it's midnight, and i’m sitting by a fire swathed in native american blankets   bourbon on ice clinking in one hand, the other incinerating plump saccharine marshmallows in the gentle flames native americans in full traditional dress – one of them calls himself ‘little bear’ – are serenading our group with haunting songs this is no inauthentic act cranked out for tourists, but a moving, thought provoking reminder of an almost lost american heritage the native americans are not the only emblems of local culture to have been threatened i am at mustang monument wild horse eco resort, the creation and domain of the glamorous madeleine pickens, whose life’s work has been to preserve the last great american mustangs from oblivion standing proud: mustang monument is home to an impressive number of wild horses  she opened this resort last year, a 900 square mile reserve and not for profit luxury eco resort in northeastern nevada former wife to oil billionaire t boone pickens, and an ex racehorse breeder,, madeleine rescued 600 wild horses in 2008 after hearing that the government was planning to euthanise or sell more than 30,000 for slaughter the animals encroach on federal land and so are rounded up at extortionate cost to the taxpayer it was a prequel to setting up a foundation to save america’s mustangs, whose conservation is battled over between those who consider the animal an agricultural pest, and those who believe it is a symbol of pioneer freedom ‘the story of these wild horses unites people we’ve created a playground that brings to life everything we imagined as children but behind the fantasy, each guest is preserving a symbol of american heritage, and a symbol of freedom,’ as madeleine puts it this place is a reminder of days when games of 'cowboys and indians' were made possible by a bed sheet tipi and faces streaked with lipstick home free: some see wild mustangs as pests   but they are protected at this nevada retreat  madeleine’s version of playtime is a surreal blend of high fashion and authentic ranch life arriving at mustang monument – two hours drive from salt lake city and submerged within three mountain ranges – feels as though you are checking into the touristic lovechild of anna wintour and butch cassidy candy coloured hand painted tipis, pioneer wagons and a cinnamon coffee blend of migrating horses punctuate the brush waking up on my first morning, a peachy glow floods through the painted canvas, a gentle way to greet the day and an unbelievable reminder that i slept in a tipi last night (although, with its hardwood floors, leather armchairs, and luxuriant egyptian cotton and hand made quilts, the transition to camping is hardly challenging, and, if canvas doesn’t appeal, guests can also stay in a sumptuous pioneer cottage) we meet the famous mustangs at feeding time when hordes of wild horses bashfully approach our wagon, their velvety noses pushing through the hay bundles listening to their satisfied snuffles and admiring their heavily lashed eyes, it’s hard to imagine how these placid beasts can be considered a nuisance life under canvas: guests at mustang monument can opt to sleep in a luxury tipi  we take off on regular saddle horses up spruce mountain led by clay nannini, who is riding a broken in mustang resident cowboy and rodeo champion, his spirit of adventure makes me feel i’m in dusty pursuit of a steam train hiding a gang of runaway bandits the 21st century, ultra luxe reality check arrives when madeleine meets our gang with a lunch of artisan sandwiches and homemade lemonade, taken under a canopy overlooking the valley riding is by no means the only activity there's rifle shooting, lasso tutorials and archery under the guidance of former us navy seal monty heath for the slightly less authentic   but seriously fun   wild west experience, there are dune buggies, abseiling and mountain biking each day is book ended by the saloon its rustic exposed woods and card tables are lantern lit for pre dinner cocktails and exquisitely arranged canapés no peanut shells or nightly brawls here; just amber evenings filled with roaring chatter and witty anecdotes from the guides clay and monty madeleine tells us over the crackling fire that the resort is expanding to include nights where guests can sleep under the stars no walls, no electricity – just wilderness under the inky night sky creature comforts: for those who prefer walls to tents, rustic cabins are also available  in bringing freedom to mustangs in the wide open spaces of america, madeleine is bringing freedom to her guests too; as well as a slug of the old american dream in this wifi less zone, even the most driven ceos – and plenty come here, in their private helicopters, along with a dusting of hollywood a listers, though they won’t tell me who – cast off their shackles children lose the playstations, iphones, and tvs and learn about archery, horse riding and calf roping, off road vehicles, abseiling, and target shooting, or even learn to ride for the first time the derelict gold mines and eerie ghost towns that are littered across the mountain ranges are evidence that the dream didn’t last for everyone; but in this case, a happy ending seems assured steppes travel (0843 7789926, wwwsteppestravelcom) offer a five night stay at mustang monument wild horse eco resort prices from £2,995 per person, based on two people sharing a tipi price includes accommodation on a full board basis including return flights, most activities and excursions, and car hire
mustang monument nevada america
mustang monument sits in north east of the rugged state of nevada  it is home to a large population of america's native wild horses, mustangs  guests can stay in luxury tipis, and head out on horseback adventures 