Colorado Dude Ranch Vacations
    1.800.967.2401

Welcome To Black Mtn Dude Ranch!

Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch is one of the top guest ranches in the world, hosting guests every summer to give you a taste of the West. We offer unlimited horseback riding for an adventurous, authentic vacation.

ABOUT


 

 

Take the Lead

Previous Wranglin' Wednesdays - So, Your Horse Abuses You
Next Welcome to our World
[caption id="attachment_2427" align="alignnone" width="612"] Beluga, the yearling Thoroughbred filly posing for the camera.[/caption] Winter arrived on the farm this year the same time Beluga did. The forecast called for below zero temperatures and several inches of snow in the morning. The haulers were late, and for once the weatherman was right. First they had trouble loading the little black filly, and then again when we spent the next hour coaxing her out of the trailer. Beluga’s papers say Thoroughbred but I know I have just bought myself a mule! The haulers wasted no time in getting back on the road since they still had a mare and foal to deliver, and I was stuck shivering in the cold with the yearling filly fifty yards from the paddock that would be her new home. Another half an hour. Literally one step back for every step forward. All of this would have been easier if she was halter broke. Learning to lead properly is the most basic training a horse will ever receive in his or her lifetime but when it comes to their safety, health and well being it is the most important. Standard horse care is made easier when your horse is respectful of your space and responsive when you ask them to move backwards, forwards, left and right. We spend more time handling our horses (bringing them in from the field, grooming, holding them for the farrier or vet etc.) than we do riding, so it’s a good idea to get some lessons right from the beginning. The haltering process with Beluga was initially very slow because she was people and head shy. It was days of sending her away around the paddock, if she did not stand while I rubbed her neck and shoulders, before she learned to accept my touch. By giving her two options: stand for cheek rubs and shoulder scratches or don’t stand – but have to canter around until I let her stop, training was made simple and Beluga would always eventually choose the easier option. Her laziness always won out and she even started to enjoy being brushed and fussed over. We progressed like this until I could touch her everywhere and put the halter on without her reacting. It has taken a lot of repetition and patience, but my little black filly is proving to be a willing learner and not so stubborn after all. The next step will be to practice proper leading manners around the paddock. Stay tuned!

Share

Print

Theme picker

Empty
Click + to add content
Empty
Click + to add content

The Beauty of Colorado

Have you ever traveled to a dude ranch? Spending a week in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is a wonderful horseback riding vacation for the entire family to enjoy! We offer pack camp trips, fly fishing, skeet and trap shooting, and of course plenty of time on horseback. All meals are included in your package, so no need to worry about a thing when you spend a week at our ranch!



Explore Our Cabins



Take some time to explore our custom built cabins, watch some videos and see what might work best for your vacation!


LEARN MORE

Book Online Today!



With our online booking tool you are able to quickly submit your deposit, request your cabin type, and lock in your spot!


LEARN MORE

A Sample Week at BMR!



Every week is different but the fun is always the same!  If you're curious about the week start here! 


LEARN MORE

 

 

 

 

Colorado Dude Ranch Vacations - Black Mountain Ranch
BEST COLORADO DUDE RANCH VACATION!

Registered and insured Colorado Outfitter #1343.
All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service

Login | Logout