Where Every Day is Better than the Last
Formerly the Wood V-X Cattle Ranch,
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is one of Idaho’s renowned ranches. Winner of the Gene Kilgore 2015 World’s Best Ranches Award and recognized as one of Equitrekking Top 20 Ranches, the ranch offers a variety of cabin rental and packages for all seasons. Whether you’re heading to Sandpoint, Idaho alone, with friends or with your family, this is the place to be. The following lines will explain why.
The History of Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
The ranch was founded by Riley Wood in 1942 as a cattle ranch. He formerly lived and farmed in Colorado before discovering an ad for the land in Northern Idaho. After traveling with his wife Gladys there, they fell in love with the area and moved to Gold Creek with the rest of their family. By 1957, his son Jim purchased the 960 acres and started expanding the ranch, establishing the ranch as it is today.
Currently, the ranch is run by Jim’s daughter Janice and her husband Roley. Janice had grown up on the ranch long before it became the Western Pleasure dude ranch. After marrying her high school sweetheart, they moved away to pursue Roley’s career. However, they returned six years after he earned a degree in business administration. Now, their children, Danielle and Isaac are continuing the legacy and settling their own families at the ranch.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you decide to head to Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, trust that every day will be special. There is just so much to see and do there that you won’t be bored despite the lack of technology.
A Variety of Horses Raised on the Ranch – You get to enjoy riding horses that were born on the ranch. In fact, the Ranch Matriarch Katie has given birth to ten of the best horses on the ranch and has some of her grandchildren helping out. Whether you’re riding on their backs or being pulled by them in sleighs, rest assured that you will be in safe hooves.
Exciting Trail Rides – The ranch offers two-hour guided trail rides for people who haven’t chosen its inclusive package or those not staying at the ranch. During one of these, you can enjoy wonderful views of natural beauties such as the Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains.
Variety of Summer Packages – You can determine how to celebrate your summer through the ranch’s special summer packages. In addition to the Lake to Lodge Kayak Adventure on Lake Pend Oreille, you can opt for the seven-night Ranch, Raft and Rest package, Mountain to Lake Spa package, or the Kootenai River Fishing package. These packages start from $925 plus Idaho Lodging and Sales Tax, making them quite affordable.
Equally Exhilarating Winter Packages – To enjoy winter to the fullest, you can choose the Log Cabin Getaway Schweitzer Ski package, Lodge Room Getaway Schweitzer Ski package, Snowmobile package, Spa package, and Cross-Country Ski package. Other winter activities you’ll love are sleigh rides and Nordic trails.
Fun Children’s Packages – Children will love the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch’s Children’s Program. Designed for children aged 8 and 18, the program offers them hands-on experiences with horses and their care. Children will also receive trophies and ribbons which they can show off back home. On the other hand, you have the Youth Horsemanship Program for children between 10-16 years, whose parents aren’t on the ranch. All you need for these programs is the right apparel, cowboy boots, a riding helmet, and a sleeping bag.
Adrenaline Pumping Adult Retreats – Tap into your inner cowgirl or cowboy during a five night getaway. Scheduled between September 6
th and 11
th, 2015, the Adult Horsemanship session will offer you the opportunity of cozying up in the lodge’s rooms while enjoying wholesome ranch cooking, horseback riding lessons and trail riding.
Wide Range of Amenities at the Lodge – While staying at the ranch, you can avail a number of amenities including the Greet Room for dining, the upstairs Loft, the Recreation room, outdoor hot tub, and playground among others.
The Bottom Line
With bed and breakfast stay during summer starting from $145, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to book your next holiday at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. You can save further by opting for one of the available packages, but make sure to book early to get a spot at this wonderful Idaho dude ranch.
