Badger Creek Ranch — Attraction in Salida

In June I had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful Badger Creek Ranch in Colorado and would like to share my experience with you, where I attended a week-long course in natural horsemanship.

Natural Horsemanship Course with Anke Giegandt

Each morning began with a Natural Horsemanship class that exceeded my expectations. Anke is highly qualified and can impart knowledge about horse behavior and communication in a clear and understandable way. You can tell that she lives and loves what she does. It was not just about learning the techniques, but also about building a deeper connection and understanding with the horses. We learned how to send and interpret non-verbal signals, which greatly strengthened our relationship with these amazing animals and formed the basis for our afternoon rides. The exercises were practical and hands-on, so that at the end of the class I not only knew that I had learned something new, but also felt like I had really gained something valuable.

Afternoon Trail Rides

The afternoons were devoted to exploring Colorado's stunning landscapes on horseback. Each ride was an adventure, with different routes taking us through varied landscapes - from wide meadows to forested hills to former opal mines. The horses were superbly trained. I don't know how she does it, but Chrissy managed to match each horse perfectly to each rider, making the experience a pleasure for both beginners and advanced riders. Wherever we went, Chrissy and the horses made us feel safe and secure.

Accommodation and Meals

The accommodation on the ranch was absolutely cozy and inviting. We stayed in one of the bunkhouse rooms, which were clean, spacious, decorated with attention to detail and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Sitting on the veranda in the evening after a wonderful day on horseback and a good meal and looking up at the starry sky is priceless. The food is particularly noteworthy and many, many thanks to Rick: The meals were always fresh, came from the ranch itself or from the region and were lovingly prepared. There was always a selection of delicious dishes and different dietary requirements were also taken into account.

Atmosphere and Community

The atmosphere at the ranch was warm and familiar. Chrissy, Dave and the entire staff were always friendly, helpful and genuinely interested in making all guests feel like part of the family and at home. A sense of community quickly developed among us guests, which made the stay even more enjoyable. In the evenings we often gathered in the living room, told stories, listened to Dave's wonderful music and enjoyed the time together.

Overall, my stay at the ranch in Colorado was a wonderful, unique experience. The combination of expert instruction in natural horsemanship, breathtaking rides and warm hospitality made the days unforgettable. I can highly recommend this ranch to anyone who is looking for a deeper connection to horses and the beauty of nature. I am already looking forward to...

Badger Creek Ranch exceeded my expectations. Nothing "dude" about it. Run by owners and staff who know what they're doing, BCR provides realistic opportunities to work cattle, ride, and get a feel for the life of the American cowboy. Guests can ride the open range, escape modern city life, and enjoy great home-cooked meals served family style at the lodge. The owners of BCR are considerate of earth's resources and live accordingly. It's not an advertising ploy with them - it's their everyday life. This is a working/guest ranch, not a hotel. Great accommodations - clean, quiet, comfortable and pleasantly decorated rooms in the "bunk house" or a glamping-style tent. For the photographer seeking inspiration, a vacationer longing for a slice of different life, or someone who just needs to slow down and soak up the call of a meadow lark or a Rocky Mountain sunrise, Badger Creek Ranch is the place to go. No regrets. No...

Is going to a dude or guest ranch on your bucket list? But you keep putting it off because you have little or no horse experience. Then from my experience of going to several ranches I recommend Badger Creek Ranch in CO as the ranch for you. You will be matched with a well trained horse and given instructions on handling your horse from the ground as well as in the saddle. The ranch is located in the Rocky Mountains with the nearest neighbor 15 miles away. You will ride surrounded by beautiful scenery at a walk and trot only. You will get to move cattle on horseback some days. The feel of family with owners Brian and Natalie, Dave and Chrissy, good eating, and fun conversation in a relaxed atmosphere added up to me having a wonderful week at Badger...