2011 Girls’ Getaway week is going to be our best ladies week to date. Moms and daughters and friends catching up from all over the United States; West Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, Idaho, Georgia, and Illinois are all represented among the gals scheduled to arrive. Most likely, a whole new group of friends will be made during our week long stay at the ranch. We’ve put together the perfect week, with a few surprises to boot. 

Everyone will be arriving on Sunday, September 25th and our first wine tasting of two regional favorites will begin the week. After our candlelight dinner, we’ll be meeting up with the herd of horses, taking a tour of the ranch, and relaxing near the campfire. The Rocky Mountain elk herd will also be in full rut this week and we’ll most likely have the chance to hear the elk bugling on the ranch early in the morning or late in the evening. Ladies should expect to bring a good jacket for the evening entertainments by the campfire.

Our first full day on the ranch will begin with our Morning Yoga or a tailored fitness hike prior to breakfast. After breakfast, we’re all headed to the barn for our orientation and scenic horseback ride across a ridge overlooking the ranch. The rest of the week will be filled with numerous adventures, advanced horseback riding, horseback lessons, and our full day horseback ride to a nearby peak overlooking Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Canada. Everyone arriving also has an included massage from our resident massage therapist which can be scheduled on their arrival.  We’ll be capping off the week with cowboy campfires, a lunch horseback ride to a nearby meadow, and a special candlelight dinner on Friday evening prepared as our final celebration to a memorable week on the ranch. The chefs will be showing off this evening so it should be a dinner to remember!

A few other suggested items to bring include a little flashlight, plenty of jeans, slick soled cowboy boots, and a pair of tennis shoes. Some ladies wear flip flops around the lodge during the evening or other comfortable shoes. Some might decide to get a little gussied up for the big Friday night celebration dinner but you sure don’t have to; jeans and cowboy boots typically top the list. We’re planning to be able to do a few kayak trips during the week so bring something that you’re able to get wet in. Remember that laundry service is provided so you’re able to pack light if needed.

The ranch is very excited about this season’s upcoming Girls’ Getaway. It’ll be a full week of great conversations, boot stompin’ evening entertainment, side-splitting laughs, and gracious hospitality. Here are some other helpful hints to make this a perfect week.

Hint #1. Be prepared to ride. From advanced to beginner horseback riders, our week is going to be filled with lots of riding. After our orientation ride on Monday, there are advanced, scenic, and all-day rides scheduled throughout the week. You’ll also able to take advantage of learning from some of the wranglers by taking a lesson. One of our past guests suggests bringing a pair of bicycle shorts to go under your jeans to save your bum. If you don’t have boots, we do have boots you can wear but slick soles are a must. You should also make sure to have a few pairs of jeans, a pair of shorts, or something you can get wet in for the kayaking trips, boat tours, and bike rides. Some ladies bring a pair of leather gloves with them to ride with. We recommend this highly. A pair of tennis shoes or running shoes are also very handy.

Hint #2. It’s Idaho weather. We have a saying in Idaho during the fall. If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes. This is about the week every year where the trees begin to change color and its absolutely breathtaking. Plan on evenings being chilly, a good fleece jacket will no doubt be very useful. Rain is possible but don’t worry about that stopping the horseback riding. The barn has a number of full length slickers to fit you.

Hint #3. Dinners and meals. Our chefs are going to make it very difficult to shed pounds while you’ll be here. Daily baked breads, fresh salads and fruits, homemade desserts, and more. Some decide to get a little dressed up during our 7 Course dinner. Don’t have to though, a pair of jeans and boots are regular attire on the ranch. This will be an exciting and fun evening! For those ladies that have food likes or dislikes (and the likes are just as important), don’t forget to fill out your activity forms and tell us. Gluten free, vegetarians, etc are all welcomed!

See you in September!!!

The final touches are being made at the ranch for this upcoming summer vacation season (which is almost completely full!) and the excitement is building for what could be our best season ever. The 2011 summer season is topped with the opening of the Hilltop Residence as our newest guest accommodations, even more guided adventures, and a long list of additions to our summer program especially for the kids. For those of you coming to the ranch this summer, we wanted to give a little preview of what to expect. We’ve also included our typical ranch schedule too!

NEW! Pottery Barn

We’ve been working hard and the new Pottery Barn is complete on the ranch. Kids and adults now have the opportunity to mold clay, work on a clay wheel, and do a little painting on pottery items to take home with them. We’re very excited about the Pottery Barn and we know the kids will love it!

NEW! Long Distance Shooting

Increasing our line up of shooting activities, guests are now able to learn and take advantage of long range rifle shooting at the ranch. Guests will have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of long distance shooting and have a chance to pull the trigger on some really BIG rifles. You’ll learn proper positioning and proven techniques to hit a bullseye on a distant target.

NEW! Dinner Horseback Ride

Capping our week of horseback riding, we’re taking everyone on an evening horseback ride and BBQ dinner with all the staff and wranglers. The chefs are pulling out all the stops on this one and its a perfect way to celebrate a week at the ranch.

NEW! Golf Tournament

For all you golfing fanatics, here’s your chance to sneak in a few holes during your stay at Red Horse Mountain Ranch. We’ve taken care of all the details and you won’t need to bring a thing (unless you want to). Designed to be a relaxing and fun!

2011 Red Horse Mountain Ranch Schedule

Sunday

3-5 pm ARRIVALS
5 PM COCKTAIL HOUR
6PM DINNER IN THE LODGE
7:30 PM RANCH TOUR & CAMPFIRE

MONDAY

6:30 MORNING YOGA AT FITNESS CENTER
7:30 FLY CASTING AT THE LODGE
7:30 MORNING FITNESS HIKE
7:30-9 BREAKFAST IN THE LODGE
9:15 RETURNING GUEST RIDE
9:45 ORIENTATION & SCENIC RIDE & KIDS RIDE
12 LUNCH IN THE LODGE
1:30 CHALLENGE COURSE
1:30 SPORTING CLAYS
1:30 KIDS CHALLENGE COURSE
1:30 ADULT HORSEBACK RIDE
3D ARCHERY
5 COCKTAIL HOUR
6 DINNER IN THE LODGE
7:30 LIVE MUSIC AT THE SALOON

TUESDAY

6:30 MORNING YOGA AT THE FITNESS CENTER
7:00 MOUNTAIN BIKE ORIENTATION RIDE
7:30 FLY CASTING AT THE LODGE
MORNING FITNESS HIKE
7:30-9 BREAKFAST IN THE LODGE
8:00 GOLF TOURNAMENT & LAKE FISHING
9 ADVANCED TEST AND RIDE
9:30 MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE
9:45 SCENIC HORSEBACK RIDE
9:45 KIDS HORSEBACK RIDE
12 LUNCH IN THE LODGE
1:30 KAYAK TRIP
1:30 KIDS PONTOON BOAT
1:30 ADULT HORSEBACK RIDE
1:30 ADULT MOUNTAIN BIKING
1:30 HIKE
5 COCKTAIL HOUR
6 DINNER IN THE LODGE
7:00 POTTERY BARN IS OPEN
7:30 TOM LAMB CAMPFIRE

WEDNESDAY

6:30 MORNING YOGA AT FITNESS CENTER
7:00 MOUNTAIN BIKING ORIENTATION RIDE
7:30 MORNING MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE
MORNING FITNESS HIKE
7:30-9 BREAKFAST IN THE LODGE
8:00 LAKE FISHING
9 ADVANCED TEST AND RIDE
9:30 SCENIC RIDE
9:30 KIDS RIDE
9:30 HIKE
9:30 MOUNTAIN BIKE TRIP
10:00 GROUP LESSON
12 LUNCH IN THE LODGE
1:30 3D ARCHERY
1:30 CLAY & CRAFT AT THE POTTERY BARN
1:30 FAMILY HORSBACK RIDE
1:30 ADULT HORSEBACK RIDE
1:30 ADULT PONTOON BOAT
5 COCKTAIL HOUR
6 DINNER IN THE LODGE
7:30 KAREOKE AT THE SALOON

THURSDAY

6:30 MORNING YOGA AT FITNESS CENTER
7:30 MORNING FITNESS HIKE
7:00 MORNING MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE
7:30-9 BREAKFAST IN THE LODGE
9:30 SCENIC RIDE
9:30 ALL DAY RIDE
9:30 KIDS RIDE
9:30 ALL DAY HIKE
9:30 MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE
9:30 CDA BIKE TRAIL
12 LUNCH IN THE LODGE
1:30 SPORTING CLAYS
1:30 HIKE
1:30 FAMILY KAYAKING TRIP
1:30 ADULT RIDE
5 COCKTAIL HOUR
6:00 WINE DINNER SERVED & KIDS EVENING OUT!!!

FRIDAY

7:30-9 BREAKFAST IN THE LODGE

9 ADVANCED RIDE
9:45 SCENIC RIDE
9:45 KIDS RIDE
12:00 LUNCH
1:00 – 2 LONG RANGE SHOOTING
1:30 ZIP LINE
2:30 PLINKING
3:00 CLOSEST TO THE PIN AT THE LODGE
4:00 DINNER HORSEBACK RIDES
4:00 ADVANCED RIDE TO DINNER
4:00 HIKE TO DINNER
6 DINNER AT THE BBQ MEADOW
LODGE BAR WILL BE OPEN AFTER DINNER RIDES.

SATURDAY

7:30-9 BREAKFAST IN THE LODGE

***It is possible the ranch may need to make changes to the typical schedule during the summer.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Bars

Makes one 9”x13” pan.

Melt over the stove or in the microwave:

2.5 oz Milk chocolate
¼ cup + 2 Tbs Peanut butter

Stir in:

1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs

Press this mixture into a 9”x13” pan lined with parchment or waxed paper. Place in the freezer while making the filling.

Melt over the stove or in the microwave:

10 oz Milk chocolate
½ cup Peanut butter

Pour into the bowl of an electric mixer.

In a sauce pan, heat, just to the point of scalding:

¾ cup Milk
¼ tsp Salt

Pour half of the milk over the chocolate mixture. Beat until the milk is full incorporated. Add the remaining milk and whip on high for about 5 minutes, until the mixture cools to room temperature.

In a separate bowl, whip to soft peaks:

1 cup Heavy cream

Fold into the chocolate mixture. Spread over the cookie base and return to the freezer. Freeze until firm. Let stand about 5-10 minutes at room temperature to soften before serving.

Makes 6,
I’ve included variations to make these dairy-free as well.

Preheat the oven to 350 deg F.

In a bowl, combine:
1 ½ c Rice flour
½ c Tapioca flour
1 Tbsp Baking powder
½ tsp Salt
1 tsp Xanthan gum
½ tsp Cinnamon
¼ tsp Nutmeg
¼ tsp Cloves
4 Tbsp Brown sugar

Rub in:

7 Tbsp Butter (vegetable shortening)
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Separately, mix together:

½ c Pumpkin puree
1 Egg (egg replacer)
3 Tbsp Maple syrup
3 Tbsp Buttermilk (rice milk + ¼ tsp vinegar)

Fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture until the dough is evenly moistened and mixed. On the table, shape the dough into a flattened disk and cut into 6 wedges. Place on a baking sheet and brush with milk (rice milk). Bake for about 20 minutes until firm and golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack and glaze with the recipe below.

Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup Powdered sugar
2 Tbsp Maple syrup
½ tsp Vanilla
1 Tbsp Milk (rice milk)
a pinch Nutmeg

Beat for 5 minutes for best flavor. Drizzle over warm scones.

Here are some typical questions and answers to help you decide if Red Horse Mountain Ranch fits the ranch vacation you’re looking for. You can also get more information from our FAQ page, or just hop on the phone and give the ranch a ring at (888) 689-9680.

#1. Is there a place we can do some laundry?

Better yet, a laundry service is provided. We’d much rather you spent your time with your family or out on an adventure! During your laundry day, it will be picked up at your cabin and delivered back to your cabin by the end of the day. 

#2. What percentage of your guests bring kids?

During the summer season (Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend), you can expect to have between 10-15 kids on the ranch ranging from 3-11 years of age. Earlier in June we don’t have as many children because many of the school districts are still in session. As the ranch enters the fall, we’ll have no children on the ranch since school is back in session and also because of our adult weeks (such as the Girl’s Getaway or Wine Tasting Weeks). Throughout our years in operation, many of the kids from all over the world still remain in contact with each other. It’s also been fun for us to see the kids grow up through the years! Our Kid’s Program coincides with the summer months.

#3. How old must children be for horseback riding?

Our horseback riding programs begin at age 3. Kids will be scheduled with their own horse and saddle for the entire week and will have the chance to ride some of the trails offered around the ranch which are applicable to their skill levels. Children ages 3-6 will have a wrangler walk along with them and their horse. Kids also have the chance for instruction during their horseback riding and can book a horseback lesson if their parents choose. Kids ages 3 -13 are required to wear approved horseback riding helmets which are available at the ranch, along with slick soled boots. The ranch does have a few pair of kids boots should you need to borrow some for the week.

#4. How much of the day is spent on horseback?

Horseback riding is available during the morning and afternoon, each ride being approximately 2-2 1/2 hours in length. The all day ride departs after breakfast and returns in the late afternoon. Depending on your choice of activities, you could spend most of the day in the saddle, or not; the choice is yours. The wranglers will make sure you are comfortable and properly equipped before you get on your horse. If you need a few pointers, don’t hesitate to ask your wrangler for a little help. Please remember that your safety and the horses’ safety are always kept in mind. We have a variety of riding trails, all of which leave the valley floor and climb into the surrounding mountains. Enjoy riding through pastures, along wide trails, on open hillsides, and through narrow, wooded paths.

The Advanced Horseback Ride is a combination of walking, trotting, and cantering and is offered a number of times throughout the week. This horseback ride is absolutely exhilarating and, as always, your safety is most important. Even an accomplished rider will tell you that every horse is different and it takes a little time for you to meet. We make sure you and your horse are ready to kick it up a notch before heading out on the trail.  All riders wishing to do the Advanced Ride, regardless of riding experience, will be tested by our wranglers prior.  Talk with your experienced wranglers to see if you could use a few pointers to advance your trail riding experience. The Advanced Rides are only available in the mornings since typical afternoon heat during the summer is too warm for the horses to do advanced riding.

#5. What instruction is available for beginners?

We have beginning riders each week and everyone is given a horse orientation on their first full day. This prepares you for your riding experiences during the week and gives you a chance to meet your horse. Beginner riders are welcome to ask questions and get helpful tips from the wranglers throughout the week. Lessons can also be arranged in the afternoon; just speak to your wrangler and they’ll make the necessary arrangements with the barn. Beginning riders have always felt welcomed at the ranch.

#6. Do you offer supervised childcare for younger kids?

Yes. Childcare can be arranged. We do ask for a little notice prior to your arrival that you may be wanting us to arrange childcare. This is only so that we can make the necessary arrangements prior to your arrival.

#7. Is there a minimum length of stay?

Yes. As a member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association we hold to a three night minimum during the months of June, July, & August. A minimum of two nights is required during the months of September and October.

#8. Are meals included?

Yes. Three meals per day and snacks, beverages, juices, cereals, and milk are always available.

#9. Besides riding, what else is there to do?

Here’s where we’ll have to point you back to the website because the list is pretty long. Horseback riding is certainly a big part of the ranch guided adventures but there’s enough on the ranch to keep everyone going for the entire week. Mountain Biking, Sporting Clays, Archery, Challenge Course, a zip line, hiking, fly fishing, fishing trips, whitewater rafting, boat tours, bike tours, and the list goes on! Red Horse is well know for its diversity of guided adventures!

#10. What is the best way to get to the ranch?

Most of our guests come from other regions and countries so most are flying into the Spokane International Airport (GEG) which is located about 1.5 hour drive from the ranch. With kids, bags, etc., count on a total of 2 hours. Most, if not all guests, take the shuttle service to the ranch since a rental car is not necessary through the week. If your ranch stay is part of a larger vacation, then a rental car may make sense. Booking the shuttle is very easy, just jump onto the ranch website and fill out the shuttle form. We’ll do the rest.

The ranch office is staffed throughout the week from 8 am to 4:30 PST, Monday through Saturday. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a ring at (888) 689-9680 or send us your questions to info@redhorsemountain.com

Hope this helps! Ask you questions here and we’ll try to answer them! Or, you can email us at info@redhorsemountain.com

Idaho is blessed with trout waters and one of the best rivers are not far from Red Horse Mountain Ranch. Trout Unlimited called it, “the best cutthroat trout fishery on the west side of the Rockies, ” and we share the same opinion. the St. Joe River winds 130 miles from the Idaho-Montana border  to Lake Coeur d’Alene. The upper river stretches are considered blue ribbon and anglers spread out along the 30-40 miles of this Wild and Scenic corridor enjoying catch and release wade fishing. On its lower stretches which resemble a typical western freestone river, anglers have their chance at fishing from drift boats and wading large cobblestone riffles well known by locals searching for the last rise during twilight hours.

From June through October the St. Joe is an exceptional catch & release fishery for cutthroat trout ranging in size up to 22 inches.  For the most part, the trout readily come to a well casted dry fly presentation. When bright summer days persist, anglers will find other methods such as nymphing or streamer fishing also can be a successful fly fishing tactic. Anglers don’t have to have a well-seasoned cast, although it is helpful. Beginning anglers and novice anglers have good chances at success, especially with a fly fishing guide.

What to expect. Departure from the ranch typically occurs after breakfast. During the middle of the summer when temperatures warm, its best to get a little earlier start on the river and the morning chef will be glad to have something ready for an early take off. From the ranch, you’ll be driving along the St. Joe River in about a half an hour but expect driving times to be around an hour to the put in. Wading trips usually venture further into the Wild and Scenic canyon so expect a little longer drive. Once there, you’ll get in a full day of fishing, see some wonderful country, and be back to the ranch sometime around dinner. Lunches are cooked riverside and you’ll be treated to a hearty lunch. Beginning anglers should expect to learn the basics (how to cast, mend, catch, and gently release trout) along with a few hidden secrets picked up by the guides through their years of experience.

What to bring. Fly fishing anglers that want to bring their own gear will find that a 5 weight rod is best for all around trout fishing on the St. Joe. A 4 or 3 weight rod for dry fly work is also an excellent tool. If you’ll be taking a guided drift boat fly fishing trip, don’t be concerned about packing light as the boats have plenty of storage spaces. But if you’ll be doing a walk and wade trip on the upper stretches of the St. Joe, we’ll want to be careful on our gear choices. Bring your typical tippet weights, 3x – 5x; we tend to keep our tippet sizes in the heavier weights so as to release the fish as quickly as possible. Don’t worry about a net as your guide will have that covered. As for fly selections, keep it simple with your basic attractor patterns; the Irresistible, Wulff patterns, Caddis patterns and the Renegade are good for dry fly fishing in sizes 12-16. I also prefer to keep a few parachute adams, hoppers, and pmd’s in my box. A few of your bead-headed nymphs in sizes 12-16 are good to have as well; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare’s ears, and other standards will work just fine. If you’re not bringing your gear with you, not to worry. The ranch has plenty of fishing equipment to take care of you during your trip. Fly rods, flies, tippets, leaders, and other equipment is available from the ranch. We also have a few breathable waders and wading shoes, but it’s not usually needed during the summer months. If you’ll be fishing in early june or late fall, waders are recommended. A camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, quick-dry clothing, light jacket, and quick-drying shoes are all welcomed items to complete your list for a fishing trip on the St. Joe River. Besides your Idaho fishing license which can be purchased at the ranch,  all other items will be handled by your guide including lunches, shuttles, and transportation.

Grandparents at the Red Horse Mountain Ranch

Every so often we’re asked wether a dude ranch vacation is perfect for the grandparents and to be honest, they have always had a “grand” time on the ranch. It’s wonderful to have grandparents that love to travel and can think of no better traveling partners than their precious grandchildren. Most often, we see grandparents wanting to share their passion of horses or the great outdoors. Sometimes they are rewinding memories of a vacation they may have had some time ago. Whatever the reason, bringing your grandparents with you during your dude ranch vacation at Red Horse will no doubt be one trip for the memory books. Here’s a few tips on what grandparents should expect during their week on the ranch.

The grandchildren will have a blast. With all of the unique opportunities in the kids program for ages 3-11 years old, there is no doubt that the grandkids will be busy the entire week with horseback riding, a challenge course and climbing wall, kayaking, fishing, boat tours, and more. But where does that leave you? Are you able to spend time with the kids? The answer is yes. Grandparents that are up to riding horseback or doing any of the activities are able to join the kids program at their leisure. On many activities you have the option to participate or just watch the kids. Grandparents that are not wanting to horseback ride usually accompany the kids down to the tack barn in the morning to see them off on their rides then enjoy an hour or two break reading a book, taking a leisurely walk, or relaxing at the lodge. Its comforting to know that the kids are always taken care of no matter what you decide to do. There are no worries of them being away from your watchful eyes, knowing they are having a dandy time with the kids counselors. So should you choose to take in a scenic horseback ride, grab a book, or go along with the kids, everything is taken care of and the grandkids are in a safe environment.

Something for every child. Here in lies another beauty of the ranch. The schedule is already designed. There are more than enough activities to handle all kinds of desires that the kids may have. You won’t have to worry about buying tickets, cab fares, making sure everyone has the right clothing or gear, and you can focus all of your energy on capturing those memories and simply spending these precious moments with the grandchildren.

No worries about dining, reservations, meal quality, and fresh foods. Let’s face it, having the kids for the week can sometimes be a little overwhelming trying to plan everything while making sure they’re eating healthy too. For some children on the ranch, meal times are a necessary evil, they simply cram it down to get back outside. Others can be picky eaters and some have serious allergies. During your reservation process, we’ll be capturing all of this information and developing a meal schedule for you and your family through the week to meet your needs. The more information we have the better!  Food allergies, likes and dislikes are what we consider very important in making sure you and your family have a delightful time on your activities AND during your meals. You won’t have to worry about anything; there are plenty of options: snack bars, kid friendly meals, and all of it is made fresh with ingredients from the Pacific Northwest.

Whether a ranch vacation is on your bucket list or not, taking the grandchildren to Red Horse Mountain Ranch may be one of the best options for a grandparent. The options during a stay for the kids and you are seemingly endless and much of the hustle and bustle of a typical week long vacation just doesn’t exist.  Maybe you have a passion for horses, the great outdoors, or visited a dude ranch yourself as a child. Maybe your grandchildren have the same desires, or might not even know what a ranch vacation is. We can almost guarantee that 10 years from now they’ll still remember the name of the horse they rode and they’ll surely remember who it was that brought them to the ranch the first time.

Any of you grandparents have any more suggestions?

Take Care, Cory

Author: Tom Sample

Some people have a love for the Wild West. Although it’s not so “wild” anymore, there is a certain romance to the whole cowboy image. Horses, campfires, riding the range – some people wish they could experience life the way it used to be. Now, you can. Many families are choosing to take adventure vacations to dude ranches in the U.S. and elsewhere. On these vacations, they can live out their dreams of being a cowboy in the old West.

Once you have decided that you want to go to a Dude Ranch, there are several more decisions and plans that you have to make before you wind up there. Here are a few to help you get started in your quest of becoming a cowboy for awhile.

First, decide what is important to you. Do you want to ride horses and round up the cows? Do you mind sleep in a cabin or even out under the stars occasionally? Or are you more the type of person that would rather be pampered, stay in rough-looking but five star quality cabins and have a five course meal at night? If you are taking your children, would you prefer to spend the days together doing family activities, or would you rather have adult and children’s activities separate, only meeting for meals throughout the day?

Once you have decided the answer to these questions, you’ll have to decide which dude ranch you’d rather stay at. What’s most appealing? At traditional dude ranches riding is the main focus and there’s usually a minimum stay, often a week in the summer. These are popular with families, but confirm other kids will be there at the same time. The higher-end ranches have nicer lodging, supervised kids programs and possibly a spa. At a working dude ranch you’ll help with the livestock. Guest ranches offer riding plus activities such as fly fishing and mountain biking.

Be very specific when asking about the activities. For horseback riding, for example, will you be on the same horse each day, and be expected to feed, brush and care for the horse? Will you be taught how to ride if you don’t know how? Are there two-hour rides, full-day rides, or overnight rides? Are riders split into groups according to ability?

Find out what’s included in the package price. Some offer all activities, meals and boarding for one set fee. Others are a la carte. Confirm if you’ll be paying up front, how you should pay at the end for a la carte, and what credit cards are accepted.

Although you should definitely check with the specific ranch you are visiting, you should always be prepared to bring a few staples along. These would include heeled boots, for riding, a brimmed hat with a strap to keep the sun out of your face, jeans and long-sleeved shirts, leather gloves if you plan to ride all day, and a hand sanitizer, for keeping your hands clean after dealing with the horses. Of course, bandanas are a requirement of all cowboys, as well.

So you have now decided for sure what type of ranch you want, and you are half-way there to being packed. Now you just need to find the right one for you. The Dude Ranchers Association lists over 100 ranches in the Western United States, while the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association focuses on choices in that state. Keep in mind, there are also dude ranches in other countries. You’ll just have to do your homework to find the perfect one for you and your family.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/plan-for-fun-on-a-family-dude-ranch-vacation-113331.html

About the Author

More family travel resources

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This cutthroat was pulled out of a deep hole by Tim last Saturday on the Coeur d' Alene River. It still had a fly in its mouth from a previous battle. He was released and is out there for someone else to fight! (the fish, not Tim)

10. Cutthroat Trout – they are just so BEAUTIFUL! You have to see this fish.

9. Fly fishing is part of the western experience. It is just the norm out here.

8. For those of you who do not like fishing, the scenery alone is reason enough to make this trip happen. Bring a camera!

7. Come on, A River Runs Through It!? You know you want to be Paul! Come be Paul for a day. Shoot the shoots. Wear the cool hat. Jump in the water and chase the fish down stream.

6. Water 20 feet deep. You can see to the bottom.

5. A perfect time to learn a new hobby. Your guide will patiently walk you through the basics and soon you will have found a new passion. Where else besides the backdrop of Northern Rocky Mountains would you want to learn!?

4. Do you know how relaxing casting a fly-fishing rod is? Yes? Then what are you waiting for! No? You are missing out.

3. Meet some locals at the boat ramp, talk about fish, grunt, nod, spit, repeat.

2. The flies. They are so much fun. To see a fly hatch happen on the river while you are out there is breathtaking. The bugs are everywhere and the fish are going crazy jumping out of the water after them. And THAT is when you get busy.

1. There is always that risk of snagging yourself in the arm with your fly and then you have a really cool story to tell everyone else back at the ranch.

Get more info at: http://www.redhorsemountain.com/adventures/fishing-on-the-ranch/

Or call us at 208 689 9680 Ext 4313

Good Fishing!

Ash