Press Digest 15th January 2007

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH…
ARIZONA’S BELLOTA RANCH

Get involved in family life on a working ranch – spend a day in the saddle exploring the Rincon Mountains or rounding up calves for branding. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, an outside pool, elegant guestroom and a hearty meal await. Equine Adventures offer a 9-day riding holiday staying at Bellota Ranch, Arizona with daily seasonal departures from London throughout 2007.

With 20,000 hectares of ranch to explore and a variety of short hacks, adventurous rides and all-day pack trips there should never be a dull moment at Bellota. At certain times of the year, dependent on rainfall and pasture conditions, join cattle round-ups and cattle drives across the open terrain from one mountain range to another. Getting involved equips budding cow-hands with branding and roping skills together with a saddle bag full of tales to tell back home! Rides through the rugged landscape are varied with open grasslands, Coronado Natural Forest and mountains waiting to be explored - each with breathtaking views and exhilarating riding. Horses are local Appaloosas, Draft and Quarter horses and riding is western-style with neck reining - suitable for novices and experienced riders alike. Accommodation is in the luxurious main ranch house, dating from 1890, with a hacienda-style courtyard, outdoor pool and only eight rooms featuring open fireplaces for those cool desert evenings.

The tour costs from £1,375 (January-March) including scheduled flights, transfers, most meals, horses, tack and guided activities.