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Destination: Dude Ranch
When making plans to vacation at a ranch or dude ranch we all have wondered, "What should we expect?" Decide how much structure you want and carefully read all literature on the ranches you are looking to stay at. Write your questions down and check out the ranches web sites for additional information. It never hurts to make a phone call either! Rest assured that a bugle will not rouse you at dawn, or the ringing of a breakfast bell, but you will find most ranches will start serving breakfast at an early hour so that you can get on the trail before the heat of the day.  Who has time to eat when there are horses to ride, right? At some ranches, you may be allowed to bring your own horse. Put that on your list of questions so you can ask ahead of time. What fun that would be. Some ranches assign you a horse and give you the freedom to saddle up and ride out as you please. Others require you to join scheduled, guided rides—not a bad idea if you're a greenhorn. Sometimes it's best to take a ridding lesson or two to insure you will have a good time when there, instead of having the frustration that accompanies the feeling of not knowing what to do. All ranches will have special all-day group outings and overnight pack rides. Some will offer combo rides during which you get to fish, study natural history or archaeological sites, practice Native American skills, or explore ghost towns or gold mines. Ohhhh, scary! At the end of an adventurous day, the entertainment is usually low-key—cowboy poetry or a wrangler dude with a guitar. Don't you sometimes wonder who goes on these trips? People just like you! Choose a ranch that is sensibly for you, and you will meet individuals or families who share your interests and would like nothing better than to meet you. Who knows, you may make plans to meet them at the same time, same place—for years to come.
Most ranches include a packing list with the packet of literature you receive when signing up for a get away at their location. But my years in the saddle have taught a few hard-core lessons in regards to clothing choices and personal items that would benefit the most experienced to the rube of all cowboys! Here we go...
Boots: Choose well-made Western boots that are comfortable, with medium heels. Buy them early enough to break them in. This is a must!! There are those special times when we might have a parting of company with our horse, miles from the ranch; you want to be able to walk. Jeans: Buy jeans that are not too tight or too loose, preferably with some stretch. The test: Can you lift your foot higher than your waist? Break them in, too, and wash several times. Trust me on this one! Shirts: Mornings and evenings are cold and the sun sizzles in between. It's a good idea to layer, so as the day progresses, you change with the weather! Hat: Let your personality take fly like the wind in your choice of Western hats, but invest in a cord to keep it on your head. (Or your hat will fly with the wind!) Underwear: Cotton briefs are more comfortable than boxers, for women too. Avoid nylon. Tack shops and catalogs carry lightly padded underwear for endurance riders. It may be the best investment you make. I doubt they have message therapists on site hmmmm Bandanas: Wear one every day. Or, at least carry one with you. You can wet it to wipe dust from your face or cool your neck. Canteen: Bring water. Toiletries: Diaper-rash ointment comes in handy, along with insect repellent, sunscreen and eye drops.
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