We’d done Disney to death . . . thought it was our favorite place ever, but then we realized the trips were blending together and with our kids 12 & 16, we know our time is running out for family vacations so it was time to do something radically different to put some unique memories into the memory bank! But what do to? We considered some tour options and some of those included a ranch stay for a day or two which certainly sounded unique for a family of non-riders . . . only our daughter takes riding lessons! So, I started looking online for “family ranch vacations.” I found quite a few, but I’d check them on TripAdvisor and a clear winner never appeared . . . until I stumbled upon the White Stallion Ranch. It looked appealing so to TripAdvisor I went. There are always a few bad reviews that seem like they’re from folks who are just too picky, but I figured I’d get a better sense of the place. Wow. Not ONE bad review was to be found . . . not one!!!! So, after much family discussion, we decided that this was going to be our new experience . . . a trip to the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson Arizona. Wow!
By Elizabeth (Family Travel Gurus client)
There was one dirty little secret we didn’t share with our children. They had no idea we were going someplace with no TV in the rooms and I kind of dreaded the fussing that might ensue once they discovered this. I also knew that cell phones would work, but we didn’t permit them to bring theirs. We adults were looking forward to being unconnected and we were forcing our children to do the same. Hmmmm. How would that be?
The most amazing thing happened . . . not a word was said about the missing TV . . . not one. And when Russell, one of the owners, visited our table at dinner on the third night and asked how it was going, our daughter’s first comment was, “It’s been really fun being away from the electronics. We’ve been having fun as a family doing all kinds of things and spending time together.” THIS was from a 16 year old girl!!!!!!!! Our 12 year old son was completely different in this environment as well. He, who texts almost faster than I can type, loves the computer and TV and spends many hours alone in his room, all of a sudden insisted that we all do everything together. It wasn’t enough that he and Dad did something or he and I did something. No, it had to be ALL four of us . . . which is really remarkable when you consider how much he and his sister bicker! It really was heartening to see this and more importantly, it was absolutely fantastic to disconnect from the world and really connect with each other! It was a trip like no other.
This is a virtually all inclusive experience with the exception of group riding lessons and bar drinks. During our stay, we rode as much as we wanted. There are at least four rides a day . . . some slow and some fast as well as specialty rides like mountain rides and all day rides. Lessons are also available if you want one. We took a few lessons and they were excellently taught by very experience wranglers. Three of us passed the test for fast rides . . . and while the instructor encouraged me, I decided that riding slow was plenty good enough for me! Oh well . . .
We also played a lot! I have rekindled a fondness for chess because of the big chess board in the lobby and great memories of playing the boys against the girls. I will never forget the thrill of seeing the desert for the first time and the joy I felt as I watched the rest of my family ahead of me on their horses. I remember calling out to my husband saying, “ It doesn’t get any better than this!” I still hear my son’s disgust as he watched my husband’s horse relieve himself only to experience his horse doing the same thing just moments later and our laughing about it. It was with pride that we watched our daughter beaming as she set out on her first fast ride without us because we didn’t have her level of experience. The sound of my son and husband laughing as they played ping pong while our daughter and I were playing table shuffleboard still echoes in my head. On a busy day, I can conjure the peace and oneness with the land that I felt as a new “cowgirl” as I walked the ranch in my new cowboy hat and boots taking pictures of the cactus and the setting sun. And I still feel the warmth of my husband’s hand in mine as we walked across the ranch as the sun was setting. These are the things that make memories. These are the things that strengthen a family.
I also have to mention that the staff went above and beyond. And how about the boss’? Where do you go today that you’re served dinner by one and asked about your day by the other? Where do you go that you feel compelled to hug one of the owners when you leave like I did Kristen True? Where do you go that as a first time visitor, you are in the minority . . . with most guests visiting for the 3rd time or more? Where do you go that you never want to leave? The White Stallion Ranch is amazing.
Let’s ride!!!!
