I had such a magical time at Rocking Z that I'm not really sure where to begin with telling you about my incredible stay! It was a horseback riding vacation come true!
If you google "Montana Dude Ranch" you get dozens of results for places spread across the state. I researched several and sent out emails requesting more info and Patty Wirth from Rocking Z not only wrote back to me within a day, but she was the only one who specifically addressed all of my concerns and answered all of my questions. Then she called me a few days later to explain things in even more detail and make sure that this was the right guest ranch for me. Talk about service! I knew that Rocking Z was where I was going to spend my solo ranch vacation. I wanted to spend my week at a ranch where I could ride horses all day as well as advance my horsemanship skills.
From the moment I arrived I was made to feel right at home and was welcomed with smiles from every one of the Wirth family and all of the interns that work there. The rooms were large and warm (both in decor and temperature!) and the beds were so comfortable! I was surrounded by gorgeous scenery: rolling hills, bright blue skies, green grass and dozens of friendly, well trained horses.
I think one of the greatest assets to the ranch is the other guests! People come from all over the world to experience Rocking Z and since everyone eats meals together family style in the lodge and we all go out on rides together (in the same riding level) you really get to know one another. It's like a family after a few days! Who would have thought that a small working family ranch in the middle of Montana would be a melting pot of international culture bringing people together from all over the world to share their stories and experiences with the common bond of the love of horses? During my stay I met 2 amazing sisters from England and we did all of our rides together, talked and learned about each others cultures and became friends! I was the first person from LA they had ever met!
Within 15 minutes of arriving on my first day, Maria (ones of the Wirth's daughters) was giving me an introduction to their horses. She led me into the corral with about 25 horses and started walking me around telling me their names and fun facts about them. Pretty soon horses were coming up to us to get pet and scratched and following us around as she introduced me to other horses. Their horses are so friendly and just love attention! As a horse lover, this was a dream come true to be able to interact with so many horses who love human contact and are genuinely friendly.
I haven't had Western riding lessons in a long time, and their entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable with their instructions. After some practice I was able to saddle and bridle my own horse after "catching" her from the corral. The staff would check to make sure everything was tightened properly but they totally let you try it yourself first if you want. I was able to be as involved and interactive as I wanted to be which was so great! Everyone was so encouraging as well!
What did I do at the ranch? Everything I could have wanted and MORE! I went on trail rides that overlooked some of the most spectacular views I've ever seen. I rode well trained, obedient and responsive horses who were matched up to me specifically! (If you go, ask for Joker or Storm. They are awesome!) We did trail rides with long canters across green pastures and up rolling hills. We did some cattle wrangling and learned how to twirl a lasso and rope a real calf! I learned how to ride bareback and we got to help bring in the horses from the pasture in the morning and turn them out to pasture at night. We went camping overnight in just sleeping bags out in nature with a campfire and homecooked campfire meal made in dutch ovens. I learned how to barrel race, and saw 2 brand new foals that were born during my stay. I got to try Parelli games with 2 different horses with Maria's help and I learned so much about horses and the Parelli method that I know I am a better rider for it. Maria sang for us after dinner and played the guitar and fiddle and even did a duet with another guest who also played!
Every single member of the Wirth family and the staff (interns) there took care of every need we could possibly have. The food was incredible and home cooked! And if you have a special request or need, they are happy to accommodate. The hospitality here is warm and genuine!
When my stay there was over it was so hard to leave after being surrounded by such positivity, beauty, hospitality and experiencing the most unique and magical vacation of my life. But I have my memories and photos to last until I can get back up there for the next trip. I can't wait to go back! read more