Where To Save a Horse & Ride A Cowboy

After watching Yellowstone and visiting the beautiful state of Utah, we had to go ride a horse. The moment we got to gallop was life-changing so I wanted to share the destinations I’ve found for those who might want to also cosplay cowboys.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

Texas, USA

Known for its rich cowboy heritage, Texas offers numerous opportunities to experience cowboy culture. Places nearby Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston have cowboy-themed attractions, rodeos, and ranches where you can participate in cattle drives, learn roping & riding skills while still being in a large city. For example, head to Bandera if you’re nearby San Antonio.

Wyoming, USA

Home to the famous Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming also has ranches and rodeos where you can experience cowboy life amidst stunning natural landscapes. Try out the city of Cody, named after a famous cowboy Buffalo Bill Cody.

Montana, USA

With its wide-open spaces and rugged terrain, Montana provides an ideal setting for cowboy adventures. You can find guest ranches offering horseback riding, cattle drives, and other cowboy activities. HBTT recommends Bozeman!

Utah, USA

Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, HBTT recommends St. George. This offers a gateway to outdoor recreation and cowboy experiences. Attend the St. George Lions Dixie Roundup Rodeo, explore nearby state parks like Snow Canyon on horseback, or visit local ranches for horseback riding and cowboy adventures in the desert.

Alberta, Canada

The province of Alberta is known for its cowboy culture, especially in places like Calgary and Edmonton. The Calgary Stampede, often called the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," is a must-visit event for anyone interested.

Pampas Region, Argentina

The Pampas region is known for its vast grasslands, where gauchos, the South American equivalent of cowboys, still roam. You can visit estancias (ranches) in this region to experience gaucho culture, enjoy traditional Argentine food, and witness horsemanship demonstrations.

Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal region is one of the largest wetland areas in the world and is home to traditional Brazilian cowboys known as pantaneiros. You can stay at fazendas (ranches) in the Pantanal to experience cowboy life, including horseback riding, cattle herding, and wildlife spotting.

Southern Chile

In regions like Araucanía and Los Lagos, you can find traditional Chilean estancias where huasos (Chilean cowboys) work with cattle and horses. The landscapes are stunning, with lakes, forests, and mountains providing a picturesque backdrop for your cowboy experience.

Eastern Hemisphere

Australia

Australia has a rich history of cattle ranching, and regions like Queensland and New South Wales offer opportunities to experience life on a cattle station. You can participate in mustering cattle, horseback riding, and other authentic cowboy activities.

North Island, New Zealand

While New Zealand is more famous for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, the North Island has a growing cowboy culture. You can visit cattle and sheep stations where Kiwi farmers work the land, participate in sheep shearing demonstrations, and try your hand at herding sheep with sheepdogs.

Karas Region, Namibia

In the south of Namibia, you can find cattle ranches where local cowboys, known as boers, tend to herds in the vast desert landscapes. This is a unique opportunity to experience cowboy life in a setting unlike any other, with breathtaking desert scenery and wildlife such as oryx and ostriches.

Andalusia, Spain

While Spain may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about cowboys, the southern region of Andalusia has a rich equestrian tradition. You can visit haciendas and ranches where Spanish horsemen, known as vaqueros, practice traditional horsemanship techniques and perform flamenco-inspired riding displays.

Mongolia

In Mongolia's remote Gobi Desert, nomadic herders known as khöömei continue ancient traditions of horseback riding and herding livestock across the vast steppes. You can stay with nomadic families in traditional gers (yurts), learn about their way of life, and ride horses alongside the khöömei as they tend to their animals.

Making travel sustainable while experiencing adventures such as a ranch experience requires planning and consideration for the environment and local communities. Here are some tips to ensure you have the best experience:

SUPPORT LOCAL When participating in cultural experiences, seek out locally-owned businesses, tours, and services. This supports the local economy and helps preserve cultural traditions. Consider booking tours or activities with community-based organizations that benefit local residents directly.

WILDLIFE RESPONSIBILITY If your ranch experience involves wildlife encounters, ensure that they are conducted responsibly and ethically. Avoid activities that involve feeding or disturbing wildlife and respect their natural habitats.

REPUTABLE OPERATORS Choose operators that prioritize animal welfare & adhere to guidelines for respectful wildlife viewing & handling. Look for reviews, certifications, or recommendations from trusted sources to ensure that the operator has a reputation for responsible horse care.

LEAVE NO TRACE Pack out all trash, dispose of waste properly, and avoid damaging natural or cultural sites. Leave the landscape as you found it, respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems and heritage sites.

REPORT CONCERNS If you witness any signs of mistreatment, neglect, or abuse towards horses/wildlife, don't hesitate to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities or animal welfare organizations. Your actions can help ensure that responsible standards are upheld and that the welfare of the horses is prioritized.

Please contact us at info@hbtourandtravel.com or fill out an online booking request to learn more.

With love,

H & B @ HBTT