The Dude Ranchers' 84th Annual Convention

Once again the DRA annual convention came off without a hitch. About 180 dude ranchers rode into Billings Montana last week.
There were seminars on Social Networking, Creative Marketing, Insurance Loss Control, Reservation software, Web Marketing, The Culinary Connection and much more.
The DRA partnered up with Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch for a Casino Night which proved to be a lot of fun. Texas Holdem seemed to be the game of choice. There were several items auctioned, a Dude Ranch Vacation at the Covered Wagon Ranch, A week stay in West Yellowstone and a Custom made Western Saddle to name a few. Bar Lazy J Ranch took home the Custom Saddle donated by Live Water Properties.
The DRA Horse Safety Certification classes were once again a big success and very well attended. Members of the DRA maintain a high quality horse safety record with the help of the Certification program. Thanks to Doug Hare of Red Rock Ranch for teaching those classes.
The event ended with the ever popular Dude Ranchers’ Educational Trust Auction. The DRA has awarded over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to worthy college students, who will help keep the Western Live Style alive and well.
Thank you everyone who donated items as well as purchased items, you made the DRA Educational Trust Auction a success once again..
The 85th DRA convention will be held at The Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona in January 2011. Hope to see you all there.