Review:  Dude Ranch Vacations & Horseback Adventures

Editor/Publisher:  Timothy E. Gordon

Timothy E. Gordon, Editor/Publisher of  Dude Ranch Vacations & Horseback Adventures  with his competent team has put together an excellent magazine presenting readers with a close look into the wide assortment of dude ranch vacations and horseback adventures that are available in several states as well as two Canadian western provinces. As the magazine mentions, these possibilities range from the rustic to the luxurious, high adventure to simple rest and relaxation that are spread out in a wide variety of settings.

The introductory pages of the magazine explain the different types of vacations available and these in turn are divided into four main sections: Dude & Guest Ranches, Cattle Drives & Working Ranches, Horseback Trips & Trails Rides and Wagon Train Adventures. The reader is then given comprehensive descriptions of each venue including beautiful photo images, as well as a short synopsis at the end that highlights information pertaining to the operating season, trip destination, type of trips offered by the ranch, length of trips, number of guests that can be accommodated, meals, amenities, rates, payment, affiliations, and additional activities that are offered.

The strength of the magazine lies in the wealth of detailed information that occupies each description. We learn about the ranch's history, the type of adventures that are possible, as well as additional activities that are available. It is amazing that many of these ranches are the equivalent of four starts resorts with their wide assortment of possible sports activities such as tennis, swimming, fly fishing, white river water rafting, Nordic sports, snowmobiling, sailing, canoeing, cycling, and many more.  One such example is the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch located in Tucson, Arizona offering year round activities set in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains each of Tucson.

As for the variety of horseback riding possibilities, the choices are unbelievable! You even have one, the Rancho de los Caballeros located in Wickenburg, Arizona, that honors the style of the Spanish caballerois, gentleman horseback who introduced their traditions of skillful riding and gracious living to the untamed deserts. Historically, some of these ranches date as far back as 1863, such as the Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch located in Caliente, California, which is one of the oldest and largest family owned ranches in the west. As mentioned in the magazine, the ranch has been a working cattle ranch since the Civil War.

As Senior Editor Rachel K. Willis mentions in her opening remarks, "There's something to the mystique and romance that surrounds riding the range, herding horses and cattle astride a good mount." Dude Ranch Vacations & Horseback Adventures admirably fulfills its purpose as set out in the opening remarks to provide insight into the wide possibilities of dude ranch and horseback adventures and to inspire you to make your next vacation memorable.