Our Horses & Philosophy

A Guest Ranch with a Unique Equestrian Focus

Life at Bitterroot Ranch revolves around our horses. Their selection, breeding, training and care are of paramount importance and consume most of our energy throughout the year so that we can offer you the best possible horseback riding vacation. Many of our horses have been born on the ranch. They socialize naturally in a herd environment and are released every afternoon to roam in a large pasture until they are gathered the next morning. Their careful training and care allow you to enjoy trail riding on responsive horses.

Our ranch herd is made up of many different breeds including Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Percherons, Appaloosas and some lovely Welsh ponies as well as Spanish and CMK Arabians that we raise and train at the Ranch. Read more about the equine characters at the Bitterroot.

For many years, we have bred and raised friendly, sensible, purebred Spanish and CMK Arabians which have proved excellent for trail riding and herding cattle as well as taking jumps on our cross country course. In training our young arabian horses, we use the non-confrontational techniques of Linda Tellington-Jones who came to the ranch for many years to start our young Arabians.

“I’ve changed my preconceptions of Arabs – your Arabs are so lovely by disposition.”

— Irene Gordon, 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

“Your horses are responsive and attentive to the rider. They are more like private horses, not what one would expect on a dude ranch.”
–Carlota Vollhardt, CT