Looking for an all women ranching vacation (sorry guys, no men allowed)? Located in Willows, California, this group puts on a really top notch week.
From their website:
“Thank you for your interest in our “RANCH RIDE”. We look forward to meeting you and your horse and sharing our lifestyle and ranch riding with you. We began designing our vision of the ultimate vacation for women and their horses in 2002. Remembering our dreams that danced with horses under the big Western sky, we did what ranch women do so well…we planned for a gathering and invited the neighbors. There are miles of private ranch trails for riding and a unique opportunity to enjoy the “Spirit of the West” waiting for you here.
“Treat yourself to this unique outdoor experience, featuring rides on a private working 5000 acre cattle ranch, excellent catered cowgirl cuisine, charming accommodations, and the camaraderie of Women of the West. If you have been busy mending fences, the holes in your baby’s britches or battles in the boardroom, it is time to load up your horse and come ride with us!
We have dates set for you to come and ride with us
Premiere Ride (5 days): April 27 to May 1
Traditional Ride (4 days): April 28 to May 1
“While here, you will find yourself surrounded by spectacular scenery and remarkable women representing professional backgrounds, ranching histories, family ties and every discipline of riding. The level of horsemanship varies from rider to rider, and we have designed our daily rides to allow for such differences, but one thing is certain…this is no “dude-ette” vacation. We have tailored your time here with us so that your needs are completely taken care of, but ranch women know that they are always responsible for the care of their valued horses.
“Good-hearted competition began years ago on ranches to allow hands and their horses the opportunity to showcase time honored skills. Our “Ranch Horse Competition” incorporates your horse’s ability to handle authentic trail obstacles as well as maneuvering through a reining pattern. Elk Creek Silversmiths will design another gorgeous buckle that will be awarded the winner of this competition. The “Camp Competition” will feature teams of Buckarettes competing in light-hearted events. For those of you who want to learn how to build a loop and swing a rope, there will be a “Ladies & Lassos Clinic”. We will take you through the basics of rope handling and get you set up to drop a loop on a roping dummy (this is not the same as a cowboy!). Participation is not mandatory, but will definitely provide you with a hoot and a holler and make for a good story to take back home.
“So, come here ready to ride. Regardless of the weather Mother Nature hands us, each day we will lead you on a new and inspiring ride through the ranch. Miles of private trails will lay before you as we wind through oak woodlands, wildflower laden valleys, cross creeks lined with cottonwoods and willows, and pass by old homestead sites and Indian camps abandoned years ago. Cows will call to their calves, horses will nicker to one another, the grasses will part at our passing, and the melody of conversations between new and old friends will fill the Spring air.”
You can get more information at their website by clicking HERE.