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Just "Dude" It – The Dude Ranchers' Association Blog
Helping People Find Quality Dude Ranches and Guest Ranch Vacations Since 1926

Posts Tagged ‘colorado dude ranch’

Cowgirl Getaway Weeks!

May 31st, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Whether it’s mother-daughter time, a sisters’ get-together, or just friends catching up, Cowgirl Getaway Weeks are one of the best ways to escape while grabbing that much needed “girlfriend” time.  Kick your boots off and let your daily worries and stress fade away in the comfort of good company, generous hospitality, great horseback riding and much, much more.

Listed below are just a few of the great ranches that offer weeks where you can focus on “girl time”.

 

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch

Emigrant, Montana Phone: +1 800-548-3392 Just 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park, we have spent over 80 years perfecting our rustic elegance on nearly 9,000 acres of beautiful rugged countryside in the heart of Montana’s Paradise Valley. We invite you to explore the vacation of a lifetime here at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch.

 

Bar W Guest Ranch

Whitefish, Montana Phone: +1 866-828-2900 The Bar W is open year round and treats you with true Western hospitality – from the moment you arrive until long after you have left. Beautiful vistas and rolling ridges adorn the Montana countryside of this cozy dude ranch. Located on Spencer Lake between two pine covered ridges, families, adults, singles and groups alike, have 3,000 acres to explore and 3.5 miles down the road from this serene wilderness is the vibrant resort town of Whitefish, offering up the finest in shopping, dining, theater, and nightlife. Friendly staff, scrumptious food, great riding and wonderful accommodations await you at the Bar W

 

Red Horse Mountain Ranch

Harrison, Idaho Phone: +1 888-689-9680 Located on 300,000 acres, the ranch is 1.5 hour drive from the Spokane International Airport, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Full service, all-inclusive vacation is available from June through October. Booking now for 2013 Summer. 15% off All rates until January 1st, 2013!

 

 

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.

 

 

Smith Fork Ranch

Crawford, Colorado Phone: +1 855-539-1492 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 award winning wine list.

 

 

Wilderness Trails Ranch

Durango, Colorado Phone: +1 800-527-2624 Reconnect, Relax, Recharge! Experience the Best of the West with an exclusive vacation with Wilderness Trails, the Durango-Silverton Train, & famous Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado -a “Top 10 Town of the West”! World-class riding, hiking, fishing, dining, kids programs, adults-only weeks, & more

Grand County Dude Ranches Announce Special Deals on Dude Ranch Vacations

May 28th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Granby, CO (PRWEB) May 22, 2013

Grand County Dude Ranches invite dudes and dudettes to enjoy an unforgettable guest stay at one of the area’s four all-inclusive dude ranches. Each estate offers its own variety of authentic Old West life with packages that include lodging, meals, activities and events.

Vacationers of today can follow in the footsteps of turn-of-the-century dudes: city-dwellers from the east who traveled west for ranch-style R&R. An American tradition that gained popularity in the 1920s, memories here are made to last amid the majestic beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Typical ranch activities include horseback riding, swimming, mountain biking, river rafting, hiking, fly fishing, western dancing, shooting, cowboy skills and more.

There’s nothing like a Colorado dude ranch where the experiences and the discounts are bona fide! Visit each ranch’s website for a full list of activities and more information on booking.

4248Bar Lazy J Ranch – The oldest continuously operating guest ranch in Colorado, Bar Lazy J offers visitors a friendly and laid-back experience. Packages include lodging in private log cabins, chef-prepared meals and snacks, and a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities. Guests won’t want to miss having a go at cow pushing or casting into the property’s Gold Medal trout fishing waters.

Seasonal Special: Families enjoy a 10 percent discount the weeks of June 2-9 and June 9-16. September is adults-only month and rates are discounted 10 percent.

318408_10150424384231350_266494358_nC Lazy U Ranch – This ranch touts its “5-Spur Service” and commitment to personal attention. Lavishly remodeled cabins, gourmet, family-style meals and a deluxe, tented spa make C Lazy U the epitome of Western luxury. Activities such as tennis and yoga fill the recreation list alongside traditional ranch fun including shooting and horseback riding.

Seasonal Special: The short-stay special from May 31 to June 3 saves 25 percent and up after which week-long rates apply: $325 per adult, $150 per child (age 6-12) and $125 per child (age 3-5).

4426Drowsy Water Ranch – Winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2012 Award for the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the World, Drowsy Water is a crowd-pleaser, catering to guests of all ages. Cozy, western-decorated cabins and hearty meals will have lodgers relaxing into the natural, slow-paced rhythm of the country. Classic ranch recreation, in addition to plenty of group-based fun, invites the simplicity of the great outdoors into every vacation.

Seasonal Special: Families get10 percent off June 9-15 and August 25-31. Sept. 1-7 and Sept. 8-14 are adults-only weeks and carry a 15 percent discount.

Latigo Ranch (10)Latigo Ranch – With satisfaction guaranteed, the Latigo Ranch presents a more intimate ranch encounter with modern log cabin accommodation limited to 35 guests. It’s easy to make friends, as well as memories, at Latigo’s cookouts and country dances. They also provide a variety of lessons on cow handling, including roping and cow-penning.

Seasonal Special: Week-long bookings earn a discount from June 2-22: $350 for an adult, $200 for a child (ages 6-13) and $125 for a buckaroo (ages 3-5).

(READ MORE)

The Dude Ranchers’ Association was formed in 1926 to preserve this special way of life and the wonderful environment in which dude ranching takes place. When you vacation at a Dude Ranchers’ Association Dude Ranch, you can be sure of a quality vacation. Membership in the Association is a rigorous two year inspection and approval process, to assure that guests are treated to genuine western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s highest standards.

Our Dude Ranches offer all-inclusive vacations that are perfect for everyone, from the littlest rancher to Grandpa and Grandma.  Horseback riding, hiking, petting zoos, swimming holes, rodeos, fishing, games, skeet shooting, archery, art classes, cooking classes and more await your discovery on your next Dude Ranch Vacation.  Horses, Hats, History and Hospitality – they’re the foundation of every ranch.

There is a little cowboy in all of us… come find yours…

SYLVAN DALE RANCH IN LOVELAND, COLO. AWARDED ANIMAL WELFARE APPROVED GOOD HUSBANDRY GRANT

May 17th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

3761LOVELAND, COLO. (May 3, 2013) – Sylvan Dale Ranch in Loveland, Colo. has been awarded funding to incorporate new breeding stock into the farm’s cattle herd. Animal Welfare Approved announced the 2012-2013 Good Husbandry Grants  which help promote sustainable, forward thinking farming techniques and Sylvan Dale Ranch was among the 42 grants that have been awarded to farms and slaughter plants across the nation. The grants are intended to improve animal welfare and allow pasture-based farmers to increase productivity for Small cattle-drive-oct-2004-susantheir operations. This is the fifth year of the program.

In announcing this year’s grants, Program Director Andrew Gunther remarked, “More and more farmers are transitioning from industrial agriculture to high-welfare, pasture-based farming and our program provides a pathway for that transition. Our grants give farmers the creativity to try new ideas without betting the farm, which we think is crucial to the widespread adoption of sustainable agriculture practices.”

The funding priorities for this year’s cycle included welfare improvements in the slaughter process, improved genetics, increased outdoor access, and non-lethal predator control. A primary goal of this grant program is to facilitate the growth and success of highwelfare, pasture-based systems. Gunther explains, “The biggest challenge in agriculture right now is getting animals outside. The science tells us that when farm animals are responsibly managed on open pasture or range, the challenges inherent in industrial agriculture simply disappear. This ultimately leads to more nutritious, healthier products.”

More information about the Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grants, including profiles of past grants, is available at www.animalwelfareapproved.org/farmers/grantsfor- farmers/. Stay informed about grant opportunities by signing up for the AWA mailing list at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org.

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About Animal Welfare Approved
Animal Welfare Approved audits, certifies and supports farmers raising their animals according to the highest welfare standards, outdoors on pasture or range. Called a “badge of honor for farmers” and the “gold standard,” AWA is the most highly regarded food label in North America when it comes to animal welfare, pasture-based farming, and sustainability. All AWA standards, policies and procedures are available on the AWA website, making it the most transparent certification available.

Animal Welfare Approved’s Online Directory of AWA farms, restaurants and products enables the public to search for AWA farms, restaurants and products by zip code, keywords, products and type of establishment. In addition, AWA has published Food Labeling for Dummies, a regularly updated guide to commonly used food claims and terms, available free for download at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org

# # #

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch has been named “Best Family Vacation” by Frommer’s Colorado guidebook and rated among the “Top Ten Colorado Dude Ranches” by True West Magazine, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch offers year-round outdoor adventure. Discover Your Inner Cowboy! Our 3200-acre Ranch in the scenic Colorado foothills is an easy hour’s drive from Denver. Conveniently situated near Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, Sylvan Dale’s Dude Ranch and Retreat Center is nestled along the banks of Colorado’s beautiful Big Thompson River. Trophy trout fly fishing, nature experiences, tennis, swimming, and many other outdoor adventure activities await you.

We’re an historic working horse and cattle ranch (our all-natural Heart-J Beef is delicious and available for purchase). Guests go on cattle drives and cattle roundups, trail rides, and overnight pack trips, take horseback riding lessons and play Gymkhana games on horseback. So c’mon and saddle up, discover your inner cowboy, and experience the old-fashioned family hospitality and cowboy culture of the historic American West.

For more information about the ranch please visit www.sylvandale.com.  You can get more information about The Dude Ranchers’ Association at www.duderanch.org.

Dude Ranches and National Parks

April 29th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

In honor of National Parks Week, I wanted to share with you a great summer vacation idea located nearby some of most visited national parks in America, according to a recent study released by the National Park Service: a dude ranch vacation.

As ecotourism is becoming more popular than ever, the Dude Ranchers’ Association’s dude and guest ranches have been the pioneers of green living and green vacations for decades. At a guest ranch you can reconnect with nature in some of the most tranquil, pristine areas of the country and learn to “live off the land” with fishing trips, bird watching, hikes, wildlife viewing and more. Below, please find a sample of DRA-accredited ranches located right in the heart of or near some of the country’s top national parks.

  • Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the 20 Bar-W-Sunrise-HDR-Mlargest national parks in the United States. There are two DRA ranches located within an easy drive of the park, which is known for its abundance of wildlife and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. A day trip to Glacier National Park from Averill’s Flathead Lake Ranch and Bar W Guest Ranch is highly recommended.
  • Several DRA-accredited guest ranches are either located in or bordered by national parks. Both Moose Head Ranch and Triangle X Ranch are located completely within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park, a location that attracts nearly four million visitors per year to northwestern Wyoming. White Stallion Ranch borders Arizona’s Saguaro National Park, while Tanque Verde Ranch – the largest DRA-accredited ranch in terms of acreage – is less than a 10-mile drive. The Buffalo National River – America’s First National River – runs through Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, which borders Buffalo River National Park in the Ozark region of Arkansas.
  • White Stallion All InclusiveMany dude and guest ranches are located within an easy day trip from national parks. Located in the north-central region of Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a short, scenic drive away from not one but four DRA-accredited ranches: Drowsy Water Ranch, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch and C Lazy U Ranch. Pikes Peak – a mountain in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains – is within an hour drive of Tarryall River Ranch. Dude ranch guests can drive to the top, take the Pikes Peak Cog Rail (the world’s highest cog railroad), or enjoy a panoramic view of Pikes Peak from one of Tarryall’s trail rides.

Many Dude and Guest Ranches are Offering Spectacular Savings During their Shoulder Guest Seasons

April 23rd, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Shoulder seasons are the weeks before and after the main season begins and ends.  A ranch will sometimes offer added values like a massage, private riding lessons or a fine bottle of wine upon check-in etc. They may offer a repeat guest discount, a group of more than 20 people discount or an early bird booking discount.  Some ranches will  offer special packages during these times as well like fishing packages, riding only packages, horse clinic packages, shorter stay packages,  pack trips packages,  overnight camping and much more.

We know finding the perfect ranch match for your family can sometimes be hard so The Dude Ranchers Association wants to help, give us a call at 866-399-2339 or shoot us an e-mail and we will do all we can to help you find that perfect ranch for your family.

Any time is a great time to make memories with your family so what are you waiting for let us help you make memories that will last a lifetime!!!

Sundance Trail Guest Ranch

Red Feather Lakes, Colorado Phone: +1 (800) 357-4930 Family dude ranch vacation in the Colorado Mountains; Smallest smallest of the CO member ranches. Western Horseback Riding; NOT nose-to-tail; we love teaching beginners! A relaxed, stress-free, hassle free, easy going atmosphere that only a very small family dude ranch can enjoy.

http://sundancetrail.com/summer-dude-ranch/dude-ranch-summer-rates/dude-ranch-summer-rates/

 

Smith Fork Ranch

Crawford, Colorado Phone: +1 855-539-1492 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 award winning wine list.
http://www.smithforkranch.com/lodging-amenities/rates-packages/

 

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

Quincy, California Phone: +1 (800) 334-6939 A truly all inclusive guest dude ranch vacation, we provide the perfect location for family vacations, reunions, weddings, corporate and business retreats, meetings, special events, equine guided education and so much more. Still serving up the best hospitality in the west!

http://www.greenhornranch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=47

 

Goosewing Ranch

Jackson, Wyoming Phone: +1 888-733-5251 Here at Goosewing Ranch, we combine the lifestyle of ranching in the Wyoming wilderness with many of the modern refinements that make your visit with us especially enjoyable. Remote with spectacular scenery overlooking and close proximity to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Excellent horseback riding, fly fishing, newly remodeled outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and kids activities.
http://goosewingranch.com/specials/

 

Paradise Guest Ranch

Buffalo, Wyoming Phone: +1 307-684-7876 Celebrating 100 years of FUN in 2007. Tucked away in the scenic Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. Luxury log cabins with fireplaces, outdoor decks & spacious living rooms.

http://www.paradiseranch.com/rates/specials

 

Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch

McLeod, Montana Phone: +1 877-496-7848 Enjoy a Montana ranch vacation in a remote pristine wilderness north of Yellowstone. Small guest capacity and unique activities. Horseback riding; Fly fishing on private frontage along the Boulder River; Jeep ride to ghost town and historic gold mines; Hiking; Scenic raft float; Campfires/cookouts.

http://www.hawleymountain.com/rates.htm

 

 

THREE BARS CATTLE & GUEST RANCH

Cranbrook, British Columbia Phone: +1 877-426-5230 Three Bars GuestRanch, The Adventure Ranch of the Canadian Rockies, invites you to experience the ultimate horseback riding vacation. Located just south of Banff National Park, Three Bars Ranch offers the most diverse activities program available anywhere. Voted Canada’s #1 Dude Ranch 2011.
http://www.threebarsranch.com/rates_specials.php

 

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

Jesmond Clinton, British Columbia Phone: 1.800.253.8831 Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is located in the pristine Cariboo region of British Columbia. Surrounded by wide open spaces and tranquil wilderness, Echo Valley offers horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, gold panning, bird watching, rafting, golf and a world class spa.

http://www.evranch.com/cms.asp?wpID=482

Chef Sam Cuellar Joins Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

April 16th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, a year round Dude Ranch and Events Center, is delighted to announce the hiring of Chef Sam Cuellar as Food & Beverage Manager.

Sam is a 27 year veteran of the Hospitality Industry, managing F&B operations at some of Colorado’s premier Hotels, Event Centers, Country Clubs and Ski Resorts. Prior to joining Sylvan Dale, he was Manager of Catering, Banquet & Kitchen Operations at the Crystal Rose Events Center/Highland Ranch. His experience also includes F&B Manager/Chef at the Kennedy Golf Course; Executive Chef, Sheraton Denver West Hotel and Banquet Chef at the Winter Park Ski Resort.

Sam received his culinary degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, CA, with emphasis on Food Service & Nutrition, Kitchen Management, Classical Pastry and Food & Wine Affinities.

“Finding an experienced professional like Sam is a huge coup for Sylvan Dale Ranch and we’re thrilled. We offer a wide range of menus and dining, depending on our guests desires, and our F&B service has always been a highlight of the Sylvan Dale experience. Sam’s classic culinary training, attention to detail and extensive F&B background are the perfect fit for our product mix; and his friendly and outgoing personality is a great complement to our staff.”

Sam, his wife Rosie, and daughter Olivia make their home at Sylvan Dale Ranch, with a great view of the Echo Rock and Green Ridge.

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch is an authentic working horse and cattle ranch on 3200 acres in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Over 70% of Sylvan Dale Ranch land is under perpetual conservation easements, protecting the surrounding view and wildlife habitat from development.

Sylvan Dale is in Loveland, Colorado, one hour north of Denver International Airport, and a half hour from Ft. Collins.

For more information about Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch or any other members of The Dude Ranchers’ Association, please call 866-399-2339 or visit www.duderanch.org

Colorado Dude Ranch Includes White Water Rafting as Part of Their All-Inclusive Package!

February 27th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Rafting or white water rafting is the challenging recreational outdoor activity of using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-1970s

For the first time, Rainbow Trout Ranch, a dude ranch located deep in the southern Colorado Rockies,
is offering whitewater rafting included in their rates.

The Rainbow Trout Ranch has been in operation for over eighty years, the last twenty under the ownership of the Van Berkum family. Summer guests are mainly families looking for a western vacation in the spectacular scenery of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

The ranch rates are based on a per person/per week scale and have always included all meals, accommodations and ranch activities such as riding, fishing, kids and teen programs, trapshooting and evening entertainment. In the past, guests paid extra for the whitewater rafting trip on the Rio Grande River near Taos, NM. (read more)

Kids Stay, Ski Free at a Rustic Ranch Near Winter Park

January 22nd, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

It’s winter at C Lazy U! This means that all your favorite winter activities are in full swing. The pond is frozen, people are sledding down the driveway “luge” run and the Snowcat is fueled up for you to do some private skiing. Sleigh rides, snowtubing, snowmobiling and even horseback riding are all waiting for you too!

The C Lazy U Guest Ranch is a five-star experience. This popular getaway, near Winter Park and Ski Granby Ranch, is a ranch that sits on 8,500 acres with 38 rustically decorated, yet elegant cabins.

C Lazy U is offering something completely new this winter. Kids can stay and ski for free. It’s a 27-percent discount based on a family of four. The offer includes your cabin, three gourmet meals per day, and all of the activities sponsored on the ranch. Children 17 and under can stay, eat, play, and ski free with a paying adult.

“We thought it would be a fun promotion to offer to guests. It’s great value and a deal we have not offered in the past,” said Brady Johnson, director of sales and marketing for C Lazy U.

Activities are geared towards families and the kids will love it. The fun includes horseback riding, snowcat excursions, sledding, snow tubing, ice hockey and skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. Skating is on the pond on property that has its own Zamboni.  (read more)

Since 1919 The C Lazy U luxury guest ranch has been celebrated around the world for its rich history, rustic elegance, legendary cuisine and signature 5-SPUR SERVICE™. There is something (and then some) for everyone who enjoys our dude ranch vacations. Kids enjoy adventure & discovery while adults do everything they want, or nothing at all. Corporations & groups enjoy this all inclusive ranch as a simple and secluded retreat destination.

For more information please call 970-887-3344 or visit www.clazyu.com

Beat the Winter Blues with a Getaway to a Southwestern Dude Ranch

January 14th, 2013 by Kim @ The DRA

Warm up with family and friends at an all-inclusive Dude Ranchers’ Association-accredited ranch

Dreaming of warmth, sunshine and adventure? Leave the cold and dreary weather at home and embark on the original all-inclusive vacation at a Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) ranch located in the Southwestern climates of Arizona, New Mexico or Colorado.

There is a broad spectrum of DRA-accredited guest ranches across North America, ranging from rustic, no-frills working ranches to luxury resort-style ranches. From valleys complete with untouched Rocky Mountain backdrops to desert sunsets across the Southwest, you can find DRA-accredited ranches throughout the Western U.S., as well as in California, Arkansas and Canada. If you’re dreaming of a warm vacation destination this season, the DRA can help plan the perfect winter escape to one of its Southwestern dude ranches where activities include horseback riding, swimming, fishing, nature walks, whitewater rafting and much more.

 If you’re looking for a luxury dude ranch experience, Arizona’s dude ranches might be the perfect fit. The breathtaking backdrop of extraordinary landscapes like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and The Painted Desert is just the start to a memorable vacation. Tanque Verde Ranch, located just east of Tucson, 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 vacation unforgettable. Or escape to the warm heart of the Southwest at Rancho de los Caballeros.  This resort has the soul of a bed and breakfast offering full resort amenities and privacy, yet with the charm and intimacy of yesteryear. Additional ranches in Arizona that offer a wide range of activities and amenities include Circle Z Ranch, Elkhorn Ranch, Hidden Meadow Ranch, Flying E Dude Ranch, White Stallion Ranch and Rancho De La Osa Guest Ranch.

To experience the true cowboy life, select one of New Mexico’s dude ranches where evidence of the American Old West is visible at every turn. Explore the outlaw trails of Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, and the Sundance Kid on horseback or head into the canyons that sheltered the great Apache warrior Geronimo in the 1800s. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is perfect for an “Old West” family adventure. This ranch is located in the untouched Gila National Forest of Southwestern New Mexico and offers a relaxed and personal atmosphere. New Mexico is also home to Burnt Well Ranch, a small family owned cattle and sheep ranch located in Southeastern New Mexico. Burnt Well Ranch is another great ranch to visit in the winter due to its mild winter temperatures ranging in the 60’s.

For those who enjoy slightly cooler temperatures this time of year, plan your visit to Mosca, Colorado’s Zapata Ranch, which was recently named one of the “Top 3 Best Ranches in America for a Real, Working Ranch Vacation” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Zapata Ranch has one of the world’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes and offers plenty of scenic and unique activities such as horseback riding, white water rafting, nature tours and fishing.

The DRA was founded to preserve and protect the unique dude ranch vacation experience and identity. It requires its members to uphold top quality and service standards. The DRA’s experienced staff helps all types of travelers customize their experience, guiding them to the perfect ranch that suits their needs and desires. Priced competitively with respect to other similar all-inclusive vacation options, almost all meals, activities and special events are included in the cost of a ranch visit.

“The Dude Ranchers’ Association takes great pride in all of our ranches, and we are particularly fond of the adventures and warmth that guests can enjoy during the winter months at our Southwest ranches,” said Colleen Hodson, executive director of the DRA. “These ranches offer a scenic escape from the bleak winter conditions many people are experiencing at the time, and they guarantee a vacation that is anything but ordinary.”

A complete listing of DRA-accredited dude and guest ranches can be found online. Visitors can search for ranches by location or activities and amenities. For assistance planning your dude ranch vacation, contact the Dude Ranchers’ Association at (866) 399-2339.

About Dude Ranchers’ Association
Dude ranches are the original Western vacation. The Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) was founded to preserve, protect and promote this unique vacation experience and its identity. Though guest expectations have changed and ranchers have had to change with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart. DRA was founded in 1926 and currently has more than 100 accredited members, all of which are required to uphold the highest quality and standards within the dude ranching industry. For more information on the DRA or individual ranches, visit www.duderanch.org. The DRA can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DudeRanchers and Twitter @DudeRanchers.

For more information contact Amanda Fennell, French West Vaughan,  919.277.1155,  afennell@fwv-us.com

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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