Greetings from The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch here in beautiful Shell, Wyoming; where life is good, adventurous and full of possibility! We’ve got some news to share with you…
Summer ranch reflections
As our 2025 season moves into fall, we’re reflecting on an incredible year with so many blessings; first and foremost, many, many thanks to our wonderful team!
We have seen a surge in repeat guests, exciting new visitors (including a younger generation discovering the magic of ranch life) and – despite global travel trends – a remarkable increase in international travelers joining us here in Wyoming.
We couldn’t be more grateful for the community that continues to grow around The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
experience, where horsemanship, wide-open spaces and authentic Western hospitality come together as one.
The turning of seasons and ‘shelf life’
It’s September now and fall is in the air, and as autumn colors begin to sweep across the Bighorn Basin, Marijn and I have been reflecting on the natural seasons of life – both in nature and in our own journey. You might say that our Hideout ‘fall’ is in the air, too…
Those of you who, like us, are getting a little older have probably heard of ‘shelf life’ or ‘fall life’.
‘Shelf life’ has always intrigued me, probably because I have seen too many older men believing that at 70 or 80, they are still as capable, as energetic and as creative as when they were at 35 or 45.
I know for sure that is not the case! And Marijn knows this also.
But before I share our news, I want to reflect on how we arrived at this incredible corner of the world in the first place.
How The Hideout changed our lives forever
Marijn and I were both in the mid-summer of our lives, full of energy and drive when we moved from Belgium to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch 21 years ago.
But we first discovered the ranch as young, eager – and some of the very first – guests back when it was founded by my Aunt Paula and her husband David in 1995.
Year after year, we returned, falling in love: not just with the breathtaking Wyoming landscapes, but with the unique spirit of this magical place.
Then, aged 45 (me) and 40 (Marijn), and with all that energy behind us, we made the leap to become the stewards of The Hideout, leaving behind my international corporate career to take the ranch reins, with Marijn joining a year later alongside our sons, Edward and Victor.
Eager to start a new chapter and make it happen, I jumped right in, but Marijn was initially a little hesitant with no interest in hospitality or horses (even scared of horses!).
The daughter of independent entrepreneurs from West Flanders, Marijn had traveled extensively with previous jobs, but settled at The Hideout, she quickly and bravely immersed herself deeply in horses and horsemanship, riding for days and days on the range, while attending clinics, studying and practicing horsemanship.
As guests will know, Marijn means business and eventually took over the barn management, going on to lead The Hideout’s thriving horse program. She’s inspired countless guests through her ever-more popular clinics where she plays with the horses at liberty..
Together, with our previous experience, our incredible team and the infrastructure that was built by Paula and David, Marijn and I have worked hard to elevate The Hideout into what it is today: an upscale Wyoming guest ranch that blends authentic horsemanship with genuine, heartfelt hospitality.
Managing The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
From day one, we’ve believed in proactive management and leadership, and anticipating problems.
That means planning ahead, nurturing a strong and respectful work culture, and caring deeply for our horse and human teams, always striving for their comfort, happiness and welfare.
And over the years, we’ve repositioned The Hideout into an upscale guest ranch primarily focused on horses, riding and horsemanship, where guests are also immersed in authentic Western hospitality.
We care deeply about this place and have invested heavily in maintaining our facilities, continually updating our horse herd and creating an environment where our crew can focus entirely on what matters most: delivering unforgettable experiences to every valued guest who walks through our doors.
This philosophy is what welcomes new, and keeps repeat guests coming back time and time again, and has helped The-now-30-year-old-Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch grow consistently since 2010 (with the exception of 2020!).
And 2026 will be even better than 2025! Not only in numbers, but in experiences and especially the crew we employ, of whom many were here last year and the year before.
Today, we’re proud that our culture, synonymous with our brand name is recognized nationally and internationally as a top guest ranch, with a reputation for excellence in the equestrian travel niche that we’ve lovingly built over the past three decades.
Planning for the future
Part of caring for something you love is knowing when to look ahead and plan for the future. Marijn and I don’t want to make the mistake of keeping going, waiting to plan until we don’t have the energy to plan anymore.
We want to start planning and going until the next chapter of our lives begins, but we realize we’re getting older and realize that we need to plan for us, as well as for the great team of loyal people who work here, knowing the ins and outs of the operation, driving the culture and the business itself.
Yes, Marijn and I still have plenty of passion, drive and energy, but we also know that to secure The Hideout’s long-term success, we need to start thinking now about who will carry this legacy forward when we eventually step back.
We believe in authenticity and transparency – to our guests and team – and that’s why we’ve begun the careful, thoughtful process of finding the next steward for The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch.
Someone with the energy, creativity and vision to take the reins just as we did 21 years ago.
Finding the next Hideout steward
To make this transition seamless, we’re preparing to put The Hideout up for sale while we still have the drive, energy and passion to continue for a couple of years. We want to be actively involved and able to support the next owner should they wish!We remain fully committed to operating, investing in and improving the ranch so that your experience remains exceptional: today, tomorrow and for years to come!
This ensures that when the time comes, we can personally guide the new owner, protect the Hideout culture, and ensure continuity of the experience for our staff and guests’ future success and enjoyment.
But most importantly:
It’s still business as usual here at The Hideout!
We want to reassure our loyal repeat guests and new visitors: The Hideout you know and love isn’t going anywhere. Marijn and I are not going anywhere, our home is at The Trapper Creek Ranch in Shell.
Why this is good news for The Hideout guests
Our incredible team remains in place, and Marijn and I will continue leading daily operations for the foreseeable future.
We will keep investing in and operating the company in the same way as we have been doing, to ensure future success.
Our 2026 season is already booking faster than ever and we’re more excited than ever to share our love of horses, riding and Wyoming’s natural beauty with you!
By starting this transition early, we’re ensuring that The Hideout remains strong, vibrant and true to its core values for decades to come.
Think of it as future-proofing your favorite guest ranch!
So, come ride and hide out with us at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch!
Join us in hiding out from the world, indulging in riding and horsemanship, surrounded by great hospitality.
With the deepest gratitude and excitement for the future,
Marijn & Peter De Cabooter
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Shell, Wyoming
Book your 2026 ranch vacation now!
If you’ve been dreaming of wide-open spaces, challenging rides and a chance to hide out from the world, there’s no better time to book your stay at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch.
Whether you’re a solo female traveler, it’s your first-time on a dude ranch vacation, looking for a ranch for advanced riders, or are a returning friend, come experience the unforgettable horsemanship and hospitality that have made The Hideout a top choice for Wyoming guest ranch vacations worldwide.
Here’s why a ranch vacation to The Hideout could be the life-changing adventure you need!
We can’t wait to welcome you back, or introduce you to the Hideout family for the very first time, contact the ranch today.
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