A dude ranch (also referred to as a guest ranch) is the epitome of what is now called agritourism. Agritourism (involving ranches open to individuals) has grown tremendously in popularity. This is mostly because vacationers/tourists are starting to enjoy more hands-on experiences in which they can learn and play at the same time. Visiting a ranch promotes agritourism, offers a learning experience, and can be fun for everyone. The a great deal of these ranches appear to be in the Midwest and Western zones of the United States. Some of the things that may be experienced include horseback riding, cattle/bison drives, roping/gymkhana, and other nature based activities (such as hiking, bicycle riding, or bird watching).
The majority of today's dude ranch facilities offer horseback riding as their main staple. Rides vary from once to three times per day. The horseback portion of your excursion might include basic horse riding skills, learning how to groom/saddle the horse that you are paired with, learning how to 'read' your horse, trail rides, and cattle penning (using your horse to guide cattle/bison into pens). You will also learn some pretty savvy roping techniques that will be used from atop your horse.
At a 'working' ranch, you may actually be able to herd cattle to various destinations. You will be using your horse to do this.
Gymkhana (American Indian for 'games on horseback') is a variety of horseback sport. Gymkhana activities may include barrel racing, timed cattle penning, and roping games.
If you would like to get back in touch with nature, these ranches will often offer fishing, hiking, hunting, and bicycle excursions. Do some research to find exactly which ranches offer what activities.
Pricing for a visit to a dude ranch can fluctuate based on the amenities and activities. All meals may be included. The higher end ranch may have swimming pools, private cabins, saunas, and tennis courts. Costs can be lower if you are looking for a more rugged experience. There are usually plenty of things for children to do; or your trip may be spent as a true family vacation.
The majority of today's dude ranch facilities offer horseback riding as their main staple. Rides vary from once to three times per day. The horseback portion of your excursion might include basic horse riding skills, learning how to groom/saddle the horse that you are paired with, learning how to 'read' your horse, trail rides, and cattle penning (using your horse to guide cattle/bison into pens). You will also learn some pretty savvy roping techniques that will be used from atop your horse.
At a 'working' ranch, you may actually be able to herd cattle to various destinations. You will be using your horse to do this.
Gymkhana (American Indian for 'games on horseback') is a variety of horseback sport. Gymkhana activities may include barrel racing, timed cattle penning, and roping games.
If you would like to get back in touch with nature, these ranches will often offer fishing, hiking, hunting, and bicycle excursions. Do some research to find exactly which ranches offer what activities.
Pricing for a visit to a dude ranch can fluctuate based on the amenities and activities. All meals may be included. The higher end ranch may have swimming pools, private cabins, saunas, and tennis courts. Costs can be lower if you are looking for a more rugged experience. There are usually plenty of things for children to do; or your trip may be spent as a true family vacation.
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