Horses - Goosewing Ranch

#GoGoosewing: Share Your Goosewing Ranch Memories

November 27, 2017/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News /by [email protected]

Here at Goosewing Ranch, we want to give something new a try, and we need your help! We love sharing our photos on Instagram, but we also know that some of the best photography has been taken by many of you, our guests! So we’ve come up with our own hashtag and would love it if you would use the hashtag #GoGoosewing when posting your dude ranch memories. In doing so, we would love to then share your photos by reposting on our Instagram account. Win-win! So let’s get those photos out and get the hashtag #GoGoosewing off to a great start!

Be a Part of Goosewing Ranch’s Instagram Feed with #GoGoosewing

Instagram is one of our favorite social media platforms because it really captures the beauty and essence of our ranch as well as Jackson Hole and Wyoming. It gives future guests a sneak peek into their future vacation. For those who have become Goosewing family, we’d love to share your memories and photos because your photography and storytelling are the essence of our story.

Anytime you’d like to post an Instagram photo of your Goosewing experiences, please use the following hashtag: #GoGoosewing. That then tells us that we have permission to repost your photo (giving you all the credit, of course!) Share about your favorite trail riding session…

Or perhaps the food made a big impression…

Maybe scenery like the Grand Tetons left you in awe…

Or watching your family try new experiences made you say “AWW”

Whatever bring a smile or shares a memory, we’d love to have it tagged #GoGoosewing so we can encourage others to do just that: Go Goosewing!

Horseback Riding Vacations in Jackson Hole

Ever dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl, but couldn’t seem to swing it in the city (or suburbs) where you grew up? Here is your chance to test it out with an all-inclusive vacation to Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! We feature three to seven nights deep in the beautiful Gros Ventre wilderness only accessible by horseback—just like in the old days.

Horseback Riding Vacations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

How it works:

You will arrive on the ranch, check in, and then head down to the tack room to meet your horse for the week. Having your own horse lets you become comfortable with your mount and develop a bond that will have you saying “Remember Josh? He was a great horse,” for years to come.

From beginners to more experienced riders, we have a horse for everyone. This wide variety ensures guests can enjoy all aspects of riding, both on the trails and in the arena, as well as feeling safe and secure with their horse partner. Plus, our kid horses take their job very seriously—the quintessential babysitter when a child is out on a ride.

Catch a glimpse of the impressive landscape surrounding the ranch on different length trail rides, and either return to the ranch for a hot lunch or eat a boxed lunch on the trail with unbeatable Wyoming views.

For people wanting to spice up their trail rides and have the necessary riding experience to do so, we offer advanced rides. Get a chance to go on a loping ride or swim with your horse in the river! And if you don’t think you’re capable of loping or riding bareback, take a lesson from one of our experienced wranglers and work up to it.

Whether you’ve never been on a horse or were riding before you were walking, this horseback riding vacation is the perfect getaway if you want to experience the vast remoteness of the Jackson Hole Wyoming region from the saddle.

–This post was written by Sara Massery.

Need more information about Jackson Hole or riding? Check out these resources:

See Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce

Horseback Riding

Survival of the Fittest

June 3, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]

Gros Ventre Slide seen from Shadow Mtn.

On June 23, 1925, a landslide on Sheep Mountain dammed up the Gros Ventre River with a high tower of rocks and dirt. Lower Slide Lake was born in the following flooding, only six miles from the town of Kelly, Wyoming. Over the next two years, the lake filled in, and the nature-made dam held. But in May of 1927, just before a huge election between Kelly and Jackson, a portion of the dam broke. The town of Kelly—which was favored to win—suddenly found itself under six feet of water, at least temporarily, and Jackson “won by a landslide.”

When you drive by Slide Lake, the scar of earth is still apparent on the mountain; an ugly welt of naked dirt among a landscape of crisp green pines. At the edge of the road above the lake you can see the gravel and rocks that were pushed as far as they would go and then abandoned, broken and forgotten about. Long-dead trees stand in solidarity near the center of the lake, barren and eerie but still very much present. There were things interrupted here, and the land can’t forget it yet.

Coming to Goosewing Ranch, I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to fall in love with the area, but I wasn’t sure if it was possible. I dreamed of being so happy here that I would stay, and that has a lot to do with where my life is headed: straight into a tunnel of Unknown, where thinking of my future is exactly like being caught in a landslide. When I got here, it almost felt like this was life pushing the pause button. Work here… and then what?

There is a group of trees at the base of Sheep Mountain that were not always there. Their place of origin was at the top of the mountain. When the landslide happened, the trees went with it. But instead of dying, uprooted, they replanted themselves. And we’re not talking a few trees, but a square mile of them. They found a safe place and stuck with it. The trees you can see today are the same ones from 1925, and that says something about these trees’ commitment to existence.

That’s the thing about sliding down a mountainside, or flying across the country to live in a new place: it’s foreign, it’s terrifying, but it’s most definitely survivable. And maybe it’s better than where we started, even if we don’t know how long this haven is going to last.

——-

This is Sara Massery’s first season at Goosewing Ranch, where she is the Office Assistant. She hails from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and has just completed her B.A. in English Writing and Literature at Emmanuel College. She’s very excited for the summer ahead!

Welcome Back!

May 22, 2013/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News /by [email protected]

The excitement is building. Goosewing Ranch Staff started arriving several weeks ago. Fortunately the weather has cooperated to help speed up preparation for guest. With the sunshine comes an early snow melt pushing water over river and stream banks. This morning from the lodge, a herd of Elk were spotted on the far side of the river; with a backdrop of Aspen trees and evergreens. A magnificent scene for the privileged few who get to experience the moment in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, bordering the Gros Ventre Wilderness.

Wranglers how worked to repaired fences and hay racks preparing for the horses arrival. Tack has been cleaned and checked for any necessary repairs. Goosewing is fortunate to have a knowledgeable team of Wranglers. Their keen eyes will match the guests with a perfect mount to make their vacation experience the best we can provide. Guest comfort, happiness and well-being are the priorities of the entire staff at the ranch.

This week brought the arrival of the ranch horses. The trucks pulling the trailers were spotted a couple of miles from the ranch. Everyone headed to the barn to help unload and get the horses settled in to their accommodations. They were like kids returning to summer camp; anxious to greet old friends and make new ones. You could feel the Wrangler’s eagerness to climb on the back of a horse and get going.

Welcome Back

Returning and new guest will appreciate the scenic drive along Gros Ventre Road as it overlooks Slide Lake on your right. Continuing on you will cross over the Gros Ventre River and Crystal Creek. The rugged road allows you time to take in the breathtaking countryside as your mind drifts back to the difficult life of the Mountain men who walked through this wilderness. The slower pace prepares you for your time at the ranch to, at your choice, relax, participate in new activities, make new friends and create memories to last a lifetime.

Hey look, the gangs all here!

The horses’ thoughts are more of

when do we get out to eat!

Jackson Hole Guest Ranch Bound…

November 7, 2012/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News /by [email protected]

Jackson Hole here I come!

I recently received an offer from Goosewing Ranch to join their team for the 2013 summer season. It is a herd of horses, pack of dogs, flock of sheep but what do you call a bunch of cowboys and cowgirls-Wranglers, and wranglers are what we are!

It is my pre-conceived idea that Wranglers grew up riding horses, and dreaming of being a cowboy on a dude or cattle ranch. Why would anyone want to do anything else? However, life didn’t lead me down the road to the West, only in my thoughts. Marriage, corporate life, and children temporarily changed my focus. However, I always kept a horse and stayed active in a few events when the kids didn’t have something going on.

As the kids grew, I at least got to enjoy a Western life style. They competed in youth, high school, college and pro rodeos. Barrel racers, goats, breakaway and the boys rode bulls. Kept putting them on horses but they liked riding bulls. As a family we traveled and made wonderful, long-lasting friendships and memories. But there was always a part of me that wanted to be the one on the horse, not the spectator, cheerleader, chauffeur or rodeo secretary. When my daughter headed off to college she took my barrel horse to compete in college rodeo. That was about twelve years ago and I’m still waiting to get the horse back!

Now, the kids are grown; independent, hard workers with families and careers of their own; spread all over the country. For me, retirement is fast approaching. To supplement my income I could work part-time in the office that is so familiar. Then out of the blue, the idea to follow my own dreams, try to recapture fantasies of riding the range alongside people with the same interest. So I took a leap of faith and started applying, Wrangler, cook, housekeeper, just give me a chance. Goosewing Ranch is giving me that chance and I could not be more excited. The opportunity to work at the ranch will fulfill a lot of my bucket list goals but it has given me a lot more to add. Guest Ranches have opportunities to employee all types of individuals, old, young, experienced horseman/women, cooks, novice horseman and more, just apply and find the dream job you have been waiting for. Jackson Hole is an area that is full of adventures just waiting to take place with both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the local area.

To my surprise/delight, I have actually had a couple of ranches contact me but none compare to Goosewing. Reviewing videos, talking to the manager, looking at the history, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of this quality outfit. Friendliness, caring and a genuine commitment to the guests, show in the comments from visitors and staff. I look forward to sharing experiences, the beauty of the location, friendships and being a part of fulfilling not only my dreams but those of the guest.

Now the down side! I’ve got to get in shape, lose some weight so I don’t look like I am scaling Everest getting on my horse. Besides my daily job, I run a stable of 12 horses, which require attention before and after work. So even though I am in pretty good shape, a little more preparation won’t hurt. Read up on the history of the country, the native plants and wildlife. Get my first aid and CPR certification. Like I said, my bucket list just keeps growing with more challenging and exciting adventures. Looking forward to my Wyoming Guest Ranch experience.

You can apply at https://goosewingranch.com/the-ranch/employment/ or email [email protected] or call 1-888-733-5251. Join the Goosewing Ranch team and ride for the brand!

Jay

Giddy Up at Goosewing Ranch

September 15, 2012/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]

Many guests that come to visit Goosewing Ranch have seen a lot of western movies and have seen the silver screen cowboys racing across the plains at a gallop and they want to do the same. They often do not know, however, that there are more than just two speeds for a horse. A gait is the rhythm that horse’s legs move at. It determines both the speed you are traveling at, and how you need to position your body to make riding more comfortable and controlled.
The slowest gait that a horse has is one everyone is familiar with, the walk. In a walk, the horse picks up one foot at a time and follows a four beat rhythm. An average speed for a horse to walk at is around four miles per hour.
The next fastest gait is the trot. The trot is similar to a jog and the horses’ hooves hit the ground on a two beat rhythm. The hooves move diagonally to each other. An example of this would be front right hoof and rear left hoof on the ground at the same time, and then switching to front left and rear right. As you can imagine, alternating between two sets of legs rapidly can cause the rider to get bounced around on the horses back. In Western riding the rider ‘sits’ the trot, which means the rider stays down in the saddle and lets their lower back absorb the shock. Sitting the trot is not particularly easy, or comfortable, so at Goosewing Ranch we encourage guests to learn how to post. Posting is an English riding technique where the rider falls into rhythm with the horse and rises out of the seat rhythmically to keep from bouncing off. An average speed for a trot is eight miles per hour. Contrary to what you see in the movies, people travel on horseback at a trot and not a faster gait because horses have a hard time maintaining a faster speed over long distances.
The lope is a three beat gait that is faster than a trot, and slower than a gallop. It is also known in English riding as cantering. A horse will propel itself forward on one of its hind feet, catch itself on the opposite diagonal foot, and then on the final beat catch itself on its remaining front foot. Basically the horse alternates between two feet on the ground and one foot on the ground. While this might sound more complicated, loping is much smoother than trotting and many people prefer it. The key to staying in the saddle while loping is to ‘sit deep.’ In layman’s terms sitting deep means ‘keep your butt in the saddle.’ You have to find the rhythm of the horse and fall into it while focusing on not letting yourself come up and out of the saddle. Loping speeds can vary quite a bit, but average between ten and seventeen miles per hour.
The fastest gait a horse can manage is the gallop. Galloping involves the horse driving themselves forward with all four feet leaving the ground. It is a very fast smooth gait, and requires an athletic horse and rider. It averages between twenty five and thirty miles per hour and can only be sustained for short distances.
There are other gaits that only certain breeds of horses can do, or horses with special training. Pacing, fox trotting, racking and running walks are some examples of these gaits. Hopefully this helps you understand a little more about how horses move, and how to make yourself move with your horse. We would be more than happy to help you learn more about all the gaits mentioned when you come to visit us at Goosewing Ranch.

From our head wrangler, Kris…

June 1, 2012/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News, Uncategorized /by [email protected]

Well another spring has arrived and life on the ranch is as exciting as ever. The tack room is cleaned, and ready for a fun filled summer of horseback adventures into the Wyoming back country. We have 62 head of horses on the ranch, with mostly familiar faces, but a few new ones to learn. The horses have all wintered well and are looking fit for our guests. It is always a happy reunion when the horses return, both for them and the wranglers. We all get a good laugh watching them wonder around the ranch showing the new horses the routine of their life on a guest ranch.
All of the horses have been ridden and taken out on different trails into the Gros Ventre wilderness and Bridger-Teton National Forest. The new Goosewing Ranch wranglers are as fun to watch as the new horses. They are in awe of the terrain and vistas surrounding the ranch and on the trails we ride. They all are excited to learn more about the area and the horses they will be caring for throughout the summer. Every day is a new adventure. They remind me of myself and the reasons why I started leading trail rides. With eight wranglers this year we will be able to provide excellent service and a variety of trail rides daily.
The wildlife has been abundant both on, and near the ranch and on the trail rides. We have spotted numerous herds of Elk, mule deer through the thin foliage, and watched as the antelope move back into the valley. We have also spotted wolves, badgers, grizzly bears, eagles, and a few moose. The horses have handled the wildlife spotting’s, new wranglers, and various trail conditions like old pros. One never knows what to expect in western Wyoming where we are part of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
We are all looking forward to the vacation season starting in the Jackson Hole area, and can’t wait to entertain all of our guests by taking them on horseback adventures, touring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and enjoying all the a resort ranch has to offer. The horses are “rearing to go”, the trails are drying out, and the wranglers are saddled up and waiting for all the different guests to arrive. We still have cabins available, so, it’s not too late to book your Dude ranch vacation at Goosewing Ranch. Come and enjoy our western hospitality!

Yew Haw… Horses have arrived…

May 17, 2012/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News, Uncategorized /by [email protected]

Giddy up… the horses have arrived and Goosewing Ranch is starting to feel like home again! Big, tall, small, but not one is skinny… We have horses of all shapes, sizes, and colors; horses for beginner to experienced riders and something for everyone in between. We are so excited to have them all back on the ranch. It really is a long winter without them. The horses have spent the last few months down in Star Valley Wyoming, and have made the journey through Jackson Hole to get up to the ranch. Our horses are very lucky to get the winter off, which they earn after a long season of taking guests all across the Bridger- Teton National Forest and through the Gros Ventre Wilderness.

We have 62 head of horses on the ranch. The majority of these horses have been coming to Goosewing Ranch for years. The great thing about having the same horses year after year is that the horses learn our routine, and trails, and the returning wranglers know the horses and their personality which helps them pick the best horse for each guest. Our horses are leased through Yellowstone Horse Rentals, similar to many of the local guest ranches throughout the Jackson Hole area. These horses are the best at what they do. They stay calm in intense situations, they are very sure footed in varying terrain and weather conditions, and know how to show every guest a great time whether galloping through the meadows, or meandering across mountain tops.

Of course each horse comes with its own personality and behaviors. One of the more famous Goosewing horses is Snickers. She is a big grey mare with more personality then one can imagine. She is an escape artist, a belly scratcher, fence breaker, hobble runner, and the best darn horse to put beginner adult riders on. Snickers will take care of her rider on the trail, she might not be the fastest but she won’t be “bear bait”. Snickers best buddy is Goliath. Goliath is a small pure black gelding who loves children of all ages. He will cautiously carry the smallest of equine enthusiast through the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem to the more advance buckaroos on adventures excursions. He is also very smooth and comfortable to ride bareback. Stay tuned for more horse updates throughout the season.

Our wranglers are busy getting the horses in shape and ready for each of our guests. No matter if you want to ride high for views of the Grand Teton, or low along the river we have trails and horses to take you everywhere. Welcome back horses!

About the author…Amy Worster

March 13, 2012/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch News, Uncategorized /by [email protected]

Our new website is live, the ranch is filling up, and my to do list is changing from winter projects to spring projects…so, I guess it is time for me to formally introduce myself. Howdy, I am Amy DeCarolis Worster…I am the one that has been sharing my thoughts, hints, and and stories about Goosewing Ranch and ranch life. I am also the General Manager for Goosewing Ranch.

I arrived in the Gros Ventre valley fresh out of college, and excited about a new beginning. What I didn’t know was that that new beginning would start with a 20 mile horse back ride to my new job as a wrangler. My truck broke down around lower Slide Lake, just out side the Grand Teton National Park boundary, and I did what any true cowgirl would do… No, I didn’t wave down the first passing vehicle; I unloaded my trusty horse, jumped on bareback and proceeded to my new job at Goosewing Ranch. Soon realizing that I should have looked at the map first…I didn’t realize that I was still about 20 miles from a hot shower, bed, and paycheck. Well, after riding by a few passing vehicles, and fighting off wild animals (just kidding) Sheela and I finally arrived at the most beautiful place in the West, Goosewing Ranch. I was greeted with some strange stares of fellow employees wondering if I rode this little mare all the way from Indiana. Now, Goosewing and the Jackson Hole area has become home for me and Sheela.

I have been with the ranch now for about 8 years, and have made not only lasting memories and friendships, but a life for myself that includes Goosewing Ranch. I married my best friend and partner in adventure last September on top of the mountain where we met 7 years ago, Monument Ridge. I truly enjoy showing off this beautiful area of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole, and most of all the Bridger-Teton National forest and Gros Ventre Wilderness. I think there are times when I am more excited to show someone a spectacular mountain view on horseback than they are to see it. I am the proud momma of my four legged, pointy ear, dogs and horses, and couldn’t imagine life without them.

I hope that you will enjoy the information that will be shared, and find it helpful. Come visit the Ranch and let me show you, what I think, is the best of the West!

What happens on the ranch stays on the ranch…

March 6, 2012/0 Comments/in Goosewing Ranch Activities /by [email protected]

Well… what happened on a Jackson Hole ranch used to stay on the ranch, until the technology era took over. Now we get to share all of the Wild West stories with the world! We hope that all of our guests and employees have a positive experience while at the ranch…some just at the expensive of others. I hope you enjoy these fun tails, and remember cowboys and cowgirls are known for their story telling and fun antics.

As a wrangler the worst thing that could happen is to lose your horse. I not only lost my horse, I lost my very own personal horse that I have had since she was a baby. The situation is funny now, but at the time it was a bit intense. We were trying to make our way down one of the Gros Ventre mountains when a hail and lightning storm came out of nowhere. I was helping a lady dismount when her horse reared, and came down on my foot. I got the lady safely to the ground but had lost hold of my horse, Sheila. Sheila was standing there nicely when another guest ran up to grab her. She spooked and ran about 150 yards. Once everyone was safe and wearing their slickers I went to get her. The same guest ran up behind me asking to help, Sheila took one look at him and bolted again. I whistled to her, she turned, looked at me, and as to say sorry but I am going home, she bolted again. There I was left with a group of people, all on horses, and looking to me to lead them home in this storm. Faced with no slicker, no mount, and a long walk home… I did what any good wrangler would do… I knocked the closest person to me off their horse, and left them all out there to fend for themselves. No, I am just kidding… I tried to hide my embarrassment and bruised pride, and got them all back in line and started back down the trail, on foot, this is what we call hoof’ in it. Six miles into our seven mile trek home, another wrangler shows up to check on us, and rub some salt in my wounds. I sent this wrangler back to the ranch, because I was bound and determined to complete this ride/hike on my own. After arriving back at the ranch, I found my horse standing there. Now soaking wet, I untied my slicker from my saddle that my oh-so trusty mount took with her, and tried to pretend nothing happened. If you didn’t know, wet wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, and hiking just don’t mix. I received a lot of guff from my fellow wranglers, and had to by the bunk house beer for a week.

Another fun story involves a couple of our young buckaroos on the ranch. It was a warm summer day when a brother, and his sister were trying to work together and navigate their way across the Goosewing Ranch pond, when a WYOMING beaver popped up. The children were so excited they both leaned to the same side of the canoe. The canoe flips, and dumps them both into the water. The brother thinks it is funny and is horsing around out there teasing his sister, while his little sister is screaming that the beaver is going to eat them. Though this is funny, it gets better when hours later, after a shower, and awaiting dinner, the little sister lures her brother out by the pond to see if they can catch a glimpse of the beaver, this time from dry land. She gets him to the edge of the water, and points across the pond, just as he leans toward the pond she shoves him with all her might. He loses his balance, and falls head first into the mucky water. It wasn’t as fun for him this go around, now that he is wearing his last set of dry clean clothes, but his little sister couldn’t get enough!

There are many more fun stories to tell, from wranglers playing tricks with your tack, to waitresses hiding the housekeepers’ golf-cart. We would love to hear your Goosewing Ranch story, send it to us for a chance to win a “What Happens on the Ranch” t-shirt!

_________________________________________________________________________

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – https://goosewingranch.com

Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch

Twitter Handle – https://twitter.com/goosewingranch

YouTube Videos – https://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch

Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”

100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

Horseback Riding Vacations in Jackson Hole

Horseback Riding Vacations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

How it works:

You will arrive on the ranch, check in, and then head down to the tack room to meet your horse for the week. Having your own horse lets you become comfortable with your mount and develop a bond that will have you saying “Remember Josh? He was a great horse,” for years to come.

Catch a glimpse of the impressive landscape surrounding the ranch on different length trail rides, and either return to the ranch for a hot lunch or eat a boxed lunch on the trail with unbeatable Wyoming views.

Whether you’ve never been on a horse or were riding before you were walking, this horseback riding vacation is the perfect getaway if you want to experience the vast remoteness of the Jackson Hole Wyoming region from the saddle.

–This post was written by Sara Massery.

Survival of the Fittest

Welcome Back!

Jackson Hole Guest Ranch Bound…

Giddy Up at Goosewing Ranch

From our head wrangler, Kris…

Yew Haw… Horses have arrived…

About the author…Amy Worster

What happens on the ranch stays on the ranch…

Contact us

Helpful resources

Follow us

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Be a Part of Goosewing Ranch’s Instagram Feed with #GoGoosewing

Horseback Riding Vacations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

How it works:

You will arrive on the ranch, check in, and then head down to the tack room to meet your horse for the week. Having your own horse lets you become comfortable with your mount and develop a bond that will have you saying “Remember Josh? He was a great horse,” for years to come.

Catch a glimpse of the impressive landscape surrounding the ranch on different length trail rides, and either return to the ranch for a hot lunch or eat a boxed lunch on the trail with unbeatable Wyoming views.

Whether you’ve never been on a horse or were riding before you were walking, this horseback riding vacation is the perfect getaway if you want to experience the vast remoteness of the Jackson Hole Wyoming region from the saddle.

–This post was written by Sara Massery.

Contact us

Helpful resources

Follow us