This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Women, Horses, and the West

with Dr. Bonney MacDonald

reserve your spot

Zapata Ranch

May 21 – 28, 2023

Professor Dr. Bonney MacDonald will lead a literary workshop on the theme of Wide Open Space: The Great Plains, Prairies, and Big Valleys of the West.

The Program

This year’s readings focus on living in, traveling over, and reflecting on the wide open spaces between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River Valley. You'll discuss how these varied plains, prairies, and big valleys have been seen in the past, and how they are portrayed in 20th- and 21st-century fiction and non-fiction.  Authors may include Walter Prescott Webb, Willa Cather, Ivan Doig, Conrad Richter, Ian Frazier, Sanora Babb, Mary Clearman Blew, Laura Pritchett, Annie Proulx, and others.

Make a reservation

About Bonney MacDonald

Bonney MacDonald is a Professor of Western Literature at West Texas A&M University.  She holds an M.A. from Univ. of Nottingham, England, a Ph.D. from Yale University, and has conducted on-site ranch retreats and classes since 2004.

Her workshops combine the best things you remember about college seminars with great horses, friendship, and the wonderful Western outdoors.  

Rates

$3745 per person includes all lodging, meals, and activities. Gratuity and tax not included.

Check availability

Zapata Ranch

Set back in a shady cotton woodgrove beneath the majestic 14,000-foot peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains lies the historic Zapata Ranch headquarters and lodge, which was established in the late 1800’s. Elk, mule deer, migratory birds, eagles, and black bear also call this area home. The rooms are beautifully furnished and have an elegant southwestern decor that gives them the feel of home. All rooms have individual tiled bathrooms and views that are private, peaceful, and beautiful in any season.

learn more about Zapata

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

Sold Out

Advanced Painting Horses with Jill Soukup

September 24 - 29, 2023
Learn More

Harvest Weekend

September 29 - October 1, 2023
Learn More
Sold Out

Equine Gestalt and Herbal Wisdom with Kelly Dukarski

October 1 - 5, 2023
Learn More

Cart

No more products available for purchase

Your cart is currently empty.

Join Ranchlands Collective
Benefits include:
  • Free shipping on today's order and all future orders from the Mercantile.
  • An exclusive monthly newsletter featuring essays, videos, and opportunities to interact with the Ranchlands team.
  • First access to events, workshops, new Ranchlands Mercantile products, and more.
Other