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October 15 2018
Our Sales Manager Heidi has just returned from an amazing fam trip to explore the ranches and breath-taking landscape of Arizona. Top of many bucket lists and best known for the Grand Canyon, Heidi tells us all about her trip and horse-back riding adventures.
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Published: October 15 2018
Arriving at the White Stallion Ranch, Tucson (pronounced too-son) I was instantly welcomed by the aroma from the outdoor bbq. I settled down to ribs and corn whilst being entertained by Western performer Loop Rawlins. I rose early the next morning to a fresh cooked American breakfast of choice, ready for my 8am slow ride, which took me on an hour’s scenic trek at the foot of the rugged Tucson Mountains.
Day Two brought a whole host of experiences: more advanced riders headed further afield on their pre-arranged fast ride, whilst others chose to take part in penning cattle, a typical day for the modern cowboy! Leather workshops put our skills to the test, giving us homemade key fobs to take home. Every day, plenty was arranged introducing Western trades and activities and you are free to sign up for as much or little as you choose. After lunch I relaxed around the pool, making the most of the desert sun with a cold beer from the resort’s honesty bar. Everything comes in the all-inclusive price, aside from the private riding lessons at $20 each payable directly to the Wrangler, and beverages which are self-serve from the honesty bar scheme.
I returned to my large family suite, washed away the day’s dust (something that you get used to, but it’s quite refreshing to be at one with nature!) and headed over to the Corrals in anticipation of witnessing a Ranch Rodeo show. Sitting here I felt a sense of calm and tranquility, just observing the amazing sunset and the vast Arizonian landscape. The journey over to Rancho de la Osa, took us through miles of Saguaro clad (swar -ro) National Park and past Old Tucson studios where over 400 films including Lone Ranger and Billy The Kid were filmed. Rancho de la Osa is one of the oldest, most historic working Ranches on the Mexican border, in fact so close that the border is clearly visible. A must-do is a visit to the local town of just ten inhabitants, where the local store doubles as the most social 9- stool bar, open 2 days a week, a fuel stop and post office!! Resident guests include John Wayne, Franklin D Roosevelt to name a few. I stayed in Caesar Romero (the original Batman) room. Whilst I chose not to ride here, I was kept busy clay pigeon shooting with live ammunition and later, an RV ride which was like a private nature tour of the local wildlife where I spotted roadrunners, tarantulas, tortoise, lizards and the most hypnotic flume of blue butterflies! Meals are served at the family style dining table with all guests and this reinforces the sense of welcome that Ross and his beautiful wife Lynne give.
Leaving Rancho de la Osa felt like leaving behind family. This wonderful, unique ranch could also be a wellness retreat as it transports you away from all stresses back home. A relatively long, yet incredibly scenic, drive over to Tombstone, took me to a scene from a classic Western movie. Tombstone Monument Ranch is modelled on old west town, though the original lies 3 miles north. More than just a motel in the desert, each room is designed around the town, so you may be sleeping in Jail or the post office - either way the rooms are comfortably furnished with air con and a TV. The landscape is a little different here, so the half day ride felt more challenging though I had every confidence in the Wranglers and horses. The valley is steeped in history, which local cowboy ‘Arizona Bill’, happily shared over his outdoor cowboy breakfast of sausages, beans and tortilla…oh and a strong Cowboy coffee to get me through the day!
A visit downtown is a must, especially for children, as a wild west movie seems to unfold before you…a stagecoach will carry you around town and you can’t miss the gunfight that happens daily. Souvenirs, museums, restaurants and bars offer a little something for everyone. I arrived thinking that I was going to experience horse-riding for the first time; I departed minus a piece of my heart, realising that I had been accepted into and privy to a special place in American history.
Heidi is Go Bespoke’s Sales Manager. Inspired to travel by the pioneering aviator, Amy Johnson, Heidi spent over twenty years travelling the world for a leading National airline, eventually hanging up her ’wings’ to focus on arranging luxury travel for premium clients. She has visited most destinations and can share her knowledge and experiences from the Gran Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires to the Satay Club in Singapore.
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