The ranch blog
From the Horse's Mouth
103 stories from the ranch. Looking for family history? Listen to the Ranch History podcast.
2025
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Beyond the Saddle: What Does "Life After 4 PM" Look Like at the Ranch? December 19, 2025 -
A Tribute to North Idaho's Longtime Appaloosa Breeders and Owners: Harold Tibbs November 24, 2025 The history of Harold Tibbs and foundation stallion Toby I, including their championship win at the first National Appaloosa Show in 1948. -
Saddle Up for Success: Preparing Your Fitness for a Dude Ranch Vacation February 21, 2025 Prepare your body for the physical activities you'll encounter on a dude ranch vacation. Focus on core strength, leg power, and balance.
2024
2023
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Dude Ranchers' Association Convention 2023 January 31, 2023 Janice Schoonover of Western Pleasure Guest Ranch was elected president of the Dude Ranchers' Association at the 97th annual convention. -
Why should you choose to take a dude ranch vacation in Idaho? January 28, 2023 Visiting an Idaho dude ranch will include a wide variety of activities and experiences with natural beauty and western culture.
2020
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10 Things to do in Sandpoint in the Summer June 14, 2020 Sandpoint is a four season vacation destination located between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges. The outdoor activities are endless! -
Western Ranch History: 100 Years of Authentic Western Life April 10, 2020 Our western ranch history along the banks of Gold Creek stretches back over 100 years to 1918 when Isaac Bonnie, arrived in Sandpoint, Idaho. -
QuietKat eBikes at the Ranch March 4, 2020 QuietKat ebikes are built for better access to the great outdoors and geared towards those who want non-obtrusive, fast, fun access to the backwoods. -
Visit Idaho 18 Summers March 4, 2020 You only have 18 summers to make the memories your kids will remember for a lifetime. Use that vacation time, and make every summer count. -
What is an adventure vacation? February 12, 2020 Adventure vacation is travel involving exploration, a cultural exchange, risk, a connection with nature and requiring a special skill or physical exersion.
2019
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Sleigh Rides - A Nine-Year-Old's Perspective November 22, 2019 While riding on a sleigh with the snow falling it feels like you are in a snow globe. Although it is cold, you are warm and cozy in a wool blanket. -
Idaho Sleigh Ride - FAQ November 18, 2019 -
Fall Getaway Travel Itinerary October 9, 2019 Enjoy a Fall getaway to North Idaho and experience outdoors in the mountains and in the quaint towns dotted throughout the Pandhandle. -
More Spring at the Ranch May 2, 2019 Work continues here at the ranch with Spring maintenance, building projects, and colt starting. My favorite part is when the crew starts working colts. -
Spring at the Ranch April 11, 2019 Early Spring on the ranch is an exciting time of preparing our horses, the grounds and staff for our Summer season. Starting colts our main focus right now. -
Why Your Next Vacation Destination Should Be Idaho April 2, 2019 “We’re going to let you in on a little secret. Idaho has got it all, and we think it’s one of the most underrated places in the U.S. for adventure travel.” -
What's Happening at the Ranch? March 3, 2019 -
Sandpoint's Finest Awards February 28, 2019 We are jumping with excitement to find out that we made it into Sandpoint Living 's "Sandpoint's Finest Awards" final round in TWO categories! -
What Kind of Wildlife Will I See at the Ranch? January 29, 2019 What kind of wildlife can you expect to see when you visit the ranch? Folks visiting Western Pleasure Guest Ranch often ask this question. -
Mornings at the Ranch January 21, 2019 Every morning the horses anxiously await the arrival of Roley and Isaac with their trailer full of hay. -
What Does Roley Do All Day? January 10, 2019 Owning and operating a ranch means maintenance. There is always going to be something that needs to be repaired, rebuilt or replaced.
2018
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Who Takes Those Pictures? October 30, 2018 Our collection of ranch images were taken by Libby Schoonover, Danielle Otis and Amy Peterson who love to capture authentic western lyfestyle photography. -
How to Tie a Buckaroo Knot July 26, 2018 There is more than one way to wear a wild rag. A favorite is the Buckaroo Knot. Watch the "how-to" video and step-by-step guide and learn to tie this knot. -
Lucky Ned Pepper On Summer Pasture June 1, 2018 During the summer months, our youngsters spend their time out on pasture growing, maturing and picking on each other. Our 2017 colts, Lucky, Ned and Pepper are a great group of yearlings that we are very excited about. -
Three Little Red-Heads May 11, 2018 Of the five foals expected to be born at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch this spring, three have been born healthy, lively and red-headed! -
Appaloosa Colts at Play April 12, 2018 Spring will eventually bloom with green pastures, flowers, warm breezes and baby horses. Until then, we will continue to enjoy whatever weather comes our way knowing that April showers (whether they be snow or rain) bring May flowers. -
V-X Ranch Bull Sale March 18, 2018 In 1918, Isaac Bonnie came to Sandpoint from Colorado to find land on which his family could start a new life. In 1940, Riley Wood and his family arrived at their new home on Upper Gold Creek Road. In 1948, Riley's youngest son, Jim, and Isaac's granddaughter, Virginia, were married and the story was just beginning. -
What is Western Pleasure Guest Ranch? March 1, 2018 We are a place to discover the adventure of the outdoors, the fresh air of the mountains, the freedom that only a day spent in the saddle can bring, and the comradery of ranch life. In short, we are a family who has a passion for sharing the heritage, horsemanship, and heart of the true West. -
How do I choose the best western vacation? February 16, 2018 With hundreds of dude ranches spread across the western United States, your options are vast and diverse. With options ranging from the rugged to the luxurious, how do you begin to plan your summer western vacation? Here are a few tips for preparing for that western vacation experience. -
Morning Feeding on the Ranch February 8, 2018 I arrived at work just in time for the morning feeding on the ranch. The ranch horses were eager to greet me, hopeful that my presence meant food would be delivered faster. -
How do I prepare for a dude ranch vacation? February 1, 2018 How do I prepare for a dude ranch vacation? Do you have to be in perfect shape to go on a dude ranch vacation? Absolutely not! But, a little bit of proactive work ahead a time can help to prevent or lessen the time it takes your muscles (and your rear) to get used to riding a horse.
2017
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Idaho Winter Guest Ranch November 9, 2017 The scene is set for another north Idaho winter as a white wonderland descends upon this Idaho Guest Ranch and we prepare for winter activities. -
Future Guest Ranch Horses October 19, 2017 Just as horses played a vital role in western heritage, horses are vital on our guest ranch today. Our guest ranch horses are carefully chosen for their job -
Solar Eclipse Horseback Ride August 15, 2017 Join us for a Solar Eclipse Horseback Ride to The Big Hill to view the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse on August 21. -
A Summer of Fun on the Ranch July 27, 2017 Summer continues to be full of ranch fun, great weather, fabulous guests from near and far, and memories that will last a lifetime. -
Improvements and Additions at the Ranch June 20, 2017 We are very excited about this indoor arena project as it expands our ability to provide horseback activities in all kinds of weather for our ranch guests. -
18 Summers for Family Vacation April 26, 2017 18 Summers. That is all the time you get to spend with your children as children. Summer isn't the only thing that goes by fast, make this Summer count. -
Idaho Vacation - An Underappreciated Gem April 19, 2017 Idaho is wild, untamed and rugged. It’s that little piece of outdoors that’s been untouched and left for us to experience in all of its glory. -
Colt Starting Photo Blog April 5, 2017 We are prepping ground at the indoor arena for an exciting new project! Lets just say, it will make your ranch vacation more “all weather”. -
Authentic Travel March 22, 2017 To be immersed in a destination, leaving behind that which one came to escape; that is when today's traveler feels they have experienced authentic travel. -
Where do dude ranchers go on vacation? February 28, 2017 Where do dude ranchers go on vacation? To a dude ranch of course! It was a pleasure to enjoy the dude ranch experience from the guest’s perspective -
Family Vacation February 22, 2017 Experience the spirit of the west on a family vacation while you ride, bike and hike the meadows, trails and mountains at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. -
Ranch Adventure and a Winter Storm Warning February 7, 2017 Nordic trails are groomed and ready for ranch adventure enthusiasts who cross country ski, snowshoe, fatbike or sleigh ride on their Idaho vacation. -
10 Things To Do On Vacation In Sandpoint In The Winter February 1, 2017 Sandpoint and the surrounding areas are truly an outdoors man's paradise. Read our top ten list of things to do in Sandpoint during the Winter! -
Vogue's 10 Hottest Travel Destinations: Madagascar, Sri Lanka ... Idaho? January 6, 2017 Vogue recently released their list of the 10 Hottest Travel Destinations of 2017. Number seven on their exotic list was... Idaho! Yes, Idaho
2016
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Dude? Dude! Dude. September 30, 2016 The meaning and use of “dude” is as varied, it seems, as the people who use it. Dude ranches are for anyone who wants to experience the spirit of the West. -
2016 Idaho Tree Farmers of the Year Tour September 21, 2016 The Wood family had the honor of receiving the award for the Idaho Tree Farm of the Year for 2016. -
A New Horseback Riding Arena April 6, 2016 A new horseback riding arena is in the works at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Your horseback riding vacation horizons are about to get a little bit bigger. -
Spring Horseback Riding April 5, 2016 Experience the western lifestyle on a spring western vacation in Idaho. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is open for horseback riding and overnight get a ways. -
Mares in Foal April 1, 2016 Friday and Julie, both due to foal this spring, had an afternoon filled with brushing, braiding and beautifying with two very horse crazy neighbor girls. -
Idaho Guest Ranch in the Spring March 28, 2016 Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is busy getting ready for spring riding, maintenance, updates, baby horses and more! -
Can I be right and still be wrong? January 22, 2016 Colt Starting. The other day while my son and I were training some of our young horses, this question came to mind. Can I be right and still be wrong? -
How to Plan a Guest Ranch Vacation January 17, 2016 A western vacation experience at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch will immerse you in the culture of the West, the Spirit of the Cowboy and the quiet of nature.
2015
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Becoming A Horseman November 30, 2015 Winter may have begun to move in here in the northern panhandle of Idaho. It is a beautiful day from where I sit here at my kitchen table, warm and cozy. -
Idaho Forest Management November 9, 2015 The 1100 acres of Idaho forest that make up the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch have been carefully managed since my great grandfather moved to Idaho in 1941. -
What to Bring on a Guest Ranch Vacation April 6, 2015 What should I bring with me on a guest ranch vacation?. Here are a few tips for making your guest ranch vacation an unforgettable life experience. -
My Professor the Horse March 25, 2015
2014
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Goodbye Mega Tree December 28, 2014 -
Urgent News Bulletin December 24, 2014 -
Winter Arena Exercises: Part 2 Let's Focus On Legs December 19, 2014 -
Winter Arena Exercises, Part 1 December 16, 2014 -
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...You Are REALLY Big! December 3, 2014 -
Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On...Or Other Places November 23, 2014 -
Goodbye Old Friend November 10, 2014 -
A Fall Ride on the Moose Mountain Trail November 6, 2014
2013
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Cross Country Skiing November 2, 2013 -
The Bigger the Horse the Bigger the Heart April 24, 2013 -
Has winter returned? April 8, 2013 -
My Little Cowgirl April 6, 2013 -
Winter Horse Therapy March 19, 2013 -
I'm dreaming of a white Christma.....wait...what?! February 25, 2013 -
Dodge Super Bowl Commercial: So God Made a Farmer February 5, 2013 -
2013 Dude Ranchers' Association Convention January 31, 2013
2012
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Gift Shop Goods October 29, 2012 -
Songs From the Ranch (By Way of Nashville) July 3, 2012 -
A Day in the Life of a Ranch Babe March 22, 2012 - Contest Winners!! March 20, 2012
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Ranch Cookies March 19, 2012 -
Contest Update! March 15, 2012 -
Win A Chance For A Week Stay At Our Guest Ranch!!! March 9, 2012 - Have you made your Valentine's Day plans? February 7, 2012
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New Shipment of Western Merchandise January 16, 2012 -
Has Spring Sprung in North Idaho? January 12, 2012
2011
2010
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How to Get on Your Horse Bareback November 14, 2010 - Grandparents are Great! July 14, 2010
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Spring Break Day Camp at Western Pleasure April 8, 2010 -
Idaho Forest Legacy Program March 8, 2010 -
Recreate Romance this Valentines Day February 8, 2010 -
Brad Yunek - A talent you may not have known. January 8, 2010
