Horse holidays Montana

[Winters100]

I am just wondering if anyone has ever done a ranch holiday in Montana? Next year will be a big birthday and I kind of feel like I should do things while I still can. Any pointers for good places? I don't need a lot of luxury, but reasonably comfortable with nice horses and some faster riding....any ideas?

 

[AmyMay]

Omg. Totally on my bucket list!

 

[SEL]

Back in 2004 near Glacier Park. Riding was walk only which wasn't what we asked for so a bit dull if I'm honest. A lot of the U.S. ones only walk so double check what you're getting. If travel companies like In the Saddle are still around then they are good for advice.

I did Namibia later that year ..... that made a speed junkie very happy ?

 

[Bernster]

Rocking Z! Went there last year. Lovely place, really friendly, gorgeous country, look after their horses and do a range of activities. Highly recommend.

 

[BBP]

Can’t help with Montana, but I’ve done Namibia and South Africa with lots of fast riding and nice horses (although did come back from SA with a bad concussion!)

 

[atropa]

Following with interest, would love to do a ran h holiday in Montana. Partner and I did an amazing ride across Monument Valley (Utah/Arizona border) 3 years ago, just the two of us and our guide galloping across the desert on Mustangs, it was unreal

 

[Archangel]

Omg. Totally on my bucket list!

Mine too!

 

[still standing]

I'm another who would recommend the Rocking Z ranch. A small group of us went there about 5 years ago for a week. We had different riding abilities and we were able to let them know in advance what we wanted to do ... all day ride, half day, fast, slow, etc and we could stay as a group or they would divide us if we wanted. Although they are not a cattle ranch, we got to try rounding up some young stock, how to lassoo a 'mock' horse, visit a rodeo, swimming in the creek, lots of other activities. It's a family run ranch and a really friendly set-up.

 

[SBJT]

Depends how much you want to spend. I went to McGinnis ranch and enjoyed it. Shane’s an ass but the other wranglers are great and you can do trail, cow work, or horsemanship. I really enjoyed it.

 

[asmp]

Daughter had talked for years about going on a riding holiday and next Saturday should have been going to Canada to ride in the Rockies. It is now rebooked for next year. Not sure I could do it as you camp on the trail but she was really looking forward to it.

 

[SBJT]

Daughter had talked for years about going on a riding holiday and next Saturday should have been going to Canada to ride in the Rockies. It is now rebooked for next year. Not sure I could do it as you camp on the trail but she was really looking forward to it.

Ooh where in the Rockies?

 

[Orangehorse]

I went to Rocking Z too, best holiday ever. I went with In the Saddle, but I think you can book direct. One girl had come at the last minute and had a rather tortuous journey, hopping from airport to airport.
It was like a bus journey as they landed at one place, some passengers got out and some got on, and then took off again. On the way back I had booked a through flight in case there were any delays, so we took off from Helena, landed at Seattle and got on British Airways back to Heathrow so very easy.

The philosophy is that guests have a nice holiday.

Another ranch holiday operator said that there can be very varying standards, but it was pretty safe going to any place that had been inspected and promoted by a British company.

 

[asmp]

Ooh where in the Rockies?

She will fly into Calgary and it’s one hour away - Kananaskis Country

It is with Unicorn Trails.

 

[Bernster]

I went with in the saddle too, had forgotten that bit! They said it was more rustic and not luxury but it was plenty nice enough. And def not camping cos that I don’t do.

 

[SBJT]

She will fly into Calgary and it’s one hour away - Kananaskis Country

It is with Unicorn Trails.

Oh that’s funny it’s exactly where I live as I live just outside of Calgary.

I was just there camping and riding this weekend. It’s a great area and she will love it. Beautiful mountain country and a lot of trails to ride.

 

[daydreamer]

I'm another who would recommend the Rocking Z ranch. A small group of us went there about 5 years ago for a week. We had different riding abilities and we were able to let them know in advance what we wanted to do ... all day ride, half day, fast, slow, etc and we could stay as a group or they would divide us if we wanted. Although they are not a cattle ranch, we got to try rounding up some young stock, how to lassoo a 'mock' horse, visit a rodeo, swimming in the creek, lots of other activities. It's a family run ranch and a really friendly set-up.

I also went to the Rocking Z ranch 5 years ago and had a great time!! I would really recommend it. The horse I rode, Captain, was great and is the reason I now have a 2 y o Morgan!!

 

[lozloz1]

My mum and I went to 9 Quarter Circle with In The Saddle and loved it. There's 2 2 hour rides per day and a couple of all day rides. There was usually a canter or 2 on the rides. We combined with with a few days in Yellowstone National Park. We did love it but it wasn't quite enough riding for us, we usually do 5-6 hours a day. The horses we got and the staff were brilliant. The scenery was absolutely beautiful!!
We've been on 3 holidays with In The Saddle and fully recommend them. We hope to go to India next.

 

[Kaylum]

I have had a luxury holiday at the White Stallion Ranch, Arizona holiday of a lifetime for my son and I. He had not done much riding but by the end of it he was an expert. Barrel racing, team penning, day rides, breakfast rides, fast rides, slow rides. The accomondation and food was just amazing if your after luxury.

 

[Sauerkraut]

Oh wow, looked at Rocky Z just now. That would be so much fun! Must put this on my bucket list