LUXURY GUEST RANCH ROUNDUP 2023

This year I made the goal to take an equestrian-style vacation but I didn't want to break the budget on international airfare. The first thing that came to mind was the all American dude ranch which I guess we're now calling guest ranches?

I looked for ranches that had great experiences on horseback and hospitality to boot! So, here is my 'roundup' (pun intended) of luxury guest ranches around the country.

ALISAL GUEST RANCH + RESORT

When they say ranch + resort they really mean it. I liked this option for it's proximity to major airports and the nearby town of Solvang has been on my list as well.

"Located just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, our 10,500 acres are full of open sky and countless adventures. From riding trails and a serene lake, to tennis courts and championship golf courses, we’ve got everything your heart and soul desire."

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Photo from Alisal Guest Ranch + Resort

BRUSH CREEK RANCH

Located in Saratoga Wyoming, this ranch has activities year-round where most ranches operate primarily in the summer months. They even have an onsite distillery for some après ride enjoyment.

This ranch tons of events on their calendar, this one for Ghost Horse Wine has our attention for obvious reasons.

"Vacationing at Brush Creek Ranch grants you access to a vast array of exhilarating events and experiences. Choose from educational wine weekends, delicious cooking events with incredible guest chefs, or enlightening weekends sipping spirits with some of the most accomplished
distillers in the world. "

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Photo from Brush Creek Guest Ranch

THE RANCH AT ROCKCREEK

This resort in Montana prides itself on being truly all-inclusive. This is a huge plus as the last you want to be thinking about on vacation is logistics and planning! I love that there are different lodging options like having a whole house to yourself.
" It is our pleasure to offer all farm-to-table meals, a robust year-round outdoor activities program, and much more, based on the idea that our 6,600 acres will become your
playground for the length of your stay."

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Photo from the Ranch at Rock Creek

FOX HUNTING

Ever since I slipped on my first hunt coat I’ve dreamed of going on a real deal foxhunt. Tweed, stone wall and rolling greens hills is all I want for just one day.

There are hunts still in the Unites States as well as in Europe. You may want to search your local area you might be surprised to find a group in your own backyard!

FERIA DEL CABALLO

It's no secret that I have a love for Spain. Ask anyone that knows me and they can tell you.
I have an even greater love for some of the incredible blood lines of horses from the Iberian Peninsula.

An event that celebrates this in a grande fashion is the Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. This Springtime festival celebrates all things Andalusia and Andalusian horses.

ICELANDIC HORSE RIDING

These fluffy equines and their rugged homelands make for an unforgettable experience. What better way to explore the Incredible landscape of Iceland than on the back of an equally beautiful Icelandic Pony.

POLO IN ARGENTINA

Ralph Lauren may be your first thought when we say Polo but I am here to change that. The history of Polo in its home country of Argentina is beautiful in itself.

The prestigious and often unattainable sport becomes a family pastime in the countryside of Argentina. Learning to ride a horse and swing a mallet become a rite of passage for every youngster. Many of these farms open there doors to equestrian tourists and provide an authentic and unique travel experience.

Want to try one of these equestrian travel adventures out for yourself? Lucky for you there are several companies that offer unique horse focused travel itineraries. We rounded up a few popular ones below:

GUEST RANCH RESOURCES

DUDE RANCHER ASSOC: "Dude and guest ranches offer an all-inclusive vacation experience like no other destination. The Dude Ranchers’ Association was formed in 1926 to preserve this special way of life and the wonderful environment in which dude ranching takes place. When you vacation at a Dude Ranchers’ Association member ranch, you can be sure of a quality vacation. Member ranches endure a rigorous inspection and approval process that ensures guests are treated to genuine western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s highest standards."
EQUUS JOURNEYS: "Equus Journeys specialise in equestrian traditions and offer trail rides and riding holidays around the world. With us, travel the world and discover the Marwari horses of India, step in the boots of the US cowboys and help them in their work, ride with the Butteri of Italy or discover the Berber culture of southern Morocco. "