The ILPH have been running Cattle Drive Challenges in the USA since 2002, and they are still proving to be our most popular Challenge event.

If the idea of spending a week in a western saddle, in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming appeals to you, then this could be the Challenge you are looking for.

The low rainfall and high altitude in this part of the United States requires a rotational grazing system to make the best use of the land and at the end of the summer the annual roundup week occurs. Your challenge is to work alongside the ranch cowboys, rounding up 1,500 head of cattle, sorting them into groups and moving them from the upper pastures to the lower valley. The most important aspect of this cattle drive, that is different from most drives now available in the West, is that it is not staged. You will ride with real ranchers as they move their cattle between pastures, just as their ancestors did. You will ride past pioneer homesteads through rocky canyons and along gurgling mountain streams full of trout. Before the homesteaders arrived in the late 19th century these were the routes taken by North American Indians in their annual search for the buffalo.

Moving cattle is unpredictable but on a typical day you should expect to be in the saddle for five to-six hours. If the work goes well you could finish early but if the cattle prove difficult to locate in the mountain pastures it can take longer so you should be prepared for up to eight hours riding a day. The terrain is mountainous and makes for challenging riding. Much of the pace will be at a walk but there will be opportunities for faster rides. At the start of the cattle round up time will be spent matching your riding ability and experience to the horses. You won't just follow behind while the real cowboys and cowgirls do the work, you will be taught to ride and herd cows just like real drovers. There will be a maximum of 20 guests on the cattle drive.

How do I take part?
Complete a registration form and return it to the ILPH with your non-returnable registration fee of £300 as soon as possible. You will then receive confirmation of your booking and further details about fundraising.

What’s the average age of participants?
There isn't one! If you are over 18 you are eligible to register for the ILPH Wyoming Cattle Drive. (If you are over 60 you will need to provide a medical certificate from your doctor to confirm that you are fit for the challenge).

How do I get sponsorship?
Fundraising is not as difficult as you think, but you need to be positive, imaginative and determined. You will receive plenty of support and have the opportunity to meet with other participants and exchange fundraising ideas.

Am I fit enough?
This challenge will require a reasonable level of fitness. There are arrangements in place to help ill or injured riders. You will need to be at least an intermediate rider.

Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a list, recommending the type of clothing you will require. Hard hats are recommended.

What kind of support is there?
There will be medical support and a ground crew.

What sort of accommodation & food?
On the round-up you stay either in rooms in the main ranch house or in adjacent log cabins. The rooms and cabins are comfortable with showers and flush loos. There will also be a camp out one night, although this is dependent on the weather. All meals on the cattle round up will be provided, from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the departure day. A substantial cooked breakfast will set you up for a days hard work on the range. Lunch may be back at the ranch or will often be a saddle bag picnic while dinner will usually be at the ranch house. There will also be cook-outs on the trail, either breakfasts on the way to distant pastures or evening barbecues. Most special dietary requests can be accommodated but we must have advance notification. Staff prepare and clean up after every meal so you are free to enjoy the other activities.

Are any vaccinations required?
No inoculations are required.

What will the weather be like?
These are the mountains. In August day time temperatures are likely to be between 20C and 30C and although it may be warm during the day, nights can be very cold. Be prepared for changing conditions and plan to dress in layers.

Passport Visa & Heath Information
You must be in full possession of a full and valid passport to visit the USA, valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. If your passport shows you are a British Citizen you do not need a visa. If you have a passport showing you are a British Subject or you hold an Irish passport, you do need a visa. No inoculations are required for the USA.

Do I need insurance?
You must have adequate travel insurance to cover yourself for health, and accidents. It must be a policy that is suitable for riding abroad. You may organise this personally, or alternatively In The Saddle can organise travel insurance for you.