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New Arrivals and Sad-Joyful Departing’s Hello Nameless Filly!
Welcome! One day old!
Jazzy is now pretty thanks to Justin
Last summer, Justin rescued a very skinny and remarkably ugly little gray mare named Jazzy.
Under his skillful watch, Jazzy blossomed into a fat and loving all-around children’s horse - a favorite!
Filly, age 10 days
In March, Jazzy started looking “funny.” You know, this big bulgy
Mom & Baby taking a walk while their shed is getting housekeeping
tummy started sticking out. Not worms, not
melanoma, not too much beer. The obstetrical experts (Justin and Ellen) . . . → Read More: Colorado Dude Ranch: Hello’s and Good Byes
Introducing Flat Stanley to Our Dude Ranch Life:
Flat Stanley is a pal of our friend Julian Byrnes from New York. He loves to travel and Julian suggested that he might enjoy experiencing a Colorado Dude Ranch vacation. Flat Stanley arrived and immediately threw himself into the excitement of winter in the Rocky Mountains.
He had to be a little careful on his first few days because it was very windy and blustery up here and he doesn’t have a whole lot of body mass. He was afraid he might blow away!
He braved the wind in the afternoon though to help me feed the horses.
 . . . → Read More: A Unique Sundance Trail Guest
 
Hot where you are? Dani & Alex & Montee cooling off in the Sundance Trail pond.
We are actively booking the 2013 season, but there are still some rooms available the weeks of 7/15/12 7/22/12 8/5/12 8/26/12 and 9/2/12 (Adult Only week) and we are offering deep discounts! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call us at 970-224-1222 or 800-357-4930.
Goodbye, Daphne Duck! Rest in Peace, High Park Fire. You are now just an Adventure Vacation chapter in our Colorado Dude Ranch History! 
We still have Smoke (a very old horse), but no fire!
Joy and Gratitude! So many folks have called or emailed – we are deeply moved by your friendship and concern. Thank You! Feel free to reply below. The High Park fire is no longer news. More than half of the fire fighters (and TV vans) have all moved on to other parts of the state, with our prayers and gratitude. The fire met the containment perimeter cut by fire fighters and stopped dead in its tracks, miles from here. It stopped growing about three days ago. And then a bit of rain cooled it off. Remaining fire fighters are mopping up. Yesterday almost all . . . → Read More: Colorado Dude Ranch: Sundance Trail & High Park Fire
 Create Your Own Family Dude Ranch Vacation Rates for July 8, July 15 & July 22! Time is running out & we are getting downright enthusiastic to book all rooms for July! (The week of 8/1 and 8/29 are fully booked – Sorry.) 
Don't Just Stand Around! Give Us a Call!
Give us a call (970-224-1222) and Enjoy Serious Significant Savings! Every week can be a special week. Pick your week and call us. (970-224-1222) As these weeks get really close, we are downright enthusiastic to fill them! Don’t forget the “Refer another family” discount & “Non-rider” discount.
Wow! So many emails and phone calls! Y’all make us feel very cared for.
The fire remains at least 25 miles south east of us and on the other side of the river ( a major big protective fire line).
Our prevailing winds continue to be from the west or northwest, pushing the fire away (and filling Fort Collins with smoke). A wind from the south will push the fire north, but still far west of us. A wind from the east will push the fire far south of us. Our concern is high winds from the south-east; pretty unusual. We are watching closely and we are prepared.
Staff fire training is complete. We own our own foam system to cover the lodge. We have set up impulse sprinkler systems around defenable buildings as a precaution. The last few beetle killed trees will come down today. All is well, we are prepared. Actually, thanks . . . → Read More: Sundance Trail Dude Ranch & High Park Fire Colorado
 
Colorado Dude Ranch Vacations – something different!
1. Do you have a less-than-a-full-week stay? Answer: Yes! We offer a four-day, three night family vacation:
Sunday afternoon through some-time Wednesday OR Wednesday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.
Details in the “4 Day/ 3 Night Prices Section” of the Summer Rates Page.
2. How is the shorter stay different?
Answer: Our riding program is NOT nose-to-tail! It is based on a “curriculum” of learning objectives based on the level of skill you bring with you.
If Sunday afternoon through Wednesday sometime. You follow the same riding schedule as the full-week guests. If Wednesday through Saturday, you have your own wrangler who will start you with the first learning objectives (depending on your skill) and build from there.
3. What type of . . . → Read More: 10 Common Questions People Ask Our Dude Ranch
 Dude Ranch Vacation Events near the Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
Lots of great summer family adventure vacation opportunities coming up this summer. Here’s just four:
#1 Greeley Stampede June 22–July 4, 2012
Rodeo Events at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch
Dust off your cowboy boots for one of Colorado’s largest summer festivals and rodeos. Dating back to the 1800s, Greeley’s Fourth of July celebration puts the “Yeehaw!” in Colorado’s western culture. Justin Moore, Credence Clearwater Revisited, Montgomery Gentry and Luke Bryan will headline this year’s Stampede. greeleystampede.org
#2 Colorado Brewers’ Festival June 23–24, 2012
If you’ve tasted a Colorado-brewed beer, then you know why Colorado Brewers’ Festival is wildly popular. 30 Colorado breweries, showcasing more than 60 cold and fresh handcrafted beers, fill Fort Collins’ historic downtown. Summer has never been more refreshing than at this beer-lover’s paradise. downtownfortcollins.com
#3 . . . → Read More: Summer Vacation Plans Made? Time to Make Reservations!
 Ever Wonder Where Our Colorado Ranch Vacation Horses Retire? 
Matt & Leo — Horseback Riding
Hello Sundance Trail Guest Ranch,
I talked to Justin the other day and thought that you might want to see a couple of pictures of Leo.
He and Matthew have really bonded and spend most weekends riding around in the pasture.
They are the perfect match, and Leo seems to enjoy getting out and seeing his new surroundings.
Matthew can’t wait until summer so that we can take Leo with us on a few trail rides.
Katie
Matt & Leo — Horseback Riding Friends
 
Me! Waiting to greet you!
You Dogs and Horses are welcome here! You can be part of your family’s adventure vacation!
Hi! I’m Jack-jack, the official Sundance Trail Guest Ranch Dog. My job is to be so happy I can barely stand it!
Also, I lead some special “dog-only” activities like
chasing the cats and the goats (when they want to play too, otherwise they just sit there); sometimes taking naps with the kittens: playing with kids!; sniffing noses with the miniature horses (who are only about 30 inches tall and weigh the same as me!); NOT chasing the big horses (unless you want to get kicked!); checking EVERY tree and, well, you know…! 
RJ, Me & Annie
. . . → Read More: Pet Friendly Colorado Dude Ranch Vacations
 Summer Horseback Riding is Right Around the Corner!
Kristina leads a horseback ride back to the ranch
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch Is Ready With Specials and Discounts!
It’s cold out. I don’t want to go outside, so I’m playing with last year’s pictures, getting them ready to put in the albums, and I’m kinda lonely sitting here…. What can I do to “nudge” you to call me?
I know! How about:
Early Bird Incentive – add a Swedish Massage to your stay if you call and book before March 15th, and how about Return Guest Discount – wouldn’t it be fun to come back this year? How about a 5% discount? Or Refer another family for a 5% discount on your next stay. Or Do Both! . . . → Read More: Dude Ranch Discounts, Specials and “Motivators”!
Colorado Dude Ranch horses communicate very clearly! 
1. What is Stevie saying here?
This quiz is part of a series of articles that we have written in the Sundance Trail Guest Ranch Horse Safety and Horse Communication collection, including Speaking to Your Dude Ranch Horse Part 1 and Speaking to your Dude Ranch Horse Part 2.
When at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, either for a summer dude ranch vacation or Fall/Winter/Spring B&B stay,
2. And Mocha?
you will spend lots . . . → Read More: Dude Ranch Quiz: What is This Horse Saying???
An Adventure Vacation Trail Rider: Asia 
Asia is small, but sure is pretty!
Asia is a beautiful little girl. Just look at those eyes! Easy to catch, groom and tack.
Good all-around – in the arena, in the pasture or on the trail. Neck reins, never argues, can be fast if you ask her!
This is a horse with lots of heart and potential. She is young, but developing real grace and poise. >Note: Pink booted dude ranch cowgirl, Marion, is from France and rides with short reins.
Age: 2003
Asia has pretty eyes.
Color & Markings: Bay; star, strip, snip Height: 14 H Horse . . . → Read More: Meet our Dude Ranch Horses and Staff: Asia!
Trail riding on Annie is a great adventure vacation! 
Annie (with John) loves to lead every Trail Ride at our Guest Ranch
She has a very fast walk, which some riders enjoy, and which intimidates some anxious riders. She has very sensitive sides. Annie loves to run! The whole forest is her dude ranch!!!
She has never bucked, spun, reared or tried to unseat her rider. But she has a mind of her own, and does not immediately automatically follow her riders’ cues. She likes to be in charge, but will gladly follow a confident rider, after that rider has established her/his horse back riding authority.
Annie is excellent on trails – never spooks. Likes to lead every trail ride.
Timid riders who need a “push-button” horse would not enjoy her.
A wrangler favorite. . . . → Read More: Meet our Dude Ranch Horses and Staff: Annie!
 
Dude Ranch Square dance caller Mark
A little while ago, a journeyman square dancing caller named Mark Hammett somehow got entangled with a local group of crazy people, and the result is the Ponderosa Promenaders Square Dancing Club.
The Promenaders meet every week. Cyril somehow managed to get Ellen, Dan and Justin off the dude ranch to enjoy part of the winter in weekly lessons, and we’ve all been having a ball.
In fact, we’re having so much fun that we’ve installed a new dancing floor in the dude ranch recreation room!
Corrine and Mark
Mr. Mark has graciously agreed to call for us this summer!
He and his bride Corrine will be joining us for supper every Monday and then . . . → Read More: Dude Ranch Square Dancing in Red Feather Lakes!
Dude Ranch Justin Graduation
God dropped Mr. Justin Ripley onto our laps just when we most needed him (Notes about LeAndra’s latest adventures coming soon; I’m waiting for pictures.)
And what a gift he has been. Careful, we now have two Justin’s: “our” dude ranch Justin the barn manager, and “LeAndra’s Justin” who is our neighbor, friend and local Department of Wildlife Officer.
Our dude ranch Justin, originally from Indiana, has experience as a vet tech, and as a med tech – corpsman from his years in the army. Justin is an experienced horseman, and experienced horse trainer, a dude wrangler, and was Barn Manager at one of our neighbor Colorado dude ranches for a number of years.
He can do everything around here except cook, and Ellen has plans to change . . . → Read More: New Dude Ranch Barn Manager
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