Arabians. While the Colorado winters are cold and temperatures go well below freezing, the horses’ thick, fluffy coats, coupled with their instinct to stand close together during heavy snowfall, keep them warm all winter. Every morning, wranglers round up the horses from their pasture and drive them into corrals. A few are selected, matched to guests’ preferences and level of experience, the remainder are released back into the pasture where they happily graze for the rest of the day. For western riding enthusiasts looking for an authentic cowboy experience, a wide variety of activities are available. Help wranglers feed the herd hay carried on sleighs drawn by Belgian Draft horses, trail ride out in the snow, or enjoy a natural horsemanship clinic. The ranch caters to riders of all levels. Clinics are held every day and led by experienced wranglers. The fun begins with a natural horsemanship lesson with the head wrangler in the comfort of a heated indoor arena, where you learn how to communicate with your horse and improve your riding skills. Each
T R AV E L
session helps you strengthen your bond
Getaway to Colorado
with your horse as you learn to connect through various games based on natural horsemanship techniques. Emphasis is placed on learning to trust your horse, relax, and find the right balance in the saddle. Riding around the arena with long
If you’re dreaming of a luxury ranch getaway, prepare to be enchanted by Vista Verde and its winter wonderland, writes MATHILDE GREGOIRE.
T
he Rocky Mountains region is known for having some of the best guest ranch experiences in the world; offering a wide range of outdoors activities amid a truly breathtaking landscape. With a perfect combination of luxury and rustic charm, Vista Verde Ranch (VVR) is a dude ranch and resort nested at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Located near the popular skiing
centre of Steamboat Springs, the ranch is a three hour drive west of Denver, Colorado’s capital.
Winter at the VVR
reins while executing transitions using your seat is one of the many exercises you’ll be invited to practice. For riders coming from a traditional English riding background, being immersed in westernstyle riding can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. If you enjoy outdoor riding, trail rides around the ranch are offered in winter. And while they are usually kept to a
In true western fashion over 100 horses
slower pace due to the cold weather
live on the ranch, roaming the acres
and snowfall, this won’t stop you from
of pastures all year round. The herd
having a magical experience!
consists mostly of Quarter Horses
Plenty to keep you busy
and Mustangs, with the exception of
Each morning, while you enjoy a
a few Belgian Draft horses and Anglo
delicious buffet breakfast, a VVR staff
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