When it comes to ranch holidays, it’s easy to be swept up in a Wild West fantasy. We get it – whether it’s the boots, the hats or the horses, there’s plenty to be excited about. But what’s the reality like? Enter our resident USA travel expert, Dave, who knows a thing or two about ranching. While horse activities are a big part of the experience, there’s much more to bear in mind before you book; be it budget or family-friendly considerations, Dave’s got the answers. Giddy up and embrace the cowboy lifestyle with his breakdown of what you can expect on a ranch getaway. You’ll be saying ‘yeehaw’ in no time…
1. Choosing the right ranch
2. All about budget
3. Keep the youngsters happy
4. Consider the length of your stay
5. The value of human connection
Choosing the right ranch
So, you want to book a ranch holiday. Where to begin? Firstly, it’s important to understand what you want from a ranch stay. Some questions to consider include: are you a first-time rider? Do you want to improve on horsemanship? Or do you want to head off for hours at a time, exploring the location on horseback? Aside from these equestrian antics, there are plenty of other activities on offer. From shooting and archery to fly-fishing and lassoing lessons (yes, really), ranch stays can have it all. Or perhaps a pool or a hot tub is non-negotiable for a post-ride unwind. These can all be make-or-break considerations when selecting the right ranch. No pressure, then…
Before deciding, it’s worth having an idea of what daily life on the ranch looks like. Is it set up for guests to have access to activities all day long, is it a ranch that has day-to-day operations you can get involved with, or is it a mix of the two? Ranches can range from the gimmicky to the incredibly rustic, and many are essential to the owner’s livelihood. Some can also offer the most pristine and well-polished wilderness set-up you could imagine.
Image by Ami Vitale/PANOS REA
All about budget
Being clear on budget is another big factor. Even the most spit-and-sawdust ranch can cost hundreds of dollars per night, and even the ‘better value’ ranches are quickly devalued when the overall experience doesn’t meet the initial ranch life dream. Authentic ranches with the best riding programmes generally cost more than you might expect. The reward for committing to these ranches, however, is the fabulous riding experiences offered throughout your stay. Horse riding is the single most expensive activity that folks will enjoy during a ranch stay, with a-la-carte options costing around $300 for 75 minutes per person. This means you’ll find that costs can quickly escalate if you choose a cheaper ranch but still want to horse around a couple of times a day. In our humble opinion, it’s far more enjoyable to know that everything is already taken care of in advance, if possible.
Keep the youngsters happy
For those travelling with young children, it’s crucial to select the most family-friendly ranch. To avoid a tantrum-filled ranch holiday, it’s worth asking: do they have a children’s programme; are they paired up with a specific horse on arrival; if the children don’t ride, what else is there to do; are the cabins set up to accommodate families; are the dining options suitable; are there evening activities, such as line-dancing or a rodeo? All the important stuff. Children aged between six and ten are often seen (and charged) as adults on most ranches, despite not having the same demands from a stay. Certain ranches don’t allow children, while some can be too child-centric (and reminiscent of a Butlins holiday). Work out what will make a ranch stay most enjoyable for your children, as well as how this impacts the family’s overall experience, and you’ll be on to a winner.
Image by Ami Vitale/PANOS REA
Consider the length of your stay
Most ranches require a minimum three-night stay, but during peak months, this may be more like five to seven nights. If you’d like an introduction to ranch life, then a three-night stay is perfect. However, it can take a day or so to get into the swing of things, so you may find that you’re leaving just as you get settled in. Equally, without creature comforts like TVs in your cabin, the accessibility of a store nearby or even a lack of mobile phone service, a longer stay might have you climbing up the walls. In short: it’s key to strike the right balance of time.
The value of human connection
We’ll let you in on a secret. Even with all the above considerations, it’s the people you encounter that really make your trip memorable. Being open-minded to a distinct way of life, embracing the culture of ranching and what it means to the people who make the magic happen is how you get the most out of a stay.
Picture this: you’re sat around the campfire with the owners, the wranglers and even your fellow ranch guests (that you only met a few hours ago), drinking a cold beer or a hot chocolate together. Ranch hands play songs on banjos and guitars, the children dangle s’mores over the fire and you’re chatting to Bob and Wendy from Iowa about how you’ve all ended up here. That’s real enjoyment.
Header image by Thomas Linkel/LAIF REA
