Working ranch vacations may also be known as dude ranch or guest ranch vacations, though the latter two terms do not necessarily mean vacationers will get to experience what a working ranch does. You will have to do some research to find the appropriate ranch vacation for what you want to experience.
On a working ranch vacation, you may be participating in cattle drives, cattle roundups, cutting or team penning, depending on what needs to be done on the ranch at that time. Cattle drives and roundups take place across the whole of the ranch's property, often where there are no marked trails.
Those looking for the "working ranch" experience should try to avoid ranches where the emphasis is on guided trail rides or cattle drives that only involve following the cattle slowly down a marked road.
Some ranches may require a certain level of riding ability before they will accept your reservation, while others are willing to give you riding lessons before taking you out to work. Those that require experienced riders often screen their potential guests. Horses are provided based on your riding experience, though some ranches allow you to bring your own horses.
If your non-horsey children, spouse or friends want to come along, you can find ranch vacations that also offer activities for non-riders. Some even provide child care. Non-rider activities can include fly fishing, hunting and massages. Riders can participate in these activities as well, of course.
Most ranch vacations are associated with the western United States and Canada, but others can be found in South America and Australia. There are also a few ranches offering vacations in the eastern United States.
Depending on the working ranch vacation you choose and the activities you want to participate in, you may find yourself staying at a base camp, camping on the trail every day or staying in a lodge or cabin. For cattle drives or roundups, you will probably be at a base camp or moving camp, while those learning cutting and team penning may be in cabins.
