Our Destinations
Letter Randocheval
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
MONTANA : HORSE RIDING VACATION ON A GUEST AND WORKING RANCH WITH VERY HIGH COMFORT...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Our ranch is an authentic working cattle ranch located in the northwest
of Montana. Our main emphasis is our horse and cattle program. You'll
will have a great time on horseback working cattle, or just leisurely
heading out and explore the countryside: hills and lakes around the ranch.
Beginner riders as well as the experienced leave from here with more knowledge
about horses, horsemanship, and cattle, than they've experienced anywhere
else. We welcome approximately 20 guests per week, which enables us to
better know you, work with you individually, and tailor each day to you.
Our horseback riding program is based on the Buck Brannaman style of horsemanship, and is the central activity at McGinnis Meadows Ranch. With our large herd of well taught ranch horses, we can accommodate anyone from the beginning rider to the experienced riding enthusiast. We will match you with a horse that best suits your skill level. |
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SPECIAL OFFERS ON ALL DEPARTURE DATES - see our rates below
ITINERARY
YOUR WEEK AT THE RANCH
At an altitude of 3,300 feet, the ranch is situated in a wide-open
meadow with a year-round creek, and is surrounded by unending timbered
mountains. Seven miles from the mailbox, you will find solitude and quiet
here. Deer grazing, and coyotes mousing in the meadow is a common site.
Moose pass through the ranch, and elk too!
Homesteaded in the 1890's by the Davis family, you'll find remnants of the past, such as their original house site, the later used "Davis Place," and the "Old Orr Place." Still used today, little log houses nestled along the edges of the tree line and the meadow. Cattle moved into the valley in the 1920's.
Sunday
Check in is at 3 pm or transfer possible from Kalispell airport or hotel
at around noon. Settle in, get acquainted and meet the crew. Orientation
is at 5:30 on the week's activities and to learn your expectations too.
Monday
Help saddle at 7:15 am, or sleep in. We'll see you at 8:15 for breakfast.
9:00 AM we'll meet you out by the horses. We work with you individually
to adjust your saddle, and to learn this style of riding. We take
all the time necessary to ensure you are comfortable with your horse,
and you learn all the skills for a great week of working cattle,
improving your riding skills, and enjoying the country.
Tuesday - Friday
We are flexible. There's always cattle work to be done on summer
range, learn to work your horse cutting and Ranch penning yearlings,
further your horsemanship skills, learn to throw a rope from the
ground using roping dummies, or find new routes over the surrounding
mountains.
Fridays
There is always of course, RIDING, but this day is a good one to
maybe see some of the sites around northwest Montana. Kootenai Falls,
Glacier National Park. We can also set up reservations to go white
water rafting, or on a guided fly fishing trip. Shopping sprees
at the local western stores, or find a treasure at an antique store.
Rental car needed for off ranch activities.
Saturday
Leisurely breakfast, group photos, and then it's time to say good-bye!
Transfer to Kalispell airport or hotel in the morning.
Night at hotel optional (don't hesitate to ask us if needed).
Our Season Schedule
March and April: Share in the wonder of calving season riding
to check the herd for new calves. Assist the cowboys with ear tagging
and first vaccinations. Possibly help a momma cow bring junior into
the world! We're also feeding with hay wagons each morning and when
all the "chores" are taken care of, learn from the ground
up about starting horses and fine-tune your horsemanship skills
in our heated indoor arena.
First two weeks of May: Experience BRANDING and assist with
doctoring calves. Further your horsemanship skills. Ride our summer
range to learn the country and check fences, or hunt for shed deer
and elk antlers. We can also bring the steers in and you can learn
to work your horse ranch penning, sorting, and cutting. Those interested
in learning to rope, we'll get you started from the ground.
Mid May through mid October: Riding is a real hoot moving
momma cows and their calves to new pastures. The ranch is very conscientious
about proper land management and you'll take a big part in it. There's
a part for all levels of riders to participate in. Ride the drag
to push cattle, ride the flanks to keep those ol' girls in line.
You'll be quite the hand!
November through the end of February: Horses and staff take time off.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Consult us for any extra stay in Usa !
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
Horses
The ranchs owns app. 70 horses, all Quarter Horses. They are bred and
educated with the Buck Brannaman style and horsemenship and the Vaquero
traditions.
Tack
Western saddles
Required riding abilities
All riding levels are accepted and we always have the horse to match your
riding skill. Level groups are created for excursions.
Tack is western style.
YOUR GUIDES
The ranch is owned by Shayne et Jo-Anne. They are assisted by a whole team of professional cowboys who will make you discover the region and the work with cattle on horseback.
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ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
The main lodge is very intimate and welcomes you to make yourself at home,
with its family style dining room, the kitchen of every cook's dream,
warm artwork, overstuffed couches and river rock fire place in the living
room. The inviting reading loft has over 500 Western novels, and other
best sellers. Many buffet dinners are served under the aspens on our wide-open
deck that looks out over the meadows.
Lodge rooms have individual private baths and are close to the coffee pot and fresh cookies. Cabins have propane fireplaces, sitting area, private bath, mini-refrigerator, coffee pot, and private deck. Cabins sleep up to four and are double occupancy only.
After a full day of riding, dawn your terry robe, and slippers and head to the hot tub! A game of pool, ping-pong, or settling in to one of the overstuffed couches to enjoy an old western movie in our game room is always an after dinner treat. A volleyball net and horseshoe pit is also available. Many evenings are spent talking of the day's adventures, or quietly soaking it all in.
Meals
The cheeriest cooks in the West will greet you every morning and evening. Every meal is prepared with pride, and the refrigerator is always open to you. If you're hungry around here, "It's your own fault!" You'll enjoy fresh breads, salads, fruits, and vegetables. Mouth-watering entrees include garlic bacon wrapped rib roast, Flambéed brandied mushroom chicken, and the most tender barbecued ribs you'll ever find!
Special diet? Just let the cooks know and they'll accommodate you.
DATES AND RATES
| Equestrian stay at ranch - Montana 2008 - Depature every sunday | |||
| Between May 04 and Oct. 17 |
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available |
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| Between Oct. 19 and Oct. 10 |
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available |
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All rates are based on accomodation in a lodge room.
- Cabins (2 persons minimum) : 130 € /person
- Discount for the 3rd and 4th person in a cabin : -165 €
- Discount for children under 12 (in cabins only) : -165 €
Flights Europe - Kalispell
- Please contact us to check the best available rates from your country.
RATE INCLUDING
- stay at the Ranch on full board basis, beverages included
- transfer between ranch and Kalispell airport/city if arrival/departure at scheduled hours;
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights to Kalispell
- nights and meals in Kalispell city
- others services
- tips (app. 150 USD for the team)
- optional insurances
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Anne, the specialist for this destination !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
United States (Montana)
LENGTH
LANGUAGE
English (riders from all nationalities).
GROUP SIZE
25 riders max.
ACCESS
Flight to Kalispell/Montana
CLIMATE
Montana is subject to a continental climate, warm in summer and harsh
in winter, with a wide range between day and night temperatures.
In summer, days at the ranch can be very hot but cool at night, and do
not forget you are in the mountains, so wheather can change suddenly.
Formalities
Check with your local Embassy according to your nationality.
Vaccines-Health
It is necessary to be up to date concerning your usual vaccinations, in
particular for the tetanus vaccine.
Remember that a repatriation travel insurance is compulsory.
REFERENCE :
CH138-north-montana-ranch
