Dude ranches in Wyoming often offer some fast riding instead of nose to tail walking in big groups.
Dude Ranch Vacation with Outstanding Horseback Riding
The Bitterroot Dude Ranch has worked hard to perfect all aspects of its horse vacations for 40 years. It belongs to and is run by the Fox Family, also owners of Equitours, and there are about 120 fine horses under saddle for your enjoyment. The terrain is extremely varied with few signs of civilization and there are no paved roads in any direction for over 15 miles. Views of snow capped mountains on the Continental Divide are ever changing and spectacular.
Working Dude Ranch – This is a working cattle ranch as well as a dude ranch and you will have frequent opportunities for cattle drives and roundups during the summer when the ranch cows are grazing in the adjacent national forest. This is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which is the largest wild area left in the lower 48 states, providing a vast expanse of unspoiled country. Ranch guests can try their hand at cutting cows in weekly team sorting competitions. Many find that the teamwork between horse and rider provides a new dimension to the riding experience.
Riding Horses – The Bitterroot raises and trains horses as well as having cattle. Guests can visit our purebred Arabian stallions and brood mares and play with the new born foals. The ranch Arabians are bred for their even temperament as well as their beauty and endurance. There are also many Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Welsh Ponies and other breeds carefully chosen over the years. Every effort is made to match the rider with the most suitable horses which is so important to the enjoyment of riding. Some of the ranch horses can jump and there is a cross country course of over 80 jumps for advanced riders. Riding groups are kept small and composed according to the skill of the riders. The ranch only takes about 25 guests at a time and you will find a broad choice of happy horses.
Lessons and Clinics – You have the option of twice weekly, video taped lessons given by a CHA certified riding instructor. Donna Snyder-Smith, one of the country’s most successful Centered Riding instructors, gives a week long clinic which consists of lessons in the morning and riding out in the afternoon. Linda Tellington-Jones has been holding a week long clinic for over 20 years teaching people how to start young horses. The horses raised at the ranch have all been trained using her gentle and amazingly successful techniques. Anna Twinney comes every year to present “Reach Out To Horses” which includes Reiki certification as well as learning how to communicate effectively with horses through body language. A week at the ranch is a great way to hone the skills which make an overseas horseback riding trip more enjoyable and safer.
Lodging and Accommodations – Guests stay in comfortable log cabins on either side of the river which are situated for privacy and to afford magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Meals are taken in the main lodge and particular attention is paid to the cuisine and wines served.
