Andrea K.
5/5
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 my next visit.
