If you can’t bear to part from the horse world when heading off on your hols and are looking for a vacation that’s deeply committed to all things horse, you’ll want to head to this ultimate horse holiday haven: The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming.
When you love and are involved with horses, it’s fair to say that your world most likely revolves around them – whether you own one or not, so going on a non-horsey holiday may seem unthinkable. “Where’s the fun in that!” I hear you cry!
So let’s get right to it! Here are 12 reasons The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is your ultimate horse holiday haven.
You’ll ride top-notch ranch horses
Let’s start with the true stars of the show, the Hideout’s horses! The best guest ranch for horse-lovers wouldn’t be complete without exceptional horses, and this natural horsemanship guest ranch takes pride in its carefully-selected and impeccably-trained herd.
This small-scale boutique luxury guest ranch’s owners, Peter and Marijn De Cabooter, believe that the key to an amazing riding experience is finding the perfect horse to match your skill level and riding style.
All the ranch horses are very well cared-for and treated with the utmost respect, and to keep them happy and healthy, they get plenty of downtime in the pasture with their friends.
With 100 horses and only about 25 riders weekly, this guest ranch in Wyoming boasts one of the highest horse-to-guest ratios in the industry, ensuring the horses get the rest they need. Every Hideout horse is given the same level of love and attention, and is enrolled into their outstanding veterinary and farrier program.
You’ll have a personalized ranch riding experience
At The Hideout, you’re not just another guest, you’re part of the family! This boutique riding ranch vacation offers an intimate setting, ensuring a truly tailored horseback riding experience.
Small group sizes allow the skilled wranglers to cater to your individual riding goals and abilities, and for each and every ride, each and every rider’s expectations, abilities, fitness, character, athletic ability, physical fitness, health, balance, riding style and more are taken into consideration.
Their decisions are based on decades of experience taking riders out into some of the most rugged wilderness on the planet.
It’s a safe horse riding ranch vacation
The best horse ranch vacations for horse-lovers are the safest horse ranch vacations and it’s safety first, fun always at The Hideout Wyoming!
This guest ranch focused on horseback riding combines adventure and fun with stringent safety to ensure an unforgettable riding experience for all. Helmets are required for all riders 14 and under, and are encouraged for adults.
“But I wanna wear a Stetson!” you say! That’s ok, too!
Understanding control and balance is key, and new guests will start the week with a thoroughly comprehensive Riding & Safety Orientation to prepare for the rides ahead. Even advanced and professional riders say it’s the most thorough they’ve experienced.
There are great riding packages and horse programs
All horseback riding activities are included at all-inclusive horse riding guest ranch in Wyoming.
Packages include new-guest orientation, a horsemanship clinic, daily scenic trail rides, rounding up, team penning, and sorting and playing with cattle using low-stress stockmanship principles.
Working cattle is the epitome of a truly authentic Western riding vacation and you’ll be able to fulfill all your ‘City Slickers’ dreams using the methods of stockmanship experts like Bud Williams.
Why not get a larger group of friends from your barn or yard together and head out on a Wyoming horse riding adventure to The Hideout? If your party is big enough, you can even rent the entire guest ranch for horseback riders and have it all to yourselves!
There are stunning and varied riding riding trails
This is BIG country! At The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, you’ll explore over 650,000 acres of diverse and rarely-seen landscapes and wildlife that will leave you in awe.
Discover red rock canyons, high mountain meadows, rollin’ grasslands, rugged desert terrain, wide-open prairies dotted with juniper trees and hidden canyons; cool creeks, century-old cottonwoods, mountain pastures, alpine meadows, sagebrush, cacti, tall grasses, dense pine forests, crystal-clear mountain lakes, dramatic granite rock formations and more.
Every Big Horn trail ride is a new adventure, 1883-style but without the bandits!
There’s flexible riding for all levels
The Hideout caters to riders of all abilities. Daily rides are designed to match each rider’s skill and confidence level: if you’re an advanced rider, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to explore more technical terrain and ride at faster paces, while beginners, or those out of practice, will love the chance to build their confidence in a truly supportive environment.
Many beginners visit because their partners, family or friends are more advanced, and they see it as the perfect chance to learn. No matter what level you are, I’m certain you’ll love the horseback riding – for more information, read our ultimate guide to horseback riding at The Hideout.
You get riding freedom
The best ranches for horse-lovers know that the more experienced riders will definitely want to go faster. The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch believes in adventurous, authentic riding, therefore there are no rigid nose-to-tail rides here, happy days!
Opportunities to lope are available during intermediate and advanced rides, depending on the terrain, and the wranglers know exactly where the safest areas are to pick up the pace and let loose. So when it’s time to go faster, they’ll guide you to the perfect spot where you and your horse can really enjoy the thrill of the ride! Yeehaw!
Learn Authentic Natural Horsemanship with the experts
If you’re looking for the best guest ranch for Natural Horsemanship, look no further! For those passionate about forming a deeper connection with their horse, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, is an absolute must-visit if you want to learn how to build trust and communication through ‘Authentic Horsemanship ’, their unique approach to Natural Horsemanship.
Rooted in deep respect and understanding of the horse, this method uses gentle pressure-and-release techniques to foster a deep connection between horse and rider. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, enjoy hands-on learning that emphasizes empathy, professionalism and a low-stress environment.
With expert-led clinics, engaging demonstrations and a commitment to continuous learning, The Hideout offers guests a rewarding journey where both horse and rider can grow together.
Why not ask ranch owner, Parelli-trained Marijn to show you how to ‘play at Liberty ’? So beautiful to watch!
You’ll meet the magical Mustangs
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is deeply proud to be a Mustang and Wild Horse Center, blending these icons of the American West into their exceptional Authentic Horsemanship program.
Their growing herd of over 30 Mustangs is trained with low-stress, respectful methods, offering an exciting challenge for intermediate and advanced riders.
From participating in ‘Extreme Mustang Makeovers’, to helping Mustangs find homes in Europe, the amazing people at this Wyoming ranch are passionate about giving these magnificent and much maligned horses a purpose.
Whether riding in Wyoming’s McCullough Peaks or watching curious Mustangs approach during a trail ride, every moment with these wild spirits adds to an already unforgettable adventure.
You get expert guides
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch’s awesome team of passionate, experienced and knowledgeable wranglers awaits, and the team is ready for it all!
Every wrangler is 21 or older, CPR and first aid-certified, well-trained in handling trucks, trailers and horses with precision; and all are accomplished equestrians, most of them skilled in both English and Western disciplines, and natural horsemanship techniques, to boot.
They’re great with people, too! Friendly, hard-working, and deeply committed to ensuring your safety and enjoyment, they go the extra mile to make sure your ranch vacation to The Hideout is nothing short of extraordinary. They’ll even make sure to take candid shots of you on your trail rides!
You’ll get tack room inspo!
Prepare for some serious tack room envy and inspo at The Hideout! This Wyoming dude ranch takes immense pride in maintaining and showing off their immaculate, organized and fully-stocked tack room, and rightly so; it’s no wonder guests often rate it as the highlight of the Sunday ranch tour.
Many guest ranch barns’ tack rooms are off limits, but on this equestrian vacation, you’ll see that every saddle, bridle and piece of tack is high-quality, meticulously maintained and ready for action. Come take a peek – it’s a horse lover’s dream!
You’ll meet other like-minded horsey travelers
Avid horse enthusiasts visiting The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch will be delighted to meet and ‘geek out’ with other horse-loving travelers. Whether you’re a solo female traveler, couple or with a group of friends, you’ll be surrounded by a very diverse group of people who’ll be on the same page as you when it comes to holidaying with horses. Swap stories, share adventures, give and receive riding tips – many who visit The Hideout leave with new lifelong friends.
If you’re ready to embark on a trip to the best horse riding-centered guest ranch in Wyoming, I urge you to book your stay at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch.With their deep passion for all things horse, unparalleled and flexible riding opportunities, exceptional horses and dedication to providing a personalized riding experience, The Hideout truly is a horse-lover’s haven and heaven.
So saddle up and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Not sure if a ranch vacation is for you? Take a sneak peek into a day in the life of a day in the life of a guest at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch – you may be pleasantly surprised to find a ranch vacation to this Wyoming ranch could be the life-changing adventure you need!
For more news and updates straight from the ranch’s mouth, check out Peter’s Hideout blog too.
Written by Kate Hammaren Writing & Editing
