Dude Ranches


One to three horses will be loaded into each container.


Exceptional Dude Ranches Cont from page 13


container with dividers. Each container will hold 1 to 3 regular sized horses and is stocked with hay nets and water jugs. This is where Katie’s personality evaluation pays off as each horse is in the company of his or her pals. It makes my job easy and relaxing. Loading the horses is very similar to


loading them onto a horse trailer. Rubber mats and shavings are in each container. Once loaded, the containers are taxied to the cargo holding area for loading into the plane. The Veterinarian and Animal Atten- dants follow them. There may be multiple containers, multiple shippers, and multi- ple attendants sharing the plane. Once the containers are loaded into the belly of the airplane and secured, the Animal Attendants go through the security check. I will keep in touch with Katie throughout the trip so that she can give status updates to the owners.


It's Go Time The Animal Attendants report upstairs


with the crew. There are six seats, a galley for food and drink, and of course bathroom


facilities. During takeoff and landing, the pilots are required to make a grad- ual ascent/decent and no hard bank- ing. Once in the air and the fasten seat belt sign has been turned off, I make the first check on the horses. Most of the time, the horses are doz-


ing or munching on hay. The plane ride is much smoother and less stressful than a ride in a starting and stopping horse trailer. I will continue to check the horses throughout the flight and offer water. Once back on the ground, the process reverses and containers are unloaded and towed to the animal hotel where the hors- es are unloaded into stalls. I stay with the horses during this time and get them settled. A Veterinarian will provide one final check before releasing them for pick up or to con- tinue on the next leg of their flight. As my attendant duties end, I am free


to explore my destination until the plane de- parts 24 to 36 hours later back to the United States. With no cargo to care for, I use the return flight for reflection on my trip and a good night’s sleep. w


Bonanza Creek Ranch Bonanza Creek Ranch Every day is a new adventure at the Bonanza


Creek Ranch in Martinsdale, Montana. Because an intermediate level of riding ability is required at the ranch due to the rugged nature of the ter- rain, equestrians find this destination a place of discovery and exploration. Here, riding is most certainly the main activity with morning and af- ternoon rides as well as all day rides. Guests have the opportunity to climb high ridges, meander through the woods along a creek, gather up a herd of cow/calf pairs and ride to an old homestead that the modern world hasn’t touched. This weeklong experience allows guest to soak up all the beauty and tradition of Montana from the best seat in the world – on horseback! Whatever you’re riding style and personality,


you will be able to express your love for horses and adventure on one of these dude ranch vaca- tions. Find the ranch that matches your personality and desire and book your next great adventure. w


May 2019 SouthWest Horse Trader


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