Horseback riding in Montana

By: Nestor Imberti Posted: 21/02/2020

Today, let’s discover Montana, an immense American state featuring impressive forests, snow-capped peaks and Natural Parks where horse lovers can ride leisurely.

In Montana, we can learn what life was like in the time of old-school cowboys and how men related to horses over a hundred years ago, when the horse was everything – a work tool, means of transport and adventure buddy in the little free time these cowboys had.

Here, we can marvel at the magnificence and unique beauty of its National Parks, Glacier and Yellowstone, where we can come face to face with Montana’s wildlife. But above all, we’ll relearn to bond with our horse, after long riding hours, getting some ranch chores done and riding along charming trails.

If you really want to know what a "CATTLE & GUEST RANCH" is, in Montana you will. For that reason, we recommend paying attention to the following equestrian tourism outfitters.

Rocking Z Guest Ranch

Fifth-generation ranchers

Welcome to Rocking Z Guest Ranch. The ranch is owned and operated by Zack and Patty Wirth, fifth-generation Montana ranchers. Their daughters, Maria and Anna, and son-in-law Ben all teach and work on the ranch together.

The Rocking Z is a family business, owned, operated and managed by your hosts. Zack and Patty started the guest ranch in the year 2000, making their dream into reality.

Zack's family settled in the area in 1864, and Patty's family settled a few hours east of the ranch in 1872. Between cattle ranching and operating a construction business, Zack and Patty dreamt of being able to work together and share their lifestyle with others. They have six children, all of whom are married and mostly live in Montana. Zack and Patty are proud that their 15 grandchildren are learning to ride and that the future of the ranch is in good hands.

What horse breeds are there?

The Horses at the Rocking Z are all trained or re-trained on site. Many were bred and raised on site, and all are known individually by the head wranglers on the ranch. There are over 70 horses on the ranch, from new foals to retired masters.

The Herd is full of many breeds, dominantly Quarter Horses but also Mustangs, Belgians, Morgans, and many cross breeds.

All are trained using Natural Horsemanship, and are excellent at building relationships with their humans.

They believe that each horse is as individual as each human, and they have needs and likes just like we do. Some can teach, others like to be told what to do, and still others just want to play with people!

Remember! The Rocking Z is equidistant from Glacier National Park in the North and Yellowstone National Park in the South of the state. These parks are truly two of the most spectacular and unique places on Earth, and if you are interested in seeing wildlife, incredible natural phenomena like Old Faithful or Triple Falls, and the best scenery in the world we highly recommend visiting the parks!

What is Natural Horsemanship?

Here at the Rocking Z, they practice Natural Horsemanship learned from the Parelli Foundation, Martin Black and Monty Foreman. Parelli Natural Horsemanship has developed an incredible method of teaching Natural Horsemanship to people without leaving gaps.

The fundamentals are taught through Pat Parelli's Seven Games. The first three games build rapport, and the last four games put that rapport to a purpose. These games are taught on the ground and applied at all times around the horse, whether riding down the trail or starting a colt who's never been touched.

Not only do they practice these skills, but they teach them to their guests so that everyone who comes to stay with them can experience what Natural Horsemanship is about.

Cattle working

Cattle working at the Rocking Z is focused both on Horsemanship and on Stock-man-ship. For the horse, their nature is to chase and follow one another in the herd for dominance. This transfers to dominating cattle, or herding, seamlessly. As for the stock-man-ship, they will teach you how to gauge the cattle's intentions in order to herd them precisely and confidently.

Here at the Rocking Z they raise and train horses. These cattle are quick and challenging. They are the primary breed of cattle used in rodeos, and they train them for rodeos through their yearling up to three-year-old years. These cattle are unique, and their habits are sometimes more similar to deer than to Hereford or Angus cattle.

Working these cattle is a fantastic experience. They love to run and to be worked fast. For gaining experience, they are perfect because you can work with your horse for quite some time while your horse is focused and locked on.

Accommodation and facilities to give comfort

They have built a sanctuary in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Here, they have a cosy lodge where you can make yourself at home. Large, comfortable, en-suite guest rooms with their own individual fireplaces, outdoor hot tub Jacuzzi and miles of trails to walk and see the wildlife.

For more information about them, go to their web site: https://www.rockingz.com/

Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle

Your Hosts and the History of the Ranch

The Flynn family roots trace back to the 1860's when their ancestors followed the gold rush to Diamond City, a once booming ghost town located on the northern side of our present day ranch. After several years of struggling in the gold mines, their family moved to the valley and homesteaded. Over the century, their ancestors have carved a living from the fields and mountains. Their ranch has grown from the small farm on Poverty Flats to a sweeping ranch of around 15,000 acres.

For years, they have raised their own hay and cattle. Their herd of just over 200 cattle spend the summer roaming the mountain pastures and join them down in the foothills for calving season.

They welcome you to participate or watch any of the ranch work that occurs on the ranch. Join them in riding or hiking in the thousands of mountain acres that they call Home.

Summer Ranch Vacations and Horseback Riding

At Hidden Hollow Hideaway, they pride themselves on being able to cater to a variety of riders. Whether you are a complete beginner, or have spent years in the saddle, they have a horse and rides that will suit you!

Ride with them through the mountains and meadows of the Rocky Mountains as you visit historical sites, seek out the local wildlife, take in the scenic views, and move the cattle to new pastures.

In their programs and riding trails, you may ride all day or part of a day. They will help you with your horsemanship skills as you wish.

Riding on their ranch goes "off the beaten" paths but your safety comes first and they have experienced wranglers. Guests are invited to help care for the horses in catching, brushing, feeding, and saddling them.

There is a great variety of activities and adventures to experience while staying at Hidden Hollow Hideaway.

• Horseback Riding is a daily activity for all guests to enjoy, some half day rides and some full day lunch rides.
• Cattle Drives with their herd of 220+ Red Angus cattle and they often check or move these cattle, depending on the time of the year.
• Wildlife Tours on horseback to watch elk, deer, bear, coyotes, moose, mountain lions, mountain goats, bobcats, turkeys, ground squirrels, beaver & more.
• Scenic Tours in mountain roads, scenic vistas, high mountain lakes, snow fields & more. Historical Tours visiting Diamond City, a rich Montana gold camp now ghost town, is located in part on the ranch.

Comfort at the cabins

The Hideaway includes three cabins nestled in a meadow along the waters of Clear Creek. The nearby mountains tower over their lodge and home. All of their cabins have showers, refrigerators, and electric heat.

There are so many things to see here! For more information, go to their web: http://www.flynnhideaway.com/

/ Photos: www.rockingz.com and www.flynnhideaway.com /

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling North America on horseback?

And be sure to discover other horse riding destinations in North America where horse lovers can enjoy an ideal holiday.

~

THIS COULD ALSO BE INTERESTING

~

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? LEAVE A COMMENT