RanchSeeker Blog

Father’s Day started in the early 20th century in the United States to celebrate fatherhood and to complement Mother’s Day. It was first celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA by Sonora Smart Dodd. She and her siblings were raised by her father as a single parent so she thought that father’s should rightfully have their own day of celebration as well. She proposed the idea to her pastor and the clergyman agreed and the first Father’s Day sermon was given on June 19, 1910.

Now Father’s Day is celebrated around the world and is on June 19, 2016 this year which is just around the corner. Have you decided how you would like to honour your father yet? If you would like to get your dad something different this year besides a tie, socks, dinner or clothing, how about an experience he will remember for a lifetime. Spend some quality time with him at a dude ranch. If your dad is an avid fisherman, hiker, outdoorsman then it’s the perfect choice. Even if he is not, who wouldn’t enjoy relaxing in the beauty of Mother Nature.

Here are some dude ranch vacation specials that are made just for Dad.

Coffee Creek Ranch

This northern California ranch is offering a huge 50% off for Father’s Day week (June 18-24, 2016). At this price you can take Dad, Grandpa, Uncle and more! It’s a stunning ranch located on 367 acres along Coffee Creek which is an excellent stream for fly fishing trout. There is also spectacular hiking in the nearby Trinity Alps. This is an all-inclusive dude ranch so once you are there you won’t need to worry about anything except having fun!

YD Guest Ranch

YD Guest Ranch in British Columbia is celebrated around the world for its rich history, rustic elegance, and legendary cuisine. High above the Village of Ashcroft, this newly renovated ranch now has glamping accommodations. For Father’s Day they are offering for the entire month of June all bookings with Dad include free meals. Also, if you want to send Dad on a memorable adventure with 3 of his buddies, they are featuring a Guys Getaway special. The Guys Getaway features a 2 night stay in an authentic tipi, archery lessons, ATV tour, horseback tour and all meals for $2000. This package is definitely a steal and something your Dad would love.

 Echo Valley Ranch

Echo Valley Ranch is a luxury guest ranch also located in British Columbia. They have a Canada Day special available which is perfect for history buffs. Take a journey through time back to the Cariboo Gold Rush and also enjoy a Canada Day celebration. Echo Valley Ranch has 2 world class spas so you can treat your Dad to some relaxing spa treatments . Gourmet farm to table meals are also included.

These are a few Father’s Day specials but you can always visit any dude ranch that is convenient for your family. Please view our list of dude ranches for one near you.

Happy Trails

The following article appeared in  Ranch & Reserve Magazine’s 6th edition.

Are you looking for a stress-free vacation far from the madding crowd? If so, the White Stallion Ranch is the ideal place.  Situated between Phoenix and Tucson this charming, informal ranch is easily accessible from Arizona’s two major airports. Steeped in the history of cowboy country and the location of many a Hollywood movie, this authentic guest ranch imparts that true Old West feeling to its guests. Located at the foot of the Tucson mountain range and directly adjacent to the Saguaro National Park, guests enjoy wide-open spaces, beautiful scenery and breathtaking sunsets. The White Stallion Ranch is a working ranch and open year round, which means that guests can choose to fill their days with the various ranch activities or simply kick back and relax….. either way you will enjoy exceptional hospitality and all the creature comforts of a top resort.

White Stallion Ranch

Built in the 1900’s this historic ranch started out as a cattle ranch with its original property constructed of Mexican adobe bricks made from straw and mud. Today, guests can still see a small part of the original adobe on display in the dining room, the first structure to be built at the ranch.  In 1965, Allen and Cynthia True from Colorado decided to make The White Stallion Ranch their home and now 51 years later guests are greeted by third-generation Trues who continue to welcome people into their home. Over the years, the True family have maintained the traditions of the Old West by preserving many of the original buildings; however, Russel and Michael (Cynthia and Allen’s boys) have added many modern amenities and established one of the largest privately owned herds of cattle and horses in Arizona.

Movie buffs will love White Stallion Ranch’s extensive Hollywood history. The list of movies that have been filmed here throughout the years starting from 1939 until 2014 is truly impressive. In the earlier years the ranch was often used as a backdrop in Western feature films and later, as a location for the television series, The High Chaparral (1968-72). The ranch has been featured in 27 Hollywood films which include Confessions of a Dangerous Mind filmed in 2002 starring everyone’s favourite actor George Clooney with co-star Sam Rockwell.  If Western movies are your ‘thing’ don’t hesitate to ask the staff for the complete list of movies shot at the ranch and they just might throw in some juicy insider gossip!

A dude ranch vacation is not complete without the opportunity to experience an authentic western rodeo.  Every Wednesday afternoon (weather permitting) the ranch’s wranglers, family and friends take part in an exhibition rodeo that for almost 50 years has been a tradition at White Stallion Ranch. Guests can watch riders compete in team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and sometimes bulldogging. If these terms are unfamiliar don’t worry since from your seat in the bleachers you will hear and see first-hand what a rodeo is all about and gain a better understanding of the cowboy way of life. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and soak up some Old West culture.

Photo Credit: Steve LoRicco

Aside from Wednesday afternoon rodeos, White Stallion Ranch offers lots of fun and interesting activities for guests to partake in such as hiking, rock climbing as well as a diverse children’s program for younger guests. Riding enthusiasts will appreciate the varied scenic trails and wide choice of rides available every day of the week except on Sundays when the horses rest.   Horse lovers can choose from mountain rides, slow, fast or all day, as well as a hay ride and team cattle penning. Each rider is carefully matched with a horse suited to their specific riding experience for the duration of the stay. For those wishing to improve their riding skills, classes are available for $20/hour, payable to one of the friendly wranglers at the ranch, who will gladly help and assist guests  to gain more confidence in the saddle.

In addition to the daily rides, the ranch also offers two unique riding opportunities for guests over the age of 21. These rides, available seasonally, are the perfect way to get to know your fellow guests in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The “Wine & Cheese Ride” takes guests to a secluded area of the ranch surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery where an assortment of cheeses, crackers and bread are paired with a unique selection of wines. While you and your fellow guests sample different cheeses and wines, your horse waits patiently a short distance away. For those who prefer drinking a ‘cold one’ the ranch offers a “Beer & Cheetos” ride. Picnic tables are set up in a special spot in the desert where guests can snack on a childhood favourite, brightly-coloured orange Cheetos, washed down by ice-cold beers. Both rides are a wonderful way to make new friends or enjoy the company of old ones.

White Stallion Ranch

At the end of the day retire into one of the ranch’s 41 guest rooms or a 4 bedroom Hacienda ideal for larger groups or families. You’ll feel right at home in one of the spacious rooms all of which feature a private patio with views of either the cactus gardens, mountains or corrals. Some suites include gas fireplaces or whirlpool bathtubs and all the rooms have hair dryers, mini-refrigerators and personal safes. When you’re not off exploring the area by horseback there is a rec room & movie theatre, gift shop, heated pool & hot tub, sports courts, fitness center, bar, and a fun petting zoo for kids and adults alike.

Currently celebrating 51 years of western hospitality the True family invite you to reconnect with nature, family and friends while engaging in a variety of fun outdoor activities and enjoying the breathtaking scenery that has brought Hollywood filmmakers to the White Stallion Ranch for over 70 years.

So don’t forget to bring your camera along and your sense of adventure too!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation!

Happy Trails!

Red Horse Mountain Ranch is one of Idaho’s best kept secrets .Located on 300,000 scenic acres, the ranch is a 1.5 hour drive from the Spokane International Airport, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Red Horse Mountain Ranch is somewhere you can go no matter who you are vacationing with. They surely are the ranch for everyone. They offer all-inclusive week long ranch vacations from June through October, family all-inclusive ranch vacations from June through August and couples dude ranch vacations in September and October. They have glorious reviews so you can be assured that this ranch creates top quality vacations and memories.

Family Time & Kids Program

Family dude ranch vacations at Red Horse Mountain Ranch provide plenty of opportunities for family time, delicious healthy food, and lots of healthy outdoor adventure. The all- inclusive package includes 5 full days of guided actives, meals & drinks, accommodations, evening entertainment, and other ranch amenities. Kids will be entertained by the many activities available as well as the Kids Program (ages 3-11) while Mom and Dad can have a bit of time to themselves. With the Kids’ Program, parents can choose to sign up for the adult adventures during their week and know their children will be well cared for and have their own adventures at a child’s pace. But, if it’s family time you are searching for, most activities can be done with your children at their pace with your guides and wranglers. Playing safe is their mission.Don’t be surprised when your kids don’t want to leave!

Adult Weeks

If you would like some adult time, head to Red Horse Mountain Ranch during their adult weeks. Have at your disposal all of their outdoor activities-horseback riding, challenge course, zip lines, mountain biking, bike tours on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene, 3D Archery, Sporting Clays, Horseback lessons, hiking, kayaking tours, guided lake fishing, & other self- guided activities. Alternatively, you can just sit back and relax. At Red Horse Mountain Ranch you can do as little or as much as you like and then end each day at the lodge with some festive conversation in the evening.

Special Weeks

Wine Tasting Weeks are part of the all- inclusive ranch vacations for couples during the fall season. Explore over 30 regional wines paired with chef prepared meals. Also enjoy their wide range of guided adventures and even have your own horse and saddle for the week. Another popular week is Girls Getaway Week. Whether you have a mother-daughter vacation, high school reunion, sisters vacation or a stagette everyone will enjoy themselves at Red Horse Mountain Ranch.

Rustic & Elegant Accommodations

Variety is what Red Horse Mountain Ranch is about. Just as they have a large variety of activities, they also have a large variety of lodging to choose from with each being very comfortable and elegant. Choose from several lodging options ranging from one-bedroom suites to four-bedroom log cabins. Each accommodations offer families private bathrooms, spacious bedrooms and private decks with gorgeous views of the ranch.

So if you are looking for a destination where you and your vacation companions will have a fun and memorable time, look no further than Red Horse Mountain Ranch.

Happy Trails

If you are in Texas you might be lucky enough to try a regional treat called “Cowboy Caviar”. Surprisingly enough, it doesn’t contain any caviar at all. It’s actually a black-eyed bean salad that is marinated in Italian dressing. Athens, Texas is, after all, the black-eyed pea capital of the world. It can be eaten with a spoon or even better yet do what the locals do and scoop it up with a tortilla chip. Texans like their "caviar" year round and serve it at barbecues and other informal gatherings.

Historically speaking, black-eyed peas were frequently eaten on New Year’s Eve in Texas and in other southern states. Some people, owing to a curious mix of tradition and superstition, still believe that the consumption of black-eyed peas consumed on the 31^st of December will bring luck and prosperity throughout the coming year.

Interesting enough, however; “Cowboy Caviar” wasn’t created by a Texan but rather by a Yankee. Helen Corbitt, who was the head chef at Nieman Marcus at the time, was tasked to create an all-Texan menu that would include black-eyed peas. She had a personal disdain for the legume so this wasn’t an easy task and since she was unable to find an existing recipe that met her high standards she created her own.

The original recipe consisted of black-eyed peas and onions which are then marinated in a vinaigrette dressing. Since then, “Cowboy Caviar” has evolved into lots of different variations many of which also include black beans. This dip makes the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack and is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet!

Ingredients:

Salad:
3/4 cup frozen sweet corn, thawed
2 green onions, chopped or 1/2 cup of chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color will do)
1 chopped jalapeño (jarred or fresh)
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 ripe avocado cubed
1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained well
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained well

Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1/2 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips

Directions:

1.)Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.

2.)Mix the salad ingredients together in a large bowl

3.)Pour dressing into the salad bowl and toss. Refrigerate an hour before serving to allow the flavours to blend.

So the next time that you are looking for something different to serve your guests consider preparing a bowl of “Cowboy Caviar” and be sure to tell them all about this delicious, healthy dish’s interesting history.

Happy Trails!

Come to Big Sky Country and experience a rustic Dude Ranch vacation, Cowgirl Camp or Healing Retreat for Women. Located in Sawmill Canyon in Lennep, Montana this family owned and operated dude ranch combines dude ranching culture with good old western hospitality to make your vacation experience a memorable one. Open to guests from June 1^st until September 1^st Horses N Courage, can accommodate up to 8 guests at a time so that your stay at the ranch can be customized according to your particular vacation needs. You’ll arrive as a guest but depart as a friend.

Accommodations & Meals

This Montana guest ranch offers unique accommodations for those looking for a different kind of ranch experience in the great outdoors. There is no cell phone coverage or WIFI available so that guests can disconnect in order to re-connect with each other as well as their surroundings. Choose from either a wall-tent or a cowboy-teepee.

Wall-Tents: Clean, cozy wall tents, sleep up to 4 adults comfortably and are furnished with comfortable cots, warm fluffy sleeping bags, extra blankets, throw rug, lantern, a mirror, lawn chair, small table with a wash bowl and a pitcher. The clean, old fashioned out house toilet is a short walk from your tent.

Cowboy-Teepees: Teepee’s sleep one adult or 2 children comfortably, with a cot(s) and a fluffy sleeping bag, extra blankets, a table, lantern, throw rug, lawn chair, a washbowl, pitcher and a mirror. The clean, old fashioned out house toilet is a short walk from your teepee.

Shower: A large, wood-sided outdoor shower that is a self- standing little structure with propane heated water. It sits behind the cook tent, facing the trees, ensuring that you have the utmost privacy!

Guests enjoy rustic, hearty ranch-cooked meals that are prepared outdoors and  served with all the western fixing’s which include ranch raised natural beef, big mountain breakfasts and substantial lunches. All that clean fresh air will have you asking for seconds but make sure you save some room for s’mores around the campfire at night! If you require a special diet, be sure to note it on your contact form in advance, so that the ranch can accommodate your needs. Guests are welcome to bring any favourite snacks or soda with them as well as any alcohol since the ranch is BYOB (Bring your own booze). These items can be stored in the cook tent’s propane powered refrigerator.

Dude Ranch Vacation

If you and your friends or family love horseback riding then this is the vacation choice for you!  This rustic dude ranch package includes either 7 days and 6 nights or 4 days and 3 nights, with wall-tent or cowboy-teepee accommodations and three hearty western ranch-cooked meals per day. With over 2,000 acres of private land to explore on horseback you will have the chance to herd and move cattle while observing the abundant wildlife and taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Guests can ride up to 6 hours per day, depending on riding ability and comfort level in the saddle. When not in the saddle guests enjoy mountain hiking, photography, soaking in a natural hot spring pool at White Sulphur Springs, honing roping skills or simply kicking back at night to admire a star filled sky.

Cowgirl Camps

June 23-26 (6 spots left), June 30- July 3 (8 spots left) July 7-10 (8 spots left) July 14-17 (2 spots left) 2016

Calling all wannabee cowgirls! These weekends are for girlfriends, moms, daughters and sisters who want to experience a “cowgirl getaway” in Montana. After learning basic horsemanship you will saddle-up and ride as well as trail cattle and learn to rope. A trip to White Sulphur Springs as well as hiking, photography and wildlife spotting opportunities will round off your weekend fun. On the last night of your stay you and the rest of the gals will enjoy “song & s’mores” while swapping stories around a blazing campfire. An experience like this will stay with you forever!

Healing Retreat for Women

Hope, Courage and Healing Retreat for Women Suffering from Emotional Shock and Trauma in the Body (August 11-14, 2016)

This special retreat is for women only and will help those in need get out of the pattern of self-defeat and bring hope, joy and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse in the back country of Sawmill Canyon in Montana.  This is a horseback riding Healing Retreat for Women Veterans and Women Suffering from Emotion Shock and Trauma in the Body. Together with the horses and nature you will be guided through a healing process to help you rediscover aspects of your life that have been lost and help you employ healthy changes in your life.

The retreat focuses on” Healthy Relationships, Emotional Shock and Trauma, Emotions and the Body and Co-Dependency”. Your stay is all-inclusive and includes wall-tent and cowboy teepee accommodations, ranch-style cooked meals, beautiful scenery, horseback riding, a chance to see wildlife, photography opportunities, dummy roping and a soak in a natural hot spring spa to empower the Mind, Body and Spirit.

Learn more about your retreat hosts here: Sarah: http://horsesncourage.com/meet-the-hereim-family/ and Rosie: http://gentlehoofbeats.com/therapyaboutus.htm

When the mountains start  calling consider Horses N Courage for your next adventure!

Happy Trails!

The following article appeared in  Ranch & Reserve Magazine's 4th edition.

When people think of going on a dude ranch vacation, the USA and Canada, are the destinations that first come to mind with locations such as Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Texas, Alberta and British Columbia to name but a few. However, another great option is Mexico which is home to some outstanding guest ranches like Tierra Chamahua Eco Adventures, known also as Rancho Los Baños Adventure Guest Ranch, situated in northeast Sonora. This is an excellent choice for those wanting a fantastic ranch experience in a warm and friendly ambiance with a distinct Mexican flavour! Close to southeast Arizona and with offices based in Tucson, shuttle services will safely escort you to the ranch and back enabling you to relax and enjoy the scenery while en route to your Mexican home for the next week.

Fact from Fiction: Security in Mexico

Owing to a biased and often incorrect coverage by the international press, Mexico has been characterized as having travel concerns for foreigners. This is simply not the case.  Past guests of Tierra Chamahua from the US (45%), Canada (25%), Europe (20%), Australia and New Zealand (10%) have all experienced guest ranch vacations packed with adventure, exceptional service and hospitality in a secure environment ensuring a safe and truly memorable vacation.

Not Your Typical Guest Ranch

With over 30,000 acres this privately owned guest and cattle ranch boasts vistas like you have never seen before. Spectacular otherworldly desert and pristine wilderness landscapes await the adventurous traveler. This scenic, unique adventure travel destination is ideal for guests who love nature, the great outdoors, ranch life and an active vacation. Guests will also appreciate the utter peacefulness and tranquility for those times when one simply wishes to relax after an exhilarating day out on the range.

World-Class Riding Trails

A vacation at Tierra Chamahua will provide you with your very own personal playground for backcountry horseback riding excursions. Horse-lovers will be thrilled by challenging, awe-inspiring, excitement-filled rides through virtually secluded sierras, mountains, hills, mesas, rock cliffs, ravines, canyons and some of the most unspoiled wilderness to be found on a ranch vacation.Horseback riding at this guest ranch offers some of the best outdoor riding trails in the world and once in a lifetime photo ops!

Unlimited Adventures

Countless experiences await at Tierra Chamahua:

Wildlife Spotting: Encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat is always a thrill and at Tierra Chamahua there is the ever-present possibility of running into various different types of animals as well as different species of birds. Around the ranch there are five types of felines that habitat the area: mountain lions, bobcats, ocelots, ring-tail cats and the occasional, migrating jaguar. The opportunity to see many other different animals all in their natural setting will make you feel like you are on your very own desert safari.

El Cajon Canyon: Hikers will love exploring the natural beauty of this particular canyon which is truly one of Nature’s works of art. Three to four hundred foot walls on both sides as well as awe-inspiring scenery will captivate nature-lovers. There are boundless opportunities overall for hikers.

Lake Angostura: This isolated, unspoiled and pristine lake, located a stone’s throw away from the ranch’s border, boasts breathtaking scenery coupled with a remarkable history. Be sure to ask your guide all about it!

Jeep Tours: With 120 kilometers of dirt roads at your disposition the rocky, wild and rugged landscapes are sure to please even the hardiest thrill-seeker in your group.

Mountain Biking: Experienced bikers and newbies to the sport will appreciate the ruggedness as well as the unspoiled beauty that the surrounding terrain provide.

Stargazing: Without the interference of city lights the ranch is the perfect venue from which to gaze upon a heavenly star-studded night sky.. Binoculars and telescopes enable amateur astronomers the opportunity to admire the beauty of the universe as never before.

Fishing: Test your fishing skills at the lake or in the river and you might just snag a large-mouth bass, sunfish, catfish or trout. In any event the surrounding majestic scenery will ensure that the fishermen in your group will have something to write home about.

Pictographs: History buffs will be particularly interested in the dozens of pictographs found throughout the canyon where ancient pre-Columbian dwellings, caches, ceremonial centers, hunting lodges, ovens and sculpted deities are to be found, each offering a diversity of cultural, religious and behavioral history.

Porching: Last but not least this activity simply requires “kicking back” in order to practice the art of relaxation. It is the perfect moment for guests to share their day’s adventures with each other while watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon.

Ranch Accommodations

At the end of a fun-filled day spent enjoying the great outdoors guests ease into comfortable beds in either one of the rooms located in the Cumaral Lodge or in one of the spacious cabañas. The rooms, which are more like suites, feature window views that are simply breathtaking. The lodge also features a shared living-room and kitchen with a wrap-around, roofed porch that afford stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Cabaña de los Vaqueros and the Sunrise Cabaña are ideal for those looking for a more private and intimate hideaway. Guests staying in the cabañas also have access to the wrap-around porch, living area and kitchen in the Cumaral Lodge. All accommodation options run on solar-power.

Culinary Delights

Mealtimes at Tierra Chamahua are very special. The all-inclusive rates include three gourmet, home-cooked meals a day. International as well as northern and southern Mexican dishes will please even the most discerning palate. Tasty snacks, pastries, and non-alcoholic beverages are also included.  Meals are served family-style either in the dining room or at the outdoor table on the balcony. Packed lunches are provided for guests on hiking adventures to be enjoyed in the canyons while surrounded by a beautiful natural setting.  Because the ranch’s location is rather remote, guests are encouraged to bring along their own alcohol as well as any favourite food items or snacks. A scheduled stop at a grocery store en route from Tucson will give you time to pick up these items.

An Adventure of a Lifetime

Tierra Chamahua is different than your typical dude ranch as it offers unique and exciting vacations for those looking to go off-grid and disconnect from the wired world. It is a place where your body, spirit and mind will feel truly connected to nature as you immerse yourself in the pristine, secluded wilderness that surrounds you. The sheer variety of activities that are at guest’s disposal are guaranteed to fill your days leaving your nights free to admire a starry sky with new found friends. Making lasting memories at this extraordinary guest ranch is easy.

Let RanchSeeker help you find the ideal guest ranch vacation today! www.ranchseeker.com

Happy Trails!

This year’s hot travel trend is actually not even new. The dude ranch vacation dates back to the late 1880s when the spirit of the Wild West was firmly entrenched in the American and European psyche. Wealthy foreigners and Eastern industrialists, including Theodore Roosevelt, came to the West – and its dude ranches, for the abundant wildlife and magnificent unspoiled scenery. During the 20s and 30s, dude ranch owners discovered that opening up their ranches to guests was a good way to increase their income. This has continued to the present day.

So why have dude ranches’ popularity exploded these days? When it comes to vacation planning, many people nowadays want to go somewhere unique where they can create memories and bond with their families. “More people are visiting dude ranches to do something out of the ordinary” says Colleen Hodson from the Dude Rancher’s Association. “Dude ranches are the original Western adventure vacation.” Deep down the core principles of dude ranching remain the same: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart but dude ranches have evolved immensely from what they originally were and now offer a plethora of experiences. Perhaps the popularity is due to fact that there really is something for everyone. You can go to a dude ranch numerous times and have a different experience each time depending on the type of ranch, time of year and who is accompanying you.

Some dude ranches feature special ranch getaways for cowgirls or adults only, while others are a virtual “Disney World” for kids of all ages. Some ranches focus on the culinary experience serving the finest wine and food pairings along with cooking instructions supplied by noted chefs.  Other dude ranches attract fitness buffs by offering yoga, meatless menus and spa treatments.  Still more are known for birding, astronomy, photography classes, painting workshops and special eco-tours.

You also won’t feel as connected on other types of holidays where you are just one tourist among thousands. High end ranches across the USA average 45 guests at a time and your days and meals are often shared with other guests. By the end of your stay, you’ll know everyone and might even have forged some new friendships.  The remote, peaceful setting lends itself to easy camaraderie, so it’s not uncommon for lifetime friendships to develop during a dude ranch vacation

Once you have been to a dude ranch, you will probably want to go back. Dude ranch owners report that more than a third of all reservations each season are made by repeat visitors. Colleen Hodson reports a similar yet different pattern among the daily inquiries at the Dude Rancher’s Association. She is finding that a group lovingly nicked named as “ranch junkies”, who are travelers who visit dude ranches frequently but prefer to explore a different DRA ranch each trip are inquiring often about dude ranches

Whether it’s the unique experience, the diverse activities, the welcoming atmosphere or the human connection the old is new again. Put a dude ranch vacation on your to do list to see what everyone else is loving.

Happy Trails!

Close your eyes for just a minute and imagine a soft breeze caressing your cheeks as you hear the relaxing sound of the ocean’s waves crashing upon a sandy shore while vacationing at a beach destination. Or how about waking up in a comfortable hotel suite in an exciting city and ordering room service for breakfast while still wearing your hotel-provided slippers and bathrobe?

Maybe simply staying at home during your time off and finally having the time to read that book that you have always meant to or spend time on a hobby that you enjoy is all that you need to relax. Or perhaps the soft whinnying of horses out in a field while surrounded by mountains and a lush forest at a guest ranch is more your speed?

These diverse vacation options are not only wonderful ways to relax and explore new venues and activities but also promote good health.

Taking regular vacations, aside from being pleasurable, can also aid in a healthier and longer life. Too often these days many families believe that there just isn’t enough time to take a break away from their busy schedules and for some families they feel that it is simply financially impossible; however, traditions, like vacations, are important to the health and well-being of the family unit. Taking time out from the daily demands of juggling work and home responsibilities is vital to your family’s health. Planning a vacation promotes togetherness as you fine tune the details of your upcoming time together and creates excitement which in turn has a positive psychological effect for all involved.

Vacations Can Reduce Some Health Risks

Taking regular vасаtіоns, in some cases, has been known to rеduсе thе сhаnсеs оf hеаrt dіsеаsе аnd саn hеlр bоth mеn аnd wоmеn lіvе lоngеr, happier аnd hеаlthіеr lіvеs. Іn а studу соnduсtеd bу rеsеаrсhеrs frоm thе Ѕtаtе Unіvеrsіtу оf Νеw Yоrk, іn Оswеgо, оn 12,338 mіddlе-аgеd mеn, whо wеrе аt rіsk оf hеаrt dіsеаsе, іt wаs fоund out thаt thоsе whо dіd nоt tаkе rеgulаr vасаtіоns wеrе mоrе lіkеlу tо dіе оvеr а 9 уеаr реrіоd thаn thоsе whо dіd take a vacation. Ассоrdіng tо rеsеаrсhеr Еlаіnе Еаkеr, mіddlе-аgеd wоmеn whо dо nоt tаkе vасаtіоns hаvе еіght tіmеs thе rіsk оf еіthеr hаvіng а hеаrt аttасk оr dуіng оf hеаrt dіsеаsе.

Ѕtrеss threatens your overall health and аffесts your body’s іmmunе and саrdіоvаsсulаr systems, as well as your еmоtіоnаl wеll-bеіng аnd general quаlіtу оf lіfе. Ѕtudіеs hаvе shоwn that vасаtіоns are a beneficial way tо rеduсе thе рrеssurеs оf еvеrуdау lіfе аnd alleviate built up strеss.

Boost Creativity and Productivity

Taking time to “play” has powerful benefits for both children and adults. Playtime has been said to be the single most significant factor in determining our success and happiness. In fact, playtime is just as important as getting enough sleep! Adults who play enjoy freedom from time constraints, rules and responsibilities, bringing balance to their busy and often overly structured lives. People in creative fields especially need to recharge their brain cells in order to continue to innovate and create. Taking a break can lead to increased productivity and also offer fresh new perspectives and ideas.

Strengthen Family Bonds

Spending time together enriches relationships between couples and strengthens family ties.Through traditions such as vacations, any relationship can benefit. Making memories with our loved ones is the glue that binds us all. Taking time out from the day to day grind provides opportunities to connect on a deeper level as well as discover new skills and interests with family members.

Rediscover Yourself

Vасаtіоns can аlsо provide the ideal opportunity fоr sеlf-dіsсоvеrу. After an extended period in the work force and at times a sense of relentless pressure to conform and produce, it can be easy to lose oneself and forget about what matters most. Taking a much-needed time-out саn hеlр уоu rediscover yourself and perhaps remind you of the things that you, and only you, like to do. By reconnecting with yourself you may discover what motivates, inspires and captures your interest by trying new activities and taking time for self-reflection.

As you can see there are many advantages of taking a vacation. When it’s time to take that much needed break why not consider a dude ranch vacation? You will find plenty of moments to relax as well as the opportunity to try new activities, make everlasting memories and also add physical and mental benefits to the list. Use Ranchseeker’s free dude ranch search tool to find your perfect vacation.

Happy Trails!

Miniature horses do exist! While miniature horses are usually the size of a very small pony but many retain horse characteristics and are considered "horses" by their respective registries. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Miniature horses are friendly and interact well with people and are often kept as pets. They are also trained as service animals to assist people with disabilities similar to guide dogs. They are generally quite hardy, often living longer on average than  full-sized horses with the average life span of miniature horses ranging from 25 to 35 years. Makes you want to get one of your own doesn't it? Now get ready for some cuteness overload!

A girls best friend

Racing with the mini horse 

Size means nothing to this mini horse 

Best friends

Easily fits into the front seat!