Experience the wild west in Ohio

Published 11:06 pm Saturday, March 12, 2011

Last century when I owned and worked in a storefront travel agency it seemed that every summer we would receive a dozen or so requests for dude ranch vacations. Today as a home-based agent these requests are still being made. These inquiries were usually from very good customers and not being a mainstream vacation it required some additional research by the agency’s staff.

I am not sure what the travelers’ price points were for these getaways but it was never realistic. When presented with the cost of living out their cowboy and/or cowgirl fantasies out on the wide open western prairies or majestic mountains they were all stunned, shocked by the high prices.

When I factored in all the costs, air and surface transportation, lodging, food, beverages and activities we were talking big bucks, thousands of dollars per person not per couple.

Often when you add a descriptive term to your product you can charge more. By adding “dude” to your ranch the price jumps significantly when compared to a horse riding ranch. Add the term ‘boutique” to a hotel and the nightly rate can double. I’ve experienced this first hand in Chicago Ill., Richmond, Va., and beyond.

But if you have your heart set on a western style experience there’s no need to travel outside Ohio. The Travel Professor’s research has located a Buckeye-based option. So corral your gang load up your Conestoga wagon (vehicle) and gallop on over to KD Ranch in Adamsville, a small town in southeastern Ohio.

Here you can spend a week or weekend experiencing activities like saddling and grooming your horse, herding and roping cattle all while chowing down on plenty of good chuck wagon-style trail grub.

While Ohio has many bridle trails, riding stables, and other guest homes that cater to horse lovers, I could only find one location that truly compares to its western counterparts. In my opinion KD Guest Ranch qualifies as true dude ranch suitable for a single day, overnight and weeklong ranch hand experience.

My research also discovered that this Ohio dude ranch experience when compared to other out of state options is an affordable experience, well suited for family activities.

The ranch is located off of Ohio Route 93 approximately 13 miles east of Zanesville, making it about a 4 hour drive from the river cities.

It is a relatively new operation going into its 5th season. The dining and lodging facilities were designed and constructed using much of the designs found in Western USA ranch resorts.

The authenticity of the building designs and interior decor make visitors feel like they are on location in Colorado, Utah, Montana or Wyoming. Another plus is that novice along with experienced riders are welcome here.

There are a variety of lodging options and configurations with two duplex cabins that can accommodate 18 overnight ranch guests. In the main dining lodge, home-cooked meals are served in a family-style setting so no one leaves a table hungry or thirsty.

A library, gift shop, saloon, game room and hot tub are joined with this year’s addition of conference rooms and massage and exercise spaces.

You’ll begin your relationship with one of KD’s majestic, gentle steeds with a general orientation in the round pen situated directly below the dining hall.

This helps provide insight on how KD’s horses are trained, how they are to be equipped with saddles and other riding gear, and how they respond to basic commands.

Next it’s back to the stables where you will groom and saddle up your mount under the supervision of ranch hands.

Trail rides begin the first day of activities and include checking the general condition and location of cattle, riding fence lines and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the rolling, forested hills of southeast Ohio.

During cattle drives, guests are expected to help move cattle from one location to another on the ranch.

According to one of the owners the 2011 season is filling up fast with much of June already booked. They indicated that July and August still looked good.

An important note for guests is that they may not bring their own horses to the KD Ranch. Guests who are riding horses may not weigh more than 225 pounds and must be at least 7 years old to ride.

For more information on how to rustle up your dude ranch vacation contact KD at 740-796-0099 or http://kdguestranch.com.

Happy trails to you!

Got travel? E-mail Steve Call at the travelprofessor@gmail.com or dial 740.550.9540.