BEARTOOTH RIVER RANCH - MONTANA

Located in the "heart of the west", this working guest ranch has been raising cattle and sheep for three generations and has horses to suit all levels of rider experience. Set in the shadows of the Beartooth Mountains and on Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River, rides will take you to explore the ranch through wide-open ranges and up into pine-covered mountains. Morning, afternoon or all day rides give guests plenty of opportunity to get involved and with the help of the wranglers, to become comfortable and confident with their horse.

Dependant upon the season, guests will be able to get involved in all aspects of ranch life and be able to help out with many of the chores, from wrangling horses to branding, doctoring and moving cattle, putting out salt blocks or feeding the animals. When not riding, or as an alternative, you can spend time learning about the horses and cattle, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or relaxing. The ranch is located in an ideal location for wildlife spotting, including numerous varieties of birds, white tail, fox, coyote, with the occasional visit from a bear, mountain lion, moose or elk. At the end of a busy day and as the evening draws in, the hot tub is a great place to unwind and watch the stars begin to appear above you.  

Once a week your hosts also plan a day trip to explore the western town of Cody, possibly visiting the Buffalo Bill Museum, the many small western shops on the main street and taking in an evening rodeo (June through August).

Twelve comfortable guest rooms which all have private baths, air conditioning and either a spectacular mountain or river view, are set in three different wings of the ranch house.

Hearty home cooked meals ensure that nobody goes hungry after their days filled with fresh air and fun. Delicious breakfasts, lunches and suppers are served family style in the main ranch house. A weekly barbeque held at the original homestead cabin is also a popular choice, and if you prefer a break from the saddle then you can always hitch a ride on the wagon!

SUNDANCE GUEST RANCH - BRITISH COLUMBIA

This family owned ranch is located in one of the sunniest spots in British Columbia, on the edge of the interior plateau region, overlooking the spectacular Thompson River Valley, and is only 4 hours drive from Vancouver.

The ranch will carefully select the right horse for the individual rider (with a choice of over 100 horses) and offers beginner, intermediate, or advanced morning and afternoon rides each day, with an evening ride often being announced during the warm summer months. The scenery and views are breathtaking, and the trails surrounding the ranch will take you through some of the best and most unspoilt spots on your 2-2 ½ hour rides. Children aged 8 and over are able to ride on the trails, and the younger ones will have the chance to ride ponies around the area.

Apart from the horseback riding, which is foremost, the other ranch activities include swimming in the heated outdoor pool, hiking through the beautiful surrounding countryside, horseshoe pitch, movie lounge, games room, and a nine-hole golf course and excellent fishing only 15 minutes from the ranch.

Three mouth-watering, home-cooked meals are served daily and all children 14 years and under have the opportunity to eat together with their new friends, separately from the parents. The licensed dining room overlooks the pastures where the horses spend the night grazing and cooling off among the sprinklers. A candlelit 3-course dinner is served each evening, alternatively the chef will cook up Black Angus burgers and steaks in the barbeque pit.

The ranch is on a single level, with all rooms being connected by a covered wooden boardwalk. There are 19 standard rooms with one queen and one single bed, and 3 deluxe rooms with one king bed. All rooms are tastefully decorated and very comfortable, with air conditioning and private facilities including bath and shower.  

After a long day, you will be happy to relax with a good book, talk about the day's events with fellow guests, or make your way to the adult lounge for the Saturday night dance or a game of billiards or cards.