Plan Ahead for These Two Western Fall Adventures

Enjoy autumn’s crisp air and vibrant foliage even more by treating yourself to a special adventure. These two western adventures offer new perspectives, one on the landscape and the other on the inner life of horses.

Photography Workshops in New Mexico

Image Credit: Jerry Courvoisier

Ted Turner Expeditions, the new eco-adventure company launched by the business mogul, invites the public to experience his scenic ranches in New Mexico on photography workshops. Not only do you get an eyeful of how the 1% lives — in this case on more than a half-million acres of semi-desert and mountains – you also learn how to capture images of this natural setting. Photographer Jerry Courvoisier leads the group, limited to eight people, into the landscape and provides guidance on shooting techniques. In the afternoon, Courvoisier offers pointers on processing techniques. The workshops don’t just target advanced photographers with serious experience and expensive gear. People who use point-and-shoot cameras and iPhones are welcome too.

Guests lodge at the Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa but photograph the scenery and wildlife at Turner’s Ladder and Armendaris ranches. All the properties are located in or near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The four-day/three-night workshops are available September 22 to 25; 27 to 30; October 11 to 14; 18 to 21; November 17 to 20. The $2,125 price tag includes daily breakfast, two dinners, lodging, and photography workshop. Contact Jerry Courvoisier, [email protected].

Hands on Horse Week in Colorado

At Home Ranch’s Hands on Horse Week, learn horsemanship skills from Curt Pate, the expert handler who served as technical advisor for Robert Redford’s movie “The Horse Whisperer” and who also appeared in the film. Under Pate’s guidance you learn how to halter, saddle and groom a horse as well as how to “read” the animal to know what he’s thinking. The program targets novice to experienced riders who want to feel more comfortable around horses. Guests spend about two and a half hours in the arena in the morning and about two and a half hours riding in the afternoon.

Image Credit: Home Ranch

“Helping guests expand their knowledge and skill set will allow them to relish the simple pleasure and enjoyment that comes from building a relationship with an animal,” says Pate. Many believe that the ability to understand a horse can translate into better people skills. Whether that works out or not, it’s a joy to ride through Aspen woodlands in autumn when the trees turn the color of spun gold.

Located in Clark, Colorado, the Home Ranch, a Relais & Chateaux affiliated ranch, has 14 rooms. Hands on Horse week takes place September 11 to 16. Five-night, all-inclusive stay from $4,975 per room, based on two guests.

Image Credit: Home Ranch