Each week at the Gros Ventre River Ranch may seem similar in many ways. Our staff, our horses, and our activities stay the same week after week for the duration of our summer season. This helps ensure that we perfect our operation with the hopes of providing an outstanding dude ranch experience for all of our guests. However, the change that we do experience weekly is our guests. They join us from all over the country, and all over the world. Many come with their immediate family units, while others come for an entire family reunion. Some couples come to celebrate an anniversary, and other times it is a friend group who decides to go on a week-long getaway. But no matter who it is that joins us for the week, we are all able to find common ground and bond over the beauty that surrounds us.
It is typical for Sunday morning goodbyes to be both happy and sad. Happy because of a week of fun and enjoyment but sad to leave it behind and head home. Tears are shed, contact information is exchanged between new friends, and promises are made to return as soon as possible. This past summer a guest came to the office to say his goodbyes, as many had done before him, yet he left us with a touching sentiment that has stuck with us for quite some time. He said:
“It’s not about horses, lodging, food or entertainment. It’s about people. Thank you for helping people love people.”
His words served as a wonderful reminder that although we do pride ourselves on providing a wonderful western experience with great horses, beautiful accommodations, delicious food and fun entertainment, we often times are able to provide so much more. In specific cases our guests experience a break from the chaos and stresses of the rest of the world, allowing families to spend quality time together without disruption. The natural beauties that surround us encourage guests to part from technology and focus on the loved ones in their lives.
Our guests come for the beautiful views, the amazing horseback riding, the world class fly fishing, and the luxury accommodations. Yet, they often leave with so much more. They take with them memories that are cherished for weeks, months, and years to come. We are so grateful to be able to provide an environment for people to not only reconnect with nature, but with each other as well. Our business is all about people, and we truly love it.
