The DRA will be at QuarterFest in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse Association’s 68th anniversary where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather May 1-3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – Tractor Supply, B&W Trailer Hitches, John Deere, Justin Boots, Merial, Nutrena, Professional’s Choice, Bank of America, Montana Silversmiths, Farnam and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.

Colleen Hodson, Executive Director of the Dude Ranchers' Association will be at the QuarterFest in the Dude Ranchers' Association booth. David & Jane Van Berkum from the Rainbow Trout Ranch will be helping out with the kids riding programs during the weekend event. If you are at the event, stop by the DRA booth.

Everyone is welcome – come for the fun and bring the family. Learn more about all the QuarterFest activities by visiting www.aqha.com/quarterfest. Hurry, tickets are going fast!

WIN YOUR SUMMER VACATION AT THE AQHA's QUARTERFEST EXTRAVAGANZA!

America’s Horse, April 27, 2009 – Got any summer vacation plans? You might if you attend the QuarterFest Extravaganza May 1 and 2 and win a trip to a Dude Ranchers’ of America dude ranch in Arizona or Colorado.

The Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and Tarryall River Ranch in Lake George, Colorado, are just itchin’ to host the winners from the QuarterFest Extravaganza, www.aqha.com/quarterfest/allstar_extravaganza.html.

Nestled among the majestic natural beauty of the Rincon Mountains between Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest, the Tanque Verde dude ranch, in business since 1868, is set on 60,000 acres of unspoiled southwest landscape surrounding plush accommodations, unparalleled amenities and a diverse menu of daily rides and activities. Guests are invited to take part in a variety of horseback adventures, hit the trails on a mountain bike, or hike, fish, swim and just play at the Tanque Verde.

The winners of the Colorado dude ranch vacation will be welcomed to the Tarryall River Ranch by the Tesch family. At the Tarryall, you can fish, hike or spend the entire time horseback. You’ll appreciate the wranglers and the thorough instruction provided. Beginners will be made to feel comfortable on the most gentle of horses, while intermediate and advanced riders will be matched with a horse that will perfectly compliment their abilities. With the choice of half-day or all-day rides, you’ll also be able to chose the ride you want: touring beautiful spots, instructional rides to sharpen your skills, leisurely rides or more advanced rides in groups or with your family. An overnight pack trip is available, too. There is also opportunity to work in the arena, team-penning or practicing for the ranch rodeo.

The vacations, which must be used during the 2009 season, are both four-night packages for two people and are based upon availability. Airfare is not included, and some restrictions may apply. Again, one dude ranch vacation will be given away each night – May 1 and 2 – at the QuarterFest Extravaganza. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to win. Complete contest rules available at www.aqha.com/quarterfest/media/extravaganza_DR_Rules.pdf.

The Western Dude Ranch Rejuvenates & Boosts Health of Each Guest.

According to experts, taking a vacation is good for your health. Despite this fact, Americans and Canadians tend to shortchange their vacation time, often leaving earned time on the table or taking a day here and a day there instead of a week or more at one stretch. Since 1926 the Dude Ranchers’ Association shaped and established the highest quality standards in the guest ranch industry. A DRA (as it’s known,) guest ranch is the epitome of a Western holiday and providing both the time and environment to foster good health. Surrounded by spectacular beauty, far from the noise and crowds of fast-paced cities, serenity comes easy to each guest.

According to the career website, Workopolis, “Psychologists say that it takes five to seven days to de-stress from work, so doing it piecemeal can be counter productive. Most of the studies show people need about two weeks in one block a year to feel the benefits of a vacation.” During summer the majority of DRA guest ranches operate in week-long increments, allowing guests the time to unwind, settle in and savor the experience.

In addition to horsemanship, ranches offer activities satisfying the recreational and social needs of each generation. Tennis clinics, mountain biking, rock climbing, zip-lining, bird watching, crafts, hiking, whitewater rafting, and golf; each can be enjoyed during a Western ranch vacation. Some ranches also offer known stress reducers like yoga, meditation, massages and other soothing spa treatments.

Dude ranches are ideal places for kids and families to re-connect. Without the typical distractions of TV, phones, computers and electronic games, families spend quality time together sometimes just hanging out on the porch swing or sitting around the campfire.

There are more than 100 members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association in the Western US and Canada. Each is a little different but each DRA dude ranch vacation is the most potent tonic to combat the stress caused by the uncertain times we live in.

Guest Testimonial of the Week

63 Ranch
"It is nearly one year since I came to stay at your Ranch in Montana. I wanted to write and tell you that I dont think another holiday could ever match the week i spent at the 63 Ranch. Even after all this time I often still think about the great times, the horses, the staff, the scenery and all the fantastic people I met in that week. I have seen many places all over the world but I dont think anywhere is as beautiful as Montana." -Tina W

Help for Travel Agents

Your time is valuable! Let us help you find the dude ranch vacation of your client's dreams!

Tools To Help You Find the Right Ranch At www.duderanch.org

Search for your "dream dude ranch vacation” with the New & Up-To-Date Activities & Amenities Search at www.duderanch.org/ranches.cfm?  Find out quickly which ranches pay travel agent commissions with the new "WORKS WITH TRAVEL AGENTS” option.  (The majority of DRA Ranches do.)

Have a specific dates of travel, questions or special needs for your client’s vacation? You can have direct and quick contact with member ranches by using the “Request Brochure” Feature. Fill out the contact form, select a state or states, and ask your question. This one email will go to each ranch in the states that YOU select. Quick & Easy!

Free 2009 Dude Ranch Directories are available upon request. Call, Email or fill out the "Request A Brochure" from online to get your copy. (Look for the link to request your copy at the right of this blog!)

As always, if you would like to talk to someone directly, please call the DRA office toll free at 866-399-2339.

Why Choose a DRA Ranch?
When you book a vacation at a member ranch, you can be assured of genuine, western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s latest standards. Membership in the Association is not automatic. Dude ranches applying for membership go through a rigorous two year inspection and approval process. The Dude Ranchers' Association has been preserving western ranch vacations by establishing and maintaining strict standards, while protecting the land and wildlife for over 80 years - We encourage you to “Ride the West with the Best!”

"Staycation" At a Dude Ranch is a Great Summer Vacation Option

Happily, there’s a middle ground between boarding a jet to a coastal luxury resort or nixing the family vacation altogether. The less expensive (and far less stressful) “staycation” is an option. The local guest dude ranch makes an excellent choice for a “drive-to” destination. These quintessential Western getaways have always offered tremendous value for the money, and with today’s tenuous economic climate, a trip to a dude ranch in one’s home state or province looks even better.

In the Western US & Canada located in 12 Western states and two Canadian provinces, there are more than 100 ranch members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association. Folks wary about committing to a summer vacation may want to consider the value of a dude ranch getaway offering all the traditional Western pleasures and much more.

In addition to riding, wrangling, fishing, and hiking, folks enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, tennis, mountain biking, even hot air ballooning or rock climbing! There are programs available for kids of all ages. At some ranches it’s possible for Dad to play a round of golf and for Mom to relax with spa treatments. Choosing a dude ranch in your home state guarantees a less costly vacation while at the same time assuring a quality experience. Only authentic ranches of high quality are granted entrance to the DRA. In fact, only 50% of ranches that apply make it through the rigorous process.

With more than 100 member ranches in the Western US and Canada from Alberta to Arizona and from California to Arkansas. A dude ranch “staycation” can be the perfect compromise for thousands of families this summer. To locate a dude ranch close to your home, assistance is just a click away by going to the DRA website, or by phoning the organization to request a free catalog at 866-399-2339.

(*Since 1926 the Dude Ranchers' Association has been helping folks find quality ranch vacations by establishing and enforcing high standards for its members. The association’s original membership of 35 ranches from the Yellowstone area. has grown to 100-plus member ranches in 12 western states and two Canadian provinces. Despite this growth, the association remains dedicated to preserving the beauty, natural resources, and the original western ranch experiences that attracted the first visitors.)

Canary in the Coal Mine ~ Letter from the President Russell True

As the cacti start to bloom in the desert, we here at our ranch are a few weeks from our season beginning to wind down. We entered our season September 1st with a great season on the books and watched as cancellations mounted following the financial collapse.
What we experienced following the collapse might just make us the proverbial canary in the coal mine for the Northern ranches. For the last twenty plus years we have had the good fortune to be able to maintain a six night minimum stay during our high season and a 4 night minimum stay during our off-season periods. Very quickly we dropped our minimum stays to 4 and 3 nights. People were booking last minute and our 44 year core business of families during high season was giving way to more couples and singles. Our UK and European business held up more than we expected.
The bottom line included some surprises and some realized expectations. Not surprisingly, we found an increased demand for shorter stays and a greatly shortened booking window. The big surprise was the decrease in family business and the increase in couples and singles. We wonder if the stability of the UK and European business is a result of the wholesalers collecting the money up front. Foreign bookings for next season are slightly down. Re-booking for couples and singles are up, for families it is down.
Honestly, I don’t know if any of this has any bearing on your ranches’ upcoming seasons. What I do know is, we must be flexible and innovative.
My very best to all of you.
Russell True, DRA President

Guest Testimonial of the Week

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
"We just got back from 4 days at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch and the pleasure was all ours. What a wonderful place. Janice and Roley are gracious hosts, as are their two talented children. The lodge and cabin were beautiful and the food was terrific. The riding was outstanding. The wranglers led us through beautiful terrain on well-trained horses. We even got to try herding a few errant cows. My only complaint was that our stay was too short. We received the royal treatment and I can't wait to get back." -Beth

Wilderness Trails Ranch Video

Guest Testimonial of the Week

We have just returned from our ninth visit to the Flying E Ranch where Ande and Steve Taylor work so successfully to provide the authentic western experience for all guests. We are now a party of over 25 American and English friends and family spread over three generations (aged from 80 to 2 years) who return each year to renew friendships in a true western setting; a perfect destination for the whole western experience. The riding is at all levels and always properly supervised. Herding and penning cattle are great fun for all ages especially in competitions with children against parents. Breakfast, lunch, and evening meals are sometimes taken out in the desert, and after dinner activities such as games and cowboy singing wind up a genuine western day. The atmosphere is established by Ande and Steve Taylor and their committed staff for whom nothing is too much trouble. They put their stamp of dedication to the guests's good time on everything. You arrive at first as a guest but leave as a firm friend. Big smiles, warm hearts, western sunsets, great food, friends and activities combine to make this as always an enjoyable experience worth crossing the world for. The best advert for their success is the continual return of old satisfied customers. This ranch and the managers' dedicated service is the best example of authentic western hospitality. We can't wait to return next year.
Michael and Felicity Byrne, Rainhill Merseyside England