If you dream of wide open spaces and time spent with horses, you’ll be relieved to know you don’t need to own your own ranch to make it happen. Bitterroot Ranch in Wyoming is a place where horse lovers and outdoor enthusiasts go to get away from the stresses of their everyday lives.
The ranch is run by the Fox family and their team of experienced ranchers and equestrians. Bayard and his wife, Mel, work with their son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Hadley, to create unique horseback riding vacations for every visitor. In addition to running Bitterroot Ranch, the family also owns Equitours Worldwide Horseback Riding Vacations. They ride all over the world in the winter when the ranch is closed, and they’ve learned new ways of running their ranch based on what works in other countries and cultures. Hadley told iHeartHorses,
“While owning Bitterroot Ranch helps us run Equitours, visiting different outfitters through Equitours also helps us improve our product at Bitterroot Ranch. We learn new ways of doing things, and we are able to take them home to our ranch. It’s a beautiful combination. “
Bitterroot Ranch is acre after acre of horse-lover’s paradise. Guests have opportunities to do everything from herd cattle to taking long trail rides on the ranch’s home-bred horses. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, and these pictures barely do it justice.
Guests at the ranch venture out almost every day to explore the beautiful land that includes everything from spruce-lined rivers to high plains perfect for cantering.
Life at Bitterroot Ranch revolves around the horses. The herd is comprised of Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Percherons, Appaloosas, Welsh ponies, and a group of Spanish and CMK Arabians. Many of the horses are born right on the ranch, and the Fox family is dedicated to raising and training their horses to be the best their guests have ever ridden.
The horses are released every afternoon to roam freely in the ranch’s large, green pasture. The young horses grow up in a natural herd environment, and guests frequently comment on how happy the horses are at their home. The horses are gathered again in the morning and readied to take their riders to the trails.
The guides at Bitterroot Ranch make sure no two trail rides are the same. The ranch neighbors the Shoshone National Forest which provides endless opportunities to experience the different wonders of the great outdoors. There are amazing views of distant mountains, beautiful forests, and a variety of terrain to make time in the saddle always interesting.
In addition to trail rides, guests also have the option to attend lessons with Bitterroot Ranch’s qualified trainers. Mel Fox created the ranch’s cross country course with about 80 different jumps. The obstacles are made from logs, oxers, pickets, coops, walls, and drops. Guests who are comfortable in the saddle get a chance to conquer them all.
Along with horses, Bitterroot Ranch is also a working cattle ranch. Guests have opportunities to learn everything about what it takes to live on a ranch. They help drive cattle and participate in a weekly team sorting competition.
A week at Bitterroot ranch is a week spent connecting with horses and nature. It’s learning new skills, strengthening old ones, and enjoying experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The Fox family invites guests from all around the world to have a taste of life on the ranch.
Visit the Bitterroot Ranch website to learn more about their horseback riding vacations and book your next adventure.
A special thank you to the kind people at Bitterroot Ranch for providing such lovely photos!
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