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Resolve to Treat Yourself to Hidden Meadow Ranch this New Year’s Eve

December 13th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

No Driving Worries, Family-friendly Atmosphere and Entertainment Make for a Fabulous Start to 2013 at Arizona’s Premier Guest Ranch

(GREER, Ariz.) – If you have ever yearned to ring in the New Year in a new way—by being away from it all yet in a cozy and luxurious wilderness sanctuary—then Hidden Meadow Ranch is the perfect fit.

Hidden Meadow Ranch is an exclusive retreat in eastern Arizona’s White Mountains, where wilderness can be experienced in a first-class setting. Rustically elegant log cabins, cool mountain air, aspen groves, whispering Ponderosa pines, glistening lakes, campfires and pristine streams await those seeking five-star amenities a world away from palm trees and traffic.

“Make your first New Year’s resolution to ring in 2013 in a most relaxing, restorative frame of mind,” said Jane Lenci, General Manager of Hidden Meadow Ranch. “What better way to wrap up the past year and welcome in the new than to take a peaceful stroll through a meadow at dawn and catch a glimpse of visiting elk, deer or bald eagles? We are thrilled to be your hosts for this transformative experience, so book your New Year’s travel plans now.”

The ultimate luxury-in-country New Year’s Eve experience will include:

  • A special New Year’s menu from Chef Kurt Jacobsen
  • A beautifully decorated restaurant and crackling fire
  • Ranch Roundup, Hidden Meadow’s evening children’s program, from 6:00-10:00 pm, including dinner
  • HMR “midnight” toast with the children and other “early to bed” folks with party favors at 10:00pm (Midnight EST)
  • Desert Thunder Band from 8:30-12:30 am
  • Champagne toast at midnight with party favors

Free your mind of any worries about driving as you can take an easy walk back to your log cabin and cozy up to a crackling fire in your wood-burning fireplace after the festivities.

Call (928) 333-1000 or contact us at www.hiddenmeadow.com and we’ll help you plan your own special New Year’s celebration.

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Laramie River Ranch and Dr. Robert Miller

December 10th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

By Bill Burleigh of Laramie River Ranch

Some places have a powerful influence on our lives. Laramie River Ranch is one of these places. On occasion, extraordinary people pass through and leave an indelible mark of their own. One of these people is Dr. Robert Miller.

As a young man, I read Western Horseman magazine. I’d turn first to the comics and enjoyed the humor of Dr. Robert Miller. Doc Miller’s comics were delightful, but his “Vet’s Corner” feature was a must read. He illuminated for me the mysteries of horse health. This year Western Horseman named Dr. Robert Miller recipient of their 2012 Western Horseman Award.

My beautiful wife Krista Kaplan and I came to the UT Bar Ranch in ’95, restored the abandoned ranch, and re-opened as the Laramie River Dude Ranch. We connected with the former owner Rick Leake and his delightful daughter Maury who gracefully shared their stories of the ranch. Among their gifts – numerous old black and white photos. With this post you’ll see one photo labeled “The Two Bob Millers.” Maury mentioned in passing that one of the Bobs was a wonderful cartoonist but I did not make the connection.Bob Miller grew up in Arizona and returned to the West following service in Germany after WWII. He found work on ranches and quickly became interested in horse training. Bob completed his undergraduate degree and headed for Colorado State University where he was accepted into their Vet program. This is where Bob’s life first intersected with our UT Bar ranch. He took a job starting colts, leading trail rides, and doing whatever “needed done” that day. Bob was given the independence to start his colts in complete privacy. Instead of the traditional ‘bucking them out’, Bob applied his ideas to start each colt with the least amount of fear and stress possible. His patience and insight into horse psychology was immediately successful.Within a few years, the newly minted Dr. Robert Miller set up practice in Thousand Oaks, California. He was put to the test by numerous Wild Animal Farms run for the benefit of Hollywood movie companies. Bob believes that he is the only vet to treat a humming bird and a whale in the same day. As his practice and the horse community in Thousand Oaks grew, Bob again focused on his favorite animal, the horse.

In his practice, Dr. Miller observed big differences between horses he handled at birth and those without much human contact. The handled horses were “less fearful, gentler and easier to handle; in fact, they seemed to recognize him days, weeks or months later.” At the time, horsemen felt it was best to leave the colt to itself if at all possible. Bob turned this idea on its head, handling the horse for up to two hours at its birth while the mare bonded with its foal. The results were immediate and striking – the foals were confident, unafraid, and easily desensitized to human interaction.

At 60, Miller retired from his practice and took up full time study and promotion of his methods. He crossed paths and exchanged ideas with the greats of the horse world including Billy Linfoot, Ray Hunt, and Pat Parelli. His book “Imprint Training for the Newborn Foal” was groundbreaking. His video “Early Learning” was an incredible influence on our practices at LRR. We’ve used Bob’s imprinting methods on every foal born on the ranch. Ironically, we were using Bob’s techniques before we realized he was one of “The Two Bob Millers.”

In 2006, we had the pleasure of meeting Bob and his charming wife Debby on the ranch. They returned with family to one of the places that had influenced Bob’s career. We were sure to thank Dr. Miller for the many ways in which he had touched our lives and the lives of our beloved horses. This year we congratulate Bob as he adds Western Horseman’s Award to the many accolades which he truly deserves.

For more visit these links :
www.RobertMMiller.com
www.LRRanch.com
www.WesternHorseman.com

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New Mexico Cattle Drives

December 6th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Burnt Well Guest Ranch in Roswell, New Mexico has just announced they will be adding two new cattle drives to their schedule.  This is a great opportunity for those who have dreamed of experiencing the West in true “cowboy” style!

March 17-23 the ranch will rotate 50 pairs from Burnt Well to the lease and back.  You will have the opportunity to drive 50 head from Burnt Well to the lease on Monday and Tuesday, gather the 50 at the lease that need to be brought home on Wednesday and drive them to Burnt Well on Thursday and Friday.

This same schedule will basically be repeated for the fall cattle scheduled for October 13-19.

The third cattle drive is the 2nd Annual Chisum Challenge Ranch Rodeo Cattle Drive, Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2013 where Burnt Well will be driving some of their cattle the 30 miles to the rodeo grounds in Roswell and watch them be used in the rodeo.  This drive is a little different from the normal ranch to ranch cattle drives.   Unlike their usual cattle drives (and 6 day ranch stays) where you arrive on Sunday afternoon and depart on Saturday, the Chisum Challenge Cattle Drive will be Monday afternoon arrival, Sept. 30 and Sunday morning departure October 6.  This is so you can attend both Friday and Saturday night performances of the rodeo.  You can see the itinerary from this year’s drive at; http://burntwellguestranch.com/?page_id=14

Burnt Well Guest Ranch‘s cattle drive prices are $1,710.00 per person, not including tax.  On these drives you will be camping out on the trail 3-5 nights.  The ranch provides you with a ‘cowboy’ bedroll (a 3″ mattress made up with sheets & blankets and rolled in a tarp),  ‘cowboy’ teepees are available in case of inclement weather and there are also cots available, for those who are a little squeamish about being right on the ground.  They usually make between 10 to 15 miles a day with the cattle and are in the saddle between 5-10 hours a day.

Space is limited as they take between 10-15 guests and the spots go on a first deposit received basis.

Some other dates of interest at Burnt Well are:

Feb. 3-9               – Branding Week/ we’ll have about 50 calves needing to be branded (some will be pretty big)

March 10-16       – Cattle Work/we will be working some at the leased ranch and some here at Burnt Well mainly sorting cattle getting them ready for the cattle drive the following week.

May 19-25           – Cattle Work/ again we will be working at the leased ranch branding and possibly weaning some calves and possibly some cattle work here at Burnt Well as well.

Bear in mind that these weeks are specifically scheduled for cattle work and the space for each week is limited.  However, on a working cattle ranch, there is always other cattle work to be done throughout the year.

For more information or to reserve a spot, please call 866-729-0974 or visit www.burntwellguestranch.com

 

 

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Wildlife Viewing at Red Horse Mountain Dude Ranch

December 3rd, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

 

If you aren’t familiar with northern Idaho, or if you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Red Horse Mountain Dude Ranch, then you might not know about the amazing wildlife up here.  Red Horse is surrounded by the Coeur d’ Alene National Forest.  One of three forests that comprise the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, the CDA National Forest is 726, 362 acres, and we are lucky enough to be located here!

Near Harrison, Idaho, we get the chance to see an abundance of animals, and it’s always fun when our guests get the opportunity to see them too! One of the top reasons why people love this place is the beauty of the landscape, and a beautiful landscape is full of important flora and fauna that make Red Horse Mountain Ranch a unique destination.  Moose, who prefer a habitat of mixed forests with open wetlands, lakes, and marshes, find the area around our ranch a perfect place to make a home.  Whether it is a crisp early morning or twilight, either is the best time to go moose watching, especially in the summer.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch is well known for its extensive list of guided adventures, well appointed accommodations, and first rate western hospitality. Located on 300,000 acres, the ranch is 1.5 hour drive from the Spokane International Airport, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A full service, all-inclusive vacation is available from June through October. Family vacations are available from June through August and adult only vacations are available from September through October. Along with the full schedule of beginner to advanced western horseback riding and outdoor adventures, the ranch includes a famous kids program packed with outdoor activities and horseback riding (ages 3 and up).  Rates include a private cabin or suite, guided outdoor activities, chef prepared meals, cocktail hour, guest laundry services, daily housekeeping service, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.  Additional activities include massage, whitewater rafting, and fly fishing. Guided adventures include advanced horseback riding, scenic and all day horseback rides, horseback lessons, fly fishing lessons, lake fishing, archery, sporting clays, high element challenge course, zip line, climbing wall, hiking, yoga, kayaking, bike tours, mountain biking, boat tours, swimming, and a lengthy list of self-guided adventures. Special adult weeks include Wine Tasting and Girlfriends Getaways. Airport shuttles are available.  Start your family traditions with us this season where there is truly something for everyone.

For more information please visit www.redhorsemountain.com or call 888-689-9680.

 

 

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Three Ranches

November 19th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Life on a ranch can be lonely, hard, breathtakingly beautiful, often ironic, and sometimes downright hilarious. Welcome to one family’s three ranches.

From the Jacket Cover: “How, in this day and age in the United States, do you run a successful guest ranch, manage thousands of acres of land for livestock and wildlife, and raise top quality beef cattle? This is the story of three Western ranches, two in southern Wyoming and in northern Colorado. They have been owned since the 1960s by the extended family of Charles C. Gates Sr. One is a guest ranch; the other two are working cattle operations. All three confront a daily challenge to survive and thrive.”

By Will and Deni McIntyre, with an introduction by ranch managers Lissa Howe, Justin Howe, and Mark Dunning.

Will and Deni McIntyre have photographed at the A Bar A guest ranch almost every year since 2002. For this project they brought in their scope to include the Big Creek and State Line Ranches as well, recording a year in the life of all three spreads.

“For the text, we had access to wonderful archives both private and public,” Deni McIntyre says. “They held documents going back to when these ranches were homesteaded. I selected excerpts that helped tell the story, and they became the background of the book.”

Book Reviews

The Western ranch is an American icon that few people experience first-hand. In Three Ranches, Will and Deni McIntyre present an intimate, well-researched, visual story that includes historic photographs and excerpts from the personal memoirs of people who have called these ranches home.

The McIntyres bring their sense of humor, friendship, and personal appreciation of these ranches to this wonderful book. If you only buy one photo book about ranching in the West, this should be it.

For more information please visit: www.abararanch.com/three-ranches/

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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.

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Dude Ranchers’ Association Holidays

November 12th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

CODY, Wyo.- This holiday season travelers are trading stress for spurs while enjoying all-inclusive dude ranch stays. Everything from decorations and activities to cooking and cleaning are taken care of so guests can kick back by the fire or tackle new adventures. The Dude Ranchers Association can help travelers choose a ranch based on location, amenities, activities, and riding style. A few ideas to help get in the holiday spirit:

Flying E Ranch in Arizona brings families together for a good old fashioned cowboy Christmas complete with making ornaments for the tree, caroling by the fire, and a Christmas morning breakfast ride. Families can find holiday luxury including their own personal Christmas tree, Santa arriving by horse-drawn sleigh, gourmet Christmas dinner, and lots of snowy adventures at Colorado’s C Lazy U Ranch.

Couples looking for a romantic escape have warm and cold holiday options. At Arizona’s Rancho de la Osa, couples can sip margaritas in the historic Cantina, horseback ride through the peaceful Sonoran Desert, and indulge in a southwestern turkey feast. A snowy option in British Columbia is Echo Valley Guest Ranch’s Winter Getaway complete with mulled wine, cross country skiing, ice fishing, Thai yoga, spa treatments, and more.

Want to give the gift of a stress-free holiday season? Gift certificates are available at some ranches such as Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Colorado and The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming. Learn more about ranch holidays by visiting the Dude Ranchers Association website www.duderanch.org.

Media Contact: Laura Ecklund, Laura@adventuremedianews.com, www.duderanch.org, Photos Available. View Dude Ranchers Association media kit.

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Arizona Dude & Guest Ranches…A Great Place to get Away this Winter!

November 9th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Now that the snow has started to fall, I am sure many of you are like me and have started to think about some fun in the sun.  Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to the snowy winter weather we have here in Wyoming because it brings with it skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling and for some of my friends even ice climbing up frozen waterfalls.  But even the hardiest of us die hard winter sports enthusiasts dream of sitting by a pool or playing a round of golf (while wearing shorts) after a nice day of riding an exceptional horse in the scenic and warm desert.  Lucky for me, I will be in Arizona this coming January enjoying the fun in the sun, recharging my battery so I can come back home and enjoy the winter sports I love so much.

ArizonaGuide.com recently wrote an article that enforces the reality of this warm winter dream. The article states, “After a long day in the saddle, even the most grizzled of wranglers would enjoy a soothing massage, delicious food and wine, and a starlit soak in a hot tub. Besides offering traditional trail rides, cookouts and hikes, many of Arizona’s fabled guest ranches are pampering guests with gourmet meals, wine tastings, spa services and more.”

So…before the winter blues take hold, start planning your trip to one of our great Dude Ranchers’ Association ranches in the desert this winter!  You will have something grand to look forward to and when you get back home you will have memories to sustain you through to Spring!

Tanque Verde Ranch

Tucson, Arizona – Phone: +1 800-234-3833 Located just east of Tucson, Tanque Verde Ranch Resort is one of the premier, all-inclusive dude ranch resorts in the country. You will find the perfect blend of western adventure, solitude and luxury amenities to make your next getaway unforgettable.
Elkhorn Ranch

Tucson, Arizona – Phone: +1 520-822-1040 Sunny winter season Sonoran Desert guest ranch in scenic Baboquivari Mountains southwest of Tucson, Arizona. Family owned and operated since 1946. Comfortable living and excellent horseback riding for singles, couples and families of all ages and abilities. Adventure, relaxation, friendship.
Circle Z Ranch

Patagonia, Arizona – Phone: +1 888-854-2525 Join us at Circle Z Ranch for an old-time ranch adventure! From the moment you arrive you feel a sense of stepping back in time.
Flying E Dude Ranch

Wickenburg, Arizona – Phone: +1 888-684-2650 With 20,000 acres to ride and roam there is seldom a day without sunshine. The Flying E Dude Ranch is a working cattle ranch and the ideal place to take a step back in time.Enjoy delicious home cooked meals, great horses and a comfortable place to relax at the end of the day.Open Nov 1 to April 30.
Rancho De Los Caballeros

Wickenburg, Arizona – Phone: +1 800-684-5030 Saddle up and make a perfect getaway to the warm heart of the Old Southwest! Rancho de los Caballeros is the resort with the soul of a bed and breakfast offering full resort amenities and privacy, yet with the charm and intimacy of yesteryear. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name.
Hidden Meadow Ranch

Greer, Arizona – Phone: +1 866-333-4080 Celebrate the seasons at this pristine quest ranch surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest in Arizona’s White Mountains.
White Stallion Ranch

Tucson, Arizona – Phone: +1 888-977-2624 Immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of the Southwest. You will experience the aura of a real Western ranch combined with present-day comforts and conveniences. Varied riding program, guided hikes, full bar & excellent food. 41 rooms, heated pool, fitness center, gift shop & meeting room.
Rancho De La Osa Guest Ranch

Sasabe, Arizona – Phone: +1 800-872-6240 Rancho De La Osa is a special place that rejuvenates the spirit and invigorates the soul. The gracious lifestyle of the old Southwest is captured in the 1800′s era Hacienda and territorial-style guest quarters. Enjoy the serenity, friendly horses, fine wine, and delectable Southwest cuisine.

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Start a New Holiday Tradition at Smith Fork Ranch

November 5th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

Come relax at Smith Fork Ranch in front of the fireplace in the lodge or your cabin by the river. Enjoy our chef’s special holiday cuisine and our award-winning wine list.

Activities to satisfy your sense of adventure and holiday events to bring your family closer together.
All of this and we take care of the holiday clean up!

 

Smith Fork Ranch is a private luxury destination nestled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains amidst thousands of acres of the West Elk Wilderness and the Gunnison National Forest. SFR offers unique western adventures, gracious hospitality, superb farm to table cuisine and an extensive bar & wine cellar.This 1930s-40s vintage ranch has been beautifully restored and updated, carefully retaining the character of its glory days. SFR has a maximum occupancy of 28. The Guest Lodge which is the original ranch house, has five bedrooms all with private baths, a living room and sitting room (with fireplaces), kitchenette and sun room. There are four lovely cabins, each carefully decorated with locally handcrafted furniture, art and antiques. Plush beds with puffy down comforters provide restful sleep.

 

 
Book by November 8 to receive $100 off your nightly
all-inclusive holiday rate.
Call now 970-921-3454

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The Best Dude Ranch Vacations: K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch

October 30th, 2012 by Kim @ The DRA

The Dude Ranchers’ Association is very fortunate to be supported by some of the greatest alliance partners and one of these is Justin Boots!  Please take the time to visit the Justin Boots website and while you are there check out their blog Justin America.  You will find some great articles and stories one of which is featured below.

October 26, 2012

We’re happy to introduce the Dude Ranchers’ Association destination for the month of October. The traditional 16,000-square-foot log lodge, K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch, is a cattle and horse ranch located in eastern Washington.
As the cooler days and nights of autumn settle in, guests can enjoy horseback riding, fly-fishing in nearby lakes and streams, hunting, hiking, mountain biking and even panning for gold along the scenic acreage of the Pacific Northwest.
Currently open year-round for the all-four-seasons experience, K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch first opened its doors in the 1960s as a cattle ranch and veterinary clinic by the Konz family. Today, the second generation of the Konz family still owns and operates the ranch and feels it’s their duty to carry out the family’s passion for the spirit and adventure of the American West. An ideal vacation experience for those looking for a little relaxation, guests feel at home at K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch and experience “more to life than just skyscrapers and sidewalks,” as the Konz family says.
Be sure to check back with JustinAmerica next month for another Dude Ranchers’ Association-approved recommendation and find out more about “the best of the best” ranches across the country by visiting www.duderanch.org

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