Wyoming Horsemanship Ranch Holiday

Introduction

Live your cowboy dream on this ranch holiday in Wyoming! You can learn barrel racing, lassoing, will go on trail rides in the beautiful area surrounding the ranch and you will help with the training of the horses. Riders of all levels are welcome, all riders will get instruction on western riding and groundwork. The ranch owner was trained by Ray Hunt and will teach you all about natural horsemanship. You will also go to Cody to visit the rodeo! If you’re interested, there is an opportunity to see the Wild Mustangs of Wyoming.

Itinerary

There’s no set itinerary for this ranch vacation; it’s tailored to the wishes of the participants. Around seven o’clock, you’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast. Then, you’ll head to the stables to work with the horses.

Riders will receive instruction in all aspects of horse handling. Inexperienced riders will learn how to lead, groom, saddle, and more. You’ll practice riding first in the round pen and then in the larger indoor arena. You’ll ride experienced horses that are suitable for beginners. The instructors are very experienced and will teach you the basics of riding step by step. Before you know it, you’ll be trotting and going for a trail ride!

At this ranch, you’ll ride western, but no experience is required. More experienced riders will also receive lessons in western riding. If you already have experience with western riding, you won’t be bored. Perhaps this style of riding is a little different from what you’re used to, or you can ride more challenging horses. You can also practice barrel racing and lassoing!

The focus at this ranch is on horsemanship and a natural approach to horse training, based on the methods of trainers like Ray Hunt and Pat Parelli. You’ll do a lot of groundwork to prepare for saddle work. The principles you learn can also be applied effectively to your own horses or when training young horses.

The stable also has an obstacle course where both older and younger horses can learn a lot. Whether in hand or under saddle, you’ll practice the seesaw, step over logs, or open a gate.

Besides working in the arena and the obstacle course, you’ll also go on trail rides. The ranch is situated in a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains. The owner also has a house on the other side of the river, where you’ll ride through the hills and along the lake. You’ll look out over the snow-capped mountains; the views here are fantastic! There’s also cattle, so sometimes you’ll help move the cows.

Besides riding, there’s plenty to do. Enjoy beautiful hikes around the ranch, swim or fish in the lake, or relax at the lodge. You can also spend a day in Cody, where you can shop for souvenirs, visit the museum, or attend the rodeo (June through August; rodeo tickets not included). You can also visit a nature reserve north of Cody where you can see wild mustangs.

You can book a week-long ranch vacation, but we recommend staying 11 days to experience all the activities!

This is a sample program. The riding program described will be adjusted as needed to accommodate current (weather) conditions and the group’s level. The pace will depend on the conditions and will be determined by the guide.

Horses and Riding

Most of the horses were born on the ranch and they have all been trained by the owner of the ranch himself. There are quarter horses, paint horses and crossbreeds. There are horses for every level of rider so there is always a horse that matches your riding experiences and wishes.

There is a large indoor arena that is nice and cool during the hot Wyoming summers. The ranch also has a large outdoor arena. There are indoor and outdoor roundpens to train horses in and the ranch has stables but the horses spend most of their time outdoors, they stay in the field at night and in large paddocks during the day.

Accommodation

During your ranch holiday, you will stay in beautiful wooden cabins. There are two cabins with two bedrooms and one bathroom each. All the rooms are twins and you will share a room with a fellow rider. There is a lodge where you will have your meals and can relax after the riding, with a view of the river and the mountains.

You will enjoy good, homecooked meals. Breakfast is a typical American dish such as pancakes, bacon and eggs or French Toast. For lunch, you can make your own sandwich and there will be crisps and fruit. Dinner is a different dish every day, like lasagna or meat with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

The ranch is a family business, run by Duaine, his wife Sheila and their daughter Alix, who lives on the ranch with her family. Duaine’s son Zeb also lives on the property with his wife and kids. During your stay you will be welcomed by the family and experienced real ranch life in the American West.

Dates and prices

Dates:

On request!

Price 2026:

Price 8 days/7 nights: $2380
Price 11 days/10 nights: $3250

Included: airport transfer, accommodation in shared rooms, all meals, coffee, tea, water and lemonade, riding and other ranch activities, transport to Cody for rodeo etc, English guides/instructors.
Not included: flights, visa, alcohol and softdrinks, extra activities such as a ticket for the Cody rodeo.