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

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

The Hideout Ranch in Wyoming, USA, inspired one of its guests for fictional novel "West of Sheridan". The ranch's good friend and guest, Mr Dean Ross, penned and published the fictional novel about two men traveling through northern Wyoming after a solar event destroys the nation’s population and access to modern technology. The men subsequently find themselves in the modern day/future version of the “Old Wild West”.

"West of Sheridan" is described as "fast-paced, adventurous and captivating, while embodying humor, romance and inspiration. Above all, it is a literary illustration of character and moral fiber; a compelling look inside the heads of two very distinctive, contradictory men and what drives them.”

The Hideout Ranch is particularly excited that the story takes place in their neck of the woods, with familiar landscapes, towns and geography. Ross reveals that gained much of his inspiration for the setting of "West of Sheridan" from his time spent on dude ranch vacations at The Hideout Ranch as a repeat guest.

Says Jessy McLavey from The Hideout: "Mr Ross was kind enough to send us a few boxes with signed copies of the novel to stock in our gift shop. The handwritten inscription in each title page reads: 'The Hideout is where this adventure started for me. Hope your adventure is the same.' We’re so glad we could help his creative flow from our little corner of Shell, Wyoming!"

There is even a special 'thank you' from Mr Ross to The Hideout in the afterword of "West of Sheridan":

'I’d like to say a special word of thanks to David and Paula Flitner, owners of the Flitner Ranch and The Hideout, and Peter and Marijn De Cabooter, managers and hosts of The Hideout Ranch in Shell, Wyoming. I have stayed there several times, and it is never easy to leave. It was on an impromptu trip to The Hideout many years ago when I was introduced to the culture and people of Wyoming, and have found myself drawn back ever since. The accommodations are luxurious and comfortable, the food is incredible, but it is the people – their honesty, integrity, and spirit – that make this resort such a wonderful place to stay. You will arrive as a guest, but you will leave as a friend. The Hideout location is used in this story with permission.'

Adds Jessy: "The Hideout crew is so thrilled to be mentioned with such high regard, and we’re all excited to crack open a copy of West of Sheridan and dive into the story!"

Want to read the novel? You can buy it from Amazon here.

For more information on dude ranch vacations at The Hideout Ranch, visit Top50Ranches.com

Running a guest ranch is about much more than playing host and offering excellent hospitality. Providing dude ranch vacations brings with it a whole set of challenges as well as constant change, to which luxury dude ranch resorts and working ranches alike much adapt to in order to keep their ranching businesses – and their livelihoods – alive.

Ranching and the recession
One of the biggest challenges even the best guest ranches have had to adapt to, just like the rest of the western world, is the recent economic downturn. Tracey O’Connell, owner of Canada guest ranch Tod Mountain, found herself in a particularly unfavorable position just as the recession hit. Having purchased the ranch just a few months prior, Tracey was forced to quickly adapt her plans to allow for the sudden economic instability. “Construction started on Tod Mountain Ranch just a few months before the recession hit – not a great time to start a business!” she recalls. “So from day one the business plan had to be redeveloped.” Along with financial implications, the recession has also significantly changed the demographic of Tod Mountain’s guests.

Tracey was forced to adapt Tod Mountain's marketing strategy when the recession hit

“In our first year of operation, the majority of our guests came from Europe, but over the past few years we’ve welcomed far more guests from within Canada – a significant proportion of them from our own province of British Columbia,” explains Tracey, who was forced to adapt Tod Mountain Ranch’s marketing strategy and budget accordingly. “Only for the 2012 season does the number of European travellers seem to be increasing – we are certainly looking forward to welcoming them back.”

Another Canada guest ranch which had to totally re-think its marketing strategy is Three Bars Ranch. Says the BC guest ranch’s owner Tyler Beckley: “Up until recently, we never considered the local market as a significant part of our business, but in the last few years people are traveling much closer to home, something which has made us totally re-think our marketing strategy.” Another challenge Tyler and the Three Bars team faced was a shift in the booking cycle, with guests who would normally book dude ranch vacations six or seven month in advance, instead signing on the dotted line as close to two or three weeks prior to their ranch vacation. “This has made planning and staffing very difficult,” admits Tyler.

Dean and Karen May of North Fork Ranch in Colorado, USA, also had to adapt their staffing principles in the face of the recession. “We have had to hire fewer staff, but rotate their schedules to keep them under 40 hours per week – while still ensuring guests get a full staff interaction,” explains Dean. And instead of discounting their ranch vacations, Dean and Karen have instead chosen to give guests more their money, adding value with extra activities included in the price. “We have added zip line, a jeep tour and mountain biking – all contracted through local companies, which helps all of us.”

North Fork Ranch offers guests more for their dollar

Further north in Wyoming at the Lazy L&B Ranch, Lee Naylon has faced similar challenges. “Over the last few years, those guests finding the money for a dude ranch vacation have tended to choose the same three weeks in summer. This focused demand means that we have to turn some guests away for those three weeks, while finding ourselves unable to fill other weeks in the season.” Lee has found the personal touch helpful in securing bookings, and regularly visits with potential guests to learn what could persuade them to take a dude ranch vacation at Lazy L&B. “It is wonderful to speak to potential guests and find out what it is they want,” says Lee. “One thing appears to be shorter ranch vacations, often just for a few days.” This has meant having to adjust staffing, meals, and horseback riding schedules, something Lee and her family are still brainstorming on how best to manage. “We have definitely had to change our mind set as to how to accommodate shorter stays, but we understand the way things are for guests, too, so we do as much as we can to accommodate their needs.”

Robert Bucksbaum agrees. “It’s tough out there these days,” admits the LA movie theater owner, who is relatively new to the ranching world, having acquired Majestic Dude Ranch in Colorado just one year ago. “It can be hard to convince someone to spend a significant chunk of change on a vacation. We appreciate that guests are spending their hard-earned money, especially in today’s tough economy, so we strive to make sure they get their money’s worth in return. I find that offering all-inclusive packages allows guests to forget about being 'nickel and dimed' with added costs for food, activities or tours for the week – they can just relax and have the time of their life.”

Remote access
While the remote location of some guest ranches is a big attraction for many travelers looking to escape from the city or the hustle and bustle of everyday life, for the ranches themselves such a secluded environment can bring with it a real set of challenges. Says Lee: “We understand it can be hard for guests, especially families, to travel a long way to reach our ranch. To help fund the expense of travel we offer lower-priced ranch vacations – this not only makes getting to Lazy L&B that bit more affordable, but our ranch vacation packages just as attractive as more conveniently located ranches.”

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort's remote location poses logistical challenges

For Canada guest ranch Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, its remote location on the west coast of Vancouver island poses very real logistical challenges. “The remoteness of the lodge always brings a good twist to the conversation,” says Kathy MacRae, social media and marketing manager at the tented safari camp, whose guest’s kick-start their wilderness adventure with a jaw-dropping float plane ride from Vancouver straight to the ranch’s dock. What might be a novelty for guests is a real logistical challenge for Clayoquot, however, which had to find a practical yet cost-effective way of shipping supplies. “We boat all supplies in and out all year long, from food orders to construction equipment,” explains Kathy. “Out of season, the small crew that stays behind to maintain the resort and feed the 30-plus horses relies on boats to get them in and out of the lodge.” That means a 40-minute boat ride from Tofino, which can sometimes take much longer “– or at least it can feel much longer, what with our wild west coast weather that we get from October to March!” laughs Kathy. While daily items like food are brought in by the nine boats used for the guest ranch’s water activities, shipping in heavy materials requires a much larger boat – an 80-foot landing craft tank carrier, to be exact. Says Kathy: “It’s a real ‘Saving Private Ryan’-style US navy boat!”

For Tyler, the rural location of Three Bars Ranch poses a very different challenge: the divide between the urban and rural population. “Some people just don’t know anything about nature or agriculture,” he explains. “They might have every new gadget and are constantly connected via social media, but they don’t know how to have our kind of fun.” With this type of market proving notoriously difficult for guest ranches to reach, Tyler took the controversial decision to provide satellite TV, Wi-Fi and cell phone reception on-site. “But if I and my staff do our job right,” insists Tyler, “the TV stays off; the cell phones come out less and less, and, maybe by the end of the week, actually stay in the room. We have a goal here at the ranch – if half of our guests are not crying on checkout because they are sad to leave, we have not done our job.”

It is the physical geography and climate that poses a very real threat to Tod Mountain’s existence – something Tracey knows through bitter experience. “Our ranch is in prime forest fire territory and, every year since opening, we have experienced fires within 50 kilometers of the ranch,” she explains. Although a constant worry for Tracey to have not only her home, but her whole source of income under threat, she still manages to find positives in the face of danger. “Although we have lost the use of a number of our trails to the west of our property, the construction of a new fireguard has opened up a whole new trail for us.”

Personality tests
With people of all backgrounds and personalities taking dude ranch vacations, another challenge faced by every ranch is the many different ages, tastes and expectations of their guests. How do ranches adapt to providing each guest with what is their idea of the perfect ranch vacation? “Our team is as diverse as the guests we welcome,” explains Tracey. “Tod Mountain Ranch employees are truly international with a broad age range – from 20 to, well, much older! And all with diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.”

“We hand-pick each and every one of North Fork Ranch’s staff,” adds Dean, whose small, family-owned and operated ranch focuses on attention to detail when it comes to guest hospitality. “Personalities are what makes people special, so we meet our guests needs with a ‘can do, will do’ attitude.”

Lee, also, believes enthusiasm is the key. “I hire staff with a mutual enthusiasm, and a desire to work hard and enjoy where they are. Our guests are always impressed not only with our staff’s attentiveness, but by how well they all get along together.”

Needless to say it takes a special team of staff to offer the uncompromising hospitality required on guest ranches, which is why Robert goes to great lengths to ensure Majestic’s employees are the best of the best. “We typically evaluate between 5,000 and 10,000 resumes every year,” he explains. “We conduct intense interviews and extensive background checks to make sure our staff are qualified and prepared for the challenges of helping run the ranch.”

Tyler wholly embraces so-called ‘difficult’ guests “– the kind of people who go through life getting what they need by complaining,” he says. “What we do is treat these guests like normal people. It might take a day or two, but most actually change while they are here. Time and time again, it is the most demanding guests who come to us at the end of the week, thank us for the time of their lives, and re-book for next year.”

Tyler's dedicated staff at Three Bars Ranch make every guest's ranch vacation special

“But you just never know what type of stressful job or situation someone goes through before arriving at the ranch,” adds Robert. “And it pays to give people the benefit of the doubt.” This was never truer than the time one of his guests complained about everything as soon as she stepped foot on Majestic soil, with nothing Robert or his staff could do seeming to please her. “But, as we do with all our ‘tough’ guests, we tried to personalize her vacation, finding out her interests doing everything we could to make sure she had a terrific time,” he explains. “At the end of the trip she cried, gave me a long hug and said she didn’t want to leave. She later explained that she had recently lost a family member, and was so grateful to us for ‘putting up’ with her that she wrote individual notes to all the staff, personally thanking them for their hospitality.”

And it is this uncompromising spirit of perseverance that keeps the guest ranching world alive. Whether the challenge comes from one guest, a shift in the economy or a force of nature, guest ranch owners are constantly adapting and changing to keep their livelihoods - well, alive. And that’s something a lot of businesses could learn from.

Faced with the challenge of finding the perfect ranch vacation? Find the one for you at Top50Ranches.com

White Stallion Ranch, a luxury dude ranch and working cattle ranch in Arizona, USA, is the latest ranch to gain the Top50 accolade. One thing that really stood out for us was not just the ranch's convenient location just 35 minutes from Tuscon International Airport, but the fact that as soon as you step cowboy boot-clad foot inside the Arizona ranch, you could be a hundred miles from the 'outside world'. One reason is that White Stallion Ranch sits right alongside Saguaro National Park, with access to mile upon mile of cactus-adorned desert plains and mountain wilderness. What's more, the luxury dude ranch is nestled into the west side of the Saguaro studded mountains, where only on reaching the very top is the nearest town in sight.

Don't be fooled by the ranch's high guest capacity of 70 and luxury, resort-style facilities and amenities. This family-owned and operated 3,000-acre ranch is steeped in history, and is still a working cattle ranch alongside providing luxury and family dude ranch vacations. Brothers Russell and Michael True took over the guest ranch from their parents, who bought White Stallion in 1965, and go out of their way to get to know each and every guest taking dude ranch vacations at the ranch. This is the kind of place where people treat you like one of the family - so no wonder the Trues are renowned for their high-quality service and first-rate hospitality.

At White Stallion Ranch, it's all about the horse riding. This is the perfect family ranch vacation for parents with children able to ride, as kids aged 5 and above are, if able, welcome to join in the beautiful, scenic trail rides on the diverse riding program. Children aged 8 and above can - again, if able - even join the faster, more adventurous rides, complete with loping and trickier terrain. And if you want to ride without the kids, you must go on the adults-only "Cheese and Wine Ride" - a slower, relaxing ride to one of the ranch's most beautiful areas where you'll enjoy wine, cheese and other treats. With 140 horses, the Arizona dude ranch runs one of the largest horse herds in the state and so can match each guest with more than one perfect horse. Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced rider looking to tackle some 'real' riding, there is a horse and a trail ride for you.

Running 100 head of cattle across the ranch, White Stallion runs a hugely popular team penning program - an arena based riding activity where guests can learn the art of this tricky rodeo sport. And because you'll no doubt be hooked on rodeo by the end of the week, you'll love the weekly ranch rodeo featuring local cowboys and ranch wranglers demonstrating how the pros do it.

Not interested in riding? The guest ranch's wonderful location offers wonderful guided and unguided hiking opportunities, both through White Stallion Ranch and in the adjacent Saguaro National Park. There are also plenty of off-ranch activities to enjoy should you wish to head further afield - all made easy with the option of hiring a car direct from the ranch.

Aside from comfortable lodging and tasty meals, the luxury dude ranch boasts a heated pool with a large redwood hot tub; a fitness room with an exercise room, sauna and massage therapy; a lighted tennis court and sports court; a recreation room with a 27-seater movie theater, lots of fun games; a children’s playground and a petting zoo. Come evening, retire to the beautiful bar and hop up on one of the western-saddle bar stools for a drink with other guests - you don't have to be a rider to get in these saddles! And forget having to trek to town for souvenirs, as the ranch has its own gift shop where you can buy riding gear, gifts, travel items and lots more.

Whether you're travelling alone, with family and friends, with your partner or as part of a corporate retreat, White Stallion Ranch will give you a dude ranch vacation experience you will never forget - and want to return to year after year.

For more information on dude ranch vacations at White Stallion Ranch, visit their ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com

Planning a dude ranch vacation isn't something to leave until the last minute! There’s a lot to consider, so follow Top50's top 10 tips to make sure you get the most out of your western riding holiday…

1. Best place for a ranch vacation?
Which country? Which state? Mountains or desert? The options are endless. Here at Top50 Ranches we showcase Canada guest ranches, USA ranch vacations, Argentina horse riding holidays, riding holidays in Mexico, Australia horse treks and New Zealand cattle stations – but your choice will depend on how hot you like it and the kind of riding country you’re after. For mountain riding, Colorado, Montana, Canada and Argentina are good choices. If you like hot weather, choose a ranch in the southern States and south America, which boast great weather all year round. Best place for winter sun? Australia, which of course has its summer during the USA/European winter. Taking the kids? Find a child-friendly ranch with a supervised children’s program.

2. Budget early on
The cost of a dude ranch vacation varies greatly, so it’s worth setting a budget early on – taking into account getting there (flights, care hire if applicable), spending money and tipping. If you know your limits, you won’t even be tempted to consider ranches you can’t afford and save yourself disappointment. And it might be that you realise an extra year of saving might be worth it if you do want to opt for some luxury dude ranches.

3. Getting cheap flights
To avoid a shock when it comes to booking flights, check when it’s cheapest to fly before you book your ranch. Book as far in advance as you can, as prices tend to rocket closer to the flight date. Don’t be tempted to go for the very cheapest flight if it means several tight connections – give yourself plenty of time in case of delays, so you don’t run the risk of missing your connections.

4. Pack sensibly
Pack lots of layers if the weather is variable, and remember your swimsuit! Pack plenty of comfy jeans for riding, low-heeled shoes/boots for riding, smarter clothes suitable for dinners in the evening, and a pair of sneakers will also come in handy for exploring the ranch on foot. Check to see if you need to pack your hard hat or boots, as some ranches provide these for guests. Padded underwear and a good sports bra will also come in useful for long days in the saddle!

5. Leave room in your suitcase
…for souvenirs, gifts for friends back home, and the western riding gear you’re sure to be tempted by at local western outfitters.

6. Money matters
Some ranches charge extra for certain activities and remember that tipping is pretty commonplace – especially in America – so take enough currency that you won’t need to rely on your credit card (complete with hefty fees for use abroad). And yes, you will want to buy that shiny new pair of cowboy boots!

7. Do your western riding research
You will of course get ‘Western Riding 101’ from the wranglers before they set you loose on the open range, but it’s worth getting familiar with the western riding aids – many of them verbal – and techniques such as neck-reining. We can’t promise your dressage schoolmaster will know what on earth you’re asking him to do, however! Really keen? Book a couple of lessons at your nearest western riding centre.

8. Car hire
Even if you’re not planning a road trip and your chosen ranch provides airport transfers, you might want to head off ranch a couple of times to see the local area – especially if you’re near Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks, The Grand Canyon and other famous landmarks. From the UK or Europe? Booking car hire from the UK/Europe is vastly cheaper than getting it while in the USA and Canada, so save yourself some money and sort it before you go.

9. Make sure you’re legal!
Immigration officers abroad are notoriously strict, so avoid a lengthy delay at airport customs by making sure you have the right documentation before you travel. For travel to the US, that now means applying for a visa waiver online and paying a small fee, which you can do online here.

10. Get fit for riding
You might already pack in several hours’ riding a week, but hard riding all day for up to two weeks on long cattle drives or pack trips can take its toll on your muscles. Avoid burning out after the first day by getting fit before you go – swimming is a great way to up your fitness levels and muscle endurance, and practise sitting trot as often as you can to prepare that bottom!

To find your ultimate dude ranch vacation, visit Top50Ranches.com

Best ranches for families? You’ll find the best family ranch vacations at ranches that offer a diverse range of activities for all ages. Check out Top50’s great range of family dude ranches that provide multi-generational groups with great family ranch vacations worldwide. Families traveling with children will love those Top50 ranches with children’s programs, but whether your family is comprised of old or young, riders or non-riders, you’ll find the best family dude ranch vacations at Top50Ranches.com – check out our pick of the best dude ranches for families…

Riding for all ages at Red Horse Mountain

One ranch ticking all the boxes when it comes to catering for kids is Red Horse Mountain Ranch in Idaho, USA, whose comprehensive children’s program caters for 3-11 year olds. The family dude ranch encourages kids to ride, with horseback riding programs for children aged 3- 6 years allowing kids to go horseback riding on the trail led by a wrangler, along with the rest of the family. The non-riding part of the children’s program is designed to engage your child through adventure-driven activities. There’s a discount offered for nannies and grandparents, or alternatively pay for Red Horse Mountain’s babysitting service for 0-3 year olds. While the kids are having fun, mums, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents can enjoy horseback riding catered to all levels, yoga, massages and spa treatments, an outdoor pool, mountain biking, nature trails, water sports and more.

For a luxury family ranch vacation head to The Resort at Paws Up, a 37,000-acre working Montana ranch where the grown-ups of the family can enjoy cattle drives and whole host of wilderness adventures – including fly-fishing on the legendary Blackfoot River, hot-air ballooning, white-water rafting and zorbing! While you’re having a blast, so will your kids with supervised activities including everything from horseback riding and mountain biking to nature education. Not forgetting the Paws Up "Kids Corps of Discovery” – full and half-day programs for ages 5-12 that include trips to a ghost town, authentic ranch experiences and more.

Nestled in Santa Barbara County wine country is The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, a California dude ranch with something for the whole family. Children’s and youth programs are available from ages 3 upwards, allowing the younger family members to get stuck into animal activities, grooming and steer-head roping. Alisal’s family ranch vacations are ideal for slightly older families, as children under six must be accompanied by an adult for ranch activities. Older families can reconnect while mountain biking, hiking, enjoying the outdoor pool and hot tub, or over a game of tennis. With an 18-hole golf course and fishing available, dads and granddads won’t get bored either.

Averill's - best for multi-generational families

The best ranch for multi-generational families has to be Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, a family-operated Montana guest ranch on the shores of Flathead Lake, just 35 miles south of Glacier National Park. This is a great dude ranch for families interested in riding and water sports, thanks to unlimited horse and water activities included in Averill’s all-inclusive ranch vacations. Relax and reconnect in a rustic ranch atmosphere and enjoy the most diverse range of all-inclusive activities offered by any American ranch – think horseback riding, sailing, personalized fly-fishing, water sports, hiking, cookouts, and family barn dances to name just a few. Averill’s unique children’s program encourages family interaction, meaning kids are free to roam the ranch and participate in the scheduled kids’ activities as much or as little as they like – from horseback riding and rodeo, to water activities and tepee campouts.

Want to see your kids transform and grow on your dude ranch vacation? Then take them on a family ranch vacation to Lone Mountain Guest Ranch near Yellowstone National Park. The Montana dude ranch’s Outdoor Youth Adventures Program encourages kids to have fun while developing more self-confidence, through supervised activities and recreation. Open to 4-18 year-olds, the daily program is geared to suit the abilities and interests of each age level – see your kids enjoy canoeing, camping, riding, hiking, pizza parties, animal tracking and many other fun activities with other children their age. This is a great dude ranch vacation for families with teenagers, with the family dude ranch’s “Teens Only” tours of Yellowstone Park and a backpacking trip into the Spanish Peaks. Meanwhile, the older family members can enjoy mountain biking, yoga, an 18-hole round of golf, campouts, white-water rafting and more. Despite a guest capacity of 70, this Montana dude ranch maintains a real family atmosphere where everyone gets along together.

Elk Mountain Ranch in Colorado, USA, is the ultimate place for families to spend time together. Elk Mountain is very family-oriented ranch and whether you’re horseback riding through unspoiled wilderness, white-water rafting or mountain biking together, you’re sure to reconnect on your dude ranch vacation. Kids aged 3-7 are no exception, with the children’s program supervisors offering fun-filled activities complete with "theme days". Each day includes riding in the arena and activities that revolve around the theme of the day – Cowboy day, Indian Day, even a day at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs pools. Come evening the family fun doesn’t stop, with hayrides, square-dances and musical entertainment bringing you closer together.

North Fork Ranch is another Colorado dude ranch geared towards families, welcoming children aged 6 upwards. Its location just an hour from Denver is ideal for restless young travelers, and the ranch offers a multitude of activities to satisfy everyone's interests – old and young, horsey or non-horsey. From horseback riding, hiking and white-water rafting, to hayrides, campfire sing-a-longs and square dancing, families are encouraged to take part in ranch activities together. As an Orvis-endorsed fishing lodge, North Fork Ranch guarantees a world-class fishing experience for keen anglers, and will also appeal to families looking for a lean toward luxury in accommodations and dining.

Also encouraging families to enjoy the ranch experience together is Latigo Ranch. The Colorado dude ranch involves children aged 6 upward in its full riding program, where kids ride twice a day as the adults do. An impressive range of kids’ activities means non-riding youngsters never get bored, and there’s plenty to occupy older family members too – from mountain biking and bird watching, to golf and instructed fishing.

Exclusively for moms and daughters is the Sugar and Spice Ranch in Texas, where the two generations can enjoy a learning and bonding vacation through fun arena games on horseback.

Wilderness adventures for every generation at Clayoquot

Appealing to groups with both older and younger family members is Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, Canada. The tented safari camp runs a special Multi-Generational Elders Package in May, where grandparents stay free when you book a family of eight adults or more. And for the kids, the Canada guest ranch offers a discounted rate to families traveling with children 12 years and under, provided you all share accommodation.

Majestic Dude Ranch in the beautiful Mesa Verde National Forest is a wonderful family ranch retreat, where everyone from babies to grandparents are welcome and invited to join in the multitude of activities – from adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking and white-water rafting, to more relaxing outdoor movies, wagon rides and gentle horseback trail rides. Kids and adults alike will love s’mores round the campfire under the stars, complete with cowboy poetry and music. A comprehensive children’s program for both kids and teens gives you the choice of being with your kids all day or just seeing them in passing; should you wish, the Colorado dude ranch’s highly trained counsellors will not only keep your kids busy, but also educate them from sunrise to sunset.

The C Lazy U Ranch is another Colorado dude ranch with a great balance between family time and alone time. Spend breakfast and after dinner together as a family, then let the kids out on the ranch for the remainder of the day. Your children will have the vacation of a lifetime and will be kept busy all day with a children’s program centered around horseback riding, and building their independence and confidence – leaving you to enjoy horseback rides, golf, tennis, yoga, mountain biking and more.

Head to Montana for a family ranch vacation at The Ranch at Rock Creek and you’ll be treated to limitless outdoor recreational opportunities, outstanding accommodation and cuisine, and a full-service spa. Activities programs are designed with your individual tastes, preferences and needs in mind, and you can rest assured everything is included – from horseback riding, fly-fishing in the Blue Ribbon Rock Creek and wildlife watching, to archery, paint ball and games in The Granite Lodge. Children aged 4 upwards will have the ranch vacation of a lifetime on the Kids Program, featuring both indoor and outdoor activities – including horseback riding. The whole family can also enjoy trips to local Philipsburg, as well as free tours to the Granite ghost town.

For a more exclusive, intimate family ranch vacation, The Ranch at Siwash Lake in BC, Canada, offers action-packed adventure for all ages and interests. Childcare is available by prior arrangement leaving you free to ride the range or just catching up on some much needed rest and relaxation. Children aged 4-12 can enjoy the same freedom in a safe, supervised environment with the “Free-Range Kids” program, where free play and educational content is used to build their self-esteem – through the likes of horse care, animal tracking, orienteering, scavenger hunts, horse care lessons, pony rides in the meadow and more. More experienced young riders can join the older family members on horseback trail rides, and together you can all go mountain biking, bird watching, hiking, lake water sports and much more besides.

Let the kids go wild at Sweet Grass

Secluded in the remote Rocky Mountains of Montana is Sweet Grass Ranch, a haven for family ranch vacations. It’s all about freedom at this Montana working cattle and guest ranch, thanks to no set children’s program, an unstructured riding schedule tailored to your family’s interests and endless riding options – from cattle drives to relaxing trail rides. With beautiful hiking trails and diverse fishing opportunities, the whole family can appreciate the beauty of the ranch together, as well as have fun on the ranch’s natural water slide, inner tubing the creek, campfires, weekly horsemanship clinics and a host of indoor and outdoor games. Evenings are family time and made for visiting with new-found friends, feasting on s'mores at the campfire, or relaxing with a book in the hot tub. Kids – and adults! – with any energy left can play soccer, volleyball, softball, pasture golf or horseshoes before bedtime. With Yellowstone National Park, Bighorn, local rodeos and golf nearby, venture of the ranch for family days out – taking advantage of Sweet Grass’s free-of-charge travel within a 50-mile radius.

For a flexible, customized family ranch vacation, take a trip to Three Bars Ranch in the Canadian Rockies, which lies close to Banff and Glacier National Park. For kids aged 6 upwards there’s a supervised children's program where Three Bars will make them feel right at home on the ranch, with access to wide open spaces to just be kids. Three Bars is ideal for both parents looking for some independence from their children, or to spend as much time with them as possible; the children’s program will keep them busy all day long and well into the night should you wish, but is also designed so that you can go on family rides, hike and river-raft together. Specializing in families, beginner riding and multi-sport activities, the working cattle ranch and luxury dude ranch’s diverse activities program includes a complete range of horseback riding programs, hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, indoor heated pool, hot tub and fitness facility. This is also one of the best family ranches for golf enthusiasts, with five of Canada’s top 25 golf courses in close proximity.

Also offering flexibility and personalization in family dude ranch vacations is Vista Verde Ranch. Don’t be fooled by its wide array of summer activities – the Colorado dude ranch maintains a personal, intimate feel unlike any resort, thanks to down-to-earth people who treat you like family. You know your kids will be in good hands on the 6-years-and-up children’s program designed to engage and educate, offering activities including animal care, horse care, arena riding, trail riding, gymkhana and rodeo. The family dude ranch’s teen program gives older kids the freedom to split off and be a little more independent and adventurous with activities, which include special teen horseback rides and overnight campouts. While your children are having the ranch vacation of a lifetime, you and the rest of the adults can too, with climbing, mountain biking, yoga, outdoor pool, hot tub, rafting, cooking classes, wine tasting, fishing and so much more.

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

Five-star service is an added luxury on dude ranch vacations. While all of Top50's ranches meet high standards of excellence in food, accommodations, horseback riding and hospitality, there are a few stand-out ranches when it comes to five-star service, from high guest:staff ratios, to personalized vacations and those all-important personal touches.

If you're looking for five-star service on your next dude ranch vacation, you need to check out these Top50 ranches...

The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, USA, has a real commitment to luxury, offering first-class service, and luxurious accommodations and amenities. Step into a world of incomparable creature comforts, gourmet cuisine, decadent spa treatments, hi-tech amenities and, most importantly, a highly personalized service. Stay in the Montana dude ranch's private luxury homes and tents, and enjoy the staff's attentive, anticipatory service, with your own personal butler and chef. Paws Up is ideal if you're after a resort-style dude ranch vacation with privacy and a flexible, personalized schedule.

Luxury and great hospitality at Siwash Lake Ranch, Canada

Siwash Lake Ranch in BC, Canada, treats every guest to their own personal horse for duration of their stay, and private guides will escort you through the beautiful ranch. Here the focus is on supportive and informative mentoring at all times; being such a small, private and exclusive Canada guest ranch, taking a maximum of 16-24 guests, the ranch's 14 staff ensure royal pampering for all. The personal service is complemented by Siwash Lake's intimate, boutique atmosphere, and because it's run by 4th-generation ranches, the luxury dude ranch guarantees authentic dude ranch vacations as well.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia is Top50's only luxury tented safari camp, and is a truly high-end and detail-oriented Canada guest ranch. As well as a gourmet food and wine experience, you'll be treated to highly personalized trips with no need to sign up in advance, and your own personal guide if desired. Every evening the luxury dude ranch's Activities Directors will sit with you personally and design your adventures for the next day. A remarkable team of staff provides the Clayoquot Wilderness experience, where nature adventure meets personalized service - from the office staff, to kitchen staff and servers, to the sommelier, to the nature guides.

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), and offers warm and welcoming dude ranch vacations in BC Canada. Owners Norm and Nan, and their highly dedicated staff, will all make you feel right at home while providing a five-star iconic Canadian ranch experience. Not forgetting the award-winning BaanThai and European-style spa - a bit of pampering is a must at this Canada guest ranch! With babysitting service and lots of packages to cater to all needs, Echo Valley does its utmost to make your dude ranch vacation special.

Head to Montana's The Ranch at Rock Creek and experience limitless outdoor recreational opportunities, outstanding accommodation and cuisine, and a full-service spa. The Montana dude ranch offers the feel of the “true West” without sacrificing true comfort, designing an activities program with your individual tastes, preferences and needs in mind. Think tailor-made experiences, no strict schedule, a full-service spa, and five-star dining. At Rock Creek, hospitality and attention to detail is delivered with a subtle excellence and with an ambiance of warmth, luxury and comfort. Staff interaction is casual but professional, making dude ranch vacations at The Ranch truly five-star.

Vista Verde is a luxury Colorado dude ranch with an incredible 1:1 guest-staff ratio! This means dude ranch vacations with flexibility and personalization. Unlike a resort, however, Vista Verde hires down to earth people who treat you like family. The luxury dude ranch's wranglers and guides will go out of their way to tailor each experience to your interest and ability, and you can rest assured that top-notch gear and equipment is provided for your convenience.

Everything at Triple Creek Ranch, MT, is made 'just so' by the caring staff

Triple Creek Ranch in Montana, USA, allows you to relax in world-class accommodations, dine on the freshest contemporary cuisine and sample the world's finest wines. The luxury dude ranch's caring staff pamper you at every turn, and can personally plan special adventures off-ranch, as well as on-ranch. An adult oriented ranch, this is a couple's haven - think luxury accommodations, chef's table dining, candlelit dinners, moonlight strolls and a private cabin, plus movies under the stars! You'll also be welcomed with a bottle of wine and basket of goodies in your luxury accommodations. A winner for adults wanting a secluded getaway with five star service!

For more information on ranches with five-star service, vist Top50Ranches.com

Summer salad recipes are pretty much unbeatable now the days are getting warmer and outdoor dining is in full swing. Dude ranch vacations aren't all about the steak and burritos, as North Fork Ranch in Colorado, USA, proves with their fresh and tasty summer salad recipe - Colorado Pine Nut Salad. Top50 Ranches loves the Colorado dude ranch's recipe so much, it's been named Ranch Recipe of the Month for March 2012. It's fast and easy to make, so try it yourself for an express trip to a sunny porch high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

Colorado Pine Nut Salad

Serves 4-6
Prep 10 mins, plus chilling
Cook none

1 tsp onion salt
2 tsps black pepper
1/4 cup minced garlic
2 cups olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup white or red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tbsps stoneground mustard
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 large head Romaine lettuce, chopped
Fresh cranberries, to serve

1 In mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the lettuce, cranberries and pine nuts. Whisk or place in food processor until blended, then refrigerate

2 Brown the pine nuts in a saute pan with a little oil over medium heat, then transfer to paper towel to cool

3 Stir and toss the chopped lettuce with desired amount of the refrigerated dressing, top with roasted pine nuts and a few cranberries, and serve

Enjoy!

Find out more about North Fork ranch at Top50Ranches.com

Horsemanship clinics at dude ranches are just one way to improve your horseback riding and horse handling skills on your dude ranch vacation. While working ranches are the most likely to host regular horsemanship clinics, guest ranches and luxury dude ranches may also offer similar clinics and demonstrations for guests to watch and often participate in.

Horsemanship clinics at McGinnis Meadows, a Montana working cattle ranch and guest ranch

The Hideout Guest Ranch in Wyoming, USA, is this year holding 'Authentic Horsemanship Clinics' in April and October 2012 - week-long training clinics led by the guest ranch's full-time horseman Ramon Castro and assisted by Marijn Werquin. Sign up for the clinic and you'll get hands-on lessons in colt-starting techniques, natural horsemanship training, clinics in desensitizing, leadership and horses training, working horses with cattle, equine massage and team penning. Best of all, you'll get the chance to put your new learnings into practice as you saddle up and ride out on the ranch.

If you want to learn about horse safety, sign up for Three Bars Ranch's 'Introduction to Horsemanship and Horse Safety' program in May 2012. The Canada guest ranch has teamed up with the College of the Rockies to offer a week-long horsemanship and horse safety program.

Colorado guest ranch Zapata Ranch is hosting a whole range of themed weeks and horsemanship clinics - from the 'Women's Week and Horsemanship Clinic', to the 'Horsemanship Clinic' week held in conjunction with its sister ranch, Chico Basin Ranch. The latter includes one-on-one horsemanship instruction, educational demonstrations, rides through the surrounding meadows and dunes and working cattle and bison on horseback. Leave the week feeling a deeper connection to horses and will understand how to better communicate with them. You can even bring your own horse.

Working ranch McGinnis Meadows Ranch in Montana, USA, is this April-May 2012 hosting another Horsemanship Program embracing Buck Brannaman-style horsemanship. Work from the ground up using the ranch's horses, or you can bring your own - all levels of riders are welcome. The program features daily instruction and offers guests a great way to fine-tune their riding skills with McGinnis Meadows' team of experienced horsemen and women.

For more information on horsemanship clinics, visit Top50Ranches.com