White Stallion Ranch

Not having visited for 30 years, I was very pleasantly surprised that despite having increased its room numbers the convivial atmosphere and expansion of activities has not dimmed this extraordinary experience in anyway. I found my first visit so memorable I was determined to return whilst I could still walk and talk. I’m glad I did and was still able to enjoy a variety of riding experiences and non riding activities whilst meeting the most delightful fellow guests. The hands on Owners actively engage with the ranch and guests, backed up by the most tremendous staff. With so many dude ranches having fallen by the wayside due to land develop it really is a credit to the True family that they keep the dream alive for those of us who want to experience the Western riding way. I deliberately booked the holiday to miss the US Spring Break holiday but was unaware there is a public holiday from the north east of America called Presidents’ Day. The ranch was full but it is so large with so many diverse activities that this did not impede our holiday at all and we had the opportunity to meet a wide variety of fellow guests and families who were extremely sociable and friendly. This is an exceptional family friendly, well run, delightful dude ranch. They have won numerous awards and I am not surprised. The riding is exceptionally well managed for those who have never written before to the more experienced rider who wants a challenging ride. “I can ride a horse”. Be sure that you really can ride a horse if you embark on a FAST ride, despite the ‘lope test’ which everyone has to do before they do a fast ride. As an experienced rider of numerous years standing I can tell you it is hard and fast and not for the nervous or faint hearted. The ground is very different from the soft green turf we ride over in the UK. The ranch horses are clearly used to their terrain despite it being hard underfoot. Here are some tips I hope some international travellers, particularly those from the UK, may find useful. I booked my trip through the UK firm Travel Planners which I’m very glad I did or I would have misjudged the amount of time needed to go through immigration when you first land at your first changeover airport in America. The luggage has to be collected when you first arrive at your first airport but is swiftly redirected by airport staff as you walk out with it. Immigration went smoothly but do allow plenty of time, several hours, in between flights if you’re booking your own flights. On the return journey we checked our luggage in at Tucson and it went straight through to London. The ranch included a lift to the airport (with our holiday package) but we only just squeaked our bags on in time with our international luggage. If you’re on an international flight, get the ranch to let you leave at least half an hour earlier than they suggest. The check in of international luggage at Tucson airport closes at least an hour before your time fl

We come here as a family again and again! The staff is very friendly, the food is great and they have always been great about our special dietary needs. The landscaping is beautiful and it draws enough birds to do a little birding! As a family we ride horses, play pickleball, basketball, pool, swim, shooting and archery. We have also hiked, gone rock climbing, and participated in a falconry demonstration. The day ends with live cowboy songs around the fire, line dancing, or a painting lesson. What can I say, we love White Stallion Ranch.

My wife and I are part of a travel group and I was excited to try an experience totally out of the box from our usual vacations. The ranch is beautiful, clean, but the true gem is the staff. Their customer service rivals that of Disney. Five stars!