Horseback Heaven » Dude Ranch http://www.horsebackheaven.com Lets Talk About Horses Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:19:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Exactly What is a Guest Ranch and Will It Make a Enjoyable Holiday For Your Family? http://www.horsebackheaven.com/816/exactly-what-is-a-guest-ranch-and-will-it-make-a-enjoyable-holiday-for-your-family/ http://www.horsebackheaven.com/816/exactly-what-is-a-guest-ranch-and-will-it-make-a-enjoyable-holiday-for-your-family/#comments Fri, 13 May 2011 17:38:48 +0000 Greg http://www.horsebackheaven.com/816/exactly-what-is-a-guest-ranch-and-will-it-make-a-enjoyable-holiday-for-your-family/ A dude ranch (also referred to as a guest ranch) is the epitome of what is now called agritourism. Agritourism (involving ranches open to individuals) has grown tremendously in popularity. This is mostly because vacationers/tourists are starting to enjoy more hands-on experiences in which they can learn and play at the same time. Visiting a ranch promotes agritourism, offers a learning experience, and can be fun for everyone. The a great deal of these ranches appear to be in the Midwest and Western zones of the United States. Some of the things that may be experienced include horseback riding, cattle/bison drives, roping/gymkhana, and other nature based activities (such as hiking, bicycle riding, or bird watching).

The majority of today’s dude ranch facilities offer horseback riding as their main staple. Rides vary from once to three times per day. The horseback portion of your excursion might include basic horse riding skills, learning how to groom/saddle the horse that you are paired with, learning how to ‘read’ your horse, trail rides, and cattle penning (using your horse to guide cattle/bison into pens). You will also learn some pretty savvy roping techniques that will be used from atop your horse.

Cattle and/or bison drives/roundups involve using your horse to round up herds (which you will guide to a designated area). A dude ranch that offers these roundups may also be called a ‘working’ ranch.

Gymkhana (American Indian for ‘games on horseback’) is a variety of horseback sport. Gymkhana activities may include barrel racing, timed cattle penning, and roping games.

If you would like to get back in touch with nature, these ranches will often offer fishing, hiking, hunting, and bicycle excursions. Do some research to find exactly which ranches offer what activities.

Amenities and prices for dude ranch excursions can vary greatly. Some ranches offer a bed and breakfast type atmosphere (to include saunas, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Pricing varies with the amenities and activities offered. This type of vacation appeals to individuals as well as families. Most of the ranches offer many things for children to do.

For more information visit the Dude Rancher’s Association

]]> http://www.horsebackheaven.com/816/exactly-what-is-a-guest-ranch-and-will-it-make-a-enjoyable-holiday-for-your-family/feed/ 0 I need to find guest ranches within an hour from Salt Lake City to look for a summer job? http://www.horsebackheaven.com/214/i-need-to-find-guest-ranches-within-an-hour-from-salt-lake-city-to-look-for-a-summer-job/ http://www.horsebackheaven.com/214/i-need-to-find-guest-ranches-within-an-hour-from-salt-lake-city-to-look-for-a-summer-job/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 06:31:06 +0000 Geraldine http://www.horsebackheaven.com/i-need-to-find-guest-ranches-within-an-hour-from-salt-lake-city-to-look-for-a-summer-job/
Lauren D asked:


My boyfriend lives in West Jordan and I’m moving down to Utah after college graduation to be with him. I would love to work on a dude ranch my first summer before going into the “real world” job hunt. However, I would like the guest ranch to be within an hour from the Salt Lake City area so we can see each other often. I am an experienced horse back rider so I am looking for anything with horses!
PLEASE keep in mind I want these close to Salt Lake. The ones in the first answer I’ve already seen, Reid Ranch is the ONLY one of those that is close to Salt Lake :)

]]> http://www.horsebackheaven.com/214/i-need-to-find-guest-ranches-within-an-hour-from-salt-lake-city-to-look-for-a-summer-job/feed/ 1 10 points to the first person to come up with the full correct lyrics for this blink-182 song? http://www.horsebackheaven.com/220/10-points-to-the-first-person-to-come-up-with-the-full-correct-lyrics-for-this-blink-182-song/ http://www.horsebackheaven.com/220/10-points-to-the-first-person-to-come-up-with-the-full-correct-lyrics-for-this-blink-182-song/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:21:58 +0000 Geraldine http://www.horsebackheaven.com/10-points-to-the-first-person-to-come-up-with-the-full-correct-lyrics-for-this-blink-182-song/
Lucky Ducky asked:


The song is “Enthused”. It’s off the album Dude Ranch. First full lyrics get 10 points! =)

]]> http://www.horsebackheaven.com/220/10-points-to-the-first-person-to-come-up-with-the-full-correct-lyrics-for-this-blink-182-song/feed/ 4 I know this may sound cheesy, but for my 30th bday? http://www.horsebackheaven.com/188/i-know-this-may-sound-cheesy-but-for-my-30th-bday/ http://www.horsebackheaven.com/188/i-know-this-may-sound-cheesy-but-for-my-30th-bday/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:10:45 +0000 Geraldine http://www.horsebackheaven.com/i-know-this-may-sound-cheesy-but-for-my-30th-bday/
tracey asked:

I want to go to a dude ranch or adventure retreat. I have no idea where to go. Somewhere in the states. I am on a budget, but I want to do hiking and riding and all that stuff. I need a good website to look into. HELP! Even a spa would be great. I will be by myself. It doesnt have to be fancy, just nice people and clean.

]]> http://www.horsebackheaven.com/188/i-know-this-may-sound-cheesy-but-for-my-30th-bday/feed/ 1 Transport for rescued horse? http://www.horsebackheaven.com/204/transport-for-rescued-horse/ http://www.horsebackheaven.com/204/transport-for-rescued-horse/#comments Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:53:12 +0000 Geraldine http://www.horsebackheaven.com/transport-for-rescued-horse/
Lacie O asked:


I am purchasing a horse from a dude ranch that was about to go to Slaughter. I need to get him from Colorado to Wyoming. Does anyone know of any places that transport horses? And the cost associated with it?

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