Comparing Dude Ranch Riding Programs
As you plan your vacation, if you are looking at
different riding programs it may be difficult to understand
some of the differences between ranches. Although horseback
riding is an integral part of all dude ranch experiences, each
program is different. The right fit for you may not be the same
as for someone else, so we have listed some questions that may
be helpful, both to ask ranchers and for yourself in deciding
what experience you are looking for. We have also listed our
own answers, to help you in the comparison process.
Do you ride the same horse all week?
This varies from ranch to ranch. There are two different lines
of thought on this. Some, like us, believe that spending a week
on the same horse gives you and your mount the opportunity to
get to know and understand each other better. You
will learn what cues your horse prefers, and you both
will be more comfortable. Horses who are ridden by
different people every time get confused about what their rider
wants, and often stop paying attention to them over time.
Others feel that a more varied experience is better. A couple
of ranches have a huge herd and rotate you through a few horses
over the course of your stay. Others rotate horses because they
do not have a large enough herd to accommodate assigning a
horse to a single rider for the week, and rides are first come,
first up.
Rock Springs: We take great care in talking
to you about the riding experience you are looking for and what
your expectations are before assigning you a horse for the
week. We only change horses if you request a change or if the
match does not seem to fit. We believe this gives you and the
horse a chance to learn about each other, making each ride more
comfortable for both of you as the week progresses.
How many horses do you have? How many riders do you have in a full week? While most Dude Ranchers' Association member ranches have plenty of horses for guests and wranglers, some ranches run with a lower number. This gives them less flexibility in their program.
Rock Springs: We accommodate a maximum of 45 riders at any one time, and run about 70 horses in our herd. This gives us a range of horses, both in temperament and athletic ability.
What is the terrain for riding in your
area? Because ranches are spread across the US
and Canada, the terrain varies widely from one place to the
next. Ranches in steep mountains or canyons offer exceptional
views, but may not have many of open trails for cantering.
Think about how the terrain may impact the riding program, and
how that fits in with the experience you want.
Rock Springs: We are in an area of ridges and
rimrock, where we have some areas with views, and much
ponderosa pine and juniper forest. Few areas are steep, and we
have an abundance of open cantering trails. This allows us to
offer cantering (loping) on almost any ride, rather than only
on special trails. Because many areas are level, you will not
find constant breathtaking views.
How many riders do you put on each ride? This varies a great deal from ranch to ranch, with some including a large group of over 10 people on a ride. While this may be OK for walk only rides, it does not allow as much flexibility for faster gaits or instruction.
Rock Springs: We typically put 6 guests and a
wrangler on each ride, with occasional rides including as few
as 1 guest and as many as 7. 
What speed or gaits are allowed on your rides? Many ranches offer only walk and trot rides. Others offer some specific rides that include cantering, while most rides might not. Some ranches also only give one opportunity to pass their loping test, which might mean that even if your riding progresses during the week, you may not have another opportunity to show your ability to ride at the faster gait if you do not pass the first time.
Rock Springs: Once you demonstrate that you can control the horse, we allow a fair amount of cantering (loping) on your regular rides. We do not allow a full gallop. Because riders are placed in small groups of comparable ability, there is no need to schedule a special ride for faster gaits.
(A trot is a 2-beat gait, faster than a walk and a
little bouncy. A canter and a lope are two names for the same
gait, which has three beats – the thump-thump-thump noise
my grandfather used to make with a clap and slapping each hand
on his leg. A gallop is a two beat gait, although some people
consider it a four beat gait, in which all four feet are in the
air at one point, and the horse is 'airborne.' Many people
become confused between a canter and a gallop.)
How do you accommodate riders of different abilities? When ranches put large numbers of riders together, they may have to ride to the lowest ability or the speed of the slowest horse. This can be uncomfortable for the beginner who feels he is slowing the group, or frustrating for the advanced rider.
Rock Springs: We place riders in small groups of comparable ability and expectations. Our herd also includes a wide range of temperaments, offering a range from gentle, sweet horses for beginner or timid riders all the way through more aggressive, forward moving mounts for advanced riders. Guests who stay with us range from first time beginner through those who ride competitively, and everything in between.
"Loved my horse- excellent pairing. Liked the small groups, quality of horses and wranglers was excellent. Nice variety of rides and riding experiences. Really nice run program- very professional."
- Laura King
