Montana Ranch Tour 2022
Montana Ranch Tour 2022
As you might have heard – we have been recruited to come help manage the same working cattle ranch in Montana that we have enjoyed taking our New Zealand escorted groups to since 2015. So when you come on our Ranch Tour we are now excited to welcome you to “our home”.
Because of a Netflix show (“Amazing Vacation Rentals” episode 2 where you can see where we are working if you are interested) our bookings at the G Bar M Guest Ranch are just about fully booked. However….we do have 1 date where we have 4 spaces available arriving Sunday 7th Aug departing Sunday 14th Aug, 2022.
We are not exactly sure how our Escorted Tours will look in 2023 or beyond, but this year we are unable to leave the ranch for additional days to escort a group – so this trip will be simply booking an incredible week long stay with us at the Ranch (price includes all meals, accommodation and riding activities) and as a bonus we will also put together a pdf package of ‘our suggestions’ (what to see, where to shop, where to eat etc – before you head out and visit us at the ranch).
Please see below for details and fill in the form if you have questions or are interested in booking (spaces will go fast as their are only 4 available).
Join Ben in Montana:
On our Ranch Tour you will get to learn practical horsemanship out on the trail with Ben within a small group (10 guests max) and experience some of the history, culture, horsemanship, cuisine, stockmanship and music that Ben grew up with in his homeland of the American West. Guests spend a week riding with Ben on a 5th generation working cattle ranch, where all cattle work is done on horseback. This is an amazing ranch adventure full of education, fun and so much more for the trip of a lifetime in the Rocky Mountains in Montana, USA!
Where:
You will be travelling to Montana to an authentic working cattle ranch nestled in the Mountains between Bozeman and Clyde Park. The ranch has been in the same family for 5 generations where horsemanship and stockmanship are a large focus. You will have the opportunity to advance your riding skills to the next level with both Ben and the Ranch owner out on the job. The Ranch runs on over 30,000 acres, as well as managing the breeding and summer grazing rotation for five neighbouring ranches which expands the cattle operation. You will come to the ranch as a group of relative strangers, you will leave the ranch as friends and family!
Activities:
Ben and our friendly staff will guide you through the American West (where he is originally from)! If you have only ever traveled to California or New York – you are missing out on an incredible part of the country, as every region in America is so diverse. On the Ranch both Ben and the Rancher will take you out for daily riding.
All cattle work is done on horseback and there is always something to do. This is authentic cattlework that needs to be done – no ‘made up’ work here! Daily riding is geared to the skill level of the riders. In addition to the cattle work, there is varied scenic trail riding. The panoramic views just get more awe-inspiring the higher you go. Along with moving cattle to new pastures – spring ranch work also may include checking fence, branding, doctoring and checking herd health & grass condition.
Horsemanship and Stockmanship:
Practical horsemanship lessons will be given on the trail – with emphasis on safely building practical communication with your horse. Stockmanship will be taught – the art of handling cattle horseback in a low stress and humane manner.
Lodging:
Accommodation at the Ranch is for 7 nights. The facilities are all about good old fashioned ranching hospitality, the rooms are simple with comfortable beds and clean bathrooms. Rooms are allocated on the order of bookings. Accommodation for single occupancy or couples traveling together is in a queen bedroom with own bathroom. Shared accommodation has a room with 2 single/twin beds and a bathroom to share. Some of the accommodation, like the original homestead, has a living room area shared between the guests staying. Different Ranch rooms are allocated on first booked basis.
Food:
All meals at the Ranch are included in your package price. Maria cooks delicious meals with ranch-raised beef, garden-fresh vegetables, fresh seasonal fruit & salads, home-made cookies, hot breakfasts and freshly baked bread made with the ranch’s 100-year-old sourdough starter. It is all served family-style and you will not go hungry!
Group Size & Age Restriction:
We have a maximum group size of 10 at the Ranch at a time. The trip is designed for those 16 years and over.
Alcohol:
Alcohol at the Ranch is BYO – so we suggest picking some up before you leave Bozeman if you w to the Ranch we will stop at a liquor store for anyone who would like to purchase their own drinks for dinner time. Any sort of alcohol is not permitted prior to or during riding activities.
Travel Insurance:
Insurance is highly recommended (as all payments are non-refundable), but as many people like to make their own arrangements for this, or have the option free with their credit card, this price is not included in the package price. Please make sure you are covered for horse riding and pandemics (as we were all stung by travel insurance not covering us during covid)!
Further Travel:
As one of your biggest costs is the price of airline tickets to and from the US – we recommend making additional travel plans after the Escorted Tour is finished. You will only be 2.5hrs north of Yellowstone Park – which is a real highlight when visiting the States – it is easy to hire a car and explore! If you would like further ideas of things to see in the American West, we would be happy to make suggestions.
Weight Limit:
As you will be ‘in the saddle’ for most of the week – and the majority of guests will not be used to this, the Ranch suggests a general fitness guideline: “Guests who want to participate in Horsemanship activities should be fit enough to be able to mount from the ground unassisted and not have to rely on the horse or a mounting block. In general, participants should comfortably handle their own weight.”
Tipping:
Most International Travellers have a bit of a hard time or feel a little intimidated with this concept as we are just not use to tipping – it’s just a part of life in the US. We can help you out with this before your trip begins.
Flights:
Flights are NOT included in your package price. Guests have the choice to either to arrange their flights with their own travel agent or book flights themselves. There are flights into BZN daily.
Price:
Single occupancy US$2095pp
Double occupancy US$1975pp
(Bed tax of $5per night is added to this package. Airport/Hotel transfer from Bozeman is additional. Tip/gratuity is not included in the above price).
Interested?
If you would like book for Aug 7th, please fill out the form below.
