Maybe it’s thanks to gritty smash-hit drama Yellowstone, or cowboycore’s ongoing influence which, if the number of cow-print items we saw on the high street this year is anything to go by, only appears to be evolving. Perhaps it’s the natural result of the world’s eternal love affair with the mythology of the Wild West, or just the across-the-pond version of the rise of the farm stay. Whatever it is, travellers the world over are increasingly swapping their annual resort break for a week on an all-American ranch.
In fact, a recent study by Holafly found interest in horse trail riding has increased by 94 per cent in the last year, while demand for U.S. ranch stays has jumped 42 per cent in the same period, according to Skyscanner. As someone who spent many happy weekends at my local stables and rides every chance I could, I can see the allure. A way to combine the chance to see some of the world’s most beautiful, soaring landscapes with a few days in the saddle? I’m in.
But when I got the chance to fly out to Wyoming to stay at Ranchlands, a fully working family-run ranch in deepest Hyattville (population: 79), I realised that as a Brit whose only ever ridden English style, my regular gear wouldn’t apply. Plus, given we’d be heading into the backcountry and sleeping in tents for a few days, I’d also need to bring some camping equipment. I had to do a bit of research (what are the best jeans to wear on a horse? What’s the most lightweight gear to pack into my backpack?) to be properly prepared.
I got most things right, but still have some learnings for next time, so read on to avoid making my mistakes if you’re planning your own cowboy adventure. Below, my comprehensive guide to packing for ranch trips, whether you’re staying put or trekking into the wilderness – plus the items I’ll definitely be bringing next time.
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Jeans
As someone who’s exclusively ridden with English tack until this trip, I had fun buying Western-appropriate riding clothes for my ranch stay. Leave your jodhpurs at home and invest in some good bootcut jeans. Denim is less stretchy than jodhs, so you want to find a cut you have room to move in without it being too loose around the ankle, which could be dangerous if it gets caught on the saddle or something in your environment as you’re riding or dismounting.
I brought Levis’ classic 501s, which are perfect for this and look just as good around the campfire as on a horse, along with some of the brand’s newer 90s style 501s. These have a slightly wider cut and, in the colour I chose, bedazzling on the leg. I would never normally wear something like this but it felt appropriate for this situation. I got many compliments from the American guests so I’ve no regrets, although I’ve yet to muster up the courage to wear them in London. Go an inch or so longer than you normally would as they’ll naturally ride up a little when you’re in the saddle – cowboys don’t wear ankle swingers.
Boots
Trainers are a no-go, as you run the risk of getting your foot trapped in the stirrup. Similarly, don’t wear ‘fashion’ cowboy boots on a horse; it’s safer to wear those specifically designed for riding. There were plenty of American guests in English-style jodhpur boots, but I bought these Ariat Heritage Lacer IIs, which I thought were more on brand for a western stay. They’re also some of the comfiest shoes I’ve ever owned and far smarter than any grotty pair I’ve ever kicked around the yard in back home.
Tops
You’ll want long sleeved tops on horseback for additional sun protection and to help prevent scratches in case of falls. It’s best to layer up multiple lighter tops that you can shed as the day begins to warm up. I would pair a thinner long-sleeved white tee with an overshirt (I brought a couple of lovely Free People shirts that both looked great) plus a jacket that could be tied to the saddle later on.
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Hats
You need something wide-brimmed like a cowboy hat or baseball cap for sun protection. I wore this from Oliver Bonas because it folded into my case but it didn’t look like a real cowboy hat – next time I’ll invest in something proper. It’d also be remiss not to add a suggestion to wear a helmet, even though it’s far less customary in the States than in the UK. No, it won’t go with your outfit, but some studies have shown that equestrian sports are the leading cause of sports-related traumatic brain injuries in American adults, with one finding that horse riding accounted for 45.2 per cent of adult TBIs. (You can always take it off for pictures!).
Non-riding clothes
Days on the ranch offer a fun opportunity to lean into the Western theme – think collared checked or plaid shirts and cowboy hats, with double denim encouraged. I took this cute jumpsuit from Wrangler, which got a few compliments, paired (naturally) with ankle-height Ariat boots. I also packed a couple of loose-fitting dresses to throw on post-ride; after six hours a day on horseback, I wanted to peel off stiff jeans.
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Activewear
If you’re camping at all, bring warm loungewear that you don’t mind getting a little grotty to keep you cosy in the evenings. I repurposed my trusty Pangaia set that I wear on long haul flights. You’ll also want hiking gear and walking boots for any non-riding days, plus an anorak and a warm coat. Both of mine pack down into their own pocket, which is a good space-saver, and meant I could keep my raincoat tucked in my saddlebag in case of showers. Whenever I wasn’t on a horse I was in my Teva sandals – every guest there had a pair of these, I would recommend.
Camping gear
Obviously not necessary if you’re staying on the ranch but, if you’re headed on a pack trip, the backcountry can get cold at night even in the height of summer (you won’t believe it in the day but it does). Bring a good quality sleeping bag, thermals, head torch and a hot water bottle, plus a good insulated coat, especially later into the year. On the last couple of nights of my trip, there was frost on the ground in the mornings, even in early September. Merino wool (socks, hat, vest) is your friend.
Great Job Charley Ward & the Team @ Condé Nast Traveler UK Source link for sharing this story.
