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In 2013 the Dude Ranchers Association will proudly celebrate 87 years of "Horses, Hats, History, and Hospitality." The DRA will be marking this milestone at the 87th Annual Convention held in Arizona January 24-28, 2013 at member ranch Rancho de los Caballeros.
Created in 1926 the Dude Ranchers Association, or DRA, is now the governing body of the West's Dude Ranch industry. Over 100 ranches have passed the rigorous two year inspection and approval process and are current members of the DRA.
The first official DRA meeting was held in late September 1926 and attended by many ranchers, railroad officials, and even national park officials. Initial objectives included standardizing practices, and discussing transportation and proper care of guests. Over the years public vacation expectations have shifted and the DRA and its members have evolved their experiences to fit with changing times.
New options from multi-day children's camps and a wide range of extreme outdoor adventures to themed adult weekends and meditative spa treatments are now offered at many ranches. While the core values and horsemanship remain, DRA members are proud to share their experiences and innovative ideas at annual conventions.
This year celebrate this impressive milestone with the Dude Ranchers Association by visiting one of their member ranches. For more information about the DRA and its members contact Colleen Hodson at info@duderanch.org.
