You?re looking forward to a week of riding in the wide open spaces, the feeling of freedom, fresh air on your face and the sounds of wildlife all around you. Instead you find yourself extremely uncomfortable and unable to truly embrace all that’s around you. And, it’s all because of the clothing you?ve packed! Yes, you do look spectacular; however, your comfort is majorly suffering!
Over the years everyone has told you what TO wear on your dude ranch vacation, but has anyone ever told you what NOT to wear? With first-hand experience, Top50 Ranches is here to alert you of What NOT to Wear on your dude ranch vacation – for your safety AND your comfort. We hope to amuse you and enlighten you!
10) Don?t dress up as a guest like John Wayne with guns on the belt…long spurs.
9) Hawaiian shirt & big screen sunglasses flapping around
8) Shorts to go horseback riding
7) Telephones, ear phones, radios in tow
6) Hat that won’t stay on your head
5) Hiking boots to go riding
4) A huge cigar in your mouth
3) Austrian Lederhosen
2) Very low hip jeans – trust us, this will not be comfortable during riding! Much better for night time kickin’ back. They will certainly crawl under your fanny whilst you’re riding and cause great discomfort!
And…the number 1 item you should never wear on your dude ranch vacation…drum roll please…
#1)Thong underwear!
Sorry, ladies, but it’s true. We’re just looking out for your comfort on your riding holiday!
Now that we’ve covered what NOT to wear and had a little fun, let’s cover what TO wear. What to wear or tote along with you during your dude ranch vacation can really vary depending upon where you’re headed, what type of ranch you’re headed to and what time of year, so make sure to ask each ranch to which you travel.
Here’s a short list of essentials:
1 Canteen or water bottle(something smaller that can go with you on rides, but ask each ranch their policy on this)
1 pair Leather gloves(especially at a real working ranch)
2 sleeveless tops or camisoles
2 Button-down shirts
1 pair of shorts
2 pairs of jeans(seam on outside preferably and make sure to wash a handful of time to soften)
1 light, waterproof jacket
EVENING – depending upon the ranch – casual or formal, the below can vary
3 tops
2 pairs of dress jeans
1 light weight jacket
SHOES
1 pair of low heeled boots
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
1 pair of flip-flops or sandals
ACCESSORIES
1 cowboy hat(optional – but make sure it stays on your head!)
Additional Items sports bra, sunscreen, bug spray, bathing suit(depending upon the ranch), spandex shorts to wear under your jeans(not needed, but may improve your comfort – we’ve seen people buy those biking shorts with padding in them for their riding holiday)
Make sure to ask each ranch ahead of time if they have a blow dryer and hair wash.
Packing for Day Rides, Consider Your Horse Do make sure that you don’t try to bring a lot of heavy items to carry with you each day on the horse. If you put heavy items in your saddle bag(which many times sits behind you on the saddle) it can create quite a bit of pressure and banging around on the horse’s kidneys. So, please on your day rides, pack minimally.
Additional Recommendations We do recommend working to get into shape before your dude ranch vacation experience – mainly for your comfort! It’s rare in real life that you sit with your legs around a barrel for 1 hour to 6 hours a day!!
Brought to you by The Hideout, Wyoming ? a working ranch with a side of luxury – and Top50 Ranches.
About Top50Ranches.com
Top50Ranches.com founder and CEO Jody Dahl is on a personal mission to promote the wholesome ranching lifestyle to the travel community. Jody grew up on a ranch and currently owns a Montana guest ranch. She is passionate about showcasing authentic ranch and riding vacations…and about delivering accurate information. Feedback from guests and research on hundreds of ranches led her to create Top50Ranches.com ? a resource for travellers worldwide featuring a select collection of ranches that have met established criteria of riding standards or excellence, hospitality, accommodation, unique activities ? all embracing the true Cowboy Culture. To find your ideal ranch experience, nominate a ranch, or to sign up for our FREE newsletter to stay current on giveaways and promotions visit www.Top50Ranches.com
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