First time on a dude ranch vacation? The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch welcomes newbies every year – here are my top tips for first-timers, with my ultimate guide on what to pack, expect and prepare for when heading on a ranch vacation to Wyoming.
Congratulations and yeehaw! You’ve done it – you’ve taken the plunge and booked your first-ever ranch vacation! I can officially say you’ve made one of the best adventure vacation choices possible!
But now it’s time to plan, prepare and pack, and you may be feeling a little daunted about the next step and whether you’ll be taking the right gear – and more.
Have no fear! Working with The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, who are of course experts in horseback riding-centered guest ranch vacations, I’ve put together the ultimate checklist for first-timers venturing into the world of boutique riding ranch experiences.
Whether you’re headed to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch as a beginner rider, or excited to be going to a guest ranch for advanced riders, this list of need-to-knows will have you heading off to your first-ever dude ranch vacation with carefree confidence. So saddle up and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
1. What to pack for a ranch vacation (Hint: Choose function over fashion!)
Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t need to go full cowboy (unless of course you want to don all the tassels!), but you do need the right
You’ll also need to check the dress code for the evening. Some luxury ranches like guests to dress up for cocktail hour and dinner, others, like The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, have a more relaxed atmosphere.
Horse riding vacation essentials:
- Riding boots: Don’t go buying brand-new shiny boots to be worn for the first time on your first trail ride out, this will hurt! Make sure you break them in thoroughly over several rides and around the barn before you go. And riding boots must be closed-toe, with a small heel. No sneakers!
- Riding jeans or pants: Choose comfortable, flexible denim, or riding-specific pants or jodhpurs. Avoid inner leg seams if possible as they can rub.
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts: For sun protection and layering, Wyoming weather can change quickly, so pack for all seasons. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind – and more! Button-downs with a breathable, moisture-wicking top or tee underneath are great.
- Rain gear: As above, pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, just in case.
- Warm top layer: Mornings are cool, afternoons can be warm, so think cozy fleeces that you can remove when it warms up later.
- Gloves: Choose lightweight riding gloves with a special grip that will protect your hands from the reins.
- Helmet: If you have your own, bring it, otherwise ask if the ranch provides. If you do wanna go full cowboy, check you can ride out in a Stetson, however this won’t afford you any protection should you hit the deck.
- Ball cap or wide-brimmed hat: (Your chance to don that Stetson!) For exploring around the ranch or trying other outdoor activities, sun protection is key, especially at high altitude.
- Seat-/saddle-saver: If you’re not used to riding out for long hours, this item could be the difference between a happy or not-so-happy hiney!
- Sunscreen: High altitudes can leave your skin and lips frazzled, so apply before you go outside, even in cloudy weather.
- Reusable water bottle: Some ranches provide these, but bring your own just in case – those long trail rides and high altitudes can dehydrate you fast. The Hideout provides you with a pommel bag which includes two water bottles. You can find your water bottles in your cabin or Casita fridge filled with cold water to go.
- Non-riding clothes: Find out what the ranch’s dinner dress code is and pack accordingly. Also pack for relaxing around the lodge, or heading into town or out on excursions. At a boutique luxury riding ranch vacation like The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, comfort meets rustic elegance, so embrace your inner cowgirl/boy! The Hideout is a ranch with a swimming pool, so be sure to pack your swimmers, too.
- Be sure to check your weight: Many horseback riding destinations like The Hideout have a strict weight limit of around 230lbs when fully dressed. A good riding-focused ranch takes care of their horses and treats them as part of the team, not putting more than 20% of the horse’s weight on the horse to carry over rugged terrains and high altitudes. This weight also includes saddles and tack!
Top tip: If you’re unsure what to pack aside from the list above, contact the ranch directly and they can tell you what they’d recommend, and also what they provide, to save you doubling up.
2. How to get horseback riding fit
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy a ranch vacation, but you’ll enjoy your time at your Wyoming ranch a whole more if you’re not sore after 20 minutes in the saddle.
If you horseback ride regularly, you should be ok – try riding out for longer periods of time as your dude ranch vacation approaches.
If you’re not a seasoned equestrian and don’t have the opportunity to ride horses very often before going away, it’s essential to start getting limber long before you head out. Here are some non-riding exercises you can try:
- Gentle stretches: Flex those key muscles you’ll be using on the trails. Focus on hips, inner and outer thighs, hamstrings and glutes, lower back and shoulders.
- Light cardio: Walking, light jogging, cycling, or swimming build endurance and will help you catch your breath again after those exhilarating lopes across the plains.
- Balance exercises: Yoga, pilates or stability ball workouts can help build core strength (essential to be strong in the saddle!), and improve posture and riding control.
3. Brush up on natural horsemanship basics
At guest ranches focused on natural horsemanship, like The Hideout, you’ll be introduced to a style of riding and groundwork that emphasizes trust, communication, and mutual respect between horse and human. This is not a ‘kick to go, pull to stop’ operation, it’s a whole horsey language that you’ll be glad to know once you’re there!
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch offers guests the chance to ‘Play at Liberty’ with their horses, and it’s well worth having a go and learning from a pro like one of the ranch’s owners, Parelli-trained Marijn De Cabooter.
Top tips for natural horsemanship newbies
- Stay calm and confident: Horses are sensitive souls and will mirror your energy.
- Let your seat guide you: Learn to ride with your body, not just your hands.
- Respect your horse: They are your partner, not a machine – the horses at The Hideout are considered, respected and taken care of, just like all other team members and employees.
4. Ask questions, be open to learning
This may be your first ranch vacation, but every guest has been there once! And even if you’re an experienced equestrian, don’t be afraid to ask your wranglers for help mounting, adjusting stirrups, or understanding cues.
Egos and know-it-alls are not appreciated – very often guest ranches have their own ways and methods designed to keep both horse and rider happy, so go with their flow.
Be honest about your riding experience (or lack thereof) and speak up about what you’re comfortable with – many ranches like The Hideout pride themselves on matching you with the right horses over the week.
The best guest ranches for horseback riders, like The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch, prioritize personal attention and growth. You’ll never be lost in a crowd or pushed too far beyond your comfort zone.
5. Embrace the all-inclusive ranch experience
From gourmet communal meals and fun activities, to top-notch hospitality and housekeeping, all-inclusive horseback riding guest ranches take care of everything so you can focus on your adventure.
Take the opportunity to try new and exciting non-riding activities – for example, The Hideout offers archery, trapshooting, hiking, mountain biking and more. Guests can also take a day off riding, usually mid-week, and team up with other guests to go to Cody for shopping and attend the rodeo, which happens each evening during the summer months.
There’s also the popular Buffalo Bill Museum with five separate museums to explore! See one of the largest firearms collections, Plains Indians, Yellowstone Eco System, Western Art and of course a section on Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Shows.
Why not try shootin’ firearms at The Cody Fire Arms Experience? Offering a selection of 100 different firearms to shoot, it’s guided by very experienced gunmen and even guests who do not like firearms have been very excited about this opportunity.
Don’t fancy doing too much? Then why not take some downtime by the pool with the other guests, or enjoy a book in peace on the beautiful manicured lawns and property at The Hideout. Whatever you wish, take the time to truly immerse into this unique, inclusive travel experience.
Read more on why why a ranch vacation to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch could be the life-changing adventure you need!
6. Disconnect to reconnect
Most boutique guest ranches are tucked away in some of the country’s most scenic, remote areas. That’s part of the magic, so don’t expect top-notch cell service or super-fast WiFi. This is a feature, not a flaw!
A luxury guest ranch vacation like The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch provides five-star hospitality, not five bars of reception – that’s exactly what your soul needs in this fast and busy world, trust me. (But if you really need it to attend urgent matters after your horseback ride, The Hideout has fast Fiberoptic internet).
Top tip: Use this time to disconnect from your devices, reconnect with nature, journal your experiences, and make lifelong memories and friends.
Final thoughts: Saddle up with confidence
Heading to a horseback riding guest ranch for the first time can feel like stepping into the unknown.
But with the right mindset, some thoughtful preparation and a splash of cowboy spirit; whether you’re a solo female traveler, or going with a friend, group or partner, a ranch vacation will be one of the most enriching and empowering trips of your life!
Trot through red-rock canyons, lope across alpine meadows, hold the reins with confidence – a ranch vacation opens up a whole new world.
And who knows? Like for so many, this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip may just become your annual tradition!
Ready to ride and head out on your first ranch vacation? Join like-minded others and book your stay at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch to experience one of the best horse ranch vacations in the American West.
Not sure if a ranch vacation is for you? Take a sneak peek into a day in the life of a guest at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch – it’s where luxury, adventure and horsemanship come together in perfect harmony.
For more news and updates straight from the ranch’s mouth, check out ranch owner Peter’s Hideout blog, too.
Written by Kate Hammaren Writing & Editing
