So I've never gone to a dude ranch on vacation, but I did work at one for a few years to finance my climbing through the Sierras. Great fun! Wonderful people, healthy adventures, a strong community frequently develops with guests--go for it! I'm 40 now and I still miss it!

I hated it, but I grew up with horses and dislike watching people who can't ride sawing ineptly at horses' mouths, kicking horses, and in general being permitted to behave in ways that are uncomfortable for horses just because teaching someone to ride properly would not be as exciting for the beginner as allowing them to cowboy around for $$$$.

But if you aren't a rider now and don't know much about horses, I'm sure you'll love it.

Helmets are definitely not the norm. We brought our own because I won't ride without one.

Home Ranch in Colorado is great.

Btw I'm 15:04. I'm a single mom of two kids, who will be 16 and 12 when we go.