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Chef Michael DeMaria of M Culinary Concepts Brings His Contemporary American Cuisine to Hidden Meadow Ranch for One Night Only June 8th

June 3rd, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Award winning guest chef to prepare 4-course masterpiece in the most luxurious setting in the White Mountains

(GREER, Ariz.) – He has been awarded “Best of the Valley” several times by leading luxury magazines and catered some of the biggest events in the Western U.S., including Barrett-Jackson and the Phoenix Open. Now, for one night only, diners will have the chance to enjoy Chef Michael DeMaria’s fine contemporary cuisine at Arizona’s most luxurious guest ranch, Hidden Meadow Ranch.

On Saturday, June 8^th, guests at the Lodge will enjoy a four-course meal featuring Chef Michael’s signature dishes. The Saturday dinner is open to non-Lodge guests with advance reservations. Chef Michael will work alongside HMR’s new Chef de Cuisine Ben Mulé serving this fabulous cuisine in the Ranch House, a full log building with a 35-foot-tall granite fireplace and soaring windows overlooking a pond.

Chef Michael’s Menu for June 8^th

Course One: Bacon-seared Arctic Char with Fennel-Potato Risotto and Chives

Course Two: Braised Veal Cheek with Corn Polenta and Onion-Basil-Jam

Course Three: Sage Roast Buffalo Ribeye “Mignon” with White Bean Puree, Tiny Truffled Mushrooms and Crispy Onion

Course Four: Chocolate Speckle Cake with Balsamic Strawberries and M-Cookie

During this special guest chef event, you might even catch Chef Michael fly-fishing on HMR’s trout pond Sunday morning. After all, fly fishing is his favorite activity next to creating beautiful food!

“Fly Fishing is undoubtedly one of my favorite things to do when I’m on vacation, and I’m a huge fan of Hidden Meadow Ranch,” said Chef Michael DeMaria. “So when owners Casey and Tim Bolinger invited me, I jumped at the chance not only to visit this hidden gem, but also to enjoy one of my favorite ranch activities, fly fishing.”

For more information or to reserve your space for this special guest chef event, please visit Hidden Meadow Ranch’s website at www.hiddenmeadow.com or call the Ranch toll free at 866-333-4080.

About Hidden Meadow Ranch

Providing first-rate accommodations and service is second nature at Hidden Meadow Ranch. The owners, Tim and Casey Bolinger of Greenbrier Southwest Corporation, were integrally involved in the development of Kierland in northeast Phoenix and The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain community near Tucson. Combining their resort and development expertise with their interests in horseback riding, snow skiing and fly fishing, the Bolingers and their team, led by General Manager Jane Lenci, have created a luxury lodging experience at Hidden Meadow Ranch that complements the naturally beautiful, secluded setting, while providing a range of recreational activities, fine dining, and high level of service and comfort in all four seasons.

Tags: adventure vacation, all-inclusive, Arizona Dude Ranch, Family Ranch Vacations, Family Vacations, fishing, Guest Ranch Vacations
Posted in Association News, Choosing a Ranch, Dude Ranch, Family Vacations | Comments Off

The Cowboys are Coming to Town- Rancho de los Caballeros is Gearing up for the 87th Annual Dude Ranchers Convention

November 14th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

CODY, Wyo.- The Dude Ranchers’ Association is preparing for the 87th Annual Dude Ranchers’ Association Convention. This cornerstone event of the dude ranching community will be held Thursday, January 24 through Monday, January 28, 2013 at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona.

The first Dude Ranchers’ Association Convention was held in 1926 with railroad and national park officials joining ranchers in attendance. Over 100 current member ranches and 150 associate members have been invited to attend this year. The 2013 Convention will include discussions and topics affecting the dude ranch industry ranging from national travel trends and what expect in 2013, to utilizing the different aspects of social media of various social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and TripAdvisor. InsideOut Solutions Patricia McCauley will discuss using Google analytics to track advertising dollars and CoolWorks will show how to find the perfect employee using job postings.

This year’s guest speakers will be David L. Brown, the Executive Director of America Outdoors,

Patty Ceglio, the Director of Operations at Cool Works, Nancy Schretter, award-winning travel writer and Managing Editor of The Family Travel Network, Tracey Knutson from Knutson and Associates , and Eva Gill, an experienced online social media specialist. More information about each speaker can be found on the Dude Ranchers Association’s website at http://www.duderanch.org/our-convention.php.

Just like on the ranch there’s fun mixed in with the work. During free-time, convention-goers will enjoy a variety of activities including a golf tournament, horseback riding, trap/skeet shooting, Jeep tours, spa and ranch visits, and shopping downtown. Over two dozen vendors will be showcasing products and promotions from jewelry and apparel to insurance and photography throughout the convention.

The Dude Ranchers’ Educational Trust was started in 1988 by Mark and Amy Grubbs, former co-executive directors of the DRA and dude ranch owners. Funds from the trust are used to provide scholarships for students interested in pursuing degrees related to the dude ranching industry. In 2002 the Heritage Center was opened in Cody thanks to the efforts of DRA board members Sarah Stevenson and Russell True. The Heritage Center is an extension of the trust and furthers its mission of preserving and sharing the history of western dude ranching.

To learn more about the 2013 Dude Ranchers Association Convention or to register visit http://www.duderanch.org/our-convention.php or contact Dude Ranchers Association Executive Director Colleen Hodson at Colleen@duderanch.org.

Tags: Arizona Dude Ranch, cowboys, cowgirls, DRA membership, dude Ranch History, In The News, The Dude Ranchers' Association
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To Stand or Not to Stand?

May 4th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

By John Fisher of The Home Ranch, Granby, CO

Let’s not beat around the bush. Why do you stand up in the saddle when your horse is urinating? Although this question may sound humorous, what is probably more humorous is that I have developed an obsession with this question

I operate a guest ranch in Colorado, so already my sanity comes into question.

It all started about 10 years ago. We had a new wrangler in from Virginia. This woman had an incredible resume with numerous credentials in the horse industry. She was giving instruction to a group when one of the horses started urinating. “Stand up! Stand up!” she cried. The befuddled guest remained motionless. “Stand up in the stirrups when your horse is urinating!” she demanded. The poor guest hadn’t noticed that the horse had changed positions and was now urinating. Myself, having never heard of such a thing stood helpless in amazement. This was something big! Shame on me. I had been riding horses for years and I never once stood up while a horse was urinating. Think of all the pain I personally inflicted on all of those horses! I discussed this new concept with this wrangler later that day. She explained to me in very technical terms about why it made sense to get off the horse’s kidneys and many other anatomical functions that went along with it. Those credentials of hers were impressive, and gosh I had learned everything I know from country hicks.

My mind is always seeking answers, and apparently those credentials never quite impressed me to the point that they fully convinced me. Recently, while attending a horsemanship clinic with a horseman that I like and respect, a horse started urinating, the woman stood up in the saddle, and he pointed out that standing in the stirrups was a good habit to develop. “That’s what riding a horse is all about – developing good habits.”

Why do you stand in the stirrups? The question burned inside of me. I couldn’t ask the question in front of all these people. They paid good money to ride in this clinic, I couldn’t waste their time and money with my silly question. Ten minutes went by, my stomach was churning, we were going over the importance of impulsion when my hand went up.

“Marty, I’m really sorry but this has been bugging me and I can’t stand it anymore. I’ve got a question.”

“Go ahead John.”

“Well you see, everything that you have said today makes sense to me. Pay attention to the horse – he tells you a lot, etc… Why do you stand in the stirrups when a horse urinates?” (Some laughter from the crowd) “No, I’m serious. Has a horse said ‘man that feels good’ or has anyone done any research that proves that we should do this?”

Marty’s reply – It just makes sense, you get off the horse’s kidneys.

Now for the kicker. Well, I had to admit that I’ve done some experiments on myself with tightening my belt and placing it over my kidneys and other unmentionable things. Frankly, I found no difference. I still did not have an explanation that was satisfactory for me.

Well, it is now two months later, and I’ve done considerable research trying to find an answer to my question. I’m not convinced. All of the horse gurus have done a wonderful job improving the lives of horses and riders the world over and have been able to explain to me all sorts of mysteries regarding the mind of the horse, but I still don’t have a good answer to my question.

I would like to offer another theory on horses urinating. I think that they would prefer us to sit right where we are during urination. If you’ve ever noticed, a horse almost goes through a ritual to get ready for urination - this is true whether we’re on his back or not. Male or female, they get prepared and get balanced before the moment. I’m not suggesting that folks go to the lengths that I do, but imagine yourself, male or female, without the aid of a toilet, wearing a 20-pound backpack getting prepared to urinate. Then the backpack makes a major move on your back. It would be rather uncomfortable to now proceed, but you must.

The act of urination has nothing to do with the kidneys. The kidneys are involved in the process of making urine, but it is the bladder that is relieved during urination.

This may seem rather trivial, but so much of the horsemanship that I learned was because so and so said this, or does this. With the progression of good horsemanship, I would like proof that we should stand in the stirrups. I’m waiting.

Tags: adventure vacation, all-inclusive, Horse Information, Horses
Posted in Association News, Choosing a Ranch | 1 Comment »

…AND THE WINNER IS…

April 13th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Over the past year the DRA ranches have been working very hard at selling raffle tickets to raise money for The Dude Ranchers’ Educational Trust. In addition to protecting and preserving the history of Dude Ranching by maintaining a museum and archives for educating the public on the historical nature of the dude ranching industry, the trust also helps to educate persons wishing to pursue employment or careers in the dude ranch industry. All of the proceeds of this raffle have gone to benefit the scholarship program. Information about the scholarship program can be found at www.duderanchhistory.com/appform.cfm

The lucky winner of the Educational Trust Dude Ranch Raffle is Anthony Stalgaitis from New Jersey and he will be going back to the Covered Wagon Ranch in Montana. Debi and the Covered Wagon Ranch team sold an amazing 201 tickets. We congratulate Anthony and know that he will have a wonderful trip!

We would like to thank the following ranches for participating in this very worthy cause!

“Ensuring the future of Dude Ranching by providing financial assistance and encouragement to students pursuing an educational program that will lead to a career of benefit to them and
the Dude Ranch industry.”

Tags: dude Ranch History, Educational Trust, The Dude Ranchers' Association
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Dude Ranches CAN Make a Difference!

September 21st, 2011 by Kim @ The DRA

We recently received a letter, here at The Dude Ranchers’ Association office, from a family expressing thanks for the wonderful trip they had received as a gift from Colorado Trails Ranch and The Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. The Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation is a national resource providing WOW! Experiences for children and families who have a Mom or Dad with late stage, limited life expectancy cancer.

The Foundation was inspired by Jill and Jon Albert’s real life story. With years of executive experience in the corporate world, Jon found himself, his wife, Jill, and their two young children, Jake and Jamie, facing Jill’s Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Jill and Jon realized early on in Jill’s fight the disease was not just attacking her body, but it was affecting their entire family. Jon took his marketing and operations expertise and combined it with their drive to formulate something positive and meaningful out of the unfair and cruel. The Alberts knew that for their kids, strong memories of special times together would be their greatest inheritance. From this notion and inspiration, the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation was born.

This is where Dude Ranches such as Colorado Trails Ranch come in. Dude Ranchers understand family and back to basics fun better than anyone and in many cases are run and/or are owned by families that have been in the industry for generations. Family means everything and so it just seems logical that we would partner with an organization such as the Jack and Jill Foundation. The following excerpts from a family who visited Colorado Trails Ranch in August of this year says it all:

“Thank you and all those involved for the most amazing family vacations, We just returned from an incredible time out west. We all are still smiling just thinking about our time together. We spent our final week this summer away from hospitals, doctors, bills, pharmacy runs and medical research looking for the miracle cure. Instead, we were tucked away in the cool rocky mountains enjoying sights we had never seen before. Jeannie and Mike rolled out the “red plaid” carpet for us at the ranch. Chef Brian was OUTSTANDING making sure to keep me well nourished and supplied with all the veggies I needed to help battle my illness. I know it wasn’t easy for him and he is a saint in my eyes for taking a special effort to cook special nutrient packed vegetarian meals for me. You could tell Jeannie set the bar pretty high for all her staff. Every single person there went out of their way to make sure we were having a great time and getting to do what we wanted to do even if it meant adjusting their schedules, and they did it graciously. From riding horses, learning to fly fish, hiking & picnicking around the beautiful Spud Lake, mountain climbing, touring the Mesa Verde national park, square dancing to just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company, the week will forever be sealed in our hearts as a time of respite in an otherwise turmoiltuous summer; 2 craniotomies, 8 weeks on IV antibiotics to fight off a brain infection and meningitis, repairing a cerebral spinal fluid leak and plastic surgery for scalp reconstruction on top of the cancer battle. This was supposed to be my quiet summer at home with all the kids and instead a few bad scans changed that and all I did was go to the hospital or doctor with the exception of our week at The Colorado Trails Ranch. Thank you for that special time.”

“We found out 18 months ago I had brain cancer, grade IV glioblastoma and given 12-15 months. Our life since that day is indescribable; one minute you are so hopeful and the next minute after a bad scan or test you feel yourself being sucked down that black hole. As the patient, you look around and sometimes all you see is the collateral damage you and your illness are causing those you love. With the medical bills piling up and no end in sight, we never would have been able to take a trip like this without the help of Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. With heartfelt thanks, we are forever grateful to all those that make trips like ours possible. Life is truly full of angels here on earth and we are thankful for those angels that were led togive to Jack & Jill so that families like ours can make memories, laughing, smiling and hugging each otherwhen at times we find it hard just to breathe and process the reality of our situation.”

The Dude Ranchers’ Association wants to express our gratitude to The Jack & Jill Foundation for allowing us to participate and also to thank all of our amazing ranches who participate in such a worth while cause. We applaud you!

If you or anyone you know would like to donate or find out more about The Jack & Jill Foundation Late Stage Cancer Foundation, please go to their web site at www.jafa.org.

Tags: colorado dude ranch, Family Vacations, In The News
Posted in Association News, Choosing a Ranch, Dude Ranch, Family Vacations | Comments Off

The Dude Ranchers’ Association would like to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!!!

June 29th, 2011 by Colleen @ The DRA

What a great privilege it is to be an American. Thank you to our troops who are now serving and to those who have served in the past…

Below are some favorite 4^th of July Quotes.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.

- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Where liberty dwells, there is my country.

- Benjamin Franklin

Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.

- Abraham Lincoln

Happy Trails,

The Dude Ranchers Office

Tags: Family Vacations
Posted in Association News, Choosing a Ranch, Family Vacations, The Holidays | Comments Off

If looking for a memorable place to book a family reunion…

April 3rd, 2011 by Colleen @ The DRA

Wyoming Office of Tourism
LeisureGroupTravel.com April 2011

by: Heather Lee

look no further than Wyoming’s dude ranches. The opportunities are endless. Featuring abundant grasslands, spectacular mountains, canyons and deserts, Wyoming’s natural beauty is picture-perfect and world-renowned. The state is home to two national parks and two national monuments that draw tourists by the millions. Yellowstone National Park is known around the world for its hot springs, geyser activity and glacial ice forms. Grand Teton National Park boasts the jagged Teton Range Mountains with some peaks soaring over a mile and a half. Devils Tower National Monument is a stump-shaped rock formation that rises 1,280 feet. Fossil Butte National Monument features brightly colored fossil beds at the base of a bluff that rises more than 7,500 feet above sea level. Along with these noted landmarks are countless national forests and rivers that provide settings for the dude ranches in Wyoming. “It’s all about history, hats, horses and Hospitality. Experience the West in true cowboy country.” That’s the slogan for the Wyoming Dude Ranchers Association, founded in 1926. Dude ranches, also known as guest ranches, are typically family-owned and -operated. They provide tourists the opportunity to experience life in the West. Horseback riding, fishing, hiking and cattle driving…

see more at Wyoming Dude Ranch Getaways

Tags: all-inclusive, Dude Ranch, Family Vacations, The Dude Ranchers' Association, Wyoming Dude Ranch
Posted in Association News, Choosing a Ranch, Family Vacations | Comments Off

Educational Trust Scholarship Applications Due Soon!

March 7th, 2011 by Kim @ The DRA

The Dude Ranchers’ Association Educational Trust Schoalarship Deadline for the 2011-2012 Educational Trust Scholarships is MARCH 15, 2011.

Downloadable Application forms are available online at www.duderanchhistory.com.

General Purpose Statement:
Our goal is to support Dude Ranching and the future of Dude Ranching by providing financial assistance and encouragement to students pursuing an educational program that will lead to a career of benefit to them and the Dude Ranch industry.

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2011 Convention Video – 85 Years of Dude Ranch History

February 2nd, 2011 by Kim @ The DRA

Tags: In The News
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85th Dude Ranchers Convention Right At Home in Tucson

January 14th, 2011 by Kim @ The DRA

CODY, Wyo. – January 19-23, 2011 Tucson will embrace its cowboy and equestrian culture during the 85th Annual Dude Ranchers Association Convention.

This year Tanque Verde Guest Ranch will once again play host to the Dude Ranchers Association convention. As the top annual event for the DRA, the convention serves as a discussion and educational platform for changes in the industry. Guest speakers, vendors, media, and representatives from member and associate member ranches plan to attend the 2011 DRA convention.

Keynote speakers Rod Harris, Adjunct Professor at Royal Roads University and past President of Tourism B.C, and Tracey Knuston, a recreation lawyer from Alaska, will be speaking on tourism in the coming years and issues that affect the equine recreation industry, respectively.

During the week, the public is invited to attend Wild West Casino Night January 20th and the Dude Ranchers Educational Trust silent auction January 22nd. Eight dude ranch vacations for 2 will be auctioned off during casino night. Proceeds from both events will benefit the Dude Ranchers Educational Trust and this year’s local partner, Coaches for Charity. The Dude Ranchers Educational Trust raises funds for scholarships for students pursuing a career that will help to perpetuate the dude ranch industry and Coaches for Charity supports high school athletes whose athletic careers were catastrophically cut short, ending hopes of attending college on an athletic scholarship.

Participants work hard and play hard during the DRA Convention. In addition to discussion forums and seminars on topics such as adaptive first aid, the agenda includes team penning at Tucson’s White Stallion Ranch, pigeon rolling, and evenings of music, dancing, and BBQ.

First formed in 1926, the Dude Rancher’s Association has over 100 member ranches and 150 associate members focused in the western U.S. and Canada. Members must participate in a rigorous two year inspection and approval process to join. As the governing body for the west’s dude ranch industry, the DRA strives to maintain the highest standards of quality in areas from accommodations to horsemanship.

For a tentative agenda and more information visit http://www.duderanch.org/our-convention.php or contact the Executive Director Colleen Hodson at colleen@duderanch.org.

Tags: DRA Convention, In The News
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