Contains information on travel related horse venues including events and related desrinations of interest to horse owners and enthusiasts (shows and events, tack shops, museums, art collections, equestrian statues and monuments, etc.)

Great winter trips in the U.S. for horse lovers:

 National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO: Jan.  12-27, 2008.  Features rodeos, horse shows, clinics, trade shows, and more.        Call: (303) 595-6124, or www.nationalwestern.com

Fort Worth Stock Show and Sale in Fort Worth, TX:  January 8 - February 3, 2008.  Features paint and Quarter Horse shows as well as western disciplines, PRCA and ranch rodeos, production sales, and more.  Call: (817) 877-2400, or www.fwstockshowrodeo.com/

Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV: Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2008: Cowboy poetry and song entertainment, and workshops and seminars on horse training, ranching, western lifestyle, and more.                   Call: (775) 738-7508, or www.westernfolklife.org.

Plan now for spring and summer riding vacations . . .

           Over the years I have rounded up cattle in Colorado, wrangled horses in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming, and meandered wildflower laden trails up the Absaroka Range near Yellowstone National Park. To this day one of my most memorable moments remains the time I galloped a horse through an Alpine meadow in the Canadian Rockies after having navigated hair raising mountainside switchbacks the likes of which mirrored scenes from the movie The Man From Snowy River.

            As a longtime horse owner many of my vacations have often included some kind of horseback riding or ranch experience.  And in recent years as daily life has become more high-tech and complicated I find myself longing for more of these vacations.

            Apparently I’m not alone in my desire for wide-open spaces and for the freedom that comes with riding through the wilderness and stopping for lunch along a creek or at a mountaintop campsite.

            According to Colleen Hodson, executive director of The Dude Ranchers’ Association in Cody, WY, horseback riding and guest ranch vacations are experiencing an “upswing” in popularity.  The reason, Hodson said, is the environment they offer from breathtaking scenery to outdoor activities that many people don’t get to experience in their day-to-day urban lifestyles.  “They’re trying to get unplugged a bit,” she said.  “And a dude ranch is a place where you can do it.”

On a recent inspection of about ten member ranches located around Jackson Hole, WY, Hodson said they were booked solid for the summer

            Although “dude” ranch is often casually used in reference to ranch vacations, there are some variations. Hodson said the term “dude” essentially means “ a newcomer”.  In the old West it was often used to describe guests who came from the East.  Today the terms “guest” and “dude” ranches are used interchangeably.  A “working” ranch, however, is one where guests help with ranch activities like moving cattle, branding calves, and mending fences.  “Resort” ranches offer things like tennis, golf, and spa treatments, in addition to horseback riding.

 “You can really find a ranch that is tailored to what you want,” Hodson said.  “There is something for everyone.” 

            Members of The Dude Ranchers’ Association require a three-night minimum stay.  Daily rates usually start around $150.  Weekly all-includes rate are usually for 6-7 days and range in price from $800-$3,200 for double occupancy. 

            Hodson said the benefits of selecting a ranch that belongs to the Dude Ranchers’ Association is that they have gone through a two-year application process, which includes inspections of the lodging, food service, and horseback riding program. Member ranches also pay a base annual membership fee of $1,032.

 “They (the ranch) do have to qualify to be in (the association),” Hodson said.

            The association, founded in 1926, also conducts a horse safety survey each year.  Hodson said riding related accidents are relatively low for the number of hours in the saddle provided by member ranches.  Ranches with a high number of what she calls “spontaneous dismounts” are, however, inspected.  For their own liability protection all ranches require riders to sign liability waivers and release forms.  In addition, riders are given basic instruction prior to riding on the trails.

            Some ranches also offer hourly rides to non-guests.  The going rates near the east entrance of Yellowstone is about $45 for a two-hour ride, and  $75 or more for a four hour breakfast or lunch ride.  Dinner rides start at about $125.

Here are some tips for picking the right ranch vacation for you and your family:

• Select a ranch based on desired geographic location (desert, mountains, forests, etc.) and for activities that are important to you. If your main interest is riding select a ranch that offers day rides and overnight pack trips, in addition to regular morning and evening rides.  Working ranches generally offer related horseback activities like cattle roundups and rodeos. Some ranches offer special horsemanship programs geared toward young and inexperienced riders.  
• Most ranches have a minimum age requirement for riders. 
• If there are non-riders in family choose a ranch that offers other activities like fishing, hiking, white-water rafting, golf, etc.

• Take appropriate clothes for riding including: footwear (preferably cowboy or paddock boots) that isn’t bulky and has a heel; long pants and long sleeve shirts; and a hat.  Many ranches do have extra boots, hats, and slickers for guests to use. 
• Ranches located in the west generally do not require their guests to wear riding helmets.  Most, however, do have them available for riders. 
• Be honest about your riding ability, weight, and height. These things help the wranglers match the right horse to the right rider.  Weight is a big factor when riding in the mountains as ten pounds can make a huge difference when a horse navigates steep terrains.  Any other physical issues like back problems should be disclosed.
• For ranches located in the mountains take everything from summer to winter clothing - including a raincoat/slicker.  Even during the summer the weather there can be unpredictable.
• Schedule longer rides and overnights pack trips toward the end of your stay – starting with shorter rides will help to develop your riding legs for a 4-8 hour ride..

• Many ranches are booked for the peak season (June through August) by Jan. 1.  Shoulder seasons like May and September and October are generally discounted with rates 10-15 percent (some are discounted as much as 40 percent) off peak season rates.

• Find out what is included in the daily or weekly rate. Ranches that offer “The American Plan” are all-inclusive and include lodging, meals, and activities.  Some ranches operate more like bed and breakfasts with additional charges for riding, fishing, rafting, etc. 
• Deposits are required and can be as much as 40 percent of total cost of your stay.   Most ranches add a service charge, which is used for tipping wranglers, housekeeping, and servers.

Here are some sources for additional information about riding/ranch vacations:

• The Dude Ranchers’ Association:  Offers a free directory of 108 member ranches.  West of the Mississippi, and in Canada. 
• Call:  1-866-399-2339, or www.duderanch.org.
• www.familytravelguides.com:  Offers numerous articles on guest ranches. 
• www.ranchweb.com:  Extensive website offering information and rates for guest ranches in the U.S. and worldwide.
• www.horse-riding.net/:  A website that serves as an international directory of riding vacations.
• Wyoming Dude Rancher’s Association at www.wyomingdra..com, or 307-673-1618.  Features member ranches and a locator map of guest ranches in Wyoming.
• Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association at www.montanadra.com, or 888-284-4133.  Features member guest ranches in Montana.
• www.dude-ranches.gordonsguide.com/:  Offers numerous descriptive write-ups on popular guest ranches.

            Eaton's Ranch is a one of a kind place where you can take your horse and ride anywhere on the ranch’s 7,000 acres, which border the Eastern slopes of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming.

            The ranch, located in Wolf, about 20 miles west of Sheridan, hosts over 1,000 guests a year and many have been coming back for generations.  It’s also a place for annual family reunions as evidenced during my stay when two extended families came from all over the United States for a week of riding, creek-side cookouts, gourmet family style meals, and a traditional western style dance at the end of the week. 

            According to Jeff Way, general manager and a fifth generation of the Eaton and Ferguson families that have run the ranch since 1879, one of the attractions for guests is the traditional family environment and ranch history.

            “The tradition of the ranch and being a family owned and operated ranch is an added incentive in keeping it (the ranch) in the family,” Way said.

            Eaton’s Ranch was started by Howard Eaton and was originally located in Medora, North Dakota.  Later, brothers Willis and Alden joined in the ranch operations.  Eaton’s began operating as a “dude” ranch in 1882 as more and more friends from the East came to visit.   The ranch relocated to Wolf in 1904, and it has hosted notable western icons like Charlie Russell and Will Rogers.

            Today the ranch features 51 guest cabins with names like Hell’s Kitchen, Daniels Den, and Little Antlers.  Each is comfortable, yet rustic without televisions or phones.  They are furnished with a well-stocked coal burning stove, coffee pot, western décor, and jelly jars with a sprig of fresh flowers.  The main ranch house is open to the public and is filled with vintage photos and other ranch memorabilia including a handwritten note to Howard Eaton from former President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt”.

             “Families can really enjoy their time together without distractions,” Way said.

            Another attraction, especially for guests who may have their own horses back home, is that they can ride unescorted anywhere on the ranch.  The more than 200 head of horses are all veteran ranch horses, and are comfortable being ridden solo as well as in a group guided by a wrangler. Among the favorite rides at Eaton’s are trails to: Indian Rocks, a formation of rocks toward the front entrance of the ranch Chocolate Drop, through the spectacular Red Canyon.  Wolf Creek also cuts through the ranch property and provides water crossing and is a favorite spot for picking up lost horseshoes pulled from horse hooves when the banks are muddy.

            “The key is getting people here,” Way said.  “Once they come, they will be back.”

 Horseback Riding
Directory for Horseback Riding! Horse Trails, Horse Trailers, Overnight Stables, Bed and Breakfasts, Dude Ranches, Riding Stables, Cattle Drives, Summer Camps, and Camping with Horses in the United States.
http://www.horseandtravel.com