Ranch holiday suggestions

Michen

Michen

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In either the US or Canada. Probably more Rocky Mountains, Montana type places rather than Arizona (been before). Or possible even South America...

I don’t care about comfort, hot tubs, facilities etc just beautiful riding and also the chance to experience working with cattle. The less touristy and more real the better but somewhere I could happily go alone if I can’t tee up dates with a friend.

I know I’m probably looking at around 3k excluding flights for the week but any suggestions on places, costs etc would be great!

And obviously not for this year ?
 
I went here
https://blackmtnranch.com

Although it was years ago, in Colorado/the Rockies. Had a great time, but it looks like they are much more commercial since I went rather then the small family run affair, so more touristy then you are looking for.
Although I did go over Christmas, so was different set up. Fab riding through the snow, helping to hay the cattle. Then also snow mobiling and the option to ski in Vail.

Not much help, but may give you a starting point. The Rockies are stunning and traversing trails through the hills was great fun
 
I went 20 years ago (!) and the ranch I went to has long since closed, however I booked through Ranch Rider - who I think are still trading - and they were excellent at matching me and hubby up with exactly what we were looking for so it might be worth a call to them. Good luck in your search!
 
George, the Appaloosa, (and Ralph the dog ;) ) looking out over the Continental Divide
 

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I second Ranch Rider, I used them to go to Wyoming and they were superb (caveat it was 10 years ago +)

I’d definitely recommend Wyoming / Montana for the riding, the scenery is spectacular. Working ranches I think are the best for proper riders, dude ranches and the like are probably better if you have a non riding or an every now and again type rider.
 
Another vote for rocking z in Montana. Comes with really good reviews. I wasn’t so sure about the parelli side of things but actually it’s not a parelli experience, it’s a lovely welcoming ‘homey’ place where you can do lots of cool riding activities with lovely hosts and horses.

We also went to tombstone In Arizona which was fun but more arid scenery and a tiny bit Disney does western. But we had a great time there too.
 
Really not sure I can deal with any amout of parelli to be honest :D

I am liking the look of Kara Creek ranch, and Doubel spear ranch so far. Definitely don't want a touristy dude ranch.

Struggling to find much that seems authentic in Canada, also an option..
 
Bernster said:
Ha I know but the only parelli bit about it was the head collars from what I experienced !
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Could prob cope with that :p

The website makes it look very parelli based! I've been to Tombstone, Az before but would love to go back although feel I need to experience something a little different for this one.
 
Never been but where I really want to go is the silver spur ranch in Idaho.

It’s not cattle but a horse drive and looks incredible

Their promotion video is making me save the money to go!
 
Michen said:
Could prob cope with that :p

The website makes it look very parelli based! I've been to Tombstone, Az before but would love to go back although feel I need to experience something a little different for this one.
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The horses are all Parelli trained, but it isn’t something which is shoved at you. It’s very much, if you’re interested in that you can learn about it, if you have no interest, then it’s not mentioned.

I’ve been twice (though it was 15 years ago), and it was pre-horse ownership, so I went on lots of slow rides; though I know one of the girls which was there with me spent a lot of time doing fast hacks, bar rides, all day picnic rides.

I would absolutely love to go again, if I could.
 
I also went to the Rockin' Z about 5 years ago and had a great time. It wasn't set up to work cattlle every ride but we did end up working with them a few times, just moving them from place to place or rounding up some escapees. It was fantastic and I'd jump at the chance to go back. I rode a fantastic Morgan called Captain. I liked him so much I looked into the breed and bought a 6mo Morgan weanling who is now 3!!
 
Thank you everyone! I'm torn between Kara Creek, Tx Ranch or Los Protreos (Argentina).

Think Kara Creek is the one though, am thinking of flying into Denver (Have friends in Boulder), then doing some stops and an overnight along the way as its around a 6 hour drive.

Has anyone got any recommendations for bits of Yellowstone national park to go see?
 
Apparently (according to my friend) the best place in the world is Gros Ventre River ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She spent a summer there working for them and all she wants to do is go back (forever ?)
 
I met the owners of this place on a riding holiday in Spain once - they were absolutely lovely and the place looks incredible! There is cow work involved but riding is the real focus I think, they also do adult only and advanced weeks.

https://bonanzacreekcountry.com
 
At Rocking Z guests ride the horses in bitless bridles, so as not to maul their mouths and we were always being told to slacken off the contact! The guides sometimes rode mustangs that they had trained (there is a programme to catch, rehome and train them), though they would never be used as guest horses, still too much wild! Saw Anna in action on a very difficult horse at a family rodeo they took us to, her "kind" uncle lent her a horse with a real buck, but she got it going in the end.

Some cattle work (I didn't do that apart from trying to learn to lassoo as I see enough of cattle every day!)

Saw a mountain lion, a bear and had a great experience floating down the river on rafts on rather a "high spirited" afternoon, trying not to disturb the fishermen (the best trout river in America). There was the famous 15 minute canter up the side of a mountain on what must have been timber roads. I checked the following morning to see what the horse's legs were like, they were OK so the horses were really fit.

They accommodate riders from beginners through to experienced, one couple were on honeymoon and the husband hadn't ridden at all, but he got going ok. I went in early September, when the schools were back so most guests were the more experienced riders.

It was great fun and I wonder about going back, maybe in spring time when the flowers are out. I didn't really speak to Zack much as he was off the ranch for a few days, but have to admire Patti for raising so many children and running the ranch.
 
ITPersonnage said:
Apparently (according to my friend) the best place in the world is Gros Ventre River ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She spent a summer there working for them and all she wants to do is go back (forever ?)
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Just looks very touristy to me (but beautiful!). I really don’t want anywhere that mentions luxury or cocktails to be honest.

Thank you though, all suggestions appreciated as it helps work out what I DO want!
 
Michen said:
Eeek well I have just pencilled myself in for Kara Creek in September for two weeks. Unlikely to go ahead this early but who knows. If not will move the booking to spring next year!
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Very exciting! I'm trying to convince OH that he wants to go on a ranch holiday for a belated honeymoon. Although will need to be more touristy as I am very rusty and he isn't very experienced...!
 
Michen said:
Eeek well I have just pencilled myself in for Kara Creek in September for two weeks. Unlikely to go ahead this early but who knows. If not will move the booking to spring next year!
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Hey. In the process of looking at ranch vacations and Kara Creek is on our list. Did you go in the end? If so how was it?!
 
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