Located in Parkfield, “the Cowboy Side of California,” the V6 Ranch is owned and operated by the Varian family. A world away (but just four hours from L.A. or San Francisco), this 20,000-acre working cattle ranch is balm for the modern soul and medicine for horse lovers of all ages and abilities.

Founding a Ranch

In 1958, Jack Varian had just earned a degree in animal husbandry and married his sweetheart Zera, whom he called Zee. She grew up with horses in Southern California, and they were ready to start their life together as cattle ranchers.

Their first ranch was on hardscrabble, unforgiving land. After working it for three years, by some miracle a man wanted to buy it and Jack and Zee happily sold.

Two years later, they found a ranch of about 8,000 acres in the tiny town of Parkfield, nestled in the Cholame Valley in Central California. This land was completely different from their first ranch. Rich with life, water, and beauty, they soon understood why the indigenous Tachi Yokut inhabitants had named the area Cholame (“the beautiful one”).

Jack and Zee called the place the V6 Ranch after their family of six, which included their kids Katherine, Lillian, John and Gregory. They acquired more acres over the years as they raised their family on the ranch. Then a funny thing happened.

“As all of us kids finished college and were looking to start our new lives, we all realized we wanted to come back to Parkfield,” says son John Varian.

The problem? Even though the ranch was now 20,000 acres, with the cattle operation running about 1,000 head per year, it provided income to only support Jack and Zee. The rest of the kids would need to find a different way to make a living if they wanted to live on the V6.

Welcome to Parkfield, Pop. 18

By the 1980s, the little town of Parkfield was pretty much gone. There were still a few homes and residents but no public buildings. The old bar had burned down in the 1970s. There was a one-room schoolhouse and a community hall, but the rest of the buildings were abandoned.

“I had some construction experience from doing side jobs in college, so Dad and I started rebuilding Parkfield in 1989,” says John. “We decided we needed a restaurant first, so we started by building the Parkfield Cafe. At first, it didn’t have an indoor kitchen, so we began cooking outside on the pit for guests.”

The restaurant was finished as a log cabin—“the only thing we knew how to build”—and the Parkfield Cafe started to become a destination for barbeque and hearty meals. Once the restaurant took hold, the family decided to build a lodge so people could stay overnight.

In 1991, they built the Parkfield Lodge, using lots of reclaimed and repurposed material. It has 10 unique rooms and a gathering room with a rock fireplace.

“Then we kept going and repurposed the old buildings in Parkfield,” says John. “Now the old town provides comfortable lodging for our guests.”

The original 1920s Shell Water Tower is a two-story suite. The local post office, which was dragged to its location in 1906 by a team of horses, is a two-bedroom suite. The spacious Cowboy Cabin, built by John and his ranch crew, offers privacy and rustic luxury.

Bring on the Cattle Drives

One night in 1991, Jack and Zee went to town to see the movie City Slickers.

“As the family story goes, they watched as city folk ventured out to a cattle ranch for a vacation,” John says. “Driving home, they agreed. This was the next step for the V6.”

The idea: Take what they’d started in Parkfield with the cafe and lodge and begin to expand what they offered. Why not offer the ranching work and the experiences they had every day and share it with people?

John’s wife Barb created a brochure about their new cattle drives and started spreading the word.

“People came and had a great time, and it just went from there,” says John. “Then we continued to expand on what people wanted with different rides and experiences. We also knew that people with their own horses would love to come ride out on our working cattle ranch, so we built the Horse Camp to accommodate that.”

Saddle Up

“As a working cattle ranch, we have a lot of work to do and a lot of ranch land to cover,” John explains. “We love being able to share the work we’d be doing anyway with people from all over the world.”

Today, the V6 offers a range of ways to experience ranch life during the needs of each season. All V6 Ranch experiences are open to riders aged 7 and older and all skill levels. The ranch hands and wranglers at the V6 are family or friends from local ranches, so you’re in good hands. On many of the rides, you can bring your own horse.

Here’s what awaits you at the V6:

Dude Ranch Weekends: Two and a half days of riding out on the ranch, hearty meals, a massage, lodging in one of the fun Parkfield town buildings, and a chance to unplug and unwind. These are great for families and riders who may be newer to horses.

Cowboy Academy: Five-day working ranch experience where riders can improve their horsemanship and working knowledge of cattle and ranch skills, from gathering and sorting cattle to roping, ranch obstacles courses, and beautiful trail rides.

Cowboy Academy 102: Five-day, corral-based ride focused on honing roping and cattle-sorting skills, including breakaway roping live cattle in the corral, roping a mechanical steer, learning how to read a cow, alley sorting, and more.

Wrangler Ride: With coaching from the V6 Ranch crew, explore the trails and learn a wide variety of ranch skills such as gathering, sorting, roping and negotiating ranch obstacles.

Cattle Drives: For more than 30 years, the Varian family has invited guests four times a year to help gather and move cattle throughout the vast lands of the V6 Ranch. On each day of the four-day drive, riders will spend about six hours in the saddle gathering and moving cattle and then sleep under the stars.

Pack Trip: New for 2024, join the Varian family to ride and camp out for four days on the most remote and beautiful parts of the V6.

Meet the Horses

In addition to the variety of riding and experiences, another thing that’s special about the V6 is that there is no nose-to-tail trail riding.

“Our horses are ranch horses, not dude horses, because you can’t gather cattle nose to tail,” John explains. “You’ve got to spread out and be able to direct your horse wherever you need to go, and the same when you’re in the arena sorting or at a branding.”

The horses that the guests ride are the same horses that the Varian crew uses when no guests are at the ranch. The horses are experienced, savvy and can navigate the hills, rivers, and draws of the V6 with confidence.

With Quarter Horses, Paints, and Half-Arabians in their herd, it’s the horses’ cow sense, ranch work experience and intelligence, not their specific breed, that makes them great partners.

Interesting to note is that Jack Varian’s cousin was Sheila Varian, the renowned Arabian breeder, trainer, and horsewoman. In 1961, she changed history when she became the first woman to win the Reined Cow Horse Open Championship at San Francisco’s Cow Palace, and she did so on her Arabian mare, Ronteza.

Sheila came out to the V6 quite often and brought her rock-solid Arabian ranch horses to sort, brand, and gather cattle in the roughest places on the ranch. Today, the V6 has a few Half-Arabians from Sheila’s breeding program.

Getting to the V6 Ranch

“As I like to say, Parkfield is in the middle of nowhere, but it’s four hours from everything,” says John. The V6 is reachable by several airports: San Luis Obispo (SBP; 65 miles), Fresno (FAT; 110 miles), and San Jose (SJC; 175 miles). It’s also a half-day’s drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Another Place and Time

If the whisper of a simpler time and the distant echo of hoofbeats is calling to you, take a trip to the V6 Ranch. Every member of the Varian family will welcome you to relax and enjoy, and the ranch horses will eagerly join you as you discover “the beautiful one.”

For more information on visiting V6 Ranch in Parkfield, Calif., visit v6ranch.com. If a ride you’re interested in is booked, add yourself to the waitlist. Last-minute cancellations often open up.

This article about the V6 Ranch appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The steep uphill gravel road to the ranch is in rough shape.

“It’s only open from June to October,” Curt says while navigating the large ruts. “Hopefully it will be graded by next week when you head out.”

Passing pine forests and rolling green hills, we arrive at a reservoir reflecting the snowcapped mountains before entering the gates of Spear-O-Wigwam, which sport a 100th anniversary banner on the fence.

Founded in 1923 by Willis Spear, a local rancher, the 17-acre property with seven cabins continues its dude ranch legacy through investors with local ties.

The fire crackles in the lounge next to the dining area, where I enjoy a meal of lasagna and Caesar salad with some of the other other guests, here for day rides or kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. In my quaint riverside cabin, I organize my gear for tomorrow’s pack trip.

Day 1

A moose, not bothered by my presence, wanders the grounds as I head for breakfast, a smorgasbord of fruit, quiche, pancakes and sausage. Our host, Mark Patterson of Cross Country Equine, introduces me to Gabby and Lydia, who will join me and returning guest Joleen on the pack ride.

As instructed, we arrive at the main corral with our bags where Pence, Claude and Pistol stand quietly as Mark meticulously weighs and loads every piece before placing it in their packs, checking constantly for even distribution.

“It’s key to not having to stop on the trail to fix anything,” he declares.

Mark chooses Canyon, a sturdy draft cross, for me, and two Norwegian Fjord crosses, Princess and Babydoll, for Lydia and Gabby. Joleen is given her favorite horse from last year’s ride, Chester, while Mark leads the pack on Swede (both their mounts are Norwegian Fjords).

We head out of the corral, crossing the first creek of many, one with a spectacular backdrop of mountains. Green meadows full of colorful wildflowers lead us to an uphill path in the woods. Canyon carefully chooses his way through the narrow, rocky parts.

“Let the horses pick their way, and make sure they have forward momentum, especially on the steep parts,” Mark advises. “It’s harder for them to get their legs in front of them if they slip when going uphill.”

At 9,760 feet, the tree line opens to breathtaking views of Geneva Pass and Geneva Lake before arriving at the camp at Crystal Lake, where rocky cliffs reflect on the water’s surface.

We untack the horses and turn them out for a well-deserved roll and to graze in the fenced-in area surrounding camp. Several teepees, including one for cooking, spot the grounds. Mark unpacks the bags and I change into my bathing suit for a quick dip in the chilly yet refreshing water.

After a scrumptious steak dinner, I drift off to sleep on the cot in my teepee to the sound of the melting snow cascading over the rocks into the lake.

Day 2

The cliffs glow in the morning light behind the horses grazing at the lake shore.

A full day at camp allows for exploration deeper into the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, an expanse of 295 square miles in the Bighorn Mountain Range, which has been protected by the Wyoming Wilderness act since 1984.

Mark trims branches from fallen trees on the trail that climbs to spectacular views. The Solitude loop takes us to the high country of remote lakes, cascading waterfalls, fast-running streams and snow still lingering in the mountains crevices.

The shore of Cliff Lake across from its jagged rock edges provides a peaceful lunch stop. On the way back to camp, we cool off the horses in the deep water of a small lake, sometimes belly deep. I take advantage of the clear night sky to watch the shooting stars before heading to my teepee for the night.

Day 3

In the early morning we help take down camp, as it will be the last trip here this season.

“The pasture is pretty much done,” Mark says. “And with any luck, the snow has melted enough to head to Beaver Creek camp for the next pack trip.”

Mark diligently weighs each box and bag before loading up the pack horses.

With total confidence in Canyon, I’m now relaxed over the steep, rocky terrain and can simply enjoy the views of the Bighorn Mountains against the blue sky. We allow the horses to drink at each of the numerous creek crossings before arriving at the familiar green meadow just before the ranch.

At Spear-O-Wigwam, we have time to untack, say our goodbyes and head into Sheridan for the rodeo’s opening night—I truly feel like a cowgirl now!

To learn more, visit @crosscountryequine on Instagram or go to spearowigwam.com.

This article about a pack ride in Wyoming appeared in the August 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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After a swim in the pool and a soak in the hot tub, I joined guests in the main lodge for their final social gathering and outdoor barbecue. The stories of their week’s riding adventures were abundant, and everyone seemed eager to return, one on her sixth visit. I spent the next few days learning the secret to The Hideout’s success.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch History

In 1995, David Flitner and Paula De Cabooter-Flitner started construction of the guest ranch, building the main lodge, cabins, arena, and barn on a prime riverfront location of the property, offering unobstructed views of the Big Horn Mountains.

Initially named after a local historical ranch, Trapper Creek Guest Ranch, it was rebranded as Hideout Adventures, Inc. Peter De Cabooter, Paula’s nephew, arrived from Belgium in 2006 to help, and a year later was joined by his wife Marijn and their twin boys.

The reins were eventually handed over to Peter, and The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch began its growth.

Year-Round Focus

Taking over full ownership in 2017, Peter began the transition from a seasonal three or four months per year operation into a more sustainable year-round business. His corporate experience is key to The Hideout’s success today.

“In order to keep a reliable crew and create a culture, we needed to offer more year-round jobs for our staff,” he says.

Peter follows the “3 C Culture” of character, conduct and competence.

“One can train for competence, but not for character and conduct,” he explains. “And this is even harder in a seasonal environment.”

Having the right crew focusing on the principles of their authentic hospitality—taking care of its people, guests, and horses—is of the utmost importance, as is their branded Authentic Horsemanship.

Authentic Horsemanship

When Marijn first arrived at the ranch, she was far from a cowgirl. Mileage in the saddle and exposure to many horse trainers, including Yvet Blokesch of Featherlite Academy in the Netherlands and Parelli trainers Farrah Green and Amy Bowers, Marijn gained well-rounded horsemanship skills.

Marijn was introduced to liberty work by Kirsten Brein, trainee of Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman, and now shares her knowledge with interested guests. From various training methods, The Hideout shaped their own branded Authentic Horsemanship based on a trusting relationship through communication, respect and understanding.

Peter describes it as “An ethical, respectful, safe, enjoyable and professional approach, getting the best out of both horse and rider.”

The Horses and Trails

I could sense the Authentic Horsemanship methodology from the saddle while on one of their many horses. With over 650,000 acres to explore and elevations ranging from 4,200 to 13,100 feet, there are a broad range of climates and plenty of biodiversity within riding distance of the ranch.

We chose the cooler canyon ride to escape the August heat. I would be riding with Peter and Marijn’s son Victor, as well as Nina Reuter, a German woman who was originally a Hideout guest, but who left a corporate life in New York to join the Hideout crew.

We crossed rushing rivers surrounded by lush greenery in the red rock canyons, cantered on sandy footing, and galloped past the red Needle Rock towering above us. A short trailer ride brought us to the nearby bentonite clay-painted hills.

My mount, a palomino Quarter Horse named Sheridan, was a true gem. Being well tuned in neck reining, there was minimal rein contact needed, and gaits changed simply from my seat.

“What a wonderful treat for a trail horse,” I said to Nina.

“Yes,” she replied. “The key is to train the guests how to ride our horses.”

Orientation and Safety Talk

All guests, from beginner to advanced riders, participate in an extensive safety orientation at the start of the week, then mount up for an ability assessment.

I watched guests ranging in ages from 11 to 75 walk in a circle and stop, trot along the rail, and depending on their self-proclaimed ability, perform a few canter strides. Instructed to use only their seat for balance, some experienced difficulties, but Marijn reassured improvement by week’s end. It was a safe yet revealing way to split into groups before hitting the trails.

Returning later with big grins, everyone had fun and felt comfortable. Catering rides to their guests’ preference on length, pace, and terrain, the wranglers could now make informed decisions on who was capable of what.

The Whole Package

In my short visit, I concluded that what brings guests back repeatedly to The Hideout is their attention to detail, consistency, and authenticity. Their hospitality and horsemanship benefits everyone, especially the horses, creating a perfect balance.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyo., ticks all the boxes necessary for a comfortable adventure on safe horses in spectacularly diverse scenery. I applaud them!

Learn more about a visit to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch at thehideout.com.

This article appeared in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The scenery may be stunning, the food and staff top-notch, but ultimately, it’s the four-legged workforce that makes for a memorable trip at any dude ranch.

“It takes a special kind of horse to have a different rider every week,” notes Meris Stout, owner of Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch. “A lot of horses don’t have the right temperament to have different riders and be patient.”

Guest ranches and outfitters in different states share what goes into finding and maintaining these equine memory-makers.

Drowsy Water Ranch

Bordering thousands of acres of spectacular backcountry and the Arapahoe National Forest, Drowsy Water Ranch (DWR) near Granby, Colo., has been a guest ranch for 90 years. Since 1977, it’s been owned by the Fosha family.

With a string of about 120 horses and two mules, DWR accommodates riders of all skill levels for six-night, all-inclusive stays. During the season (late May to early September), horses are ridden an average of three to four days a week and are pastured every night. Ideally, the horses work one week and have the next week off.

Quarter Horses are the main breed—some registered, some not—but there are also quite a few Paints and about 30 full draft or draft crosses.

“Some of our best horses are draft crosses,” says ranch manager Justin Fosha. “They seem to be good keepers in the mountains, can carry a [heavier rider], and are still very athletic.”

DWR buys from multiple sources, including backyard owners, cattle ranchers, breeders and horse traders. Although price varies greatly, Justin says the average price in their area is $3,000 to $5,000.

About 50 percent of the ranch’s horses are bought locally, while the other 50 percent come from sales and auctions, ranging from the Denver area to Montana.

“We also go to sales specific to drafts or draft crosses,” says Fosha, noting that the only drawback is many draft horses still need to learn to neck rein.

For DWR, the ideal horse is 5 to 15 years old and well-broke with a trustworthy temperament. Good feet are important because of the rocky trails. Most horses are shod all around.

DWR horses only work the summer season and spend the rest of the year pastured on the fields where the ranch raises its own hay, a nutritious mountain grass mix. The whole herd is fed grain while working in the summer and receive daily hay once the snow comes. Shoes are pulled for the winter.

At 1,300 acres total, DWR has enough land to retire a horse to pasture if he becomes unusable due to age or injury.

“We don’t send old horses to auction,” says Fosha. “We’d rather them be humanely put down at the ranch than sent on a truck to Mexico.”

DWR currently has 12 pensioned horses, some of which have been with the ranch for 30-plus years. A few are still used on a limited basis, such as a once-a-week ride for a young guest. This group is kept where they get senior feed daily and have hay in front of them 24/7.

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch

The Land of Enchantment is home to Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch in southwestern New Mexico. Although the ranch covers just 20 acres, it is surrounded by the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, one of the largest federal land masses in the lower 48 States.

Originally started as a hunting lodge in the 1980s, since 2007, it’s been owned by the Esterly family: Harry, Diana, daughter Meris Esterly Stout, and Meris’s husband Seth.

Their current stable consists of 32 horses, which are mostly Quarter Horses and draft crosses.

“We’re in a very mountainous area, so we’ve found that a bigger horse does better here,” says Meris. “We like 15.2 hands as a minimum, up to about 16.2 hands.” She adds that it’s important for horses to neck rein, as guests want a free hand for taking photos.

“When we bought the ranch 15 years ago, you could get a good trail horse for $1,500 to $2,000,” she says. “Multiply that by seven now for the same quality horse. Most of that increase seems to have been in past four to five years. Recently, I’ve had good luck getting them at the auction in Billings, Montana. A lot of good quality horses go through there.”

Meris prefers to buy in the 5- to 10-year-old age range.

Off-season is Mid-November through early March. Horses winter at the ranch, which hauls in hay year-round since there aren’t pastures for grazing.

Most horses will have shoes pulled, except for the few that Meris and Seth ride through winter, often helping a neighboring rancher with cattle work. These are typically younger horses whose training benefits from more hours under saddle.

“As the horses get older, we use lighter riders and shorter rides,” she says. “Just like with people, it’s good for the older horses to keep moving.”

Because the ranch has limited acreage, retiring horses there isn’t usually an option. An exception to that is Casper, the ranch patriarch, who just retired at age 30 in 2022.

“He was here when we bought the ranch; he’s not going anywhere,” says Meris. Their other retiring horses are taken to an equine adoption facility in Colorado that specializes in rehoming former guest ranch mounts through The Annie Project (see below).

“They work hard for us, so when they’re done here, we want them to go to a good home,” she adds. “We’ve taken at least two trips to this rescue because they find good places for them to live out their days.”

Bliss Creek Outfitters

A native of Dubois, Wyo., Rusty Sanderson grew up on a ranch and has been riding since age 5. He’s worked in the outfitting business since 1995, ran his own outfitter’s camp for a decade, and has owned Bliss Creek Outfitters since 2015. Based out of Dubois, he rides and hunts out of the Washakie Wilderness in the Shoshone National Forest.

“We cover from Dubois to Cody, Wyoming,” says Sanderson, who offers summer pack trips (June to September) and three 20-day guide schools (June 1 to August 31).

His current equine string consists of 14 mules and 10 horses, which include draft crosses, Quarter Horses, Morgans and Fox Trotters.

Riding in the rugged wilderness, Sanderson prefers mules.

“They’re smoother, travel at a better pace, and are better at navigating rough trails,” he says, adding that mules also maintain their weight better during the season.

The best mounts are about 15 hands tall, stout, and smooth-traveling. Good feet are essential because of the rocky terrain. Horses are shod all around.

Horses and mules need to be trained to be on a picket and tie on a high line, since both methods are commonly used.

Sanderson bought the majority of his stock at auctions in Wyoming and through friends.

“Prices really increased dramatically since Covid,” he says. “I used to be able to buy a good horse for $1,500, and that won’t touch one now. Good-quality horses and mules range from $7,000 to $20,000.”

For the first year after buying any horse or mule, he doesn’t put clients on them.

“I ride them myself [first],” he says. “If they do well under the guides, they will be used for clients the following year.”

When a horse or mule gets to an age where mountain work becomes too strenuous, Sanderson tries to sell them privately whenever possible.

Some outfitters board their horses or mules at large ranches for the off-season, but these operations typically only feed hay when it snows. Sanderson keeps his stock at home in Dubois, where they’re kept on smaller acreage, can be monitored more closely, and fed hay daily throughout the winter, even though this means going through 100 tons of hay every year.

“I’m picky about taking care of them,” he says. Sanderson notes that horses and mules are truly the backbone of his business.

This article about dude ranch horses appeared in the April 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Horse Vacation Destinations

Here, we’ve created a list of top U.S. destinations on the premise that many people need to plan a family vacation and that not all family members want to ride horses, or even be around them. Additionally, the post-pandemic world means that some equestrian resorts have closed, so we’ve checked this list to make sure all are open and ready to welcome you in 2023 and beyond.

The Resort at Paws Up

If horses and Montana sound like your dream come true, this is the place for you. Paws Up is an all-around deluxe resort with a rustic flair, and horses are right at the center of it.

Your family or friends will find plenty to do, but the horse enthusiasts in the group will have a tough time choosing between all the equine activities. You may want to soak up quiet time in your luxury safari-style “glamping” tent, if you choose to stay in one. You can also take a mini course in horse whispering, since Montana is where the film The Horse Whisperer was shot.

The horse crew at Paws Up may also have a few adopted Mustangs for you to meet. But your ultimate selfie moment just might be participating in moving cattle on the ranch. This is not your typical dude ranch—you may never want to leave!

The Biltmore

Let’s move east to North Carolina’s storied 8,000-acre resort, once the home of the Vanderbilt family: the Biltmore. Elegance is everywhere, but horses have not been forgotten, and you’re welcome to bring your own. You can even camp on the grounds.

More than 80 miles of trails are open to independent riders. Guided trail rides on the estate’s horses are offered to day visitors, as well. If luxury is on your list, you can choose to stay in the middle of it or pitch your tent near your horse. Either way, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Big Cedar Lodge

One of America’s new favorites in the category of family resorts, Big Cedar Lodge is high above Branson, Mo. Created by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, this 4,600-acre resort has not left any detail out.

It has invented nature activities found nowhere else, and the site includes museums and a Jack Nicklaus golf course, Top of the Rock. The landscape of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake create a stunning setting that is even more special when seen between the ears of a horse, which you can rent in the resort’s Dogwood Canyon zone.

Chincoteague Island

Who doesn’t want to walk in the hoofprints of Misty of Chincoteague? The barrier islands of Assateague and Chincoteague in Virginia are on every horse lover’s vacation bucket list.

You can take a boat, a bus or your own car onto Assateague to see the horses in their natural beach habitat, but the island is 30 miles long, so a guide might be helpful. There are a number of hotels in Chincoteague.

If you’re ready to plan the full experience, the famed pony swim and auction takes place every year at the end of July, with related activities filling a full week.

Rocking Horse Ranch

A dude ranch just a few hours from New York City? You bet! Rocking Horse Ranch began as a trail riding stable, and a full resort grew up around it. It’s accessible to millions of Americans who might want the feel of a ranch vacation with horses but need to stay close to home.

Rocking Horse offers so much to do that you may be too tired to go riding, but it allows you to experience barn time out of the saddle, plus the road crossing of the 100-head herd between pastures each day. The ponies are a great way to introduce younger family members to horses, and the draft horses are big buddies guaranteed to make friends with every member of your own herd.

Salamander Resort

If you prefer a more luxurious experience, head to Middleburg, Va., and the Salamander Resort and Spa, owned by horsewoman and entrepreneur Sheila Johnson. Mascot Mini Horse Cupcake hosts a cocktail party on the terrace by the Grand Lawn two evenings per week. Having some laughs and taking selfies with this character will soften the heart of anyone in your family toward horses.

Meanwhile, you can take advantage of the resort’s equestrian center, with trail rides and equestrian options galore, whether you bring your own horse or partner up with one of theirs. A great family activity is equine communication—no riding required, and you might get to know each other better, as well as the horses!

Vermont in the Fall

Crisp air and colorful vistas are standard fare each fall in the state of Vermont. Horses are popular in the state, and most of the local fairs have a horse show, draft horse pulling contest, and harness racing for local owners.

If you can bring your own horse, the ultimate fall foliage viewing is at the Green Mountain Horse Association’s (GMHA) Fall Foliage Ride in South Woodstock, which offers pleasure riding events in other months, as well. GMHA is in the center of many, many miles of trails and dirt roads, and the ride managers plan carefully to offer pleasure riders optimal views and photo opportunities. Stabling is provided at the GMHA showgrounds, the site of shows and events all summer long.

If you can’t bring your horse to Vermont, a charming alternative is to get immersed in a wonderful breed at the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm. With a bed and breakfast inn on the farm, you can stay right next to the horses.

The farm offers short trail rides or longer treks, and can tailor your adventure to your interests and abilities. If riding a smooth and speedy tölt without leaving the country is on your bucket list, then this is the place for you!

The U.S. tourism industry offers adventures and experiences with horses from coast to coast. See you out there!

This article about the top horse riding vacations appeared in the August 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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By Horse illustrated Staff with the Dude Ranchers’ Association

A memorable and life-changing vacation should be on everyone’s bucket list. For some people, that vacation would entail a beach paradise or traveling overseas to a foreign country. But for horse lovers, a dude ranch vacation offers an experience like no other. 

Dude ranch vacations are one of the top-rated vacations for families, couples or even solo travelers in the United States and Canada. These all-inclusive destinations can offer the adventure of a lifetime. So what’s stopping you from riding off into the sunset? The great news is that this type of vacation could be much more accessible than you think.

1. All-Inclusive Value
Most dude ranch vacations are all-inclusive, with your meals, lodging and the majority of the ranch activities included for one price. At a dude ranch, all the details are taken care of, from meal planning to a full itinerary of activities. 

If you’re traveling with a group, scheduling to please everyone just got that much simpler—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. When you break down the cost of what’s included, a dude ranch vacation is probably going to be a much bigger bargain than you ever anticipated. 

2. Options Abound
Deciding on a ranch is the first step toward making your ranch riding dreams a reality—but it may be the hardest part, given the number of options! From mountain meadows to desert arroyos, dude ranches cover a variety of terrain and scenery. The geographic location of the ranch defines the riding and activities offered; it’s up to you to choose a ranch to live out your dream vacation.

The season for guest ranches in northern states typically runs late May through mid-September, with peak months for family vacations in July and August. For ranches in the southern regions, warm-weather riding getaways during the winter months are prime time. Ranch getaways can be booked ranging from three- to seven-night stays, depending on the ranch.

Booking early is usually recommended for the busy months, but if your schedule is flexible, you might be able to find last-minute deals. Shopping the “shoulder season”—right before or after prime time—may also offer good deals as well. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing time or prefer a kid-free trip, early or late season is the best time to go.  

For ranches that offer seasonal opportunities such as cattle drives with spring and fall roundups, you’ll need to time your trip to coincide with these events. Many ranches also offer special activities at certain times, such as riding clinics, yoga retreats, photography workshops and more. You can also find ranches with year-round programming, including winter sleigh rides. 

3. Go Rustic Without Roughing It
Whether bunking in a tent under the stars or in a cabin, dude ranches cater to guests’ comfort at all levels. You’ll find all brands of rustic charm and western ambience, along with amazing views. 

But you can define just how rugged you want to go: dude ranches run the gamut from glamping to spa-like amenities. No matter where you choose to make yourself at home on the range, count on bunking down with comfy bed and bath arrangements to rest and recharge with a good night’s sleep at the end of a full day. 

Pack smart. Click here for a downloadable Dude Ranch Vacation Packing List!

While an authentic western experience is a cornerstone of a ranch vacation and you can expect to enjoy activities that are part of that, dude ranches are fully staffed and hospitality is a top priority. You only have to get as dirty and dusty as you want to! 

There is a lot that goes into making a dude or guest ranch run smoothly. The number of guests a ranch can host determines the size of the crew and the type of social experience you’ll have as a guest. Consider whether you’d rather dine with an intimate group of eight or a boisterous bunch of 80 when selecting a ranch.

When the dinner bell rings, expect to be delighted. The food you’ll enjoy at a dude ranch often has a farm-to-table focus with an emphasis on fresh fare and ranch-raised beef. Dining caters to a variety of palates, from family style to five-star cooking. Many ranches offer the chance to experience meals in the great outdoors, whether cooked over an open fire or served from a chuckwagon.

4. It’s Just Your Style
There are ranches that cater to every option, from family-friendly outfits with kids’ programs to great girlfriend getaways and more. Every dude ranch will offer a unique guest experience, but in general, there are three main types of ranches to choose from:

• WORKING RANCH—Are you dreaming of a cattle drive? These guest ranches are working cattle operations. Your horseback riding adventures will be determined by the ranch’s livestock and the work related to them. Be prepared to experience the exhilaration of trying these activities firsthand.
• DUDE RANCH—Horseback riding is central to these ranches. The cowboy in you will experience western riding and a variety of outdoor activities.
• RANCH RESORT—Horseback riding is featured along with an array of diverse activities and onsite facilities. These are apt to be the larger ranches with added luxuries.

5. Ride to Your Heart’s Content
Horses are at the heart of any dude ranch. There are horseback riding programs tailored for every level, with great riding adventures for anyone. But for experienced equestrians, a ranch vacation is a chance to live your dreams, whether that’s working cattle, trying out team penning, going on an overnight pack trip in the mountains, or riding the most scenic trails. 

Riding at a dude ranch is customizable for the time you want to spend in the saddle and the pace that’s comfortable for you. Half and full-day rides are common offerings, as well as special adventures such as taking part in a guest rodeo, or riding off into the sunset on an evening trail ride. 

When in doubt, speak to the ranch’s staff before you book to make sure the type of guest horses available and the riding excursions offered meet the level you’re looking for—whether that’s easygoing trail rides or high-speed cattle sorting.

6. Experience Other Outdoor Activities
The dude ranch experience centers around getting outdoors. It’s all about the amazing scenery, unplugging, and reconnecting with nature. 

Out of the saddle, dude ranches offer an array of activities for a well-rounded vacation. Many ranches offer water activities like whitewater rafting, float trips, paddle boarding and more. Hiking trails also abound on dude ranch properties. Most guest ranches border national park or forest lands for exceptional hiking opportunities. 

Fishing is another top activity at dude ranches. Cast your line and fish blue-ribbon waters and some of the finest trout fishing the West has to offer.  For the adventurous, zip-lining, rock climbing, skeet shooting and archery await.

Most importantly, a dude ranch vacation offers a chance to rediscover the art of relaxation and escape from the stress of modern living. Blue skies, beautiful sunsets, fresh air, starry nights and the sounds of silence are all included in your dude ranch vacation. 

Produced in partnership with the Dude Ranchers’ Association.

This article originally appeared in the July 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Riding the Best of the West appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Jeans and boots are a ranchwear mainstay. If you’re buying these new for the trip, break them in beforehand to make sure you’ll be comfortable all day in them. Think about dressing in layers for changeable weather conditions, and selecting versatile items to enjoy hours in the saddle plus all the outdoor activities a ranch vacation has to offer.

Horse Illustrated partnered with the experts at the Dude Ranchers’ Association to help you pack the right gear for an unforgettable adventure at a dude ranch vacation. Visit www.duderanch.org for over 100 of the best dude and guest ranches, plus more tips to plan your perfect western vacation.

Tap the image below to download a pdf version of this packing list.

The post Packing List for a Dude Ranch Vacation appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.