Experience the cowboy life in Arizona, USA (1)

Experience the cowboy life in Arizona, USA (1) Have you ever wanted to be a cowboy for a day? Basic cowboy training in Arizona, western cowboy-style clothing and degree...

Have you ever wanted to be a cowboy for a day? Arizona provides basic cowboy training, western cowboy-style clothing and holiday ranches, making your cowboy experience not so far away. From cowboy academies, western cowboy-style clothing to vacation ranches, Arizona is definitely a tourist destination for cowboy fans.

Cowboy Training

First, you will learn the entry-level knowledge of becoming a professional cowboy at Arizona Cowboy College. This college has a history of 40 years and is not a typical university. Here, students learn how to become a "real" cowboy through hands-on experience at the Scottsdale Ranch. Private and group lessons cover everything from basic riding skills and riding safety knowledge to how to tie a rope, branding, pen entry and ranch management. You will learn all the equestrian skills and horse care techniques. You can choose from one- or three-day courses, as well as one-week courses with shed accommodation. The course is offered year-round except July and August.

Professional Cowboy Equipment

Now that you have learned how to ride and tie a horse, you can now speed up to the next step. Generally speaking, the typical professional cowboy will buy a pair of cowboy boots. Handmade boots are a good choice when it comes to fit and comfort. Most shoe stores offer a dizzying selection of leathers, intricate stitching and different heel designs. Arizona artisans have been perfecting their craft, including the Paul Bond Boot Company in Nogales, which counted John Wayne and Johnny Cash among its loyal customers. In Prescott, local leather craftsman Paul Krause can custom-make a pair of cowboy boots for you. You can visit his studio PK Bootmaker and pick out your favorite styles and accessories. If you're in Phoenix, check out David Espinoza, which has been selling handmade traditional cowboy boots for more than 40 years, and you can choose from a wide variety of high-quality leathers at his location.

A cowboy hat is of course a must. When it comes to comfort and fit, the quality of a handmade cowboy hat is unparalleled. Eric Watson’s Hat Shop in Cave Creek continues the fine tradition of handcrafting hats using vintage equipment and quality materials. Customized cowboy hats take 30 to 45 days to complete. But if you ask any customer who buys a cowboy hat at his store, they will definitely tell you: all the long wait is worth it. The store can even customize it for you, adding a ranch logo or a special cowboy design. Hally’s Custom Hats in Scottsdale can custom-make a one-of-a-kind cowboy hat and even clean up an old, worn hat to make it look brand new. Harry has been specializing in hat making for 25 years and is proficient in using know-how and timeless craftsmanship to make cowboy hats that meet modern trends.

Where do the cowboys roam? Currently, these cowboys, and those who would become cowboys, can be found on what are often called recreational or resort ranches: cattle ranches converted into resorts. The ranches date back to the turn of the 20th century, when expansion of railroads made access to the American West easier and faster. As ranches continued to decline, cash-strapped ranchers turned to resort ranching as a way to supplement their income.

Today's resort ranches often charge all-inclusive fares, which include accommodation, meals and some entertainment. Many luxury ranches feature swimming pools, spas, or other recreational options, not to mention a number of aerobic activities such as horseback riding, penning, and tethering. Based on the different preferences of guests, the family-friendly resort ranch can provide a series of entertainment activities for those who like liveliness, and enough space for solitude for those who prefer pure meditation. The Tanque Verde Ranch near Tucson has a spa where you can enjoy a massage to relax your sore muscles after a hard day of running. This ranch was named "Best Resort Ranch" by the Arizona Republic in 2012. Guests staying there can get up early to milk cows, ride horses during the day, and enjoy western dancing and cowboy poetry at night.

Cowgirl-themed holiday options

> Cowgirl-themed holiday ranches are increasingly popular. Grab your moms, sisters, and girlfriends and head out for some old-time cowgirl fun. Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg offers a "sister group" tour package that allows you to ride horses, chat around the campfire, and relax in the hot springs. Cactus Cowgirls at Rancho de la Osa includes a welcome cocktail party, daily riding lessons, country western lessons and horseback riding tastings. At Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, cowgirls can enjoy special packages such as the Annual Cowgirl Weekend Party.