Cowgirl fashion just got versatile thanks to this beautiful scarf from The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch!

The Wyoming dude ranch's intricately detailed scarf puts a stylish feminine twist on the tradtional western look. We've come up with seven stylish ways to rock The Hideout's scarf, so you can bring cowgirl style to your dude ranch vacation...

Go classic

Whatever you wear with The Hideout’s stylish scarf, you can’t go wrong with a classic center knot. Simply place the scarf around your neck and tie a single or loose double knot. If you prefer a shorter drop, wrap the scarf around your neck once before tying. A simple look but always a classic, perfect with any outfit for any occasion!

Dress it up

Whether you’re going to a country music concert, enjoying a barn dance on your dude ranch vacation or simply dressing up for dinner, the scarf is a great way to add a feminine, stylish western twist to a simple tea dress.

Traditional cowgirl style

Not just for style! The Hideout scarf is practical, too – wear it when you’re at the barn with the horses on your ranch vacation, to keep you warm in the cool summer breeze. Embrace the traditional cowgirl look on horseback and the scarf will protect your neck and chest from the sun’s rays on long cattle drives - and you can snug it up over your face to protect you from dust and sand on windy days in dry, dusty summers. Get the look by folding the scarf once cornerways to make a large triangle, then wrap around your neck several times until you achieve the desired look.

Stylish up-do

Combine practicality and style by braiding the scarf into your hair. Not only will the scarf keep any braid secure if you can’t find your hair tie, you can experiment with endless different looks to create a goregous range of up-dos.

The perfect gift

Watch any little girl’s face light up when you present her with The Hideout scarf as a gift. She won’t be able to put it down and will look super-adorable to boot!

Town meets country

Not just for your dude ranch vacation! Once back home, team with your favorite heels for western twist on city style. All your girlfriends will be asking where you got your beautiful scarf when you wear it on a girls’ night out on the town!

Evening shirt or pool cover-up

Think outside the box! Keep your packing light on a ranch vacation to The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch by turning this multi-tasking scarf into a stylish bandeau shirt, or use as a cover-up for by the pool. Wrap and tie around your torso for a stylish evening look – perfect with skirt or to dress up a simple pair of jeans. And take it with you to the pool, where you can wear it as a useful cover-up over your swimsuit – either as a bandeau kaftan, or a sarong mini.

Get the look

To get your hands on this gorgeous scarf and work any - or all! - of these stylish looks, call Jessy at The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch on 800-354-8637 or visit www.thehideout.com

For more information on The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch, visit Top50Ranches.com

Dude ranch vacations at the Sugar and Spice Ranch in Texas, USA, are perfect for moms and daughters looking to bond through horses. 

Now YOU can snap up a bargain Texas family vacation at Sugar and Spice with the family dude ranch's latest killer deal: just $1,299 for an all-inclusive week's vacation for a mother and daughter set. Normally $2,099, that's a credit crunch-busting $800 saving! 

Things you can do with your $800 saving:

- Buy some snazzy cowgirl boots
- Book a flight to the Calgary Stampede
- Save toward another dude ranch vacation at Sugar and Spice!

Ready to save $800? Call 1-830-460-8487 to snap up this all-inclusive package. Limited availability, BOOK NOW

For more information on dude ranch vacations at Sugar and Spice, visit Top50Ranches.com

Family dude ranch vacations could provide the solution to the problem faced by almost every parent: getting the kids away from the X-Box! Whether your child is glued to their games console, computer, television screen or cell phone, family dude ranch vacations can tear even the most gadget-savvy child out of the digital age and enlighten them to the simpler ways to enjoy life.

Top50 Ranches has come up with 10 wonderful ways to de-gadget your kids on a family dude ranch vacation – try these simple strategies for size…

1. Get ‘em in the saddle at Red Horse Mountain Ranch and you’ll have a hard time trying to get them back off the horse! The Idaho family dude ranch’s children’s program includes horseback riding for children as young as three years, allowing kids to go horseback riding on the trail with the rest of the family.

2. Let them jump in at the deep end – literally! – at Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, whose all-inclusive Montana family vacations include lake water sports among a whole host of other ranch activities. In fact, at Flathead Lake Lodge the kids can enjoy the most diverse range of all-inclusive activities offered by any USA ranch – think horseback riding, sailing, personalized fly-fishing, water sports, horseback riding, rodeo, tepee campouts, family barn dances and so much more.

3. Send them mountain biking at Majestic Dude Ranch, which boasts an impressive fleet of brand new, state-of-the-art bikes for every age and size. With pro-cyclist Nick as their guide, the kids will be awestruck at the exciting cycle trails to tackle in Colorado’s beautiful Mesa Verde National Forest, some of which have been named in the top 10 mountain biking trails in the USA.

4. Make ‘em cowboys! At Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, kids get to try out real rodeo games in the arena during the week, then put their new cowboy skills to the test in the weekly take-part family rodeo. The only thing they’ll want to watch on TV after this is ‘Eight Seconds’!

5. Set your teens loose in Yellowstone on Lone Mountain Guest Ranch’s “Teens Only” tour of the national park, on a backpacking trip into the Spanish Peaks. Not only will they not be able to get cell phone service in the mountains, they’ll probably forget why they ever bothered with texting in the first place.

6. Get bonding with your daughter at the Sugar and Spice Ranch in Texas, USA. The moms-and-daughters dude ranch encourages bonding through fun horseback games, rodeo and horse care activities. If your little girl loves horses, she’ll love this Texas family vacation – and so will you!

7. Forget heading to town for 10-pin bowling – Montana's The Ranch at Rock Creek’s Silver Dollar Saloon entertainment area comes fully equipped with a four-lane bowling alley, complete with computerized scoring, a selection of balls and bowling shoes in assorted sizes. Strike!

8. Swimming with dolphins? So last year. This year’s family ranch vacation is all about swimming with horses. That’s right, head to Sweet Grass Ranch for a Montana family vacation where the kids – and you! – can enjoy swimming your horse bareback in the creek.

9. Roll them down a hill. Yes, really! It’s all about “zorbing” these days, so take a Montana family vacation at The Resort at Paws Up, which offers exactly that. What could be a better way to get your thrill-seeker kids outdoors than to ask them to strap themselves inside a giant bouncy ball and launch themselves down a hill? (See above.) Don’t worry, it’s all fully supervised and totally safe!

10. Get ‘em chasing cows on cattle drives at Bonanza Creek Ranch. Your Montana family vacation will see them doing the job of wranglers, with guests of all ages, if able to control their horse independently, encouraged to play an active role in the working ranch’s style cattle drives. Prepare to unleash their inner Billy the Kid!

For more information on family dude ranch vacations, visit Top50Ranches.com

Dude ranch vacations up to 25% off, kids go half price and FREE fly-fishing rods - all this and more with Top50 Ranches’ June specials!

Get an extra 10% off at family dude ranch Vista Verde - the ultimate Colorado family vacation

June is the ideal time to take an invigorating and relaxing spring dude ranch vacation, to recharge your batteries in time for an action-packed summer. And with special offers from Top50’s USA dude ranches making for bargain ranch vacations, now you really can afford your dream dude ranch vacation!

Extra 10% off! Vista Verde Ranch, Colorado
Save an extra 10% when you take a dude ranch vacation at this all-inclusive Colorado guest ranch in week June 3-10, 2012. Experience fine food, diverse activities, luxurious accommodations and personal service, all in a spectacular mountain setting. With Vista Verde’s award-winning horseback riding program and a huge range of activities on offer, this is a bargain not to be missed!

Kids go FREE! Elk Mountain Ranch, Colorado
Take an all-inclusive Colorado family vacation at Elk Mountain Ranch in the week of June 10, 2012, and the youngest child goes FREE with two full-paying adults! Get set for a week the whole family will enjoy at this family dude ranch, with comfortable cabins, home-cooked food and the best activities Colorado has to offer. Whether it’s horseback riding through unspoiled wilderness, thrilling white-water rafting, archery, fishing, mountain biking, or square-dancing the night away, prepare to have a blast on your Colorado family vacation at Elk Mountain – at an unbeatable price.

Save 25%! Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge, Montana
June 17-24 is family week at Flathead Lake Lodge, and now with a massive 25% off you’ll get even more for your money on your Montana family vacation. Join renowned guitarists Jody Fisher, Doug Smith and Andrew Leonard for private performances during this all-inclusive week at the Lodge, which includes amenities, accommodations and meals at a bargain rate. This is one Montana family vacation you can’t afford to miss!

Save 25%! Lazy L&B Ranch, Wyoming
To celebrate springtime in the Rockies, Lazy L&B Ranch is slashing a massive 25% off dude ranch vacations in the first two weeks of June, and 15% off dude ranch vacations in the third week of June. With wildflowers blooming and the high country peaks still snow-capped, this is the perfect time to take a Wyoming family vacation at an unbeatable price. Saddle up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience over 80,000 acres of beautiful ranch country, spotting the likes of elk, moose, antelope and wild horses running free on the mesa, along the way.

10% off, plus FREE Orvis fly-fishing rod! Lone Mountain Guest Ranch, Montana
Cast off on a Fly-Fishing Package at Lone Mountain Ranch this June and not only will you receive an extra 10% off, but the Montana dude ranch will throw in a Orvis fly-fishing rod complete with 25-year guarantee – absolutely FREE! Choose the four-night Fly Fishing Package and receive an Orvis Access rod worth $375 value, or opt for a longer, seven-night stay and pick up an Orvis Helios rod worth $795. Voted Orvis Lodge of the Year, Lone Mountain Ranch is the ultimate place to put your brand new rod into practice on a dude ranch vacation.

For full details and to book any of Top50’s June specials, visit Top50Ranches.com

Dude ranch vacation packing can be a nightmare! Unsure of what – and what not – to throw in your suitcase when packing for your horseback riding holiday? Whether you’ve signed up for an overnight pack trip, a backcountry riding adventure, a luxury ranch-and-spa break or anything in between, we've got your packing predicaments covered…

Because you can’t take the entire contents of your wardrobe, here are the main things to consider when packing for your dude ranch vacation…

Footwear
Go for low-heeled boots or suitable cowboy boots, if you have them. If you opt for the latter, bear in mind these could get scruffy on a working ranch vacation or if you travel in rainy season, so leave them at home if you don’t want them to get dirty. Backcountry riding? Lynn Minty from Beaumont High Country Experience in New Zealand advises: “Normal riding boots without a tread are not suitable for walking on hills and tussock grasslands – go for leather tramping boots with a small heel or comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.” Don’t forget non-riding footwear too – sneakers and/or a pair of flip flops always come in handy, and pack ‘dress’ shoes if your chosen ranch has formal dining.

Riding clothes
Jeans will become your new best friend on your ranch vaca! Pack a couple of pairs for riding – those without an inside leg-seam offer best comfort. For beginner riders or those not used to spending long hours in the saddle, padded underwear, like those designed for cycling, are often a wise option! For hot climates go for vest tops and light, long-sleeve shirts to protect you from the sun. For cooler climates or if it’s likely to rain, be sure to pack plenty of layers, long-sleeve tops, a scarf and a warm coat. Many ranches supply rain slickers, but check with them before you go.

Hat
Most ranches recommend wearing a hard hat and some even provide them, but if you have your own then take it, to ensure the best fit. Otherwise a brimmed hat or baseball cap will protect your head and face from the sun. If you do go for a cowboy hat, make sure it fits – it’s not a good look to have your hat fly off your head every time you move into a lope, and fellow guests won’t be too impressed at having to stop every five minutes while you retrieve it from a bush!

Gloves
Essential if you’re spending lots of time riding, especially on cattle drives on working ranch vacations – choose the strong leather, or leather-reinforced type.

Personal items
Aside from the usual toiletries, be sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent. To save space, you could even buy the essentials once you reach your destination. Some ranches even provide shower items so check before you go.

Camera
Don’t forget it! But if you plan to bring a bulky professional camera, remember the large size isn’t ideal for carrying on horseback. Pack a smaller model as well that’ll fit in your pocket or saddlebag for those all-important horseback shots. A wrist loop and/or camera case will ensure you don’t lose it on your way, and remember to pack extra memory cards – you’ll take more snaps than you think!

BYO
Some ranches have a ‘bring your own’ policy on alcohol, so check beforehand so you know whether to stock up on wine, beers etc – airport duty free shopping is the ideal place to grab a bargain bottle!

Appliances
Ask your ranch if they provide hairdryers etc, and leave the flat irons at home – the last thing you’ll be worrying about on your ranch vaca is your hair! Socket adaptors if necessary, cell phone charger and camera charger is all you’ll need.

Waterproofs
Unless you’re guaranteed hot sunny weather on your ranch vacation, you need to be prepared to face the elements – and that means waterproofs! Says Lynn: “We provide our guests with half chaps and long, oilskin riding coats, however if these are not available we suggest they are obtained, as they prove very valuable. Half chaps not only prevent rubbing, but, along with the raincoats, also help riders stay dry.”

Pack tripping?
Says Jim Yost of Latigo Ranch in Colorado, which offers overnight pack trips: “We provide guests with canteens and rain slickers, but suggest they pack lots of layers and changes of socks, plastic bags to keep personal items in their saddle bags dry, a stocking cap – and long underwear! For pack trips we emphasize "small" and "light". Your horse will be carrying everything in saddle bags while climbing up a long, steep mountain paths – a demanding trip, so be considerate.

Stay hydrated
All-day rides can take their toll, especially in hot weather, so carrying plenty of water to keep you well hydrated is essential. A canteen will hold enough to last you a day and keep the water cool – go for the round, flat-sided styles, which lie well against the saddle and won’t flap around.

Top50’s top tips!

• Save packing space and dollars, by stocking up on riding attire such as boots and a hat while you’re on vacation. Not only will you likely glean fashion inspiration from wranglers or other guests, local western clothing stores in cowboy country often offer a much better selection and prices than you’ll find on the internet.
• Try to leave about ¼ space free in your suitcase, as you’ll most likely you’ll want to stock up on souvenirs and gear while you’re there.
• Learn exactly what NOT to wear on your dude ranch vacation!

Thanks to Lynn Minty of Beaumont High Country Experience, New Zealand, and Jim Yost of Latigo Ranch, Colorado.

Find the best ranch vacations in the world at Top50Ranches.com

Horseback riding holidays at Snowy River Horseback Adventure in New South Wales, Australia, are so much more than a horse trekking experience. The ranch, which specializes in leading small groups on two- to five-day horse treks across ‘The Man from Snowy River’ countryside, is a historical property where guests can learn about the Old Ingebirah Homestead during their horseback riding holidays.

Ride through incredible 'Man From Snowy River' country on your Australia horseback riding holiday

What is the Old Ingebirah?
The Ingebirah Valley was settled in around the mid 1800s, when both sheep and cattle were run on the land from an early date before being shipped for sale at Barry Way in Victoria, a sale which still operates today.

The Old Ingebirah homestead itself was one of the very first lots settled by the Golby family - and was home the Ingebirah Post Office for many years! Cattle on the land was pushed up into a high country lease for the summer months to rest the paddocks at home, before being mustered and brought home in time for winter. Today, the Old Ingebirah still operates as a working cattle ranch and runs Angus cattle over 800 acres of land.

Horseback riding holidays at the Old Ingebirah homestead offer wonderful views, with the land backing onto the wonderful Snowy Mountains – home to some of Australia’s most varied and beautiful mountain riding country.

With parts of the property remaining unfenced, expect to see visiting brumbies (wild horses) on your horse riding holiday at Snowy River, as well as the likes of kangaroo, emu, wombats, echidna and beautiful parrots and other birds. With such a variety of wildlife calling the property home, horseback riding holidays at Snowy River offer unbeatable photographic opportunities! (Note - bring some spare memory cards for your camera!)

Snowy River: the future
The ranch has evolved a great deal since its original homesteading more than 150 years ago, and is still evolving today in an effort to further enhance its horseback riding holidays. Drawing on its roots as a working cattle ranch, Snowy River will soon be offering cattle working and campdrafting clinics as part of its horse riding holidays. Australia’s fastest growing horse sport, campdrafting tests the ability of horse and rider to work cattle, making horse riding holidays at Snowy River so much more than your average horse trekking vacation.

For more information on horseback riding holidays at Snowy River Horseback Adventure, visit Top50Ranches.com

Cattle drives offer a real treat for anyone looking for an authentic taste of western cowboy culture. And where better to experience the excitement of cattle drives than at Montana guest ranch Bonanza Creek, an adult-oriented working cattle ranch that is steeped in history. And it is this history which helps makes cattle drives at Bonanza Creek so special and authentic.

YOU round up the cattle at Bonanza Creek

The Montana ranch has been in the Voldseth family for five generations, but it was first homesteaded by buffalo hunters who were trailing sheep from Idaho and narrowly missed the Indian massacres. The Montana guest ranch first came to the Voldseth family in 1877 when Martin Grande emigrated from Norway to the United States and settled in Montana. Take a cattle drive vacation at the Montana guest ranch and you can even ride out to an isolated old homestead that the modern world still hasn’t reached, where you’ll experience a real sense of what living in the diverse Montana country more than 100 years ago was really like.

Now owned by June and David Voldseth, Bonanza Creek land spans both the beautiful Castle Mountains and the legendary Crazy Mountains, making for a wide range of terrain and vistas on which to ride and, more importantly, embark on exciting cattle drives. Cattle drives and trail rides at the Montana guest ranch take guests through diverse, dramatic, and expansive landscapes – from large valleys and open country, to steep peaks and to rushing rivers, to heavily timbered mountain sides.

But what makes cattle drives at Bonanza Creek particularly special is that YOU, the guest, move the herds of cattle, not the ranch crew! Instead of simply being an onlooker, you’ll actually play an important role in the cattle drives and experience real working ranch life as it has been for hundreds of years.

To hone your cattle skills before riding out on real cattle drives, enjoy team penning in the arena. Not only a fun horseback sport, team penning evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring, or transport – meaning you’ll be learning essential cowboy skills. Once you’re a cinch at reading cattle, you’ll be able to put your new-found skills into practice on the ranch’s cattle drives.

When you’re not embarking on authentic cattle drives at the ranch, why not take a relaxing early morning breakfast ride though the picturesque woods beside the bubbling Bonanza creek? On arrival at a stream-side campfire, tuck into a hearty breakfast that the ranch’s cook and his team will have waiting for you, before climbing aboard your mount once more to finish the wonderful morning ride.

And when all those cattle drives have gotten you saddle sore, rest those aching muscles with a soothing soak in Bonanza Creek’s rustic hot tub where hot mineral water flows up from the ground. If you can’t wait to get back home from a ride or cattle drive to take to the water, advanced riders can cool of in the natural waters of the lake and swim with their horse on a hot day.

If you’re looking for authentic cattle drives, riding through diverse and dramatic Montana cowboy country, and to experience the real history of a working cattle ranch, Bonanza Creek ticks all the boxes.

For more information on cattle drives and working ranch vacations at Bonanza Creek, visit Top50Ranches.com

Horseback riding holidays at Beaumont High Country Experience in Southland, New Zealand, offer more than just a unique sheep mustering experience on the 20,000-acre sheep and cattle station. Head to the 160-year-old New Zealand ranch and you’ll discover Flecks Hut, a small, unassuming building with a big history.

Guests ride out to Flecks Hut

Back when the hut was inhabited by the Fleck family more than 130 years ago, horseback riding holidays were non-existent at Beaumont. Before the Flecks even came to the live at the ranch in the 1870s, Beaumont was farmed as early as 1850, making it one of the first runs to be taken up in Southland. At that time it was managed by Captain William Stevens, an ex-whaling man who officially took over Beaumont Station in 1857 after it was purchased by the government following growing concern over ‘squatter’ farming on Southland. Stevens purchased two properties, Beaumont and Fairlight, in partnership with his half brother, Captain Howell. When the partnership dissolved after a couple of year, Stevens took full ownership of Beaumont, leaving Fairlight to his half brother. Captain Stevens is synonymous with much of the early history of nearby township Riverton, the first settlement in Southland, his sisters being the first white women to land in that part of New Zealand.

And so it was several decades later in the late 1870s when the Fleck family came to live at Beaumont. John and Mary Fleck had emigrated from Ireland in 1862, and for many years John worked as a shepherd on the adjacent Dunrobin Station. It was only when he was offered work at Beaumont as a boundary rider, riding the outskirts of the property to collect wandering stock on unfenced land, that John and his family came to live at Beaumont, in a small hut that took the Fleck name.

Flecks hut itself is a small, single-room abode still boasting most of its original features, including the door and table which have been inscribed with many signatures over time – some dating back as far as 100 years. Still clad with the original corrugated iron, the hut was imported all the way from England – a very long ocean journey in those days.

During their time at Flecks Hut, Mary gave birth to two daughters who sadly died in infantry, and a cairn still today marks their grave where they were buried on a rocky outcrop a short distance from the hut. On leaving Beaumont, John purchased 150 acres close to nearby township Riverton, where his family still own land today.

Offering horseback riding holidays at Beaumont today is the Minty family, whose farming history in Southland dates back three generations. The Mintys purchased the homestead block of Beaumont in 1982 before acquiring the Ardross lease in 1993, bringing the station to its present size of 20,000 acres. On its horse riding holidays, the Minty family enlightens guests about much of the ranch’s history, and takes trails rides out to Flecks Hut itself where guests can see the historical property in much of its original state.

The Minty family has not only opened its doors to guests for horseback riding holidays, but continue to operate a working cattle and sheep station, making Beaumont High Country Experience exactly that – a working ranch experience, not just a horseback riding holiday. Travel to the New Zealand ranch and you’ll discover on horseback the amazing, natural landscape on a true high country farming adventure. Whether it’s joining the mustering team to help with the gathering of sheep and cattle in the high country, or enjoying off-road backcountry horseback riding over diverse, hilly terrain, your horseback riding holiday at Beaumont will be part of the ranch’s new history.

For more information on horseback riding holidays at Beaumont High Country Experience, visit Top50Ranches.com

Three Bars Ranch is offering two great value packages in May and June, for bargain dude ranch vacations! The Canada family ranch is slashing a massive 43% off ranch vacations in May, and 21% off dude ranch vacations in June. For a luxury dude ranch vacation with an authentic touch, head to this Canada family ranch on May 27th or June 24th, and you'll save a packet...

Save 43%! Was $1,770, now $999*
6 Night packages for May 27th now available for $999 per riding adult. Packages include all meals, upscale log cabin accommodations, unlimited horseback riding and all ranch amenities.

Save 21%! Was $1,770, now $1,399
6 Night packages for June 24th now available for $1399* per riding adult. Packages include all meals, upscale log cabin accommodations, unlimited horseback riding and all ranch amenities.

Space is limited - contact the ranch for details.

*Rates exclude tax.

Remember to mention Top50 Ranches when you book! For more information on family ranch vacations at Three Bars Ranch, view their ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com

More Canada ranch vacations

Colorado guest ranch Majestic Dude Ranch is no ordinary ranching operation. When LA movie theater owner Robert Bucksbaum recently aquired what was previously Mancos Lake Ranch and renamed it Majestic Dude Ranch, he knew it would be a challenge. So how has Robert fared in the dude ranch vacation industry? We spoke to the Colorado dude ranch owner on his journey from city slicker to guest rancher...

Robert - from Majestic Crest Theater to Majestic Dude Ranch!

So Robert, what made you decide to buy the ranch in the first place?

I plead temporary insanity, your honor… You have to be a little crazy to even consider buying a dude ranch these days! I’m actually working my way up from the bottom of the toughest industries - single screen movie theatres to dude ranches. My next business venture will probably involve a popsicle stand in Antarctica! Seriously, I was looking for an excuse to have the most fun one can possibly have and still call it work…

So far, what has been the biggest challenge of running a dude ranch?

I never had a clue about how difficult it would be to run a dude ranch. My first plan was to buy as many fun toys as possible - kayaks, high-end mountain bikes, fly-fishing rods, trucks, horses, a baseball field, etc - and just plan on having a blast with all the guests. Only I didn’t consider the amount of behind-the-scenes work it takes to enjoy all the things Majestic Dude Ranch has to offer. I remember going to my first dude ranch convention (more fun than you can imagine!), surrounded by second- and third-generation ranchers with tons of experience. They were having a Q&A and I was the first to raise my hand and asked the group, “How do you operate a dude ranch?” After about 10 minutes of laughter, I said I was serious but no one really believed me. I thought there would be a “How to Operate a Dude Ranch for Dummies” guidebook, but all I could find was this old '50s book called “Westward Ho”. It was based on a true story of a New York couple who left high society to operate a dude ranch in New Mexico. It was a terrific book but it scared me to death, describing all the problems that would occur in your first year of operation. Funny enough, just about everything in that book came to fruition in my first year – I guess nothing much has changed since the '50s!

How does life at Majestic Dude Ranch differ to life in LA, and what have been the biggest lifestyle adaptations you've had to make?

I can’t possibly imagine a bigger extreme going from LA to Colorado. LA is super fast-paced, crowded and everyone seems to be on a mission to go somewhere all the time. CO is laid back, wide open and people are so genuinely nice. I can honestly say there is no better place to live than southwest Colorado in the summertime – pristine air, crystal clean water, no traffic, terrific people, breathtaking scenery… LA has its good points as well, with so much to do and terrific weather in the winter, so I feel very lucky and fortunate to experience both worlds. When I first got to the ranch last year in January, there was about five feet of snow on the ground. It doesn’t snow much in LA, so my kids were running around the ranch in super-thin white socks - after about an hour they were reeling in pain from near frostbite! We had a few pipes freeze and burst because the water wasn’t properly shut down. So I had to think of some creative ways for my kids to be able to shower, use the bathroom and thaw out their feet and hands. If you ever need to melt snow in a hurry – I’m the guy to ask.

How has your experience of being a movie theater owner helped you in taking on a dude ranch?

I think my experience serving in the Army as a paratrooper helped the most, since I gained a tremendous amount of confidence and experience from training and "roughing it" in several different environments. Operating single-screen movie theatres involves putting out small fires and dealing with hundreds of customers at a time – so pretty similar to operating a ranch. I learned that it’s basically impossible to please everyone in a movie theatre business – you’re always going to encounter someone who had a bad day and will take it out on the staff. I remember one time I had a sold-out show with 450 customers. One of the rollers on our platter holding the film broke so I basically had to hold the film in place by hand for a 3-hour movie. Every hour or so, my arms would get tired and the film would skip a beat. Even though 99% of the audience had no idea what went on behind the scenes, I ended up giving everyone free popcorn and a free pass to come back another time. But I still had several customers that vehemently complained and acted as if I’d ruined their entire lives. Dealing with customers at the ranch is a pleasure, since most Majestic guests are so grateful and are even willing to give you a hand just to gain the experience of ranch life. It’s really an amazing transformation that take place each week when the guests arrive. At first, they are all amped up and stressed out from their daily life and workload. As soon as they see the ranch and experience some of the unique activities we offer, they quickly shed their anxieties, relax and have the time of their life.

Are there any similarities between the two lifestyles - how have they merged?

Well, I had no problem setting up an outdoor movie theatre at the ranch with fresh popcorn! It’s really special for guests to be able to experience an outdoor movie under more stars than they’ve probably seen in a lifetime and not have to worry about cold weather or mosquitoes. It’s quickly become one of our most popular nighttime activities and has really helped bring my two worlds together.

What do your family think of ranch life?

I'm recently divorced and the ranch has helped in my relationship with my ex-wife – specifically in the way we raise and interact with our children. I have three kids - identical 13-year-old twin boys and a seven-year-old girl. I can’t think of a better atmosphere to raise kids and it’s a terrific balance they share between life in LA and life on the ranch. My boys love baseball - so of course I had to be the only dude ranch in the world with its own baseball field and batting cage! My daughter loves horses and dancing, so line dancing is a big part of our nightly activities. I’ve met many adults and kids that grew up on ranches and they seem to be the most well-adjusted people on earth, so I think this experience can only bring my kids and I closer together.

What are hopes for Majestic Dude Ranch - where do you see it in five years' time?

Just about every dude ranch owner I spoke to gave me the same advice: “You’re probably going to want to spend a ton of money on the ranch first year – don’t! I guess I’m not very good at taking advice – I spent almost as much in upgrades in the first year than I did on the original purchase of the ranch. Every year I plan on making significant improvements so I can keep guests returning and hopefully get the word out that the Majestic is one place that creates special memories that last a lifetime. I’d love to be one of those ranches that don’t worry about marketing and just welcome back the same guests year after year.

Happy guests at Majestic

What's the best thing about life as a dude ranch owner?

By far, the best thing about dude ranch life is the guests you meet and the fact you’re establishing lifelong friends. Despite all the hard work, the lifestyle is extremely worthwhile – especially after seeing the true joy on guests’ faces after experiencing some of the unique activities we offer at the ranch. And that makes it pretty tough to say goodbye each week. But thanks to social media, we’re all able to remain pretty close during the off season.

And how are your cowboy skills coming along?!

I’ve become an expert at mucking stalls – it’s all in the wrist! Most of my experience is trial by error. I remember being awoken by a guest at 3:00 in the morning one night: “Excuse me Robert, but are the horses supposed to be outside?” Someone had left one of our gates open so I was walking around in complete darkness catching horses on the baseball field, playing volleyball, destroying our archery course, eating hundreds of bales of hay… It took me and my boys and their friends three days to pick up all the poop – we found some in the most interesting places. I’ve also developed a special bond with our horses, so I can help calm people's nerves when they are too timid to ride. It’s so important to match the horse with the right guest and vice versa – most of the time we get it right. Some guests even referred to me as a horse whisperer, which makes me really happy! Not bad for a one-time city slicker…

And finally...Describe a typical day on the ranch

I love spending time with the guests so in guest season I’m usually serving as an assistant mountain bike guide, riding horseback or taking guests to a special fly-fishing spot. Since activities start at breakfast and last until well past sunset, I spend the early morning hours preparing for the day, and the nighttime hours on marketing. Basically, I’m looking at 18-hour days during season. In the off season, I spend around ten hours a day marketing. And I wouldn’t have it any other way – it’s what I love to do.

For more information on dude ranch vacations at Majestic Dude Ranch, view their ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com