Vote For Ranch Rider’s Colorado Horse-nality Of The Year & Win A 7-Night Family Holiday At The Lost Valley Ranch.

The X-Factor might still be grabbing the headlines, but this Autumn ranching holiday specialist Ranch Rider is teaming up with Colorado Tourism to launch a western themed talent contest: trusty steeds from across the US state, battling it out for the esteemed title of Colorado “Horse-nality (personality) of the Year”. Riding and ranching fans will be able to vote for their favorite mounts from October through December 2010, all of the four legged contestants appearing on the tour operator’s dedicated blog (http://bit.ly/bLg1pW). A major incentive to participate, every vote will be entered into a random draw, the winner trotting off with a 7-night Ranch Rider summer holiday (for two adults and two children) at the Lost Valley Ranch in Deckers, Colorado.


According to Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, “Wherever families decide to ranch, it’s always the friendly mounts that make the holiday, and that’s why we’ve decided to showcase the west through the eyes of Colorado’s trusty steeds.” Irrefutable proof that the Centennial state is a hotbed of trail-blazing talent, the contest will feature every Colorado ranch in the tour operator’s portfolio. And, to ensure voters have all the fodder at their fingertips, Ranch Rider has even enlisted the assistance of “Hondo,” as its “Horse-nality of the Year” mascot. A gelding with a mischievous side, Hondo will be giving voters the low down on all things ranching, whether he’s chewing the bit over his favorite trail ride, introducing the next contestant or spilling the beans on the wonders of the Lost Valley Guest Ranch, his permanent residence. A steed with a celebrity following, Hondo has arranged his own weekly slot on PONY Magazine’s blog (http://www.ponymag.com/) – the first post went live on Friday 8th of October.

An added reason for parents and kid’s to vote, the UK’s number one horsey teen mag is also giving away a year’s subscription to the title. Not forgetting those all important ranch hands, Ranch Rider has even rounded up a few of the state’s cowboys and cowgirls. They’ll be sharing the best of the west on the “Horse-nality of the Year” teen blog, and “on the hoof” horse-bites, plus tips and twips will appear on the riding specialist’s Facebook® and Twitter® pages throughout the three-month contest. To vote, simply send the name of the horse you are voting for, your full name, age, daytime telephone number and email address to competition@ranchrider.com.

Of course, Ranch Rider is aware that the charismatic Hondo will compel many an adventurer to book a stay at the Lost Valley Ranch. Interested guests can join him on the homestead’s daily trail rides or partake in an endless list of pursuits including, river tubing, hiking, fishing and square dancing. The homestead also features a weekly rodeo where budding wranglers can showcase their new found western skills and there are three separate kid’s programs for children aged 3-5, 6-12 and teens.

Entrants can vote once, for one or ALL of the horses featured in Ranch Rider’s Colorado “Horse-nality of the Year” contest. Voting is open globally and there are no age restrictions. All entrants should email the name of the horse they are voting for, along with their full name, age and email address (and parents name and email address if under 13 years) to competition@ranchrider.com Parents who are voting should include the number and ages of their children. For the full list of Terms & Conditions please see http://www.ranchrider.com/.

Price Canyon Ranch Video

Choosing a Guest Ranch Like the Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

Choosing a guest ranch for an upcoming vacation has some important considerations to research before you decide.

Accommodations at a Guest Ranch

If you are planning a vacation, one crucial thing is getting good accommodations. The choice mostly depends on what you want in your vacation. Various types of guest ranch accommodations are available. If privacy is what you are seeking, you can choose a guest ranch that offers private cabins otherwise you can choose lodge accommodations to get along more easily with other guests. At Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, you have the option of both.

Activities at a Guest Ranch

There are plenty of activities available at a guest ranch vacation. If a real cowboy experience is what you are looking for then a working ranch would be ideal. If your Preference is horseback riding, skiing, river rafting or skeet shooting; you can choose a guest ranch that offers these kinds of activities. Evening activities are also another important factor, if you want a massage or facial, you can choose a ranch resort spa such as Echo Valley Ranch & Spa. If singing songs around a campfire, playing games, dancing, watching movies or just relaxing is your idea of fun, in that case, you can choose those guest ranches that offer various nightly entertainments.

Guest Ranch Vacations for Families

If your vacation plan is for the whole family, you should choose a ranch that offers entertaining activities for the kids. Choosing a guest ranch that offers a full kids program would be wise. There are many guest ranches available that offer accommodations for family groups and contain an array of activities for the kids.

Seasons

The season and weather also play an important role in your vacation decisions. Depending on your preferences about summer and winter activities you can choose the season you want to book your guest ranch vacation. However, you will find many ranches that are open year round and will offer different entertainment opportunities depending on the season. Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is open year round currently. Please contact us for the various activities offered depending on the season.

Horseback Riding

No matter whether you are an experienced rider looking for a riding adventure or a novice looking for lessons, you will surely find guest ranches that will offer exactly what you want about horseback riding. Echo Valley Ranch & Spa has over 30 horses so there is a good selection for riders of all levels. Our wranglers will also hone your skills in the saddle with horseback riding lessons and guided horseback rides.

Dining at a Guest Ranch

Food is another factor that will influence your selection of guest ranches. If you want special cuisine, you can notify the guest ranch earlier as most ranches can prepare special food on demand. Normally you will get quality food as well as special items like BBQ’s or other items on theme nights. At Echo Valley, we have a gourmet chef on staff who prepares a variety of healthy gourmet organic meals. There is also a variety of Thai cuisine on the menu.

Vacation Cost

Budget is another thing that will influence your vacation. Guest ranch vacations vary in price depending on the season and type of accommodations. Usually the vacation package will cover all meals and most of the activities. The total cost will usually depend on the rating of the ranch. Guest ranches are rated from 1 star to 5 star accommodations. You will find accommodations from basic single rooms to luxurious cabins for bigger groups. Choosing extra activities will sometimes cost you some more money. It would be wise to check out the costs of various ranches before selecting one.

Location of Guest Ranch

You will find guest ranches in almost all the states and provinces of US and Canada. Where you want to go depends on your preference. You can choose one that is remotely placed or you can choose one near a major city or national park.

You should thoroughly evaluate all these areas before booking for your next guest ranch vacation. This way, you will be able to find a destination that fits your expectations the most.

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is a 4.5 star luxury guest ranch with onside spa. Please visit us at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

Author: Christine789

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1791158_29.html

Cattle Drives - A Truly Western Experience

For a truly memorable vacation, nothing beats a Western cattle drive. Straight from the big screen, these working cattle drives, offered through various members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, transform a movie moment into a real-life vacation experience unlike any other.


The cattle drive experience varies from ranch to ranch, with some ranches providing only two drives (one in the spring and one in the fall) while others offer cattle activities every day. The purpose of the drives, however, is universal—move cattle from one location to another without losing any animals along the way. Guided by expert wranglers, cattle drive participants shoulder important responsibilities as they keep the herd together, chase down stragglers, and stay on the move. Days-long cattle drives fill the urge for the more adventurous to taste the true Western experience. These drives often include river crossings, mountain riding, and range roaming as the herd travels miles from one location to another. Of course, long days of riding are rewarded with evenings of fly fishing, card playing, and other rest and relaxation—just like in the days of the real cowboy. The exhilaration of combining real work with real pleasure is impossible to ignore, and nothing beats riding herd in the broad expanse of the Wild West.

For just a taste of the real cowboy life, dude ranch visitors can participate in other cattle activities. Moving cattle for the day or gathering and doctoring are just a couple of the “real” experiences while saddling up with the hired hands.

For more information about a real working cattle drive or any of the other unique features of a dude ranch vacation, or to request a brochure, call 1-307-587-2339 or visit http://www.duderanch.org/.

Horseback Riding Ranches in Arizona | eHow.com

This is the time of year to make your winter holiday plans...how about an Arizona Dude Ranch Vacation.   There are 11 great dude ranches in the state of Arizona, two in New Mexico, and they are ready to saddle a horse for you.  Check out the special offerings a the Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg.

Flying E Ranch is offering a Dec 20/20 discount rate. 20% discount on lodging the first 20 days of Dec. for this year.  

They are also offering the 4th Annual Cowgirl Hideout Weekend Jan 6th – Jan 9th 2011. Fun is included in this package just for cowgirls. Trail rides, team penning, line dancing, breakfast cookout and ranch style home cooked meals.  Ride, Relax and Rejuvenate! (The perfect Christmas present for the special cowgirl in your life.) Rates $650.00 - $675.00 all inclusive for the weekend package.

Here is an article on some of the other DRA Ranches in Arizona...Check it out.

Horseback Riding Ranches in Arizona eHow.com

For more information about all the Southwest Ranches go to http://www.duderanch.org/!

Ride The West With The Best

The Elkhorn Ranch, Arizona

Fifty-one miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona, in its own valley, where mountains and desert meet, lies the Elkhorn Ranch. Owned and operated by the Miller family since 1946, the 3rd generation of Charley and Mary Miller and Tom and Anne Miller now holds the reins.


In October, the Millers welcome their crew to get the ranch ready for opening day on November 14, 2010. Being a winter season ranch, families tend to come during the holidays and school vacation weeks with more of an adult crowd visiting during Arizona's sunny winter season. The Elkhorn offers exceptional riding and comfortable living for thirty-two guests.

With seventy head of horses, riding is the main interest with gentle or loping rides through the desert and more vigorous trips along the many mountain trails. Charley visits with everyone at breakfast and lunch to talk about riding plans. With 6 guides, the rides are small and tailored to your interests and abilities.

Elkhorn's 3rd annual Digital Photography and Natural History workshop, led by Stewart Aitchison and Ann Kramer, will take place January 23 - 30, 2011. Come and enjoy the ranch for this great workshop.
With Easter arriving in late April for 2011, Elkhorn has spring vacation dates available in March, when you have a chance to see lovely desert wildflowers. The Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter holidays are quite full already, but the Millers hope you will call to see if there's a spot for you!

When you are not in the saddle, you can enjoy Elkhorn's heated swimming pool, wintering birds, tennis, hiking and relaxation beneath the Arizona sunshine. The Miller's favorite near by attractions are the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Kitt Peak National Observatory, or for shopping a visit to Tubac and Tumacacori the San Xavier del Bac Missions. For more information please go to http://www.elkhornranch.com/

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Video

Wyoming Dude Ranch Vacations

This article was published on the USA Today Travel Tips by by Jennn Fusion, Demand Media.  Its worth reading....

Wyoming dude ranch vacations date back to the 1880s when people visited city slicker friends who had retreated to wilderness horse and cattle ranches. The railroads brought weary travelers through Wyoming, prompting entrepreneurs to charge room and board. Dude ranch vacations offer "get away from it all" relaxation in a unique setting. At first glance, they appear expensive, but prices include meals, accommodations, horse riding and entertainment -- making it easier for families to budget. Click here to  read the rest of the article and see the top picks...

How to get all the Wranglers to spend their Saturday Night Playing Horseopoly with your Five-Year Old

This blog article came from Serena the "Sassy Chicago Mama"  that vacationed at the Covered Wagon Ranch this summer with her family. With her permission I am sharing it with you...enjoy... 

First of all, yes, there is a version of monopoly called “Horseopoly.” And no, you don’t need to rush out and buy it. Not only is it confusing, but the horses on the box look slightly demented and creepy. But when you are staying on a Dude Ranch in Montana and your 5-year-old son finds it in the game closet, you clearly need to play it.


What was surprising to me was that he somehow “wrangled” all the professional wranglers into playing it with him.

For those who don’t know what a wrangler is, let me explain–they are these fantastic people who spend their lives working outside and doing anything and everything that is needed for the horses. Which can consist of:

a) Feeding, cleaning, brushing, and exercising horses
b) Cleaning up their poop
c) Leading packs of people who say they have riding experience and really don’t on 3-hour riding trips in the mountains of Yellowstone

d) Tirelessly leading your 5-year-old around the ranch on “his” horse Joseph and insuring that Joseph wins the “horse race” (i.e. when the horses run up the mountain to take their Sunday pasture breaks) by personally riding and pushing him ahead of all the other horses that are probably 5 times younger AND faster than him.

Needless to say, those wranglers clearly need a break on Saturday nights. And yet, they stuck around after our communal dinner to play Horseopoly with us. How did G accomplish this, I wonder? I like to think it is because he is a good kid that people just like to hang around because they are so unaccustomed to 5-year-old children who don’t whine, throw tantrums, wear silly clothes with Disney characters on them, or glue themselves to some horrid hand-held video game. Or maybe because John and I are SO funny, we were the only entertainment those hard-working wranglers needed that night.

In reality, it is probably just because they are such good sports and secretly knew that ending our trip with a rousing game of Horseopoly with the wranglers would be the cherry on top of the sundae for G and that it would make his trip complete.

Which it did. 

So I thank you Boone, Erin, Chris, and Kirbee (who had to actually get up from the table and do her best galloping impression of a horse in order to not get sent to the “stable” or what us Monopoly players know as “jail) for making the last night of our stay memorable. I am positive it is not how you wanted to spend your night, but it is a night a little 5-year-old boy will remember forever.

And for those of you who have always dreamed of going to a Dude Ranch in Montana like I did, look no further: The Covered Wagon Ranch

We had the time of our lives and when I asked G if he would rather go back to (gulp) Disney World or come back to The Covered Wagon Ranch, he didn’t bat an eye and picked the ranch. So I guess one could say, “Go to The Covered Wagon Ranch! Children like it better than Disney World!”

AQHA -- DUDE RANCH TRIP GIVEAWAY

If you're an American Quarter Horse fan, we've got all the connections to get your name in the drawing for a five-day stay at an Arizona dude ranch!

America's Horse -- If you're an American Quarter Horse fan, we've got all the connections to get your name in the drawing for a five-day stay at an Arizona dude ranch!

AQHA is proud to join forces with AQHA Alliance Partner the Dude Ranchers Association and AQHA Corporate Partner Tractor Supply Co. to offer you a chance to win this exclusive contest on Discover Horses.com. Discoverhorses.com and AQHA are partnering to offer you the most up-to-date and behind-the-scenes coverage of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Since 1946, the Flying E Ranch has specialized in authentic Western hospitality, with great horses for every rider, good food and a comfortable place to relax at the end of the day. Whether you choose to ride, help out on the ranch, see the sights or just kick back in the pool or hot tub and allow the magic of the desert to relax and inspire you, the ranch hands will make your Flying E Ranch vacation a true Western experience.


Sound like a vacation getaway you can't refuse? Then register at www.discoverhorses.com/sweepstakes.html for this dude ranch trip giveaway. The trip includes airfare, meals and a five-day stay for two at the Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. Trip dates are subject to availability; trip must be used between November 1, 2010, and May 1, 2011. Entry deadline is September 30, 2010.

Al Roker visits the Box R Ranch

Thought I would share this great and funny video with you...its worth the watch!!

Fishing to Heal at the Upper Canyon

The first week in August the Upper Canyon Ranch came alive with "Pink " as we sponsored a Casting for Recovery retreat. All of us at Upper Canyon Outfitters (UCO) were privileged to experience the weekendwith such a powerful group of ladies. The CfR retreat lodging and meal costs for a group of twenty-four women was sponsored by the Mt. Outfitters and Guides Association, through the "Big Hearts under the Big Sky" program. The group kept busy learning the fundamentals of fly casting, entomology, knot-tying and equipment basics, but most importantly, they spent time on the water practicing catch-and-release fishing. Casting for Recovery, founded in 1996, is a national non-profit support and educational program for breast cancer survivors.The retreat is tailored to promote and support mental and physical healing through shared
experiences and the learning of new skills. To learn more about this fantastic weekend go to the Upper Canyon Outfitters website!

Dude Ranches Highlighted in Los Angeles Times - Travel

Here is a great article from the Travel section of the Los Angeles Times written by Rosemary McClure. 

The story posted 2010.08.08 at 11:37 AM PDT

Reporting from Philipsburg, Mont.-- Nearly two decades have passed since tough-as- nails trail boss Curly Washburn hurled insults at the three "City Slickers" who invaded his turf, a Colorado cattle ranch, in search of a Wild West adventure.

The 1991 movie, which earned Jack Palance a supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of Curly, the crusty cattleman, spurred an increase in dude ranch vacations as urban and suburban cowboys tried their hands at riding, roping and herding cattle.

I thought I might like riding the range too. But my interest waned when I realized I'd have to sleep in the dirt — and pay for the privilege.

Fast-forward to 2010: Dude ranches have come a long way.  READ MORE...

Guest Testimonial of the Week

Here are a few great guest reviews that we found on TripAdvisor that I thought I would share with you...

Price Canyon Ranch  Arizona

“Welcoming service, beautiful accommodations, awesome views, great rides!”

Mar 19, 2010
Trip type: Friends getaway

The moment we drove up the winding road to this jewel of a ranch, my buddies and I knew we had picked the right place for a de-compression week from the stress of the business world! Greeted warmly by Price Canyon's staff, we began 4 phenomenal days of rides, relaxation, great meals and camaraderie. Though the trip was made some time ago, my ribs still ache from the laughter we enjoyed - not just amongst ourselves, but with the ranch's host, cook and cowboys - all of whom went out of their way to make us feel like family. Among our four guys were riders of varying experience, but Randy found ways to ensure everyone of us could enjoy the challenge - whether it was navigating thick brush, climbing rocky peaks, driving cattle, loping in wide-open pastures, or barrel racing in the rodeo pen. You can bet that all of us were well-tired at the end of each day. But none would miss the fabulous dinner that awaited us every evening (the third of three hearty, delicious meals each day)! Of course, there's nothing better than an open fire-pit around which to regale the days events, especially with the Chiricahua mountain range and billion-star sky as the backdrop. If you live in the city or suburbs, you have no idea what a REAL starry sky looks like until you experience this one! None of us had ever seen anything like it!! Slowly, we acknowledged that we must get some sleep, so off we went - usually one by one - to our own beautifully appointed rooms, each tastefully decorated as if it were a suite at a 5-star resort! Then up again, bright and early for breakfast and morning rides. As you might imagine, we hated to leave - and we'll definitely be back. Kudos and thanks to the Kemmerly family and their team for creating this rare treat!

Date of stay October 2008
Visit was for Leisure
Traveled with With Friends

“I cried when I left...but was back four months later for more PC bliss”


Rancho de los Caballeros Arizona

“More than We Expected!!!”

Wow! I think that is a good way to start. I suprised my wife with a two night; three day stay at the Ranch thinking that we would get bored if we stayed any longer...I was wrong. We vacation two to three times a year and I have to say this was one vacation that I wished I would have booked more time on.
From the moment we arrived we were greeted like regular guests and we found the location; amenities and activities outstanding. We did the all inclusive meals and we stayed in the large suites. The suite was very spacious and centrally located to all the activities. The breakfast; lunch and dinners were very good. The pool area is clean and the water is kept a a refreshing and crisp temperature. We did the 10:00 am 2 hour horseback ride through the desert. The views from all around are outstanding. The guide was very hepful and we were able to gitty-up on the horses through several spots throughout our desert ride.

My wife had a massage at the SPA which she really enjoyed. I played 9 holes on the golf course. The course layout is great; holes are challenging and the views are spectacular! We hung out at the Saloon in the evenings after dinner to chat with the locals and the bar staff. Music played and we had a great evening each night. We also hiked the Vulcher moutain peak and did the trap shooting with Cowboy Bob.

We are going back soon with our two kids. The trip from Phoenix Airport is a smooth 1 hour and 15 minutes. You will not be disappointed with this place.


Echo Valley Ranch & Spa British Columbia, Canada

June 6, 2010
Trip type: Family

The Echo Valley spa is one of those places you want to tell everyone about, but at the same time hope that it keeps its charm as a secluded getaway. The ranch is located in a gorgeous valley of the Southern Chilcotin region. The views from all around are breathtaking. The amenities are exceptional. The architecture is amazing (especially the authentic Ban Tai spa with exquisitely detailed carved moldings. The food is out of this world! Delicious! - prepared by their own multi-award winning chef.

The ranch also has its own 'battalion' of well-mannered border collies, who will befriend you and attend to you on your walks around the ranch. And, as if this were not enough, the staff are without exception, some of the friendliest most welcoming people you will ever meet.

Date of stay June 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Traveled with Family with Young Children

Tanque Verde Guest Ranch....

Fall Adult-Only Getaways a Growing Trend at Dude Ranches

CODY, Wyoming—Guest ranches are ever popular as family vacation destinations, but members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association recognize that adults also value time to themselves.


As a result, more and more guest ranches are offering special adult-only programs, says Colleen Hodson, executive director of the Dude Ranchers’ Association in Cody, Wyoming.

“At least sixty percent of our member ranches set aside time for adults,” Hodson says. “It’s definitely a growing trend in ranch vacations.”

Some ranches set aside a month, others a week and most all are held in the spring or fall. “Fall is an ideal time to visit,” Hodson says. “Not only to take in the season’s colors, but because the summer crowds are gone.”

The Home Place Ranch in Alberta, Canada is doing an adult only week featuring Feast on Alberta’s foods and beverages. While riding horseback or fishing, let your eyes feast on the beauty and colors of the high cattle country of the Homeplace Ranch. All meals feature Alberta products in homemade ranch recipes plus over the week you will try a complete assortment of our own Alberta brew, Big Rock Beer. The Home Place Ranch

Rainbow Trout Ranch, Colorado is offering a special Colorado late season for “adults only” during the glorious month of September with the main emphasis on riding and fishing. A three night minimum stay is required and rates are lower due to evening activities and children’s programs being curtailed. Rainbow Trout Ranch

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Idaho you can enjoy 5 days and nights at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, staying in one of the lodges 6 cozy guest rooms. Treat yourself to three scrumptious meals per day. Horsemanship instructions taught by Vickie Fuller, who has been teaching since mid 1980's. Her teaching focuses on developing solid basic fundamental skills in both horse and rider to support any discipline the rider may choose to pursue. When not working with Vickie, relax on a scenic trail ride through tall pines to scenic vistas. Camp includes lodging, meals, horseback riding lessons and trail riding. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

For a complete listing of ranches that offer adult-only programs or to request a free catalog, call 866-399-2339, e-mail info@duderanch.org or visit http://www.duderanch.org/.

Lost Valley Ranch Receives 34th Consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Award

Congratulations to DRA Ranch Member, Lost Valley Ranch in Sedalia Colorado!  Western dude ranch hospitality at it's best!

For the 34th consecutive year, Lost Valley Ranch – Colorado’s premier dude ranch and family vacation destination – has been awarded the prestigious Four-Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Less than three percent of the 58,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this designation, representing the “best of the best” throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.


In addition, Lost Valley Ranch is one of just three lodging properties in Colorado, and the only ranch in the state, to receive the AAA Four-Diamond status every single year since the rating system was introduced in 1977.

“We’re delighted that our brand of Western hospitality and tradition of excellence has been recognized for the 34th year in a row,” said Bob Foster, owner of Lost Valley Ranch. “From the kitchen to the cabins, from the corral to evening entertainment and especially with our staff, we work hard to set the standard exceed guest expectations. This honor confirms that dedication and commitment, something we are extremely proud of.”

To be considered for AAA rating and approval, properties are evaluated for overall quality, range of facilities and level of services. Judging criteria is broad and includes everything from the size of the resort to regional architectural style and design.

Lost Valley Ranch offers one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins featuring mountain-side views and deluxe accommodations. Privately situated among the pines, each cabin includes a stone fireplace, a shaded porch with lounge swings and traditional western décor with authentic designer furnishings.

About Lost Valley Ranch

Lost Valley Ranch, Colorado's premier dude ranch, provides a guest ranch experience for adults and families, including the best of the West activities: horseback riding, cattle round-ups, swimming, fishing, hiking and more of the great outdoors. Situated an hour and a half from Denver, Lost Valley Ranch is recognized as the only Colorado ranch to receive AAA's Four Diamond rating for 34 consecutive years. To learn more, please call 303.647.2311 or visit www.lostvalleyranch.com.

Riding high at the Bar Lazy J Ranch

Another great article posted June 17, 2:25 PM by Denver Outdoor Travel Examiner Melanie Pahl!


This is one in a series on the guest ranches of western Colorado.

Growing up around horses is every little girl’s dream. By age 8 I would doodle them, collect miniatures of them and eventually own one and this love affair continues today. This past summer I was given the opportunity to stay at the Bar Lazy J Ranch in western Colorado to write about my experiences there. The bonus was that I could ride every day. My exposure to horses has been limited since I live in the city and life somehow moves you along. But this trip was something that I needed in order to reconnect with a part of my soul that had been ignored for too long. I was going to get up on a horse every chance I got and what better location than the Arapaho National Forest outside of Rocky Mountain National Park?  Read More...

WOW DEAL FROM HOMEPLACE RANCH

The Homeplace Ranch in Alberta Canada would like to offer you a great deal for a dude ranch vacation. During August 21 to 24, August 23 to 26, or August 31 to Sept 3, receive two holiday stays for the price of one!!

Total cost for two persons; all meals, snacks, accommodations, riding (lesson if requested) and ranch activities, just $866 plus 17% taxes/service charge.   (Regular price for two persons $1732.) Wow what a deal....When contacting the ranch for this offer, please mention the WOW DEAL!

This offer is good until the end of June.

The Homeplace Ranch
Mac MaKenny
Site 2, Box 6, RR 1
Priddis, Alberta
T0L 1W0
Toll Free: 877-931-3245
(Phone/Fax) 403-931-3245