Bitterroot Dude Ranch - Dubois Hotel

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1.0

Broken promises

The summary or the short version is that we had a horrible time, we left on the 3rd day. We were not treated respectfully, and are extremely disappointed that our expectations were so far removed from the real picture at Bitterroot. Please note this ranch charges 5 star prices. Mel and Bayard are phony snobs. The horses were well nourished but not, in our opinion, well taken care of. The riding landscapes were really pretty boring … it takes about an hour at a walk through dry, rocky, scrub brush, dirt plains to get to a different terrain. The food was excellent … compliments to the kitchen and wait staff. However, the quantities were inadequate. Various factors, like the old, uncomfortable saddles, neglected teeth and hoof care, not enough staffers, and their young age might suggest some serious issues. Cabins had mouse families of varying sizes. We just had one fat one that was fairly cute but, a neighboring cabin had a multi sibling family group. Mel, the female owner, about 65 (guessing) runs the show, and various comments from the visiting dental and miscellaneous staffers and other guests attest to her tyrannical style. The long version should probably start with our qualifications to give such a negative report. Actually, this is my report; my husband will be supplying his own negative opinion also. We currently live in New England with 3 horses: an Arab, Saddlebred, and QH, aged 13 to 23, have owned them all for 6 to 8 years. I have been riding for 20+ years, pleasure trail, Competitive Trail Riding, some jumping, some dressage, some Western. I’ve also owned and rehabilitated an off-the-track thoroughbred into a wonderful trail horse. The brochure of Bitterroot Ranch (maybe an apropos name) states that they have a variety of English and Endurance saddles, although they do ride mostly Western. This was very important to me since I have severe osteoarthritis in my knees with surgery scheduled for this winter. My seat is good and I have independent, soft (on the horse’s mouth) hands. I can maintain 2 point (kind of a slight forward, slight out of the saddle position used mostly for jumping or as needed by the terrain, etc.) with no difficulty, in an English saddle. ... havhorsewiltravel, a user of Tripadvisor. Read full review on tripadvisor

5.0

Riding a fine horse through new country

This was our 3rd. visit to the ranch and I'm happy to say that it was exactly like I remember. The Fox family is wonderful and welcoming and dedicated ... HappyTrails022, a user of Tripadvisor. Read full review on tripadvisor

5.0

Great Riding Experience

My sister and I have now done 11 horseback riding vacations. We have been to places that are prettier than Bitterroot, locations that are more interesting and exciting, and areas that have better weather. However, ... monirider, a user of Tripadvisor. Read full review on tripadvisor

5.0

A terrific experience

I have to add my comments to those of my sister's. As she mentioned, this was our 11 horseback riding trip together and it was one of the best experiences we have had. I can't imagine what ... SanFranciscoCaspian, a user of Tripadvisor. Read full review on tripadvisor

1.0

departed early

I am happy to see this "dude ranch" on trip advisor so that I can express my displeasure in a public manner. Several years ago, my family of four stayed at the ranch only three of ... A TripAdvisor Member, a user of Tripadvisor. Read full review on tripadvisor