Ranching Vacations, Montana?

[Jambalaya]

Has anybody here ever been on a ranch vacation somewhere like Montana? It's something I might like to do one day. I can't ride but assume some ranches teach beginners to ride and take them on guided beginners' trail rides. I've never been to Big Sky country and the whole ranch thing fascinates me. I read the blog Pioneer Woman, which I think is great. I'm planning to get fit and lose weight, and maybe go after that.

This ranch looks friendly, with some really, really cute horses. You get your own horse for the duration of your stay. I would want to bring him home with me though! http://deepcanyonguestranch.com/ranch/ranch-activities/

And here is a list of top 50 ranches. http://www.top50ranches.com/discover-ranch-vacations/9-montana-ranch-vacations.htm

Anyone been on a vacation like this? I don't want to get eaten by a bear!

 

[lknvrb4]

My DH and I took our three kids to Montana about three years ago to stay at a dude ranch. It was the most amazing vacation we have ever had. We stayed here http://www.320ranch.com/ and it was fantastic. We got the Keepin it Cowboy package and that worked well for us. We loved staying in the river front cabin, but if you are expecting luxury, you won't get that from this cabin. We loved that it faced the river and the mountain. At night they let all the horses go for the night and they wrangle them up in the early morning so sitting outside with coffee watching the beautiful horses come in was amazing. It is located not far from Big Sky and about 40 minutes from Bozeman. Yellowstone was under an hour away I believe. To be honest, we can't wait to go back, some of the most beautiful country you will ever see.

 

[Jambalaya]

Thanks so much for this, lknvrb4! It's definitely going on the list. I need to get fitter and lose a bit of weight or the poor horse will collapse, but I think that a ranching holiday somewhere like Montana is going to be a dream vacation for me.