Sundowner: Spring/Summer 2019

FIVE PLACES
TO PLAY
COWBOY
GRAB YOUR STETSON AND MOUNT UP – IT’S TIME TO MAKE LIKE
JOHN WAYNE AND HARRY THEM STEERS. A&K’S EXPERTS PICK THE
MOST AUTHENTIC WILD WEST EXPERIENCES ON OFFER
Cowboy fever has hit us hard – vast lands, big skies and outdoor
pursuits never seemed so appealing, and when you can get
off-grid without compromising on comfort, there’s every reason
to indulge. It’s not just the US that champions the cowboy. You can canter
through the Argentine pampas on horseback, watch high-speed barrel
racing in Calgary, or embrace a rustic ranch in Chilean Patagonia offering
one of the most authentic gaucho experiences out there. So, saddle up
for the ride of your life: from southern Australia’s rust-red Outback to
the sweeping desert plains of Arizona, here are five places where you can
round ’em up and head ’em out.
CÓRDOBA
ARGENTINA
Play out your cowboy fantasy on a working cattle farm in Argentina’s
stunning Córdoba region. Overlooking the foothills of the Sierra Chicas,
rippling pampas and infinite plains, Estancia Los Potreros oozes true
estancia life.
Dating back to the 16th century, this ranch-cum-organic farm has
been run by the Anglo-Argentine Begg family for four generations. The
farm was originally used to breed mules for the Bolivian mines. Today
you’ll see herds of Aberdeen Angus cattle and over 100 Peruvian Paso
horses as well as a number of sure-footed Criollo cattle.
Slip on your poncho to go steaming through the pampas or track
further afield to see rural homesteads and small communities. It’s also an
excellent choice for a family holiday. Children can roam around (safely)
in the 2,500-hectare working farm and swim in waterfall pools.
Back at the ranch, it couldn’t get more authentic than working
alongside the gauchos. Guests can try their hands at lassoing cattle and
rounding up the herd.
After days in the great outdoors, unwind in a hammock with a good
book. In the land of superlative steak and wine, food is a real highlight.
Gather around the wooden dining table for home-cooked empanadas,
sizzling asados, and the finest Malbec.
CALGARY
ALBERTA, CANADA
Every July, over a million visitors head to Calgary in Alberta to watch
‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. It’s a strong statement, but one
that’s entirely justified. The famed Calgary Stampede is where you can
go full Billy the Kid or Butch Cassidy – chuckwagon racing, horse riding
shows, one of the largest rodeos in the world, you name it. The event lasts
for 10 days but even after one, you’ll come out having learned how to
dress, act, and eat like a cowboy.
From sheep-shearing competitions to steer wrestling, there’s something
for everyone. You’ll need to reserve tickets to the most popular events
such as barrel racing, where women gallop on horseback at full-speed
around a series of barrels.
From as early as 6am, visitors amass for all-you-can-eat pancakes
loaded with bacon and maple syrup. Then there’s everything from
the obligatory steak to indulgent mac and cheese throughout the day.
Don’t forget to take home a legendary white cowboy hat, traditionally
bequeathed on visiting dignitaries including the Duke and Duchess
of Cambridge.
SCOTTSDALE
ARIZONA, US
It’s not just about Stetsons and leather chaps. For a taste of real-deal
cowboy life, head to Scottsdale, where you can sign up to cowboy
college. Here you can channel the rough ’n’ tough cattle wranglers whose
traditions continue on the ranches dotted throughout Arizona’s plains.
38 | SPRING/SUMMER 2019