WOLF CREEK, MONTANA Rocking Z Guest Ranch—
The Rocking Zzzzzzzz…Oh, sorry, I dozed off in the comfy chair on the porch of my cabin, which is the perfect spot for just such a restful nap. It was that, or the lawn chair outside the old Saloon but the gang was gathered around a fi re and they can get a bit rowdy when the shadows from the mountains get long. At the Rocking Z, located between
Helena and Great Falls in a valley be- tween the Missouri and the Great Divide, the emphasis is, however, not on naps, but on the horses. T ey ride, you ride, everyone rides and has a great time. Horses are gener- ally Quarter Horses, but they also have Ap- paloosas, Paints, POAs, Mustangs, Arabians and even a Shetland. People have at itudes and so do horses, so the ranch hands will try to match up compatible ‘tudes to avoid those unfortunate disagreements that can occur and spoil an otherwise enjoyable trail ride. You know, that age-old argument about wanting to go home or head further down the trail. At Rocking Z, there won’t be an argument. T ey apply Parelli principles of Natural
Horsemanship to all of their horse handling and willingly share that knowledge with guests. T e method helps horses and riders achieve success without force, partnership without dominance, teamwork without fear, willingness without intimidation, and har- mony without coercion. Sounds like a good life philosophy, let alone horsemanship. Now, ready to ride? T e possibilities are
endless! Ride in the arena, go on a short easy ride up the valley fl oor, move out and run for a few miles, slow down and do endurance rides through the mountains, climb and reach the mountain peaks, learn to chase and work cows or even try riding bareback. All levels and abilities of riding will fi nd something suitable to do in the saddle. If you enjoy fi shing, you’ll love fl y fi shing for
brown or rainbow trout on Lit le Prickly Pear Creek right on the ranch or over on the Mis- souri River. Believe it or not, some folks come to the Rocking Z just to fi sh. Hard to reckon, I
know. You can also
go for a two- hour boat ride on the Missouri R i v e r
(wh a t
CONTACT INFO: » 2020 Chevallier Drive » Wolf Creek, MT 59648 » 406-458-3890
» pat
y@rockingz.com »
www.rockingz.com
Lewis & Clark dubbed the Gates of the Mountains), ogle all the wildlife or spend hours bird-watching. T ere are nearly 250 diff erent species in the area, including Tundra Swans, Snow Geese and Canada Geese at Freezeout Lake 50 miles away. Raptors are also plentiful; Bald and Golden Eagles are seen almost daily, as well as hawks. T ere are Sand Hill Cranes, Blue Herons and tiny jewel-colored hummingbirds. July and August bring rodeo season and there are many each year in nearby towns. Eight rooms in two buildings off er cozy
and comfortable accommodations. Christmas season oſt en fi nds the entire ranch rented out to an extended family, so be sure to call ahead for reservations. Overnight horse camping (primitive) is also available on the ranch. Family-style meals are served in the best
Montana ranch traditions, featuring home- baked breads and pies, and lots of beef, pork and chicken. Yeah, there’s fresh fruit too, for you sissies who fret over such things, but the mountain air and but s to saddles generally fi xes most dietary sins. Can I get an amen? I think I need another nap.
Former Paso Fino ranch owner/trainer and avid trail rider, Pat Barnhart has traded her years in the saddle for a career that now centers around writing, book editing and travel. She has authored two novels (Vanderville and T rowing Bones) and lives in central Florida with Belle the Basset Hound, who runs a tight ship.
WWW.TRAILBLAZERMAGAZINE.US • December 2011 | 85
Rocking Z Guest Ranch
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