Comfort
Accommodation is either in a private or shared cabin (2 bedrooms) or in a double room in the house. The rooms are basic - this is not a luxury ranch holiday and some room have shared bathrooms. Towels and bedding are provided but you will need to bring your own toiletries.
The main house is a communal space where you will have your meals each day. Here, you can also choose to relax in front of the fire, listen to music or play snooker. This is a home away from home and your help will be appreciated when it comes to putting away dishes and clean up after yourself. A washing machine and tumble dryer are available for you to use.
The saloon is a recent addition to the ranch and is a place where riders gather after their rides and in the evenings for a cold drink and a bit of music. Neighbours and legends from the rodeo circuit are known to stop by a few times a week!
WiFi available.
Meals
Meals are taken family-style in the dining room at the lodge.
Breakfast: hearty breakfast with eggs, crispy bacon, toast, jam.
Lunch: simple lunches of salads, pasta, sandwiches.
Dinners: typical "cowboy style" with home-raised meat, potatoes, pasta and vegetables.
Drinks at Kara Creek saloon: Alcoholic drinks are not included, however the Kara Creek saloon has a license and serves alcohol. Guests can pay each night or start a tab for their account and they can pay prior to departure.
Climate
Wyoming’s outstanding features are its majestic mountains and high plains. Weather and topography have more contrast than in most other states. Surface elevations range from the summit of Gannett Peak in the Wind River Mountains, at 13,804 feet, to the Belle Fourche River Valley in the state’s northeast corner, at 3,125 feet.
Wyoming is located deep within continental North America, far from the moderating influence the oceans. Wyoming, therefore, has some long winters, but also some pleasant summers. A typical Wyoming summer day will start out bright and sunny. Clouds will appear on the western horizon about noon and thunderheads will develop mid-afternoon. Scattered, isolated thundershowers will dot the landscape in late afternoon and early evening.
Autumn in Wyoming is a pure delight. Most places will start to see snow in mid-September, but winter weather won’t start to stick until late November. For most of the two months in between, the state enjoys a special season called Indian Summer, with warm days, cool nights and spectacular colors. It’s a delightful change-of-season experience.
Tips
Tips are compulsory in USA. The local team expects to get 15-20% of the cost of your stay.
Packing list
Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be particularly cold
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend western boots or short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged.
- Waterproof shoes/boots can be useful for abundant dew in the mornings or when it rains
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of warm, thick socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful.
Nightwear
- Pyjamas
Other useful items
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding - there are no saddlebags.
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Water purification tablets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
