Find your perfect Ranch riding Experience at a Dude Ranchers' Association Member Ranch
The National Dude Ranchers' Association
The Dude Ranchers' Association has been helping people to find quality dude and guest ranch vacations since 1926. It is the governing body of the West's Dude Ranch industry and represents over ranches in the Western US and Canada, bringing horses and people together to create memories of a lifetime.
Member ranches are able to exchange ideas and experiences in their quest to uphold the highest quality of services within the industry. The Dude Rancher's Association also works with Federal and State land agencies in order to preserve and protect parks, forests, and wildlife.
What Can a Dude Ranchers' Association vacation at a member ranch offer you?
When you vacation at a Dude Ranchers' Association Dude Ranch, you can be sure of a quality vacation. The DRA encourages you to 'Ride with the Best in the West!'
Imagine yourself taking the best vacation of your life at a dude ranch. The cool, fresh mountain air, the open spaces, the feel of a steady horse beneath you as you top the next rise... the flash of color from the dark pool as the monster trout rises to your offering...luxuriating in the warmth of the setting sun as you wait for the dinner bell's call ... shared time with family and friends.
Horses, Hats, History and Hospitality - they're the foundation of every ranch. When you book your vacation at a member ranch, you can be assured of genuine, western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s latest standards.
Membership of the Dude Ranchers' Association is not automatic - Dude ranches applying for membership go through a rigorous two year inspection and approval process. There are a number of strict by-laws which must be followed in order to become (and remain) a member ranch. These inspections focus on safety, livestock management and hospitality industry standards for all aspects of the ranch. Ranches go through a year of probationary membership during which they undergo a second on-site inspection. Only after a satisfactory second inspection are they admitted to full membership. Once a full member, all ranches are accredited every five years.
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How to Choose the Right Ranch Experience for You
To assist you in determining which dude ranch is right for you, the ranchers have categorised their ranches into one of three broad descriptions. It is difficult to pigeonhole a ranch since each operation is unique and reflects the personality of the owner.
All of the DRA ranches offer a Western riding experience, operate on the American plan, provide genuine hospitality and are wonderful destination vacations. Within each category, ranches vary in size and from simple to luxurious. Be sure to ask about the activities and amenities offered on each ranch.
WORKING DUDE RANCH
These are working cattle or sheep operations. Your horseback riding adventures will be determined by the ranch's livestock and the work related to them. Be prepared to experience these activities first hand.
DUDE RANCH
Horseback riding is central to these ranches. The cowboy in you will experience Western riding and a variety of outdoor activities.
RESORT DUDE RANCH
Horseback riding is featured, and these ranches offer an array of diverse activities and onsite facilities. These are apt to be the larger ranches.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Dude Ranch Vacation...
riding should be your first consideration - choose the riding environment that appeals to you; open meadows, prairies, mountain trails or southwestern desert. The location of the ranch determines the terrain.Then, choose the type of riding you'd like; working livestock, cattle drives, pack trips, team penning and arena games or daily trail rides.
TIME OF YEAR - typically, the ranches in the northern states (and cooler climates) are the busiest in the summer months, while the southern ranches offer warm weather riding in the winter months.
The NUMBER OF GUESTS that a ranch can host will also be something to think about - a stay at a ranch with only eight guests is a dramatically different experience than choosing a ranch that serves eighty or one hundred guests. The difference is most noticeable in the dining and social experiences.
ACCOMMODATION - ranch atmospheres range from rustic to luxurious, and everything in between. Ranches are always extremely clean and comfortable, but if you need hair dryers, TV's, Jacuzzi tubs, a daily massage and wireless Internet to make your dream vacation, just choose your ranch accordingly.
With over one hundred unique ranches in the Association, the DRA has one to match your dreams - perfectly. As you narrow your choices down to a couple ranches, call and explain to them what's most important to you - they'll help you make the best choice.
Choose a Dude Ranchers' Association ranch and Ride The West with The Best! www.duderanch.org
Activities at Dude Ranches
riding Activities - Ride the West with the Best
First time riders, intermediate riders and those who have ridden all their life will find a variety of riding activities to choose from. All DRA ranches offer riding instruction for guests who have never ridden or would like to improve their skills. Horse safety is a priority, so you will be matched to the appropriate horse and given all the necessary instruction to make your riding safe, comfortable and fun.
Often, the ranch location dictates the type of riding activities offered; overnight pack trips, hunting trips, all-day rides, breakfast or lunch rides, cattle drives, team penning, cutting, guest rodeos, gymkhanas, nature rides, mountain rides, as well as a variety of daily trail rides.
Children’s Activities
Many ranches offer a structured Children’s Program staffed by counselors. Other ranches offer unsupervised activities that children can do with friends, parents or siblings. Consider the appropriate level of supervision to make the most of your vacation.
Other Activities
For those not riding, the range of activities may include; hiking, nature walks, bird watching, petting zoos, mountain biking, river rafting, swimming pools, hot tubs, exercise rooms, massage services, pool tables, card games, “rec rooms”, hay rides, western dancing, campfires, cookouts, tennis, volleyball, basketball, softball, fishing (there are Orvis approved programs), canoeing, rock climbing, skeet shooting, archery, art classes, cooking classes, and many have nearby golf, historic sites and
national parks.
The Art of Relaxation
When you find yourself surrounded by natural beauty, slow down, breathe deeply and appreciate it. Dude ranches are located in the most pristine wilderness areas in America. Watch a sunset, wait for the cattle to come to water, go bird-watching, take a walk through the wildflowers, nap in a hammock, listen to the livestock, read a good book or just sit quietly and let your mind wander. Blue skies, clean, fresh air, starry nights and the sounds of silence are all included in your dude ranch vacation.
The Dude Ranchers' Association Mission Statement
The Dude Ranchers' Association Mission Statement
The Dude Ranchers Association is the governing body of the West's Dude Ranch industry. The Association was created to provide an organized structure for its members, in which they are able to exchange ideas and experiences in an effort to uphold the highest quality of services within the industry. The Association promotes the western ranch vacation, while continuing to build a stronger working relationship with Federal and State land agencies in order to preserve and protect parks, forests, and wildlife. The Association makes every effort to assure the successful continuation of the traditional Western Dude Ranch experience.
The Dude Ranchers' Association Code of Ethics
All members of the Dude Ranchers' Association must maintain a high quality of accommodations and services in a clean, friendly, safe, professional manner. Members must practice open and honest marketing and advertising when interacting with potential clientele. Members must adhere to all regulations, and provide information to clientele, concerning the responsible and sustainable use of resources. Members and the Association will work in cooperation with Federal and State land agencies to ensure the preservation of resources and habitat. Members must work together in an ethical manner in an effort to promote professional growth within the dude ranching industry.
For more information on the Dude Ranchers' Association Member Ranchers...
