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Idaho Western Pleasure Ranch

Overview

Idaho is a relatively undiscovered gem on the ranching map, but this state offers surprisingly beautiful landscapes. As well as riding through cattle you may chance upon deer or bear, or other native wildlife in the mountains, whilst Red-Tailed Hawks circle overhead. This 75 year old family ran…

Highlights

  • 75 year old family run ranch with Red Angus Cattle
  • Horses for experienced riders and complete beginners
  • 1,100 acres to explore either on horse, bike or foot
  • Cattle sorting and cattle drives
  • Riding & non-riding activities for all ages & abilities

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 20 riders per group
  • Average of 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 240 lbs / 17 stone / 108 kg

Description

Idaho is a relatively undiscovered gem on the ranching map, but this state offers surprisingly beautiful landscapes. As well as riding through cattle you may chance upon deer or bear, or other native wildlife in the mountains, whilst Red-Tailed Hawks circle overhead.

This 75 year old family ranch has been welcoming guests since 1991. Back in 1940, the family bought logged land to turn into fine ranch land and began breeding Red Angus cattle. They now own a second ranch, located about six miles away and both ranches are home to their cattle - with the calving grounds being at the lower ranch and the summer pastures at the higher ranch. There are 1,100 acres to explore either on horseback, mountain bike or on foot.

The ranch breed their own horses and train them using a system called the Basic Handle which was founded by Monte Forman and Pat Wyse. Each horse is handled gently and begins their early training in the round pen before progressing to trails under the tutelage of the wranglers for a couple of years before becoming mounts for guests. There are horses for complete beginners as well as responsive and athletic horses for experienced riders. They also have some Percheron and cross-breeds which pull the horse wagon and can offer this experience to those who wish to sit back and relax.

Trail rides venture through open meadows, quiet forests and along slow moving creeks. Try your hand at cattle sorting, cattle drives or arena games - or take a lesson in the arena. The month of September is restricted to Adults only, whilst the months of July and August offer special Children's Packages. This ranch really does offer options for everyone.

Even though they can comfortably sleep 40 guests (and can do so for private groups), they limit their capacity to 20 guests so that everyone has a more customised experience.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Western

Horses

Quarterhorses, Appaloosa and Paints as well as a team of Percheron/Percheron crosses for wagon rides

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Summer Ranch Stay is a based ride

Ages

6 years+. Children Programme 8-16 years.

Health

General good health

Weight

240 lbs / 17 stone / 108 kg

Food & Accommodation

Food

Three meals a day are included, except on Saturday's (departure day) when only breakfast is provided.

Lunch may be taken at the ranch, or may be a packed lunch to eat out on the trail.

Cookouts are provided during the week, with home-reared beef steaks prepared over the fire. On one night, dinner is provided on a river cruise boat.

Accommodation

You stay in either rooms in the Grand Lodge, which has both an upper and lower level, or in self-contained cabins.

All rooms in the Grand Lodge have private bathrooms and at least one Queen bed - some rooms have additional beds and can sleep 3-4 people.

Three of the cabins contain two Queen beds and two twin beds, sleeping 6 guests, and the fourth contains 1 Queen and 2 double beds. All cabins have at least one bathroom, basic kitchenette and a log-burning stove. The cabins are traditional log-style cabins with lots of exposed wood.

It is not possible to request particular rooms - you will be allocated the most appropriate room for your group size, but may be upgraded subject to the discretion of your host and room availability.

Itineraries

Summer Ranch Stay Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

There are many activities on offer for when you are not riding, or if there are Non-Riders in your party, including the following:

Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Hot Tub, Pool Table

The above on-site activities are included, but if you wish to venture off-site then there are a host of activities available at extra cost (payable locally):

Kayaking, Fly fishing or Lake Fishing, Golf courses, White water rafting, Silverwood Theme Park, Glacier National Park

Travel

Spokane International Airport (GEG), which is actually in Washington State, is the nearest airport at c. 90km from the ranch. We recommend that you hire a car and drive yourself (we can provide driving directions) but transfers can be arranged at additional cost - please ask.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Sunday

Riding: No riding.

Arrive and settle into your accommodation before dinner.

Days 2 to 6

Riding: 4 hours

The main activity during the summer months is horse riding. You start with an orientation where the wranglers introduce you to your horse for the week and give instructions on how to ride and what to expect.

Each day you will set out on morning and afternoon rides exploring the northern Idaho mountains, valleys and meadows around the ranch. One day you may pack up for a day ride to Grouse Creek Falls for swimming, or take a perimeter ride with views of the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges. One evening you can saddle up for a dinner ride, where you reach a campfire where ranch raised beef steaks are being grilled for you.

Other horseback experiences on offer include lessons in the arena, moving cattle, cattle sorting and arena games. The ranches 70x100 covered arena also means that horseback activities can take place even if it's raining. Fast and slow rides are on offer, but you will have to pass an assessment to join the fast rides.

A special children's programme is available for 8-16 year olds in July and August. During the week they are responsible for their own horse and learn how to care for the horse as well as its equipment. They are provided with a horsemanship manual to help expand their learning skills and at the end of the week they can take part in a horse show with trophies and rosettes! (Please note that children under 13 years must wear a helmet).

Activities also continue into the evening, with a different option available each night. One night you can enjoy a Dutch Oven cookout with cowboy music around the fire; another night you can take a ride in one of the horse-drawn wagons.

Mid-week an evening dinner cruise is included on Lake Pend Oreille (mid-June to end August), where you can look out for bald eagles and their nests whilst dining on the Shawnodese. (On this evening, children take part in a kids campfire with hot dogs).

Day 7 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast

Accommodation

Each night is spent in either guest rooms in the Grand Lodge (Lodge Rooms) or in one of the self-contained cabins (Settler, Wrangler, Hunter or Meadowview family cottage). All rooms and cabins have private bathrooms.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All abilities can be accommodated, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 20
Departure windows

At any time during: June 2, 2024 - Sept. 28, 2024  (Weekly stays arrive Sunday and depart Saturday.)

Pricing

2024
Adult (Lodge room)
£2945 $3850 €3520
2024
Adult (Settler, Wrangler or Hunter Cabin)
£3045 $3975 €3635
2024
Child (6-12 years) sharing cabin
£2355 $3080 €2815
Included Accommodation, all meals, scheduled ranch activities including daily riding, beer and wine, 8% taxes and 15% service charge.
Not included Flights, transfers, travel insurance, additional drinks and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Airport Transfer £265 $350 €320
Paid to Far and Ride
Airport shuttle, each way, 1-4 passengers.
2024 - Non-Rider discount USD 300 discount for Non-Riders
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.