Bitterroot Ranch

Bitterroot Ranch got its grips around me and won’t let go ( I still wake up wondering what you had for dinner and whether it rained or snowed ). My stay is one of the most life-enriching experiences I have ever had. Tanis Salant (Arizona)

It was the best holiday I have ever had and I loved every minute spent there. I am torn between going back or experiencing somewhere new that has the same attitude to horses and nature. Sue Allen (UK)

I love the focus on horses ( i. e. no gimmicks ) and the lack of new age kit – no TV, phone in the room…. and I hope that the lack of cell coverage in the main lodge continues. Irene Gordon (UK)

This holiday was so far and a way beyond my most fanciful dreams that I cannot put proper words to it. You’ve created a relaxed peaceable kingdom while retaining a down to earth working cattle ranch and horse breeding farm. Ann Cole (Vermont)

People who own horses and ride frequently should know that you can still be challenged. This experience increased my ability and gave me more confidence to go home with. At 48 I now realize after riding my whole life there is still a lot to learn.
Sundy Martin, Connecticut

I signed up for a Centered Riding Clinic and got so much more!! The clinic was great and very helpful and informative. But I have to add that the setting was phenomenal and the afternoon rides were incredible. Karen Smith Crawley, Massachusetts

Every aspect of the stay lived up to and beyond my expectations, starting of course with the EXCELLENT horses and challenging terrain! I definitely expanded my expectations of what it was reasonable to ask a horse to traverse and it was such fun doing it in the company of other bold, experienced riders not having to hold back, but enjoying the group runs and the gorgeous scenery. I appreciate too that you were willing to give a rather rusty jumper the great fun of riding your cross country course. It was a completely new experience using a horse to do a job of work on the cattle drive, and it gave me a tiny look at what the old time cowboys were up against. The Wyoming mountains and wide open spaces, the homey atmosphere at the ranch and the gourmet food and excellent wines you gave us all contributed to an unforgettable experience. Mary McGerald (California)

It felt like a real ranch – not all formal and fancy. The staff was very attentive to all and strong on customer service, but also fun to be around. Rick Kennedy (California)

You can’t usually find meals of that quality on your own even for a very high price tag. Sundy Martin (Connecticut)

You seem to have it all well under control. As a non-coffee drinker in the U.S.A. you have the best tea I have ever had – real boiled water. Bridget and Peter Youatt, UK

The memory of Bitterroot 2005 has dwelled in my heart all year and transformed my life. The people, the horses, the magic of the ranch provided the passion, the confidence and the impetus to search out horses and horse people in California. Life has grown richer, bolder, funnier and more poignant as a result. The magic of Bitterroot remains powerful one year on. Jody Maxmin (California)

Rides were varied with both a new experience and a new challenge every time. A nice variety of well mannered horses who were forward going, very responsive and very forgiving when my riding was inadequate. Top class food. Best we have eaten in all the USA (and quite a bit of Europe too). The ranch is a terrific place to stay, relaxing, comfortable, well organized. Ian and Nikki Pearson, UK

A most memorable experience in the company of wonderful hosts and their most efficient staff amid spectacular scenery. Their priority was for your enjoyment in every respect, but with the emphasis on safety and the welfare of their incredible selection of well trained horses. The drink and dining experience was far in excess of expectations and like each ride – seemed to get better. Jim and Jan Corbett, UK

The entire staff was extremely courteous and helpful. The setting is priceless, the horses gentle and well trained. Maciey Family, California

I’m very grateful for the quality of the horses I rode. All seemed very kind, gentle and intelligent. I’m well aware that one can spend a fortune on a bad vacation, and that having a good experience so often depends on the commitment and dedication and grace of the hosts. I can’t remember a better trip and I know its thanks to all of you. Kristiana Helmick , Massachusetts

The Bitterroot easily exceeded our expectations, absolutely fabulous! The rides were beautiful, wonderful and perfectly fast paced. Peter Breu and Susan Woods, New Hampshire

The instructors are compassionate, creative teachers who know instinctively how to encourage beginners, offer corrections sensitively, share their wealth of knowledge and love of riding while also teaching advanced riders. Meals are off the charts delicious! Such variety and imagination. Jody Maxmin, California.

The riding was the most phenomenal we’ve ever had. We loved our choice of horses, they were all such big hearted, fun horses to ride. Every ride made a lasting impression; our walk on the secret path by the river, the fantastic prairie gallop, the roller coaster and the cross country course with Mel, the exhilarating canters on our way to Bone Lake with Bayard and our cattle drives with Richard. We thought it was pretty easy the first time we did it, but faced with 200 of them, scattered about the forest and needing to go up hill on our last day, we found out how much work goes into it. The riding made the holiday, but all the details made it the unforgettable experience – the beautiful log cabin, the inspired meals, the delicious wine and the great company. Laura and Michael Sherlin, UK.

We tend not to repeat holidays as they can fail to live up to the original experience. This was an exception, even better than last year. Thank you for letting us share your wealth of scenery and horses. Claire and Don Pettingale, UK.
 

I really feel that coming back here every year is like coming home. The horses are so wonderfully cared for and it is a pleasure that the same horses are here year after year. --Sally Hornsey, UK

I researched a riding facility that would focus on horses, not ersatz “cowboy” experiences. For our limited riding experiences Bitterroot was perfect. Vivi was a superb and encouraging instructor. All of the wranglers kept us within our boundaries, yet let us progress. The horses were well chosen for our skills and I really appreciate the benefits of riding in groups where the animals are familiar with one another. --Ralph Cooper, PA

I had some great rides on responsive horses and my non-riding mum was equally well looked after with quiet horses and lots of support. --Catherine O’Hagen, UK
 

The wranglers were wonderful working with me as a beginner. Instruction and positive reinforcement made me feel very confident and comfortable. --Colleen Shant, VA

I decided on Bitterroot as opposed to the dressage trip to Portugal so that I could avoid the obsessive mulling over of technique that I tend to immerse myself in when training. I thought that if I did something on a simpler note, I would relax and enjoy my time away from home more. Ironically, the Western riding, with no contact and in conjunction with posting and canters in two-point (“grab mane”) has done more for my dressage than anything else to date. I have become far more balanced in all of the gaits and softer in my hands and seat. --Susan Portnoy, NY

The riding was fantastic and the scenery spectacular. The food and accommodation was second to none and the wranglers helpful, friendly and generally excellent company. --Matt James, UK

They are the most well trained, best cared for, happiest group of horses I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding. --Tricia Allison, PA

Absolutely the most fun and extreme riding adventures Steve and I ever had. Rides were challenging and exhilarating and we even worked hard to move cows. The horses are incredibly content and happy in their work, so responsive and willing to do anything and go anywhere – sweetest dispositions and they love attention and loving – wonderful to spend time with them and the foals and colts. --Steve and Jane Elam, FL

Perhaps the most enjoyable week we’ve ever spent as a family anywhere. Beautiful, well-mannered horses, very well matched to the ability and personality of the rider. Sympathetic and very capable wranglers. The best home cooking away from home! Great variety, well presented. --Hamilton Family, Jersey, Channel Islands

We like the simple laid back environment. No flashy, touristy stuff. --Chick and Doreen Palermo, NC
 

The variety was fabulous; beautiful and varied terrain, cattle drive, jumping, team sorting, and a view of wild horses.
--Elizabeth Hudson, CA

The special place that is the Bitterroot is impossible to appreciate until you get there. The warm and friendly atmosphere, the majestic scenery, the wonderful and beautifully kept horses and the efficient, helpful and friendly team make this a special ranch.
--Andrew and Dee Kelly, UK

The horses are incredible- what a wonderful life you created for them!!! I was so impressed by their temperaments, their training, and their work ethic.
--Jane Elam, FL

We rode different horses- we preferred some to others- but the variety made us better riders. Not having just trail horses made such a difference.
--The Kitzmans, NM

Our stay at the Bitterroot was a totally unique experience. Our family (children 14, 12, and 10) all really loved it and this was despite the fact that only I (the mum) was an enthusiastic rider at home in England. The horses were so well disciplined and good natured that we all grew in confidence and experienced some very exciting rides with lots of cantering and spectacular views. We cant recommend it highly enough. Fellow guests were all very good fun and Mel and Bayard were great hosts (we were surprised by the fantastic quality of the wine with which we were so generously provided!)
--The Rice Family, UK

The riding and fishing were among the most memorable we've done and your setting is so beautiful.
--Ed Colby and Jennifer O'Malony, CA

As a newcomer to riding and fearful I never experienced a moment's difficulty with any horse chosen for me.
--Judy Farrell, OR

This was one of the best vacations I have had. The riding program - horses, trails, wranglers - exceeded anything I had expected. Great fun and I learned a lot.
--Mark Gochman, CA

I will definitely recommend this ranch to riders. This has been a high quality vacation. Thanks for the wonderful riding experiences you gave my daughter and her friend.
--Nancy Andrews, MN

You have done an outstanding job of creating a unique riding program with great horses in a truly beautiful location.
--David Vogt, ARK

I loved the quality and dispositions of your horses. It is obvious how much time and effort you spend in training and caring for them.
--Chris Rossiter, MD

Thanks also for giving me some fresh insights into riding with the preservation of my horses well being in mind.
--Cherie Keith, PA

What a wonderful, warm, supportive and encouraging environment you have created here for such a new rider as myself.
--Jacqui Koopman, CA

The complex life at the ranch wove a rich web for me to hone my riding skills, keeping my interest and challenging me but never threatening me.
--Pam White, MA

I have been deeply moved by the depth of care for these lovely horses - the effort to continually evaluate their well being and respond to their needs. This is formidable and complicated with so many horses to manage, yet done with great finese and consciousness.
--Paula Josa-Jones, MA

I have never had the opportunity to ride a finer bunch of horses!!!!
--Karen Arcuri, PA

I've had a wonderful time and the ranch is beautifully run, with fantastic horses, great rides, lovely food, kind and charming staff and fabulous hosts.
--Kate Johnson, U.K.