Where should we go on vacation? In 2016, my husband and I decided on Montana.
Internet research revealed The Covered Wagon Ranch in Gallatin Gateway, Montana. They offered a non-rider rate, perfect for my husband. So we made reservations for July and planned our trip. OMG! It was fun—two days on horseback riding into the mountains, gourmet meals prepared by a chef and eaten in a rustic dinning room with other friendly “dudes.” The owners, wranglers and staff were just as friendly. We felt like we’d come home.
On the trip, I saw firsthand the mountains, canyons, and valleys that make that part of Southwestern Montana so beautiful. Sagebrush is real. And so are lodgepole pine trees and aspens with their silver leaves shimmering in the wind.
I took notes about things on the guest ranch that being a city dude I didn’t know:
- Cowboys hang hats on antlers or posts when they come in for dinner.
- The dude ranch is family-oriented with many returning guests.
- Fishing is a big thing in Montana.
- One wrangler is hired only to break and train young horses.
- Some horses are allowed out at night to graze around the cabins. All the ranch is fenced in with log fencing.
- Horses are run up to high pasture for two days a week to allow them to graze and be horses.
- Special attention is given to the care of horses, so they won’t sour. Horses have a long season. Horses go in the winter to lower pastures.
- Rides are arranged every morning depending upon what guests want to do.
- Sack lunches are provided for daylong rides.
- One female wrangler came from Oklahoma and got the job via the Internet
- Before a ride, horses are sprayed with fly spray.
- Besides the saddle, a horse carries a saddlebag for water bottles and lunch, and a rain slicker. Wranglers put a rope halter on the horses and leave it on.
- Wranglers carry bear spray.
- Horses are branded with the ranch brand.
Returning home, I brought together what I’d learned with my imagination and created a romantic mystery series called Ghost Mountain Ranch.
You will find these books as eBooks, a paperback set, and audio books.
Will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future? The Ghost Mountain Ranch is a 3-book series blending mystery and romance.
3 comments:
Jan - Your vacation sounds like it was wonderful. I've always wanted to go to dude ranch. And it's always great when we can work our experiences into our stories.
Jan- have you told the ranch about your series? They may be interested in having a copy, or, better yet, selling or advertising them there. If they have it and a guest picks up the first one, maybe they'd purchase the rest. Just a thought. I enjoyed your post!
Hi Jan, liked the idea of a dude ranch. I laughed at the thought of cowboys hanging their hats on an antler hat rack. Best with your series. :)
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