Activities
As your kids grow into adulthood (17 to early 20s) their individual interests begin to branch off into new and different directions. As parents, you long to plan trips that will fully engage them and create long-lasting memories. But how? How do parents get their burgeoning young adults to fully abandon their pocket technology and other distractions and simply hang out as a family…and love it? These questions popped up regularly in our house as my husband and I considered where to spend our family vacations. 
Our Family
We wondered if a dude ranch might hold some answers but, as a family of four from Ohio with mixed horse experience and knowledge, we had some reservations. Our family: Brian (20), Emily (18), Bill, and Kristin. We were concerned that our 20-yr-old son, and complete non-horseman, would not enjoy it. We didn’t worry about our daughter (18); she is our resident equestrian, riding English since third grade.
Colorado Cattle Company and Guest Ranch
My husband grew up in rural Ohio with a “pet” horse but no formal training and no continued riding experience as an adult, while I had what I termed horse familiarity as a “barn mom” – but no actual riding experience. Well, after a number of years of cautious consideration, we finally pulled the trigger and booked at Colorado Cattle Company and Guest Ranch, owned and operated by Tom & Darcy Carr in New Raymer, CO. Looking toward the main ranch gate–nothing but pastures, rolling hills, and bluffs for miles and miles and miles, in all directions. What can we share? First and foremost, we shouldn’t have waited so long! If you’re on the fence about booking a similar trip with your “emerging adult children,” Go For It! And Colorado Cattle Company and Guest Ranch would be an excellent option
Read the rest of Kristin Shawd‘s experiences . Kristin is a wife, mother-of-two and soon-to-be-empty-nester who has just launched TuesdayPause.com – a travel blog with a go-often, go-local twist.
For more information about working cattle ranches throughout the West, look to these additional states to offer a similar experience to Kristin’s:
Wyoming
The Klondike Ranch is nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming and has been in their family since the 1920s. You are invited to take part in their way of life, and experience the thrill of a real Western ranch in the beautiful atmosphere of the Old West. You will become a part of the family and they take great lengths to ensure you are comfortable, well fed, taken care of and get as much riding in as you can handle. At Klondike, they enjoy making your stay there as memorable and enjoyable as it should be.
Nebraska
Step back into the Old West and satisfy the cowboy in you as you come alongside the cowboys of the 1+1 Ranch. This 7,000 acre ranch, set in the beautiful sand hills of Nebraska is the perfect setting for your getaway & some of the most spectacular horseback riding ever. Get involved as much or as little as you want in daily ranch activities such as cattle drives, branding, working cattle, gathering & sorting, roping, checking cattle & windmills in the wide open pastures. Arena activities are also available as time allows – riding lessons, team penning, tracking & roping lessons. You will be matched up with one of the ranch-raised quarter horses that you can call your own during your entire stay.
The Dude Ranchers’ Association
You can read more stories about cattle work on our blog and contact the Dude Ranchers’ Association with any questions.
