looking for info: (Sheridan, Jackson: lawyer, lodging, work)

[kat1804]

Hi all, :

I am a student nurse from cambridge, England and am hoping to spend three weeks in texas if i can get a placement out there, at the moment waiting for some reply's. During my visit out their i was hoping to do a bit of sight seeing, when not working. My "mum's" decidied she wants to come with me and as it's her 50th couldn't really refuse, any how, she would like to visit some working cattle ranches and indian reservations places can any one give me any ideas. Have looked on internet, however, just keeps coming up with "dude and guest ranches". I love horse riding any suggestions for that would be great too.

[ElkHunter]

I'm not sure what your planning on seeing on a reservation. There's normal houses, normal cars, and normal neighbors. There's doctors, lawyers, nurses, school teachers to see.

Having said that, please do visit and spend some time in the stores. Artifacts are priceless and beautiful.

If you get up to the Black Hills of South Dakota, visit Crazy Horse, visit Keystone, and visit the Museum in Rapid City.

Living in Wyoming, every Ranch I know of is a working ranch. Don't know of any dude ranches around Sheridan. I'm sure their around, just don't know of any. haha

[sunsprit]

Your Mum's on the right track for horseback riding with a "dude ranches" search.

We don't list horseback riding ranches/opportunities under "pony trekking"; you may also find listings under "horseback riding" from a local barn.

Many of the "dude ranches" are, in fact, working cattle ranches that have guest accomodations and a string of horses that are well trained for folks who don't know how to ride, with organized trail rides led by a wrangler or two. Some of the places will have horses that are for "advanced" riders, and may have opportunites to ride on their trails unescorted.

Depending upon how big a dude ranch operation you're looking at, there may be evening campfire "entertainment" of the "ole' west", with all types of savory and unsavory "characters" around to spin yarns, tell tall tales, recite cowboy poetry, cook the meals, sing cowboy tunes ... and so on. Kind'a like a Disneyfi'ed version of the old west, but it's all in fun.

More rustic places will focus on the riding/ranching experience, and may have only basic lodging and horses for more experienced riders only, perhaps, just daytime riding available. Some will have you riding with the working cowboys during the day ....

So, it's best to inquire about what you're getting for your money at the places, and choose according to your riding skill and interest.

You'll be riding with western tack, western saddles, and so on. Many places will let you ride in soft shoes, but I really would suggest that you use western style boots ... roper lace-ups or pull-ons are inexpensive, safer, and more comfortable. Chaps or chinks are nice to have, too, for those chance encounters with brush and tree limbs.

You'll find places like this throughout the western USA, so you should be able to find what you're looking for just about anywhere convenient to you.

Indians? What you'll see and find depends a lot upon the tribe and the economics of their situation. Just don't expect to see stereotyped people in the Hollywood image of "cowboys and indians" from the old west.

[kat1804]

Thanks for the info, not that i'll have much time for sight seeing as ( hopefully!), if i can find something, i will be working. As for the horseriding, that something i'll have to look into, its one of my favorite hobbies, we all need to do something to take our minds off work and relax.

As for the Indian reservations, not really something i'd ever thought much about before, it was just something my mum asked me to enquire about, but thanks for the advice.

Wyoming seems a lovely place to visit and "WOW" the views are fantastic, I love the outdoors. I haven't decided where we will be staying yet i'm just looking into places to volunteer for my placement. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help, by looking at the other messages on this forum, everyone seems so nice.

[MHT]

Originally Posted by kat1804

Thanks for the info, not that i'll have much time for sight seeing as ( hopefully!), if i can find something, i will be working. As for the horseriding, that something i'll have to look into, its one of my favorite hobbies, we all need to do something to take our minds off work and relax.

As for the Indian reservations, not really something i'd ever thought much about before, it was just something my mum asked me to enquire about, but thanks for the advice.

Wyoming seems a lovely place to visit and "WOW" the views are fantastic, I love the outdoors. I haven't decided where we will be staying yet i'm just looking into places to volunteer for my placement. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help, by looking at the other messages on this forum, everyone seems so nice.

I'm not sure what "views" you've seen but thought I better make sure that you are aware that WY has many different views. The usual pictures that are shown are from the Jackson area and show the Tetons. In eastern WY we have great views too - just different than Jackson.