When you get tired of herding your little ones to and fro, you can practice those skills during a special getaway on a ranch, with horses and cows that may actually prove to be more pliable than your own offspring. Rancho de los Caballeros is located northwest of Phoenix, a drive of approximately 1.5 hours. Open from October to May, the ranch is spread out over 20,000 acres, with 100 horses to explore the trails and a golf course to provide non-equine related activity. Relaxation is offered in the form of a labyrinth walk and a multitude of treatments offered by the spa.

Such a pampering ranch brings out the little-girl pony longing you’ve always had, and the Giddy Up Gals Getaway satisfies that hankering by giving you not just the horse ride but the knowledge to go with it. The Getaways are limited to specific dates (see below), and with a maximum of 18 women per session, you’ll have some real bonding time with your gal pals and a chance to make new friends. (Of course, your kids will never be far from mind with the team penning activity, where you and your teammates herd yearling steers into a 12 x 12 pen with the help of an experienced cowhand.) And with rates for singles, you can still satisfy your horse jones if you’re willing to go solo.

The Getaway, which can be booked for 2 or 3 nights, includes:

• accommodations decorated with Southwest flair
• all meals including a desert cookout under the stars
• horse/tack education, personalized riding instructions, and unlimited scheduled trail rides
• free time for golf and ranch activities including a nature hike with the resident naturalist
• an afternoon of team penning
• nightly entertainment

The 2-night package is $818 for singles, $1196 for doubles. Three nights are $1227 for singles, $1784 for doubles. Rates do not include 7% sales tax and a 15% gratuity charge in lieu of tipping. The Giddy Up Gals Getaway can be booked on the following dates (based on availability):

• Friday December 7 – Sunday December 2007
• Friday January 11 – Sunday January 13 2008
  
• Tuesday January 15 – Thursday January 17 2008
  
• Tuesday February 5 – Wednesday February 6 2008
  
• Friday February 8 – Sunday February 10 2008
  
• Friday May 9 – Sunday May 11 2008 (Mother’s Day weekend)

For more information and reservations , click here or call 800.684.5030.

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