Be Inspired — Powderhorn Ranch Women’s Retreat with Equine Photographers Network

Have you ever traveled to the open spaces of Wyoming? Where the landscape is so vast, your brain can’t seem to soak it all in? 

Taunting your cowgirl spirit. 

A place that schools city folk on embracing their surroundings.

Where bluebird days are pretty much a guarantee. And the plains sit still offering peace and tranquility. 

The land gives you the chance to enjoy the silence. Just listening to the wind. With the sun kissing your face. Making you envious of the western lifestyle. Where boots and chaps are a way of life. 

A dusty face and windswept hair are a welcome sight. Well-worn gloves, a hat, and a broad smile reflect western culture and history. 

The life of a cowgirl, handed down by the legendary pioneer women. Kept alive through generations of family, working homesteads like Powderhorn Ranch, 25 miles south of Douglas, Wyoming.

A life that isn’t for everybody. Only for the strong at heart, mind, and spirit. 

“Cowgirl is an attitude really. A pioneer spirit, a special American brand of courage. The cowgirl faces life head-on, lives by her own lights, and makes no excuses. Cowgirls take stands; they speak up. They defend things they hold dear.”  ~ Dale Evans

Adventure Awaits at The Powderhorn Ranch in Wyoming

In August, I had the privilege of visiting the magnificent Powderhorn Ranch. The operation runs daily livestock management, a cow-calf operation, and a Quarter Horse breeding program. Along with hosting guests in their beautiful Heritage House, and horsemanship events throughout the year in their giant indoor Powderhorn arena. 

I love this place. 

Where fierce cowgirls rise at the brink of daylight and work way past the setting sun. 

Check out this video and see what I’m talking about. 

The True Family, fourth-generation ranchers and owners of the amazing facilities. Each year they host the Equine Photographers Network Powderhorn Ranch Women’s retreat. An event I never miss.

My equine photographer gal pals and I celebrate our friendship and kindred spirits any chance we get. All the while ...shooting herd drives, working cattle, cowgirl and cowboy portraits, dramatic landscape scenes, magical barn light, headshots, and tons of action shots (Equine Photographers Network). Friends and western lifestyle photography in the open plains of Wyoming. Could life get any better? 

Laughing until our sides ache and our faces hurt. Staying up way too late and rising before the sun. 

Evenings were a time to reflect. Enjoying the setting sun as it dipped below the terrain while unpacking the day’s adventures., Learning from the cowgirls about life on the ranch and the grit it takes to survive. Marveling at the moments captured through the lenses of our cameras.

A sacred time for me and my fellow professional equestrian photographers to hone our skills and share techniques. 

Capturing sunset skies and wide-open terrain. 

Catching the subtle nuances and mind-blowing power of the herd as the lead riders yip and whistle to move the horses along. And the cowgirls in the back gracefully drive the stragglers forward. 

Is it just me, or does every little girl want to grow up and be a badass cowgirl? Ropin’ cattle, branding calves, and driving the herd home.

There’s a winsome appeal to the rugged ranch life. Hard work. Open plains. A courage that grows from challenges. 

The expansive countryside whispers my name. Luring me back for more. 

I can’t wait until my next visit.