Ranchers of the Year Award

2008 Ranchers of the Year

Wayne and Judy Kilpatrick

Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana

What sets the Ranchers of the Year apart from the operators of hundreds of other great ranches Gene Kilgore has visited? Some criteria are specific, such as: ensuring the ranch offers an amazing menu, lodging that brings both comfort and style, and offering a wide range of activities to guests. Others are less concrete: the way they’ve responded to challenges that face every dude and guest ranch owner—including maintaining a top-notch staff and keeping up with the times with innovative programs and offerings.

And the general managers of the Triple Creek Ranch meet all those criteria and more. After some 25 years as general managers of the ranch, Wayne and Judy Kilpatrick are still enchanted by their surroundings here in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains.

Today it's bitterly cold, with 8 inches of snow on the ground, but Wayne Kilpatrick feels like he's in Heaven. "I'm living the lifestyle some people only dream about," he notes, "surrounded by wildlife, mountains, clean air, and with a pretty short commute!"

But don’t let him kid you—he and wife Judy have no simple job managing a ranch with a lodge, 23 cabins with all the amenities, horses, herds of cattle, a full program of activities (from fly fishing and hiking to cattle work) and a staff of about 50. Yet, from the welcome basket of warm cookies to the tasteful décor and extraordinary service to guests, it all happens seamlessly.

Their secrets? “We make sure our staff has the opportunity to travel and work in other top facilities,” notes Kilpatrick. “It helps them to learn new techniques and to stay on top of trends.” And the décor? “You just have to keep current and freshen them constantly,” says Judy Kilpatrick.

How do they keep performing at such a high level?

“You have to believe in the concept of service,” believes Kilpatrick, “and teach your staff that it feels good to do fun, individual things for guests,” he adds.

 "It takes effort, but it says you care,” he believes. And if you convince the staff to care at that level, it makes a huge difference, Kilpatrick continues. 

“Once it has happened, they know how cool it is and how much fun it is; they get reinforcement for doing it—and maybe a tip,” he says. He also adds that the whole staff gets a share of gratuities. “So they all understand the importance of that level of service. The system does work—but the manager has to be a facilitator and believer.”

You can't argue with results, which is why we're honored to present Wayne and Judy Kilpatrick with Gene Kilgore's award for Ranchers of the Year, 2008.

A Christmas on the ranch

What we love about Christmas on the ranch

The sweet curl of smoke from a chimney into a starry sky

The gathering of friends from far and wide

The neighing of horses tucked snug in the barn

A white coat of ice on the nearby tarn

The laughter of young and old in our families

The chance to make warm new memories

The joy of hard work and pulling together as a team

A lifestyle and landscape that's out of a dream

Happy holidays from Gene Kilgore and all of us at Ranchweb.com and the DudeRanchBlog.com. We hope your days are filled with the spirit of the season and the warmth of good cheer. 

Look for our story on the Rancher of the Year on Christmas Day!

Then, we'll be back January 1, with more good news from Dude and Guest Ranch Country. And we'd love to hear from you in 2009!

Holiday gifts in the ranch tradition: III

Vintage shirts for gals

Denver-based Rockmount has been around since 1946—long enough to become a true Western icon. The company made its name with its embroidered shirts, and they’re still hot today—especially women’s shirts with their pictorial (shown) and floral patterns. A lot of the work on items like the one above is done by hand, which is why these shirts cost a bit more, but become so treasured and lovingly cared for by their owners.

 

Rockmount has dozens of styles to choose from on their website (and you can order by email or phone). Their newest embroidery is inspired by the natural beauty of the iris, with chenille embroidery on collar, front, cuffs and back;  ($87). For more info, check the Rockmount website (photo courtesy of Rockmount).

Holiday gifts in the ranch tradition: II

Need more gift ideas for the wrangler or dude in your life? We're counting down the list of Hot Picks from Sheplers western wear, and this one is not only distinctive but is perfect for the guy who 'can't be fenced in'.

The Justin® barbed wire belt ($60) is made of leather, with a leather barbed wire detail overlay and more barbed wire detailing on the buckle. Now I know what you're thinking: how do I know what size to get? Easy: just use his jean or slack waist size and then add 2 inches to determine belt size. To order, go to Sheplers website and order online, or use the store locator button to find out where you can shop locally. Photo courtesy of Sheplers.

Holiday gifts in the ranch tradition

Can't think of what to get for the cowboy or cowgirl in the family? We couldn't either, so we asked the nice folks at Sheplers western wear store for their Hot Picks. Over the next few days, we'll highlight some of the most asked-for gifts in Sheplers lineup. And don't worry that you've left your shopping too late or that there is no western wear store nearby. Go online, shop, and set up overnight shipping—there's plenty of time for your gift to arrive before the big day.

Today's hot item: Roper Old West embroidered retro Western shirt ($62), shown at left. Its the vintage western look, with lots of detailing and the classic one-point western back yoke, pearlized snap closures, and five-snap cuffs.  With its traditional fit (not too slim or loose), it could be just the thing to suit ranchers and dudes alike. You can order online at Sheplers' website or find a nearby store using their store locator button. Photo courtesy of Sheplers.  

Down Argentine way, take a whack at polo

Just outside Cordoba, Argentina, Estancia Los Potreros is a horse and cattle ranch run by the Begg family. Its small size (12 guests) belies the estancia's world-class reputation, honed by Robin and Kevin Begg and their wives Teleri and Luisa.

Guests get a close-up look at a classic South American cattle estancia, plus enjoy trail riding, birdwatching, hiking in the wide-open countryside, and Cordon-bleu inspired menus. On twice-daily rides, you can cover a lot of Argentinian ground, depending on your experience and skill.

But what most guests remember about Los Potreros: polo. If you're up to it, you can take a whack at the game the Brits spread around the globe. When they give you a mallet, helmet, and a horse used to novice players, you'll be geared up—or 'kitted out', as they say in the British-style English spoken here (along with Spanish). Then the Beggs will teach you the game's basics, like how to hit the ball without hitting your mount. Eventually, you'll play a practice chukka-one period in a polo match. 

It's open year-round (save for four weeks in May/June). Twice a year, Los Potreros offers two-week daily polo schools for beginners; check the web for schedule. And every Easter, the ranch hosts an annual polo tournament. As the Brits would say, "Bully, old chaps!"

Holiday in Yellowstone

Looking for a different holiday outing? How about snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or nordic skiing in Yellowstone National Park or along the Continental Divide Trail System? At Wyoming's Turpin Meadow Ranch, winter play options abound.

You can tramp about endlessly on snowshoes (it's fun and easy, even for beginners) or strap on skinny skis and glide onto a trail right outside your cabin door. Turpin Ranch is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, so Grand Teton National Park is handy (just 15 miles away) and so is the southern border of Yellowstone National Park. The ranch offers snowmobile tours into Yellowstone park, where you can gawk over abundant wildlife (bison, elk, tundra swans, even wolves) along with hissing mud pots, frothy fumaroles, and steamy geysers. Or let them show you a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT); the little-known CDT traverses some of Wyoming's most diverse landscapes, from the craggy Teton Wilderness to the lake-strewn Wind River Range.

How to pick the right ranch

Finding the right ranch for you and your family can be a little like finding the perfect horse--fun, but also daunting, thanks to a wide range of choices. But there's a lot of help out there. Our partner website, Ranchweb.com offers several special features to help narrow your choices. The site's exclusive Space Availability Finder & Dude Ranch and Guest Ranch Search Engine lets you find ranches and lodges that meet your preferences (for example, the price range, ranch activities you want, and whether or not you will be traveling with children). Narrow the list by selecting a specific state, province or country, then click one of the resulting ranches or lodges to find details on activities, accommodations, rates, food, kid's programs and more, plus photographs.

Or just go to the ranch categories page, showing more than 100 categories designed to help you find ranches that meet your specific interests; Please click here for all ranch categories.

At Ranchweb's Interactive Map, you get a bird's-eye view of the area you would like to travel to. Click on an area of the map and zoom into a state or province to see a listing of dude ranches and guest ranches. Then, just click on a ranch listing for more information; use the navigation tools at the top or bottom of the page or use the back button on your browser to review additional ranches and lodges.

Bootcamp for dudes

Tucked away on 10,000 acres in the Santa Barbara wine country, The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort has played host to city slickers and celebs since 1946 (Clark Gable was an early guest). Now, you can see a bit of Alisal's more challenging side: Bootcamp.

Rough it alongside accomplished equestrians and expert wranglers on 2009 Bootcamps designed for and dubbed Cowgirls, Couples, or Mother/Daughter. The three-night, four-day adventures are all inclusive and combine the best of wild west culture with the adventures of working on a real cattle ranch.

Upcoming dates: Mother/Daughter Bootcamp (Feb. 26-Mar. 1); Cowgirl Bootcamp (May 3-6); Couples Bootcamp (Oct. 22-25). For more, click on the link above.

For which we are thankful

Thanksgiving, 2008

As snow begins to fall in the high country, those who love the world of ranching are reminded of so many good things.
-Green pastures in spring.
-The beauty and grace of a horse.
-The sudden appearance of wildflowers in the mountains and deserts.
-Snow falling on hay bales.
-The warm comraderie between dude ranch guests, wranglers, counselors, and ranchers.
-For ranchers, the joy of being able to share their passions and love of their special world with their guests.
-And most of all: the good fortune to work or play in a place that nourishes both body and soul.

Tips for Moms: answering your kids' ranch questions

One question every kid will ask his parents about the ranch they choose to visit is: "Will there be any kids my age there?" At Lost Valley Ranch, just southwest of Denver, owner Bob Foster hears that question a lot. His answer?

"With 90 guests/ 24 families, we get a lot of kids across age groups, so there's always "somebody their age" here," notes Foster. The ranch takes babies and offers babysitting and cares for 3-5 year-olds (in a group setting), so the parents get some free time. They divide rides and many activities by age groups, so kids and teens are with their peers. And there are lots of options. "You can't push a kid into a program," claims Foster. "They want choices."

More importantly, the supervisors (or 'supes') of the children and teens at Lost Valley Ranch are hand-picked. "I personally visit with all our potential staffers," says Foster, "I like to look 'em in the eye." His goal: to hire young people who have a passion for working with children and teenagers. "Finding people who really enjoy working with kids—that's our number one job," Foster says.

 It must be working—this will be their 49th year in the dude and guest ranching business. 

Dude and guest ranches with Women's Weeks

I'm not the best rider in the West, so I've always wanted a program where I could brush up my riding skills, learn more about horses (what are they thinking when their ears prick up?), and maybe get a little girly pampering, too. Several ranches now have programs that offer that kind of thing; classes are kept small and usually last a week.

Take Tanque Verde Ranch's Women of the West clinic, for example. You check into comfy casitas, dive into a week of horse training classes, and at the end of each day you sit around a campfire and get entertained by horse trainer Tom Chambers (he's also a singer and western music composer). On the last day, the gals are treated to a professional massage at the spa, plus Dom Perignon Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries!

Chambers says the goal is to let riders experience "that magic place in time that I call harmony with horses!" Yep, but you all experience some pretty nice pampering, too.  Tanque Verde's Women of the West has six clinics in 2009 (start dates Jan. 31; Feb. 28; Ap. 18; Oct. 3; Nov. 7; Dec. 12); click here for the website. 

More ranches with women's week programs: ARIZONA: Flying E Ranch; Kay El Bar. WYOMING: Firehole Ranch; Paradise Guest Ranch.

Dude and guest ranches geared to families

Last week's post (Tips for Moms: Selecting a ranch for kids) just touched on a subject blog readers always want to know more about: how to find the perfect ranch suited to your children and the family's needs. 

Our partner site, Ranchweb.com, breaks out their list of North American ranches into helpful categories, from those with children's trail riding (including Arizona's Rancho de los Caballeros) to guest ranches and resorts with teen programs (as at Colorado's Wilderness Trails Ranch); to ranches that let kids eat together with other children (as at New York's Rocking Horse Dude Ranch Resort).

And some ranches have fine-tuned their children's programs over decades. Take California's Rankin Ranch, for example. Founded in 1863 (click to see the ranch in pictures), the ranch history runs deep and the Rankin family delights in sharing this history with guests. Their supervised children's program for ages 4-11 provides activities throughout the day: treasure hunts to nature walks, arts and crafts fun, talent shows, toy boat building and racing. Each evening, everyone enjoys visiting Sarah's Farm to feed and pet the calves, chickens, pigs, and sheep. Plan ahead: the ranch is open March-September.

Taste of the Season: Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

Lisa, owner/chef at the Latigo Dude and Guest Ranch in Kremmling, Colorado, sends us her recipe; she says guests really love these buns on a crisp fall morning or before a winter cross-country ski trek. And, Lisa says, "It makes a bunch, so it's great for a big holiday party!"

Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

2 Tbs. yeast

1/2 Cup (C.) warm water

4 eggs

1 C. canola oil

1 C. pumpkin (canned)

1 C. warm milk

1/2 C. sugar

1/2 C. brown sugar

1/3 C. instant vanilla pudding mix

1/3 C. instant butterscotch pudding mix

1 Tsp. salt

7-8 C. flour

For the filling: 1 Tbs. melted butter, 1 C. brown sugar, 2 tsp. cinnamon

For the icing: 3 Tbs. water, 2 Tbs. butter, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 2 C. powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, dash salt

Directions: Let the yeast and warm water sit until bubbly. Then mix the eggs, oil, pumpkin, milk, sugars, and pudding mixes with the yeast until smooth. Add the salt and flour gradually until dough is elastic. Let the entire mixture rise until is has about doubled, then roll it out into a long rectangle. Spread with filling, roll up, cut into rolls and place in a pan or greased baking sheet. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise again.

Bake in a 375° oven for 30 min., then test for doneness. Drizzle icing on when they've cooled. 

Makes about 2 dozen big buns.

Workaholic's therapy in Arizona

Are you a workaholic? Wickenburg's Kay el Bar Ranch offers a fun solution: horse therapy. At check-in, guests are offered the option of "checking out" by checking in their cell phones, and (as soon as possible) swinging into the saddle, and riding off into the sunshine. "This is a serious problem," says ranch owner Joe Beattie. "Blackberries (aka crackberries), cell phones, and constant work chatter are eroding our quality of life. Though a bit tongue-in-cheek, we do have a solution."

Arizona's oldest dude ranch also has some news: it just completed its largest restoration to date. The original adobe walls have been restored, lodge bathrooms upgraded, and traditional landscaping has been returned. But the most important thing hasn't changed: the peace and serenity you can find here in this lovely Sonoran Desert setting.

To learn more, visit Kay el Bar on the web.

Tips for Moms: choosing a ranch for kids

Figuring out which ranch is best for your kids is a concern for both parents, but Moms are often the ones who end up doing the necessary detective work. One tip: start your selection process on the Internet (on sites that narrow the search, like Ranchweb), then work the phones. When you've selected your top choice ranches, ask each for a list of past guests that wouldn't mind a call from you (that is, guests who came with kids).

Then call and ask if they have time for a few questions about their ranch stay: how child-oriented they felt the ranch was; what kinds of kid-programs they participated in and what ages the programs worked best for; what their kids really loved (or not) about the ranch.

See if there's anything out-of-the-ordinary the parents suggest you should bring for the kids when they visit a ranch. You might get some surprising answers. And if your "little dudes" have any special considerations, mention them; if their children share those considerations, you'll find out how the ranch accommodated them. You're sure to get some great ideas from the vast—and helpful—network of parents out there. And you might even make a new phone friend.

Holiday at the ranch

Want to escape from bell-ringing Santas, throngs at the mall, and those seemingly endless shopping lists and decorating chores? Head for a guest ranch during December's holiday season.

Whether you choose a snowy redoubt in Wyoming or a winter-warm spot like Arizona, you’re sure to find one thing: a great escape from the usual din of December. Bring your friends and family to join ranch activities that range from campfires with s’mores to decorating the tree.

Not all ranches are open for the Christmas holiday, but those that are make extra efforts to ensure a special time for their guests, with incredible feasts (like duck l’orange), or horseback riding or snowmobile and snowshoe tours (as weather permits).

Some examples: at Wyoming's Turpin Meadow Ranch, nordic and snowshoe opportunities are right outside your cabin door and the lodge is just fifteen miles from Grand Teton National Park, and the festivities abound, from cookie-making to tree-trimming. And nearby Jackson jumps with the holiday activities from Thanksgiving through New Year.

At Colorado's Vista Verde, guides will take you skiing, snowshoeing, or horseback riding into the magnificent countryside; or stay inside and join Culinary Adventures, like wine tasting and cooking classes. As Stephanie at Vista Verde says,

"There is just something about the jingle bells on the sleigh, the fireplace crackling, and the snowmen and sledding and all the winter fun that makes the season feel like it's supposed to be."

In Arizona, visit Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch and get into the frontier spirit. Relax by the pool, challenge the kids to a game of basketball or billiards, or ride into the Arizona sunshine.

Whichever style of ranch you choose, it will be a holiday your family will not soon forget. For a complete list of year-round ranches, mosey on over to Ranchweb.

A Thanksgiving getaway

Can't face another overstuffed meal with the relatives? Try something off the hook for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's not far off—November 27—and its always a Thursday, which makes it perfect for kicking off a four-day weekend or week-long trip. And what better way to plug into the true spirit of the holiday than to get back to the land on a guest ranch?

Now is the time to start planning a Thanksgiving ranch getaway. Give thanks for the past year—or just rest up and recover from it—on a luxury ranch (some have indulgences like spas and soaking tubs). Or share the bounty of the season on a rustic ranch; many have been in the same family for generations, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about taking care of the land and being thankful for all it has to give us.

Here are a few ranches open at Thanksgiving (at our press date, they all had T-Day openings, but call ahead to check/book): Bar W Guest Ranch in Montana; Clear Creek Ranch in North Carolina; Elkhorn Ranch in Arizona; Grapevine Canyon Ranch in Arizona.

Whatever style of ranch you visit, it'll be a Turkey Day you'll remember for years to come. For a list of ranches that are open in fall/year-round, check  Ranchweb.com. Click here for ranch travel bargains.

Picking a ranch: visitor tips

The range of choices in ranches out there is awesome—and for anyone planning a dude ranch vacation, it can be intimidating. There are some similarities: most ranches offer American Plan, with meals, lodging, and activities included, but some do offer Modified American Plan and European Plans. But one thing's for sure: every ranch serves up a slightly different menu of features to cater to your special interests.

To get started, head for Ranchweb.com, where you can find ranches listed by category. Then ask yourself some key questions. Are you interested in a child-oriented ranch or one where child care is provided? How important is the kind of riding program available (and how much of your visit do you want to spend in the saddle)? If fishing, nature walking, or hunting is important to family members, you'll want to scope out the ranch's level of offerings in those activities. Food and drink is always key, so don't be afraid to ask about menus and liquor policies.

And if there's a spouse in the house who just can't unplug from the Internet or cell phone, you'll want to check out the ranch connections (they're not all as remote as you think). Whatever you want, there's sure to be a dude ranch perfect for your needs, and it's just a click away!

ABC's new dudes

Alan Shore and Denny Crane on horseback? Yep, the wise-cracking, business-suited boys from ABC's Boston Legal are heading for a dude ranch on next week's episode of the hit prime-time show. Frankly, we can't wait to watch them saddle up.

We don't know if actors James Spader (Shore) or William Shatner (Crane) have ever been to a dude ranch in real life, but Shatner is, in fact, a fine horseman. He rides and breeds American Quarter Horses and owns the world champion Sultan's Great Day. The actor devotes time to AHEAD with Horses, a charity group which gives physically and mentally challenged children the thrill of riding a horse (while boosting their confidence); Shatner is also the annual host for the Hollywood Charity Horse Show. That merits a tip of the hat.

In next week's episode, Alan and Denny check into a dude ranch and find themselves "at odds with their fellow horse enthusiasts". Naturally. (Check local listings for time and station.)

Classic ranch wear

If you really want to fit in with the wranglers, get to know Denver's Rockmount Ranch Wear. The company has real cred on the range—they've been around since 1946.  Your must-have for the dude ranch: Rockmount's trademark diamond snap-front shirt (legend says they invented 'em); they're the longest-lasting production shirt design in America and one is even in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution. You can find 'em at any self-respecting western wear shop, or online. The tailored shirts with the sawtooth pocket style are now an icon, and make even city clickers look like the real deal. 

They were the brainchild of the late Jack A. Weil (below) Rockmount's patriarch and a fixture at the Rockies' main store even when he was well past age 100. 

When I stopped by the store in Denver's LoDo district a few years back, I asked Jack why he kept working long after the age when most guys have opted for golf and bridge. "Work is my way of relaxing," Jack said with a grin. "It keeps you young!"

Rock on, Jack A. Weil, wherever you are!

Your kid's first time on the ranch?

What happens when a city kid makes his or her first visit to a dude ranch? One thing is for sure: they never forget it. I vividly remember my first time on a ranch: I spent so much time in the saddle that I wound up "wearing" a pillow for the next few days. But I formed a love affair with horses that lasts to this day.

Tell us about your child's first visit and how it affected him/her. Did they bond eternally with their pony? Did your child try his hand at a little fly fishing with a ranch guide (and now wants his own waders)? 

Perhaps your child may have learned something about nature and formed a love for the outdoors after spending time on the ranch. Or maybe their visit provided a chance to put down the Gameboy and have some quality time with Mom and Pop.

If there's a funny or warm story about your child's first time on the ranch, please tell us! Post your comments below, or send us an email; we'll share the stories with our readers.

Autumn colors on the ranch

Split rail fences zig-zagging into golden groves of aspen. Chocolate brown horses stepping across a meadow. A tangerine alpenglow melting over the top of a nearby mountain. Those are some of the hues of a typical fall day around some dude ranches. You see, not all of the ranches close for the season at summer's end.

At spots like the C Lazy U Ranch in the mountains of Colorado, autumn is one of their favorite times of year. It's perfect for long hikes through forests daubed with bright colors, rides into the mountains, and roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire. It's also when wildlife begin to move down from the mountains. Said one recent guest, "While sipping a cup of cowboy coffee one morning, I spotted a moose by a nearby creek; other days I watched the beavers take their morning swim in the pond!"

At California's Highland Ranch, the season brings wellness programs, like the Yoga and Riding Weekend Clinic, midweek discounts, and a harvest of fruit from Highland's own 

apple, peach, and pear trees (see photo, below, right). "With 

the start of school," says manager Jim Gaines, "crowds are gone and fall is a really peaceful time to be here."

Of course in Arizona, fall color is given a twist. At Grapevine Canyon Ranch, where Chiricahua Apaches once roamed, the sagebrush after a rainfall gets a tangy scent and a freshly-washed, gray-green hue. "Now the ranch is covered with tall, silvery grass that is at the legendary stirrup height," says owner Eve Searle, "and there are lots of wildflowers only now beginning to fade away." October and November is also time for cattle round-ups, and guests are welcome to help.

And up in the White Mountains at the Hidden Meadow Ranch, one seasonal high point is the Wild West Rodeo Weekend, (Oct. 17-19); team penning is one of their best events of the year. Another highlight is the HMR Winemaker Weekend (Oct. 24-26): A Taste of Rebel Vinum, and including a five-course dinner. But ultimately, you could say that fall's main color is green (rates plunge after September 5, saving you lots of green).

So as October weather brings a chill, remember that it also brings a palette of colors to ranches everywhere.