Trailblazing Women in the Saddle
A Look Inside Today’s Dude Ranches
From the article: Monica Ellis, head wrangler of Lone Mountain Ranch, on horseback in Big Sky, Montana. Kelsey Kradel/Courtesy Lone Mountain Ranch.
When you think of the American West, images of cowboys and open ranges often come to mind. But as Condé Nast Traveler recently spotlighted, the modern face of the dude ranch is increasingly female—and fiercely capable.
In a powerful feature titled “The Women Wranglers of Montana’s Dude Ranches,” writer Jessica Chapel profiles the women leading the way at three standout ranches: Monica Ellis at Lone Mountain Ranch, Siobhan Flynn at Hidden Hollow Hideaway, and Erin Dringman at Sweet Grass Ranch. From riding and roping to guest hospitality and land management, these women exemplify the spirit, stamina, and dedication that make dude ranching such a unique and enduring tradition.
All three featured ranches are proud members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA)—the governing body that sets the highest standards for ranches across the West. Membership isn’t automatic; only about 70% of ranches that apply are accepted. To join and remain part of the DRA, ranches must meet rigorous by-laws that ensure a quality guest experience rooted in genuine Western traditions.
As Chapel writes, being a wrangler today means far more than leading trail rides. It’s a career built on passion, resilience, and connection—to animals, land, and people. And the growing presence of women in these roles reflects a broader evolution in the industry—one that remains grounded in history while embracing new generations of leadership.
📖 Read the full article here: The Women Wranglers of Montana’s Dude Ranches
Prioritizing Safety on the Ranch
The Horse Safety Program
Horseback riding is at the heart of the dude ranch experience, offering guests an unforgettable way to explore the great outdoors. However, with the adventure comes inherent risks, especially in rugged wilderness and mountainous terrain. The Dude Ranch Foundation Horse Safety Program is dedicated to helping ranches manage these risks while fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for both guests and staff.
Through interactive Ranch Risk Management & First Aid for the Trail seminars, the program provides ranchers and wranglers with essential knowledge on accident prevention, site and equipment safety, and emergency response. By continuously refining best practices and safety protocols, this initiative not only enhances the guest experience but also reinforces a shared commitment to responsible horsemanship.
Introducing Garrett Olister – Wrangler Trainer
We’re excited to welcome Garrett Olister as our new Wrangler Trainer. Garrett’s lifelong connection with horses, combined with over a decade in the dude ranch industry, brings a wealth of experience to our team.
A skilled horseman and farrier, Garrett has worked at top dude ranches, gaining expertise in horsemanship, cattle work, and emergency response across diverse terrain. Currently, he leads the advanced riding program at Flathead Lake Lodge, training wranglers, starting colts, and managing guest experiences. Join us in welcoming Garrett—he’s eager to share his expertise and passion for horses with our wranglers and guests!
Upcoming Wrangler Training Sessions
📍 Bar W Ranch, Montana
📅 May 14 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Garrett Olister
📩 To Register: Contact Joe at joewiese@thebarw.com
📍 Colorado Trails Ranch, Colorado
📅 May 15 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Holly Foy
📞 To Register: Contact Holly at 970-259-3967
📍 Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana
📅 May 16 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Will Ferguson
📞 To Register: Contact Monica at mellis@lonemountainranch.com
📍 Flathead Lake Lodge, Montana
📅 May 17 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Garrett Olister
📞 To Register: Contact Garrett at 985-264-4247
📍 Triangle X Ranch, Wyoming
📅 May 20 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Ane Mommsen
📞 To Register: Contact Lucas at 307-690-2942
📍 Rainbow Trout Ranch, Colorado
📅 May 20 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructors: David & Jane Van Berkum
📞 To Register: Contact Caroline or Jane at 719-376-2440
📍 Bar Lazy J Ranch, Colorado
📅 May 22 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Cheri Amos Helmicki
📞 To Register: Contact Tammy or Cheri at 970-725-3437
📍 Medicine Bow Lodge, Wyoming
📅 May 22 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Tim Bishop
📞 To Register: Contact Tim at 307-326-5439
📍 Sylvan Dale Ranch, Colorado
📅 May 22 | 9:00 AM
🚨 Registration: FULL
👤 Instructor: Nick Herold
📍 Lazy L&B Ranch, Wyoming
📅 May 28 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Will Ferguson
📞 To Register: Contact 307-455-2839 or ranch@lazylb.com
📍 UXU Ranch, Wyoming
📅 May 29 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Will Ferguson
📞 To Register: Call or text John at 307-578-6789
📍 Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, Montana
📅 June 3 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Will Ferguson
📞 To Register: Contact Kameron or Sally at 406-995-4276
📍 Red Rock Ranch, Wyoming
📅 June 6 | 9:00 AM
👤 Instructor: Will Ferguson
📞 To Register: Contact 307-733-6288 or carolyn@theredrockranch.com
For additional information, contact the DRF office at 307-586-1831 or email info@duderanchfoundation.org.
Thank you to NFP, Outdoor Insurance, and Glencar Insurance Company for your essential sponsorship!
Save the Date for Frontier Festival in Cody, Wyoming!
June 7 & 8, 2025
This family-friendly event brings the spirit of the West to life with live music, hearty food, and thrilling competitions, including the exciting horse packing contest and camp cooking challenges. Highlights include a Kiddie Frontier Petting Zoo, sheepdog demonstrations, and exhibitors showcasing frontier crafts and activities.
The horse packing contest offers substantial prizes: $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. Only eight teams will be selected, with an entry fee of $50 per participant or $100 per team.
Participants will be invited to a special dinner on June 5th, and a Calcutta Auction will be held for the teams.
This festival blends old-fashioned fun with educational value, celebrating our frontier heritage. Sponsored by the Cody Medical Foundation and organized by volunteers, plans are taking shape as we speak.
Contact Marty Coe at 307.250.0454 for signup information.
Celebrating a Century of Dude Ranching – A Legacy in Print!
As we look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime centennial milestone for the DRA, we eagerly anticipate the release of a stunning hardcover book:
100 Years of Dude Ranching: Celebrating the Centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.
This coffee table book showcases breathtaking photography from twenty-six legacy ranches that have been welcoming guests since at least 1926. Renowned photographer Scott Baxter captured nearly 150,000 images during an eighty-day road trip, and the results speak for themselves. The centennial book project has been spearheaded by the Ranch Preservation Foundation, and the Dude Ranch Foundation has been named a beneficiary. We fully endorse this remarkable effort.
A listing of all current DRA member ranches will be included, while each centennial ranch will receive a dedicated feature with modern photography, historic images, and a written history. Additionally, the book will include a history of dude ranching written by historian and Foundation board member Lynn Downey.
Centennial Ranch Contributors Will Receive:
✔ Use of photography for promotional purposes
✔ Twenty complimentary copies & 50% off unlimited pre-orders
✔ Personalized Centennial Ranch Plaque
✔ A featured spot in the traveling Photo Exhibition scheduled for 2026
Participation is optional, but after covering expenses, every dollar raised goes directly to the Dude Ranch Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Western way of life. Your support helps fund scholarships, promote horse safety, protect ranching history, and expand efforts in wildfire mitigation and ranchland preservation.
For more information, contact Jaye Wells of the Ranch Preservation Foundation: jayehwells@gmail.com.
Lariat Legacy, the Magazine Volume 4
Have You Explored Lariat Legacy, The Magazine?
If not, now’s the perfect time! Dive into Volume 3 of Lariat Legacy, The Magazine online, and discover what makes this publication a must-read before Volume 4 arrives in May.
Published annually by the Dude Ranch Foundation, Lariat Legacy, The Magazine showcases the Foundation’s work and features key voices from the industry. You can explore Volumes 1, 2, and 3 online—visit our website and start reading today! Click Here!
Want to secure your copy of Volume 4? Email us at info@duderanchfoundation.org to reserve yours.
Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipients
Looking Ahead to 2025-2026
The Dude Ranch Foundation is proud to support the next generation of leaders in the ranching and hospitality industries. Congratulations to our 2024-2025 scholarship recipients!
🎓 Jymie Adamson – Weatherford College
🎓 Susan Davis – Purdue University
🎓 Victoria Forgan – Colorado Mesa University
🎓 Felicity Halmay – University of Wyoming
🎓 Christine Howe – Colorado College
🎓 Benjamin Mathis – University of Wyoming
🎓 Josie Meyring – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
🎓 Taylor Peck – University of Montana Western
🎓 Abilene Yurich – Colorado Mesa University
We are excited to see where their education takes them and look forward to welcoming the next round of applicants who will shape the future of our industry.
📅 Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are currently being processed. We look forward to announcing our new scholarship recipients, soon.
Alliance Partners
Thank you to the Alliance Partners that support the Dude Ranch Foundation mission.
