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What to Bring on a Guest Ranch Vacation

We are often asked, "what should I bring with me on a guest ranch vacation?" So, in response to that question, here is my list of what to bring along with a few tips for making your guest ranch vacation an unforgettable life experience.

What to Bring

  1. Long pants or jeans - I prefer to ride in jeans as they usually do not ride up as much and offer more protection.
  2. Cowboy boots - If you don’t have a pair we have a boot closet full of boots of all shapes and sizes for you to borrow while you are here.
  3. Tennis shoe or hiking shoe - The ranch is located on 1100 acres which make for miles of hiking trails for you to explore.
  4. A hat - A baseball cap, cowboy hat, or other brimmed hats will help to shade your eyes from the sun on your many outdoor excursions.  If you don't want to bring a hat, the ranch gift shop has a wide selection of cowboy hats and baseball caps to purchase.
  5. Swimsuit - A dip in the outdoor covered hot tub after a long day in the saddle does a body good. Also, we take a day ride to Grouse Creek Falls and a dip in the crisp waters are refreshing on a hot day.
  6. Water shoes - For that trip to Grouse Creek Falls, it is a good idea to have water shoes as the rocky creek bottom is a challenge to walk in barefoot.
  7. Raincoat - It is always good to be prepared for all sorts of weather in the Idaho Panhandle.
  8. Warm weather clothes (shorts, t-shirts, etc) - The average summer temperatures here in Sandpoint, Idaho, are usually in the mid to low 80's, although it has been known to be warmer.
  9. Sweatshirt or coat - It will cool down in the evenings and usually a sweatshirt or light coat is most comfortable.
  10. Sunscreen
  11. Bug Spray - In the early summer and early fall, the mosquitoes and gnats come out in the evenings so a little bug spray is a big help.
  12. A Good Book - Take some time to kick back and read that book you have been meaning to get to. Or, borrow one from the ranch library and read a great western while you are experiencing the West!

A Few Ranch Vacation Tips

  1. Be honest about your riding experience. We ask about your riding experience to best match you with a horse most appropriate for your riding experience and comfort level.
  2. Consider making it a tech-free (or at least tech limited) vacation.  You will get the most out of a western experience when you can free yourself up from technological distractions.
  3. Come with a hearty appetite! While you are on your All-Inclusive Guest Ranch Adventure, you will be served 3 delicious meals a day to keep you fueled for your outdoor experience.  We believe that one important adventure fuel is dessert!
  4. You may have other questions about trail ride etiquette in a more personal manner. We think this blog post, "Don't Squat With Your Spurs On...Or Other Places", may leave you feeling a little more prepared for horseback adventures into the outdoors.

Comments

  1. Ranch Vacation with family is a real fun. Here we spent quality time with each other. Truly said, we eat a lot and on-time as well. Riding is also a fun in ranch vacation, Created a perfect picture.

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