15
spring|fall 2015 special offers THE EQUESTRIAN 4-Nights Horsemanship Clinic THE ANGLER 4-Nights Fly Fishing Special Offer THE NATURALIST 3-Nights Wildlife Adventure THE ROMANTIC 3-Nights Montana Romance Retreat the Ranch at Rock Creek Philipsburg, Montana FOR RESERVATIONS: 877.786.1545 79 CARRIAGE HOUSE LANE | PHILIPSBURG, MONTANA 59858 [email protected]

The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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

Page 1: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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

Page 2: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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 :

Page 3: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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.

Page 4: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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

Page 5: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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.

Page 6: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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

Page 7: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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.

Page 8: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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

Page 9: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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.

Page 10: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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

Page 11: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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.

Page 12: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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

Page 13: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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.

Page 14: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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.

Page 15: The Ranch at Rock Creek Special Offers 2015

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