Cowgirl Up Dude Ranch Experience May 2022
If ever there was a bucket list trip, this has to be at the top. With 17 cowgirls from all across the USA, we came together with the common bond of loving horses. We had riders of all levels and there was plenty to do at any given time.
Our stay at The Bar W Guest Ranch was beyond our expectations. Accommodations from Lodge rooms, cabins and my favorite, the Glamping Tents. Owners Bill and Barbara Wetzel have done an amazing job of improving the ranch over the 1 year they have owned it. The Ranch Staff was the most friendly, kind and experienced group of young women and men, who made everyday a great day at the ranch.
Activities at the ranch included, beginner, intermediate and advanced trail riding. They offer riding lessons for all levels, horsemanship, barrel racing and cattle pinning. We learned to rope, do archery and ax throwing. There were cooking classes, wine and whisky tasting nights. There was a spa day and even had time to do some shopping in the town of Whitefish, MT.
Some of the best evenings were spent line dancing, sitting around a campfire and spending time getting to know each other and the staff.
Out of all the activities, I think the cattle drive was hands down everyone's favorite. From bringing the cattle from the pastures back to the ranch, sorting them, making sure they were all tagged and even had to do a few castrations. It was an amazing learning experience. We were able to see a newborn foal, newborn baby cows and an array of petting zoo pigs, donkey and goats.
For those who are interested in this trip, we will be running a fall trip in September 2023. It will be an amazing time of year to see the fall colors and enjoy some beautiful views.