Comfort
You will be spending every night at the ranch, that is tastefully decorated in the American tradition. Two types of accommodations are possible: rooms sharing a bathroom in a wooden house (also known as the bunkhouse) or several twin/double en-suite cabins.
There is a supplement to request en-suite rooms. Please see "dates and prices"
The ranch house features a guest room where guests are welcome to relax after the days ride. There is a gift shop where guests and cowboys can buy needed riding items to use on their holiday or gift items to take home. In the guest room is a small library of second hand books, western movies, and complimentary WiFi.
WiFi does not extend to the rooms and cell phone reception is very limited. Please note the Ranch is very remote (1-1h30 from the nearest town).
Meals
All meals are freshly prepared by the ranch cook. Ingredients are locally sourced. The meals will be served buffet-style. In keeping with the family's traditions, prayers are said before each meal.
Breakfast: hot and hearty with sweet and savoury options.
Dinner: tender Angus beef steaks and sirloin roast from the farm, meatballs, stews, vegetables, salads and home-made desserts.
Lunch: Depending on the activities scheduled for the day, lunch may be had at the ranch or you will carry your sack picnic with you on the trail.
Riders are expected to clean after themselves and wash their own dishes.
Snacks, lemonade and cookies are always readily available.
Special dietary requirements may be accommodated on request - please let us know before booking. Alcohol consumption on the ranch is prohibited as the ranch is located in an Indian reservation.
Climate
The climate is continental, meaning hot summers and cold winters. Summer are usually hot (20-25°C and peaks of 30°C) but since the ranch is located on a mountain region, a cold breeze usually flows through the land.
In April and October, temperatures range from 5-10 °C during the day and there might be some snowfalls at night. There may be colder spells too, especially in late October, so you should be prepared for sub-zero temperatures. Always best to check the forecast a few days before departure!
During May and September, the temperature are warmer (10-15 ° C, up to 20 °C) but nights will remain cold.
Chances of rain are higher during the months of May and June. The weather in this area is always difficult to predict, so you should pack accordingly.
Guide and local team
The team you will meet at the ranch is a traditional American rancher family. Joe and Iris purchased the Dryhead ranch 30 years ago and have hosted countless successful cattle drive holidays. Today, all of their traditions and values are still very much alive and have been passed on to their sons, daughters, grand children and even great-grandchildren that still live and work at the ranch. This wrangler family is very passionate about their job. They will be more than happy to share with you their knowledge and legacy.
Tips
Tipping is expected in all restaurants (except on some snack meals and in self-service restaurants). It is customary to leave 10-12% of the bill as a tip. Some places you visit will automatically add in a tip.
Please remember that gratuities at the ranch are not included and should amount to 15% of your stay ($250-285), per person.
Packing list
Important: You should adapt this list according to your departure date and be sure to wear warmer clothes for the Autumn season - October in particular can be cold. Remember that whatever the season, nights are cold and bad weather is always a possibility.
Head
- A riding helmet is strongly recommended. Helmet manufacturers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable. You also have the option of buying protective shells to go under your hats (Ranch & Rider, Lexington Safety Products) or western hat helmets (Troxel)
- In Western riding, it is common to always be wearing a hat. You could buy this on the spot, at the beginning of your travels to blend in with the local community (You should consider it may cost around $50-$120). It is crucial the hat holds on your head even when galloping!
- A bandana or a scarf to protect your neck and face form dust and sunshine
- Sunglasses with high UV protection and cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- A hat for the evenings that might get cold.
Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- T-shirts + long sleeve shirts (protection against the sun). Quick dry fabric preferred.
- Lightweight fleece or jumper.
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jackets. Avoid ponchos!
Legs
- 2 pairs of lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jeans or chaps - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub.
- 1 spare trousers (hiking or jeans)
- Waterproof over trousers.
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal trousers for cold days or for sleeping in
- A swimming costume may be useful for impromptu dips in the river.
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots or cowboy boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- One pair of waterproof shoes or boots (in case of rain and also in the morning when the ground can often be damp)
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of thick socks
- Possibly a pair of sandals for the shower.
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding
Horse riding extras
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Backpacks are not permitted whilst riding. Everything you wish to take should fit in your jacket.
Night
- We recommend you bring with you a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.
Other useful items
- Travel bag, preferably a soft bag 60-80ltrs (front opening or backpack). Soft bags are preferable.
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Head torch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries (biodegradable wipes to replace water)
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Cord to hold your glasses.
- Backpack of 25-30ltrs
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Ziploc freezer bags to protect fragile objects.
- Possibly a pair of binoculars.
- Towel and washcloth
- A pair of laces or leather ties to attach the jacket behind the saddle.
Medical kit
Make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) and clearly stated in your medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrheal medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Anti-mosquito cream and spray
- Cream for blisters
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hand wash gel
General information
- We recommend taking any valuables, such as your camera, iPod, iPad, medicines and glasses etc. in your hand luggage. Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- If, in wishing to 'travel light', you plan to wash your clothes throughout the trip, please ensure you bring biodegradable laundry products with which to do your washing
