Big Sky Yoga Retreats is a Montana company that runs small women's retreats pairing yoga with horseback riding, hiking and mindfulness. Its signature Cowgirl Yoga trips take place on Montana ranches, with other retreats in Europe and South America. It's ideal for women who want an active, outdoorsy break with a small group.
What it's like
Big Sky Yoga Retreats is a retreat company rather than a fixed center. It was started by Margaret Burns Vap, who left a corporate career in New York, ran a yoga studio in Washington, DC, and then moved to Montana to build retreats around yoga and the outdoors. She also created the Cowgirl Yoga brand, which is still the heart of what the company does.
The idea is easy to picture: yoga on a ranch in big open country, then time in the saddle, on the trail and around the table. The company keeps its groups small on purpose and calls its style "bootique." Retreats are women-only and blend yoga, horseback riding, hiking, mindfulness and a taste of the local culture.
Travel writers who've joined over the years note that plenty of guests arrive with little or no riding experience, and that beginners are welcome.
The programs
The signature trip is Cowgirl Yoga in Montana, held at a dude ranch. The 2026 edition ran in mid-September, and the company says its retreats tend to fill quickly, with a waitlist when they do.
Beyond Montana, the calendar has grown. Recent and upcoming retreats include a restorative yoga week in Portugal, Cowgirl Yoga in Sweden and Spain, and trips to Argentina. The website also mentions a hiking and spa retreat in the French Alps and a Costa Rica trip. A Spain retreat is already listed for May 2027.
Closer to home, there's a one-day Cowgirl Yoga equine coaching session at a small ranch near Bozeman. It's a good way to try the format without committing to a full week.
Each international trip is run with a local partner host, so the setting, rooms and food vary by destination. Check each trip page for the details.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a natural fit for women who want something more active than a mat-only retreat, especially if horses or wide open landscapes appeal. It also works well for solo travelers, because the small groups make it easy to settle in.
It isn't for men or mixed groups, since the retreats are for women. It's also not the right choice if you're after a quiet meditation retreat or a full-service spa resort. If you're nervous around horses, ask the team how much riding a given trip involves before you sign up.
The company recommends travel insurance and has a published cancellation policy, so read it before you book.
Getting there
The company is based in Bozeman, Montana. For Montana retreats, Bozeman's airport is the natural arrival point, and the team shares details on getting to the ranch once you've booked. For trips abroad, you'll fly to the destination yourself and meet the group there. Each retreat page explains the arrival plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need horseback riding experience?
No. Beginners are welcome, and many guests have little or no riding experience when they arrive.
Are the retreats women-only?
Yes. Big Sky Yoga Retreats runs retreats for women.
Where do the retreats take place?
Mostly on Montana ranches, with other trips in Portugal, Sweden, Spain, Argentina and the French Alps.
Is there a shorter option?
Yes. A one-day equine coaching session near Bozeman lets you try the Cowgirl Yoga approach in a single day.
How do I see upcoming dates?
The official website lists current retreats and how to join a waitlist.
