
Vacation! Horseback riding in national parks, on dude ranches, and beyond
The Pitch
Here comes summer. Time to breathe in the great outdoors, shake off winter, saddle up, and find things to do with our horses, family, and friends. Luckily, there are wonderful national park systems in the U.S. and Canada, many of which welcome riders. If life in the outdoors as a “camper” feels too rustic, maybe a setting where you can lend a hand as a “wrangler,” or be a “dude,” or, better yet, luxuriate as a “glamper.” But where to begin?
The idea I pitched to Arabian Horse Life editor Stephanie Ruff was an informative, enjoyable, more top-of-mind read targeted to AHA members coming out of cold winter months, dreaming of or seriously planning riding vacations.
Being more of a glamper myself, I enjoyed updating the mindset some may have had about dude ranches. I had learned about an Arabian horse breeding farm in Namibia in the southwest of the African continent that hosts horseback safaris. I included that as a bucket list item.
Because many readers have their own personal horses, I researched what wonderful public places we have to ride in North America. The Arabian Horse Association has regions in Canada, and it’s important not to forget those members.
The Delivery
At the deadline, I delivered the fact-checked, 2800-word copy and several hi-res images provided by interviewees or the two national park services, each with the needed release forms and photo credit text.
Click on the PDF icon to read the entire piece.

The award-winning Arabian Horse Life magazine is the official magazine of the Arabian Horse Association, a bi-monthly publication about Arabian horses and the people who love them.
Arabian Horse Life has stories, infographics, editorial, and features about:
- People who express their love for the breed in all ways
- Feature products utilized in AHA member barns and facilities
- Training tips for hands-on amateurs
- Profiles of individuals who are moving the breed forward
- Inspiring horses and their stories
- Highlights from AHA national shows and rides
- AHA programs reward and recognize member involvement
- AHA highlights and open events that show off the diversity of the Arabian breed
- Stories of the romantic and fascinating history of the Arabian breed…and much more!
All 16,500+ AHA members receive the magazine’s print issue free as part of a paid AHA membership. The magazine is also available for non-members for a subscription fee of $40/year.