Upload
the-ranch-at-rock-creek
View
218
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Each day at The Ranch is a new adventure. Base your Montana exploration and activities around these hallmark seasonal celebrations and special offers.
Citation preview
s p r i n g | f a l l
2 0 1 5 s p e c i a l o f f e r s
t h e e q u e s t r i a n
4-Nights Horsemanship Clinic
t h e a n g l e r
4-Nights Fly Fishing Special Offer
t h e n at u r a l i s t
3-Nights Wildlife Adventure
t h e r o m a n t i c
3-Nights Montana Romance Retreat
t h e R a n c h a t R o c k C r e e kPhilipsburg, Montana
F O R R E S E RVAT I O N S : 8 7 7 . 7 8 6 . 1 5 4 5
7 9 C A R R I A G E H O U S E L A N E | P H I L I P S B U R G , M O N T A N A 5 9 8 5 8
W E L C O M E @ T H E R A N C H AT R O C K C R E E K . C O M
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
l imitles s pos s ib i l it i e sOur all-inclusive rate structure
ensures that visits to The Ranch
are memorable for their adven-
tures and amenities, not their
complications. Whether you’re
seeking big mountain adven-
tures, peaceful strolls by Rock
Creek, relaxing spa treatments
or all three, The Ranch provides
something for every traveler.
While we can’t take credit for
the scenery, we have designed
our guest ranch to offer the best
of Western activities, distinctive
accommodations, world-class
dining and hospitality. All
activities include guides and a
selection of gear, such as cow-
boy and hiking boots.
AC C O M M O D AT I O N S
Our lodgings at The Ranch
are as distinctive as they
are magnificent. When it
comes to luxury in the Great
Outdoors, we merge authen-
tic mountain elements with
premium amenities.
R A N C H C U I S I N E
Daily breakfast, lunch, hors
d’oeuvres and dinner. Unlimit-
ed premium beer, wine, spirits,
soft drinks, and stocked
in-room mini bars.
O N - S I T E AC T I V I T I E S
Extensive variety of daily
on-property activities includ-
ing gear and guides. There
are never cancellation fees
for changing your schedule.
Includes access to fitness center
and pool.
S I LV E R D O L L A R S A LO O N
Silver Dollar Saloon entertain-
ment includes billiards, shuffle-
board, karaoke, private movie
cinema, board games and four
lanes of bowling.
s erv ices & i tems offered at an addit ional cost
Spa Services & Treatments
Goods in The Mercantile
Reserve List Wine & Spirits
Yoga Sessions
Ground Transportation
Off-Property Excursions
Private Event Production
Private Rodeo
included in our n ightly rates :
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
s p r i n g f l o at t r i p o n r o c k c r e e k Book during our spring dates and receive a complimentary full-day float trip on 14 miles of Rock Creek ($500 value).
f a l l o f f - s i t e f l o at t r i p Book during our fall dates and enjoy a complimentary full-day float trip on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, or Blackfoot Rivers ($500 value).
s p r i n g + f a l l h a l f - d ay o f f - r a n c h f i s h Venture to an off-site location chosen personally by our guides based on your fishing goals and skill level ($400 value).
f ly t y i n g w o r k s h o p Learn how to tie your own flies and discover the art of selecting the right fly for the season.
c a s t i n g l e s s o n s Improve your casting with daily individual lessons. All gear and guides are provided.
Float for miles and experience spectacular fishing and scenery on Rock Creek and other Montana waterways. This adventure can be tailored to suit anglers of all experience levels, whether novice or expert.
Escape to the pristine banks of our blue-ribbon Rock
Creek where your days are filled with the best fly fishing
in the America West. Trade stories from your day on
the river while indulging in world-class dining before
relaxing with a good book in your Granite Lodge room
or heading off to the Silver Dollar Saloon for bowling
and billiards.
Our knowledgeable guides welcome anglers with varied
experiences and interests who seek miles of fishing
for six species of trout during Montana’s thrilling and
productive seasons on the water.
t h e a n g l e r | 4 - n i g h t s
f l y f i s h i n g s p e c i a l o f f e r
offer overv iew
Book a 4-night stay between APRIL 15 - JUNE 7, 2015 & SEPT 15 - NOV 24, 2015
and receive up to $1,000 in additional value.
all - inclus ive rate : $900 per person /per nightRates start at $900 per person, per night for Granite Lodge and Canvas Cabin luxury accommodations, plus 20% Ranch Fee. Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between April 15-June 7, 2015 and September 15-November 24, 2015, based on availability. A four (4) night minimum stay is required. Offer is not combinable with other promotions.
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
arrival day rock creek full-day float off-s ite f ish departure
day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4 day 5
7:30a m Breakfast
10:00a m Choose to walk and wade in Rock Creek or practice your cast on one of our stocked
trophy ponds.
12:30p m
Lunch
2:00p m
Guests may continue fishing or select any of our other
Ranch activities
6:00p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
9:00a m Leave for a full-day float
along 14 miles of Rock Creek— or —
full-day off-site float (fall only)
12:30p m
Creekside Lunch
5:00p m
Return to Ranch
6:00p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
9:00a m Experience another fishing
location in Montana selected by our guides based on your
personal fishing goals.
12:30p m
Creekside Lunch
af t e r n o o n
Return to Ranch
6:00p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
11:00a m Check-out time. Depending
on departure time guests may enjoy more fishing on
Rock Creek.
Guests arriving before 2:00pm may head directly to Rod & Gun to gear up and hit the water with a
casting lesson
6:00p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
s p r i n g & fa l l f ly f i s h i n g s a m p l e i t i n e r a r y
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
s p r i n g
After a long dormant winter, the fish are eager and hungry. Elevated
water levels from the snow melt and rising seasonal temperatures cause
an eruption of new bug life. This emergence of bug activity creates
hungry and active fish.
s u m m e r Warm summer days mean bigger bugs. Fish are easier to see during
this time of year from lower water levels. The summer hatch lasts well
into the season where ants and grasshoppers make up the majority of
the trout’s diet. Nymphing and streamer fishing can still prove pro-
ductive, but neither is near as exciting as watching a large native trout
smash the surface in pursuit of a juicy hopper pattern.
f a l l
The weather cools off around mid-September. Fish are bulking up for
the colder weather on the horizon meaning big catches. Crisp warm
days can be followed by occasional frosted nights. The leaves along
Rock Creek ignite into brilliant golden colors. The lower water levels
mean that big holes are easier to fish.
For The Expert: The most productive method
this time of year is known as Nymphing, a tech-
nique where anglers present flies underneath the
water to mimic the early stages of a bug’s life.
Streamer fishing is at its best during the spring.
Salmon Fly, Skwala, May Fly, Stonefly Nymph,
May Fly Nymph species are all represented.
For The Expert:
The dry fly purist will be in heaven on Rock
Creek this time of year. The prolific salmon fly
hatch comes to a close mid-June and the high
summer season begins with the hatch of the
golden stonefly.
For The Expert:
This is brown trout season.This fish species is
moving to their spawning beds during this
time of year. They become very aggressive and
streamer fishing for trophy trout is at its prime.
Terrestrial fishing is still very productive.
On days when other methods are slow, nymph-
ing can provide persistent production.
s p r i n g & fa l l f ly f i s h i n g t h e f i s h i n g r e p o r t
Guide Picks:
Golden stoneflies,
ants, bright hopper
patterns, beetles, bees,
drakes, mayflies.
Guide Picks:
Tan grasshopper
patterns, blue wing
olives, mayflies, pheas-
ant tails, caddis
Guide Picks: Olive
stoneflies, pheasant
tails, hare’s ears, San
Juan worms, white
and yellow streamers.
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
What is a Blue Ribbon Trout stream and
why is it a big deal?
A Blue Ribbon fishery is a designation
made in the United States to identify
recreational fisheries of extremely high
quality. There are only 5 states in the U.S.
with official Blue Ribbon designations:
Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Utah and
Wisconsin. Blue Ribbon status is generally
based on set criteria:
Water quality & Quantity: Must have ade-
quate water quality and quantity to sustain
a viable fishery
Water accessibility: The water must be
accessible to the public
Natural Reproduction Capacity: The body of
water must allow for sustainable reproduc-
tion to maintain recreational fishing.
Angling Pressure: The water must be able to
withstand angling pressure
Specific Species: Selection may be based on
specific species
Congressional Approval: Any waterway
hoping to earn a Blue Ribbon designation
must be approved through Congress.
What are your age restrictions?
Generally at The Ranch, children under
the age of eight are recommended to join
the Little Grizzlies Kids Club to experience
our fly fishing program.
Can I bring my own fly rod and gear?
Absolutely! While we offer everything an
angler needs to enjoy our water, we under-
stand how nice it is to have your trusted
gear. All gear may be shipped in advanced
to The Ranch and will be waiting in your
accommodation upon arrival.
What species of fish live in Rock Creek?
There are six different species of trout
living in Rock Creek including cutthroat,
cut-bow, rainbow, brown, brook, bull and
rocky mountain whitefish. The creek boasts
one of the highest fish populations in the
state.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. The Rod & Gun will handle all license
purchasing.
What other rivers do you guide on?
The Bitterroot: about 1.5 hours over
Skalkaho pass The Bitterroot River flows
through a prolific valley of the same name.
This Blue Ribbon River is a favorite among
locals and provides ample fishing oppor-
tunities for both novice and advanced skill
levels.
The Big Blackfoot: about 2 hours northwest
of The Ranch Full of big bull, rainbow and
cutthroat trout. Float trips follow 11 miles
through The Box Canyon to Russell Gates.
This section of the float has the most
pressure and holds some of the biggest fish.
Best for intermediate to advanced anglers.
Also the river featured in A River Runs
Through It.
Upper Clark Fork: about an hour from The
Ranch. This is the closet river to The Ranch
and flows through some neat old mining
towns. The fish are large and have a vora-
cious appetite for bugs and good looking
streamers. This section has less pressure
for anglers than the popular Clark Fork
sections below Missoula making it great for
beginners.
Note: For off-site fishing, the destination
is determined by our guide’s knowledge of
current seasonal status for that location. We
also choose rivers based on the guest’s ability
and goals to ensure the best possible fly-fishing
experience for that individual.
Why is a float trip on Rock Creek only
offered in the spring?
Fishing from a boat on Rock Creek is not
allowed after June 30 per Forest Service
regulations.
f ly f i s h i n g f r e q u e n t l y a s k e d q u e s t i o n s
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
g u i d e d n at u r e h i k e s The evening and morning are the best time to spot wildlife. A guide will help you find the optimal locations for spotting animals in their natural habitats on two privately guided hikes.
p r i vat e j e e p t o u r Gain access to miles of backcountry in a privately guided Jeep tour.
f i r e s i d e d i s c u s s i o n Morning and evening fireside discussions led by a Ranch Ambassador on wildlife, local history, geology, entomology and game tracking.
c o o k i n g f o r t h e w i l d Executive Chef Josh Drage offers insights on wild game preparation.
Immerse yourself into Montana’s majestic landscape while you enjoy the amenities and bespoke adventures of The Ranch, the country’s premier National Geographic Unique Lodge of The World.
Reconnect with your roots by exploring one of the
last fully intact ecosystems in the Lower 48 States.
Visit the home of moose, elk, deer, big horn sheep,
and birds of prey during the best seasons to spot
wildlife and experience the changing seasons along
the banks of Rock Creek. Explore 6,600 acres with
a private guide, hike trails to stunning meadows,
peaks and forests. Learn about the habits of the
wild creatures and geology of the rocky cliffs by
the light of the fire after a wonderful farm-to-table
five-course meal.
t h e n at u r a l i s t | 3 - n i g h t s
w i l d l i f e a d v e n t u r e
offer overv iew
all - inclus ive rate : $1,600 per night based on double occ.Rates start at $1,600 per accommodation, per night based on standard occupancy, plus 20% Ranch Fee. Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between April 1-June 7, 2015 and September 15-November 24, 2015, based on availability. A three (3) night minimum stay is required. Offer is not combinable with other promotions.
Book a 3-night stay between APRIL 1 - JUNE 7, 2015 & SEPT 15 - NOV 24, 2015
and receive up to $1,000 in additional value.
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
arrival day exploration jeep tour departure
day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4
7:30a m Breakfast
Optional: Guided morning nature hike
10:00a m Trail ride to Paradise
12:30p m
Lunch
2:00p m
Casting lesson, walk and wade fly fishing on Rock Creek
5:30p m
Guided nature hike
6:00p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
Optional: Guided morning nature hike
10:00a m 3-D Archery
12:30p m
Creekside Lunch
1:30p m
Ropes challenge course
4:00p m
Wildlife Jeep tour on property and surrounding area
6:30p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
Optional: Guided morning nature hike
11:00a m Check out time. Depending on
departure time guests may enjoy a morning activity.
Guests arriving before 2:00pm may head down to the Rod & Gun to
schedule their activities
6:00p m
Social Hour and nature chat with Ranch
Ambassador
7:30p m
Dinner
w i l d l i f e a d v e n t u r e s a m p l e i t i n e r a r y
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
p r i vat e ly g u i d e d a c t i v i t y Enjoy a half-day, private guided fly fishing or horseback ride adventure with gourmet picnic.
c h a m pa g n e A complimentary bottle of champagne will be waiting in your accommodation upon arrival.
r e s o r at i v e m a s s a g e Two complimentary 60-minute massages for in the Granite Spa.
A special long weekend for couples who want to rejuvenate and reconnect in the outdoors. Escape to The Ranch to fill your hearts and inspire your minds during memorable Montana days and nights together.
Enjoy outdoor activities such as fly fishing,
horseback riding and hiking, and enjoy
spectacular panoramic views from private
mountain summits. Your exceptional farm-to-
table culinary experiences and rustic, yet elegant
accommodations will be complemented by
the serenity of the Granite Spa and a glass of
champagne with the murmur of the creek outside
your door.
t h e r o m a n t i c | 3 - n i g h t s
m o n t a n a r o m a n c e r e t r e a t
offer overv iew
all-inclusive rate: $1,600 per night based on double occ.
Rates start at $1,600 per accommodation, per night based on standard occupancy, plus 20% Ranch Fee.Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between April 1-June 7, 2015 and September 15-November 24, 2015, based on availability. A three (3) night minimum stay is required. Offer is not combinable with other promotions.
Book a 3-night stay between APRIL 1 - JUNE 7, 2015 & SEPT 15 - NOV 24, 2015
and receive up to $500 in additional value.
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
arrival day ranch relaxation ranch adventures departure
day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4
7:30a m Breakfast
10:00a m Horseback Ride
12:30p m
Lunch
2:00p m
Hike to Top of the World
5:30p m
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at scenic destination
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
9:00a m Casting lesson with walk and wade
fish on Rock Creek
12:30p m
Creekside Lunch
2:00p m
Sporting Clays
4:00p m
60-min restorative massages
6:30p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
11:00a m Check out time. Depending on
departure time, guests may have the option enjoy a morning activity.
Guests arriving before 2:00pm may head down to the Rod & Gun to
schedule their activities.
6:00p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
m o n ta n a r o m a n c e r e t r e at s a m p l e i t i n e r a r y
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
This spring The Ranch will host an intensive natural horsemanship clinic lead by NRCHA competitors and trainers, Scott Whinfrey and Lisa Kittel. This three day all-inclusive clinic focuses on developing Ranch skills including roping and working cattle.
Each guest will be partnered with their own horse for the
weekend based on their riding ability and personality. Small
group exercises are complemented with one-on-one guidance
from clinicians. The clinic is limited to ten participants. This
experience allows equestrians of all disciplines to gain an
introduction to Western horsemanship and cowboy culture.
Advanced riders can hone their roping, cutting and reining
skills.
Guests are invited to wrangle horses, move a herd of longhorn
cattle and rope steers in our arena. This clinic welcomes all
skill levels and equine disciplines but guests must be able
to walk, trot and lope comfortably in order to participate.
A basic understanding of horsemanship is required.
t h e e q u e s t r i a n | 4 - n i g h t s
r a n c h h o r s e m a n s h i p c l i n i c
cl in ic overv iew
Limited Availability: MAY 13 - 17, 2015
all - inclus ive rate : $1,100 per person /per night
W E S T E R N H O R S E M A N S H I P Communication and ground work, reining, developing feel and timing, how to select the right equipment.
WO R K I N G C AT T L E Focus on cutting, sorting, penning, reading body language, working as a group vs. individual.
RO P I N G : B E G I N N E R - TO - A DVA N C E D Roping exercises start on the ground and progress to the saddle. Learn how to position your horse, refine your swing, perfect your delivery and handling.
R A N C H S K I L L S Trail obstacles, gates, crossing water, riding on steep terrain.
S PE C I A L O P P O RT U N I T I E S Guests have the opportunity to wrangle our horse herd in the morning and turn the herd out in the evening. Small clinic size ensures personalized instruction.
4-night minimum stay required, limited to Granite Lodge rooms or Canvas Cabins. Standard RC inclusions. Rate is exclusive of 20% ranch fee. Not combinable with other promotions. Valid on new reservations only during select dates. Non -commissionable.
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
r a n c h h o r s e m a n s h i p c l i n i c i t i n e r a r y
arrival day ranch reining cowboy skills roping & riding departure
we d n e s d ay, may 13 th u r s d ay, may 14 fr i d ay, may 15 sat u r d ay, may 16 su n d ay, may 17
7:30a m Breakfast
9:30a m Catch and saddle
Selecting the right tack Groundwork basics
Intro to Ranch Reining
12:30p m
Lunch
2:00p m
Ranch Reining con’tLate afternoon trail ride
6:00p m
Social Hour
6:30p m Enjoy cowboy poetry by
some local favorites and an acoustic musical perfor-mance by Scott Whinfrey
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
9:30a m Catch and saddle
Split into two groups:Group 1 - Working CattleGroup 2 - Ranch Obstacles
12:30p m
Lunch
2:00p m
Switch groups in afternoon
6:00p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Chef ’s Tasting Menu
7:30a m Breakfast
Optional: Bring the horses into the corrals with our
wranglers
9:30a m Intro to Roping: Begin on the ground and transition into the saddle, advanced ropers
start in the arena
12:30p m
Lunch
2:00p m
Special cowboy activity to be determined based on group
ability level- or -
Opportunity to work on individual requests
5:00p m
Optional: Turn horses out into evening pasture
6:30p m
Social Hour
7:30p m
Dinner
7:30a m Breakfast
Optional: Bring the horses into the corrals with our
wranglers
11:00a m Check-out time. Depending
on departure time, guests may have the option to enjoy
a morning trail ride.
Guests arriving before 4:00pm may head directly to the barn to meet their
equine partner for the week-end. Each horse is paired with a guest based on skill
level and personality.
6:00p m
Meet & Greet with Lisa and Scott in the Silver
Dollar Saloon
7:30p m
Dinner
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
Scott Whinfrey is an
accomplished horseman who has
trained horses and cowboyed all
over the United States as well
as Australia, Chile, Argentina,
and Mexico. A colt starter and
performance horse trainer, Scott
competes in Reined Cowhorse
shows and Ranch Horse
competitions and regularly earns
money in the NRCHA, NCHA,
and the NSHA.
He has also done every job
imaginable on a ranch. During
spring he usually splits his time
between the show pen and the
branding pen. When not astride
a horse, Scott is a singer of
cowboy songs, a guitar picker,
a craftsmen of fine leather tack,
a farrier, a clinician, and a cook
of all foods, from curries to
campfire Dutch Oven dishes.
r a n c h h o r s e m a n s h i pa b o u t o u r p r o g r a m
Lisa Kittel has worked for
Reined Cowhorse trainers, Cut-
ting trainers, Cow/Calf ranching
operations, and in a feedlot. Lisa
has competed and earned money
in Ranch Horse competitions as
well as in the NRCHA. She is a
colt starter and enjoys putting a
foundation on young horses that
will allow them to excel in any
equine job. She has competed in
blacksmith competitions as a pro-
fessional farrier and has worked
in the horse industry from the
lowliest stall cleaning job to
training and helping sell high-end
horses for the public. She likes
to rope in the branding pen as
well as in the arena. Lisa is also
an avid gardener and seamstress,
tans her own leather, and raises
chickens.
m e e t y o u r c l i n i c i a n s
Montana is made for horses and The Ranch at
Rock Creek is made for riders. Wide-open skies,
sagebrush hillsides and alpine peaks are best seen
on horseback. Part of our Relais & Chateaux and
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star luxury experience is
having everything for a Western-style equestrian
adventure at your fingertips. Our Rod & Gun
Club outfits guests with cowboy hats, boots and
riding helmets as needed. Our wranglers match
guests with horses based on the rider’s ability and
comfort level. All equestrian activities are guided.
Our horse herd is comprised mostly of American
Quarter Horses for their all-around performance
ability, speed and strength, calm disposition and
innate cow-sense. The American Quarter Horse
is the ideal choice for ranch riding. Our equine
program welcomes all riding disciplines and skill
levels.
Above: Scott Whinfrey training a young horse to track a cow. Left: Lisa Kittel on a cattle drive near Kadoka, South Dakota where she worked for a NRCHA trainer for three years.
for reservat ions : 877 .786 .1545 | we l c ome@theranchatrockcreek .com | www.theRanchAtRockCreek .com | ph il i p sburg , montana
e q u e s t r i a n p r o g r a mf r e q u e n t l y a s k e d q u e s t i o n s
How many horses do you have?
We have a horse herd of seventy five. Our
herd is primarily comprised of Quarter
Horses. Acclaimed for their all-around per-
formance ability, speed and strength, calm
disposition and innate cow-sense, the
American Quarter Horse is the ideal choice
for ranch riding. We choose horses based
on guest’s experience level.
What are your age restrictions?
Due to the intense instruction of our
clinic we recommend that participants
are over the age of fourteen. Generally
at The Ranch, children under the age of
eight are recommended to join the Little
Grizzlies Kids Club to experience our
equine program. Exceptions are made for
advanced-intermediate young riders. The
Little Grizzlies Kids Club offers pony rides
for children ages three and up.
Can I bring my own horse?
We do not allow guests to bring their own
horse to our ranch. We believe that riding
on vacation is an opportunity to experience
new and different equine personalities.
Do you offer English riding?
We encourage all riders to experience
Western riding traditions while in Mon-
tana. Therefore, we do not offer English
riding. However, many of our wranglers
are familiar with English disciplines and
excel at helping English riders transition to
a Western riding style.
What is Natural Horsemanship?
This term applies to a style of training that
utilizes the horse’s own form of commu-
nication to gain cooperation and respect
between horse and rider. It is ‘natural’ be-
cause it uses the horse’s unique psychology
as a training tool.
What is Groundwork?
This term applies to horse training from
the ground. Before sliding into the saddle,
riders can establish respect, communi-
cation, trust and understanding through
various exercises. Most of these exercises
focus on establishing your leadership posi-
tion by moving your horses’ feet. It builds
confidence for both horse and rider. Riders
can see how a horse thinks and moves his
feet in response to a cue. This will translate
later into saddle exercises where under-
standing your horses hoof placement is
important.
What type of cattle will we work with?
The Ranch has a herd of about forty
Corriente cattle, commonly, but incorrect-
ly referred to as Longhorns. The Corriente
is a Spanish derived breed of cattle similar
in appearance to a Longhorn but smaller in
stature. Their smaller size, hardy disposi-
tion and medium sized horns make them
ideal livestock for rodeo events where
roping is required. They are not raised for
meat.
What type of roping will we learn?
We will focus on ranch roping and team
roping. Beginners will learn the basics of
throwing a rope around a dummy on the
ground. Depending on the confidence
level of the guest, there will be opportuni-
ties to practice from horseback. Beginners
will start roping in the saddle using an
automatic steer called a Heel-o-Matic.
Advanced ropers can practice ranch roping
or team roping on steers.
What does it mean to wrangle in the
morning and turn-out in the evening?
Every evening our horse herd is turned out
into pastures to graze. In the morning two
to three wranglers ride out into the pasture
and push the horses into the corrals near
the barn for the day’s work. Wrangling
horses is only offered to clinic participants.
What does NRCHA mean?
This acronym stands for National Reined
Cow Horse Association. This association
holds competitive events for working cow
horses where riders must perform two to
three different sorts of work in the arena.
The first is a reining pattern. Next, a cow
is released into the arena and horse and
rider perform a cutting maneuver known
as ‘boxing’ followed by fence work where
the cow must be turned back twice along
the fence and circled twice in opposite
directions in the middle of the arena before
becoming visably exhausted.
F O R R E S E RVAT I O N S : 8 7 7 . 7 8 6 . 1 5 4 5
7 9 C A R R I A G E H O U S E L A N E | P H I L I P S B U R G , M O N T A N A 5 9 8 5 8
W E L C O M E @ T H E R A N C H AT R O C K C R E E K . C O M