In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAmerica / UNITED STATES
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AgeFrom 13 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions265.93 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
Welcome to the ranch! Immerse yourself in the authentic world of the American Wild West by joining the daily life of a working ranch in Wyoming , near the iconic lands of South Dakota . On over 12,000 hectares of wild plains, where more than 4,000 head of cattle graze, you'll experience life at the heart of cowboy culture. This trip is for experienced riders , ready to mount their horses and participate in essential ranch tasks : cattle drives , rounding up , and branding, depending on the season. Each day, you'll ride in step with the farm work, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Along the way, you'll discover spectacular landscapes, even reaching the vicinity of the legendary Devil's Tower . Commitment, nature, and freedom are the key words of this unique adventure, which combines the pleasure of riding with the adrenaline rush of fieldwork.
The highlights
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Experience the daily life of cowboys on a ranch
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The autonomy of each rider with their horse
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The simple, warm and authentic welcome of the cowboys
Photos
Luc - verified review - october 2024
Luc - verified review - october 2024
Luc - verified review - october 2024
Luc - verified review - october 2024
Luc - verified review - october 2024
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
Non-riders can be accompanied (with a discount on the stay). The length of the riding days depends on the activity and also on the unpredictable time it takes to find and bring back the herd. It can range from 2 to 6 hours in the saddle.
Activities begin in the morning. If you return to the ranch for lunch and wish to ride in the afternoon, you still have the option of preparing your horse and going for a ride in the surrounding area, accompanied by your guides.
Experienced riders, as full members of the cowboy team, will be expected to actively participate in activities. Less experienced riders will be given simple tasks or, if you prefer, an observation role.
The ranch does not offer lessons or riding instruction for beginner riders but has safe horses.
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
English
The ranch is a genuine working American ranch and doesn't offer any specific supervision for guests. You'll always be accompanied by cowboys when riding cattle . The cowboys will simply show you the positions and pace to maintain. It's up to you to observe, learn, and become more involved in the work. However, you'll have a great deal of autonomy in preparing your horse and during the rides.
Program
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Arrival at the ranch
- Transportation Car - 02h - 95km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Rapid City Airport in South Dakota , followed by a transfer (if booked in advance) to the ranch located in Wyoming , approximately a 2-hour drive away . You'll reach the Black Hills region, the gateway to vast wilderness areas. Depending on your arrival time ( between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM ), check-in, dinner at the ranch , and your first night there. This is a chance to get settled in and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 1 -
6 days of activities at the ranch
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h per day
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The ranch's main activities revolve around raising horses and cattle, and the work of cowboys . Here, you'll experience the real life of a cowboy : rounding up the cattle, leading them to summer or winter pastures depending on the season, branding the animals, building and maintaining enclosures, caring for the livestock, and more. The majority of the cattle are Black Angus and are raised naturally. At the beginning of the season, you'll primarily care for the pregnant cows; they're fed in the morning and monitored throughout the day. The main activities are related to the daily tasks necessary for running a ranch and also vary depending on the season.
- From May to the end of June: during this period, the main activity revolves around the calves born at the end of winter, with systematic marking or "branding." This long-standing tradition is always an opportunity to work and celebrate the new season together. After all the calves have been branded, you lead them and their mothers to the summer pastures for their growth (cattle drive).
- From July to mid-September : For departures between July 1st and September 10th, there will be no cattle work. This is because the ranch will have a reduced number of cowboys and staff at that time. During this period, only horseback riding will be available on the ranch land.
Days 2 to 7 -
End of stay at the ranch
- Transportation Car - 02h - 95km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the tour operator chosen, transfer (if booked in advance) to Rapid City Airport for your return flight. Arrival in Europe is scheduled for the following day. For those continuing their journey, you are free to depart for your next destination. This concludes your immersion in the heart of the American West.
Day 8 -
Back in France, my head full of images of the Wild West
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival of your return flight to France , with memories of an intense week of horseback riding , wide open spaces and ranch life .
Day 9
Note
- From May to the end of June and from September 9th to the end of October: cattle work
- From July to mid-September: no cattle work
The program itinerary is provided for informational purposes only. It may be subject to modifications or adjustments based on technical criteria, safety requirements, or prevailing weather conditions. In such cases, only the program leaders are authorized to make the necessary decisions.
Accommodation
The main lodge of the ranch is the former personal house of the owner (who built his own a few meters away): it includes a dining room, kitchen, large living room with a fireplace, 4 rustic but comfortable bedrooms: 2 doubles and 2 twins with each a shared bathroom.
This is the gathering place where meals are served, but also for relaxing by the fire or playing billiards. Wi-Fi is available in the lounge.
Next to the main house are 2 small cabins , each with a double bedroom and a bathroom, as well as a larger trapper-style cabin with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
Access
The ranch is a 2-hour drive from the airport: transfers to and from the airport are not included in the stay, but are available on request ($75 per trip per person).
The end of the stay and departure from the ranch will take place on day 8 with arrival in France on day 9.
Please plan to arrive between 10am and 8pm.
Go to the starting point
The most accessible airport is Rapid City, located in the neighboring state of South Dakota. The journey from the airport takes approximately 2 hours.
You can also reach the ranch from Gillette-Campbell Airport, about 1 hour from the ranch but generally less well served.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in single or double rooms in the main house or in a cabin
- Full board throughout the stay (lunchtime in the form of light picnics)
- Horse riding activities and your horse at your disposal for the entire duration of your stay
- Transfers during your stay if necessary (excluding airport transfers)
- Unlimited Wi-Fi connection in the main house
- The provision of the laundry facilities
- The financial guarantee of funds deposited with our partner
The price does not include
- International flights to Rapid City (included upon request)
- Round-trip transfer to or from the airport in Rapid City: $150 per person ($75 each way), payable directly on site
- Tips and personal expenses
- ESTA registration fees (see country information)
- FFE rider's license: annual insurance: €50 / "Green" card valid for 30 days: €15 (to be requested when booking)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
For example, for this stay you must apply for an ESTA visa, the application costs approximately $40 and the ESTA is valid for 2 years or until the expiry of the passport.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Towels
Equipment to bring
- Helmet (not mandatory, but recommended) or hat with strap
Clothing to bring
- Riding pants or jeans, just like real cowboys!
- Riding boots, boots. Avoid sneakers with very smooth soles and no heel.
- Chaps or mini-chaps
- Scarf or shawl to protect oneself from the wind or sand
- Riding gloves
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Warm clothes for the evening (sweaters, jacket and coat) – the weather is sometimes unpredictable!
- Comfortable shoes for all outdoor activities
- Sunscreen
- Lip cream
They traveled with us
Luc
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
october 2024
Among friends
Celine
- 25 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2024
In a group
Laura
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2023
In a group
The Phoebe, Audrey et Marjolaine team
Led by a team of five horse and adventure enthusiasts, our local expert specializes in ethical equestrian tourism. Committed to developing travel that respects local communities, he forges lasting relationships with partners worldwide. His on-the-ground expertise, equestrian know-how, and technical versatility allow him to offer immersive itineraries, meticulously designed with high standards and authenticity, in a friendly and committed atmosphere.
