11 – 13 June. Excludes car hire from £249 per week and gratuities left to guests’ discretion. Return flight from £579pp.

All prices (unless otherwise stated) are based on two sharing and include full board accommodation, all ranch based riding, use of all facilities, gratuities, taxes and transfers. Subject to availability.

Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811, email info@ranchrider.com or visit www.ranchrider.com for further information.

ATOL PROTECTED No. 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.

New Canada Magazine » Neil McLoram

Saddle Up & Get Back In Shape