Dude Ranch Foundation

The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition, February 2026

Torey — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:03:51 +0000

Josie Hedderman, Executive Director of the Dude Ranch Foundation

Last week in Montana, our Centennial Convention reminded us how fortunate we are to ride alongside people who embody the true grit, generosity, and enduring spirit of the American West. Celebrating 100 years of the Dude Ranchers’ Association gave us space to reflect on how dude ranching became one of the most enduring and meaningful contributions to American tourism, opening the West to the world in a way that transcends any single ranch or generation.

A true highlight was the world premiere of Call of the West. Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Mat Hames of Alpheus Media captured the heart of our industry with remarkable depth and beauty. This project came to life through the big-picture leadership and determination of Wyoming PBS CEO Joanna Kail. Be sure to catch the digital premiere on the Wyoming PBS YouTube channel on February 19.

Attendees enjoyed a preview of framed images from the centennial hardcover book 100 Years of Dude Ranching, offering a glimpse of the traveling photography exhibition headed to Arizona this spring, with a special opening planned in Cody, Wyoming, in May. Celebrating a century of Western hospitality, the book features Scott T. Baxter’s powerful photography documenting 26 centennial ranches with remarkable honesty and beauty. We are deeply honored that the Dude Ranch Foundation is a beneficiary of this extraordinary project.

Our horse safety seminar, now in its second year under the new format, was another standout, featuring respected industry experts Cheri Amos-Helmicki (Bar Lazy J), Ami Cullen (C Lazy U Ranch), Ryan Eckerson (Totalis Programs), Will Ferguson (Eatons’ Ranch), and Russell True (White Stallion Ranch). Panelists led a robust discussion on horse handling, accident prevention, site safety, equipment checks, and adaptive first aid for the trail.

We were proud to hear from our sponsored speaker, Joe Pokay of the Noble Research Institute, who shared valuable insights on regenerative grazing and its benefits for working ranches.

With gratitude for all who made this gathering so meaningful, we look ahead with excitement to 2026 as we step confidently into the next century of dude ranching.

Ride with Us!

Josie Hedderman

Executive Director
Dude Ranch Foundation

Call of the West:

A Powerful Tool for Promoting Dude Ranching

A film by Mat Hames

The West has always been more than a destination. It is a way of life shaped by land stewardship, horsemanship, hospitality, and generations of families who continue to carry these traditions forward.

Call of the West, a new documentary from Wyoming PBS, offers a rare opportunity to showcase our industry to a broader audience. Spanning Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Arizona, the film highlights resilience, multi-generational commitment, and the values that define working dude ranches.

Created by filmmaker Mat Hames and his team at Alpheus Media, the documentary features these ranches:

Drowsy Water Dude Ranch
Flathead Lake Lodge
White Stallion Ranch
Eatons’ Ranch
Triangle X Ranch
Nine Quarter Circle Ranch
Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch

While these seven properties are highlighted, the story told in Call of the West represents all of us. This film provides a professional, authentic introduction to dude ranching that we can collectively leverage to increase awareness, inspire travel, and attract future guests.

Use This Film to Help Grow the Industry

We strongly encourage every ranch to actively promote this documentary. Share it with current guests, include it in pre-arrival communications, post it across your social platforms, and feature it on your website. When guests connect with these stories, they often share them within their own networks, extending our reach far beyond what any single ranch could accomplish alone.

How to Watch

The YouTube premiere takes place Thursday, February 19, at 7 p.m. MST. Viewing details and the premiere link are available on the Wyoming PBS website.

During the premiere, Mat Hames and the Alpheus Media team will be live in the chat, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into bringing ranch life to the screen.

Following the premiere, the film will be available to stream on demand, making it easy to share with guests year-round. In addition, Call of the West will stream on Wyoming PBS on March 19, 2026, eventually expanding its reach to audiences across the country.

This is a chance to amplify our collective voice. By sharing Call of the West, we help elevate dude ranching as an industry and invite the next generation of guests to experience the West.

Russell True

True West Magazine True Westerner of the Year for 2026

Russell True: True West Magazine True Westerner of the Year

For decades, Russell True has served as a steward of Western hospitality, welcoming generations of guests, honoring tradition, and helping guide the evolution of the authentic dude ranch experience. His lifelong commitment to preserving Western heritage and strengthening guest ranching has now earned national recognition.

True West Magazine has named Russell True its True Westerner of the Year for 2026, honoring a lifetime of leadership dedicated to keeping the spirit of the American West alive. Russell currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Dude Ranch Foundation, where his guidance continues to help advance the mission of preserving and promoting dude ranching.

For more than 20 years, editors at True West Magazine have highlighted outstanding Western places, people, and experiences through their annual “Best of the West” coverage. Long before receiving national accolades, Russell and his family were welcoming guests to White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, establishing what would become a multigenerational legacy in dude ranching.

For six decades, Russell and his family have been active leaders within the Dude Ranchers’ Association, helping guide an organization that will celebrate its centennial in 2026. As an owner and operator of guest ranches in Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana, Russell has played a pivotal role in keeping guest ranching one of America’s quintessential vacation experiences for thousands of travelers.

In selecting Russell for this honor, the editors of True West Magazine cited his vision, consistency, and dedication to hospitality. His personal philosophy reflects that commitment: preserving the historic traditions of dude ranching while celebrating Western heritage and its role as one of the nation’s earliest destination vacation experiences.

We are proud to see Russell’s lifetime of service recognized on a national stage and grateful for his continued leadership on behalf of the Dude Ranch Foundation and the broader dude ranching community. His example underscores the importance of stewardship, authenticity, and hospitality at the heart of our industry.

We invite you to read the full feature and learn more about why Russell’s leadership continues to leave a lasting mark on Western travel and dude ranching.

Nonprofit of the Year

Dude Ranch Foundation honored by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce

Josie Hedderman addresses the audience while accepting the Nonprofit of the Year honor, sharing gratitude for the board, volunteers, donors, partners, and ranch families who make the Foundation’s work possible.

We are honored to share that the Dude Ranch Foundation has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, a meaningful recognition of the collective efforts behind our mission.

This award reflects the dedication of many hands and steady hearts. From our Board of Directors and volunteers to our donors, partners, and ranch families, each plays a vital role in preserving Western heritage and shaping the future of dude ranching. Together, you help advance education, stewardship, and hospitality while ensuring that the traditions of the American West continue for generations to come.

Nonprofit of the Year award presented to the Dude Ranch Foundation by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce.

We are deeply grateful to be part of a community built on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. This recognition underscores the impact that can be achieved when individuals and organizations come together in service of something greater than themselves.

Josie Hedderman receives the Nonprofit of the Year award from Jennifer Thoma, Executive Director of the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce.

Our sincere thanks to the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce for honoring nonprofit work and for celebrating the many organizations making a meaningful difference in their communities. We are proud to stand alongside fellow nonprofits working to strengthen local connections, preserve history, and create lasting positive change.

This award belongs to all who support the Dude Ranch Foundation. Thank you for riding alongside us and for your continued commitment to preserving the legacy and future of dude ranching.

100 Years of Dude Ranching – Available Now!

Proceeds Benefit the Dude Ranch Foundation

Released in celebration of the centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, 100 Years of Dude Ranching is a stunning coffee table book that explores both the modern and historic roots of the industry.

The book features ranches that were at the forefront of dude ranching, welcoming guests and offering an authentic taste of the American West as early as 1926. Award-winning photographer Scott T. Baxter documents these historic ranches as they exist today, pairing contemporary photography with archival context to show how each has evolved over the course of a century. The result is a powerful visual narrative reflecting the beauty, grit, and continuity of Western hospitality.

The history of the Dude Ranchers’ Association and the broader story of dude ranching, often described as the West’s first destination vacation, is written by noted historian Lynn Downey, with a foreword by Bob Boze Bell.

This remarkable publication captures a living legacy rooted in land, horses, and hospitality, and we are honored that the Dude Ranch Foundation is a beneficiary of this extraordinary project.

Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary keepsake — purchase your copy online here!

PURCHASE TODAY

EXCLUSIVE DEAL

Centennial books are available to all member ranches at wholesale pricing.

Stock up for your gift shops.

Guests are already asking for these stunning photography books, and they will want copies to take home as keepsakes and gifts.

Contact the Ranch Preservation Foundation team for bulk orders at RanchPreservationFoundation.org. Reach out through the form.

PURCHASE IN BULK TODAY

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Dude Ranch Foundation 2026–2027 Academic Year

The Dude Ranch Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. These scholarships are designed to support students who are pursuing higher education while remaining connected to the values, traditions, and future of the dude ranching industry.

This program represents an investment not only in individual students, but in the next generation of leaders, ranch professionals, and advocates who will help carry Western hospitality forward.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to take this opportunity to invest in their education, clarify their goals, and strengthen their connection to the dude ranching community. Whether students are studying agriculture, business, communications, equine science, hospitality, or related fields, Dude Ranch Foundation scholarships help ease financial burdens while supporting long-term success.

We encourage ranch families and industry partners to share this opportunity widely with employees, guests, and community members who may have eligible students.

APPLY TODAY

Valley Ranch Pack Trips through Yellowstone

By Brian Beauvais, Park County Archives Curator

In 1920 Irving “Larry” Larom, the owner and manager of Valley Ranch, announced that he would begin outfitting annual pack trips for children into Yellowstone. Horseback trips like those organized by Larom had been pioneered by another prominent dude rancher, Howard Eaton, who developed a tour itinerary through that the park which was later memorialized by the National Park Service in the form of the Howard Eaton Trail.

The Yellowstone trips organized by Valley Ranch were slated to last some forty days and cover over six hundred miles of trails. They were conceived as an alternative to the summer camps frequented by many of the same children. “Season by season the popularity of pack trips through the wilderness increases,” the ranch’s promotional literature touted, “and because it adjoins the wildest, the least explored, most interesting and beautiful among all the wilderness areas in America it is only natural that pack trips are quite the usual thing at Valley…[ ]…They are carefully planned, expertly managed, and represent the very acme of enjoyable and worthwhile western adventure.” During its heyday, thirty to forty teenage boys and girls were recruited each year to participate in the summer-long experience.

As Valley Ranch’s promotional literature spelled out, “The free, open manner of living, the abundance of wholesome food and water, the opportunity for horseback riding, mountain climbing, and other active sports,” all presented these lucky campers with experiences that surely permeated throughout their entire lives.

The pack trip itinerary was planned with multi-night layovers at the best campsites along the route. Children slept in small tepee tents, six feet square, allowing room for two campers and their sleeping rolls. There were also striped tents called “pintos.” Inside each a foldable wooden stool straddled a shallow pit.

Quite different from modern glamping, the pack trips offered by Valley Ranch were intended to teach their young participants how to take care of themselves, tend camp, and perform needed chores. After all, the ranch did market their youth horseback adventures as an “Educational and Recreational Summer Vacation.”

The expeditions ended with a visit to Valley Ranch, where the children participated in horse races, amateur rodeo events, and a barn dance. After a few days spent in the tranquility of the ranch, the adventure ended and the children were spirited away to their homes and schools back east.

Although popular during the 1920’s, by 1932 pack trip participation was greatly reduced, reflecting the far-reaching economic consequences of the Great Depression on dude ranch clientele. Given these new circumstances trip routes were shortened, reflecting the belt-tightening measures implemented by dude ranches and the broader tourism industry. The trips were discontinued altogether in 1943, although Valley Ranch continued offering horseback tours into Yellowstone for their regular summer guests until 1964.

Pack trip participants posing for a group photo at Valley Ranch following the conclusion of their expedition through Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka Mountains. (Park County Archives Collection).

Pack trip party riding up a trail in Yellowstone. Groups of horseback riders were required to avoid roadways so as to not conflict with increasing amounts of vehicle traffic. (Park County Archives Collection)

A Shared Commitment to Horse Safety

Dan Schneider, Vice President of Property & Casualty Insurance at NFP, presents a generous contribution to the Dude Ranch Foundation, received by Executive Director Josie Hedderman and Chairman Russell True. Photo by Kaycie Timm.

Thank you to NFP, Outdoor Insurance Group, and Glencar Insurance Company for their generous sponsorship of the Horse Safety Program.

Thank You for Supporting the Dude Ranch Foundation and Western Museum!

The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition is a bi-monthly publication of the Dude Ranch Foundation. The Dude Ranch Foundation is a duly incorporated nonprofit corporation under the Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3). The Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) is 74-2519170.

For more information, contact the Foundation at 307-586-1831 or info@duderanchfoundation.org. The Foundation Office and Museum are located at 1122 12th Street, P.O. Box 2307, Cody, WY 82414.

www.DudeRanchFoundation.org

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100 Years of Dude Ranching

Torey — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:37:13 +0000

**New Book Release: 100 Years of Dude Ranching Celebrates the DRA Centennial**

In celebration of the upcoming 2026 centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA), the DRA, Ranch Preservation Foundation, and the Dude Ranch Foundation are proud to announce the release of a remarkable new coffee table book, 100 Years of Dude Ranching: Celebrating the Centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.

This extraordinary volume chronicles the evolution of dude ranching over the past century through the lens of award-winning photographer Scott T. Baxter. Over the course of a year, Baxter captured modern life at 26 DRA member ranches, pairing contemporary images with historic context to showcase how each ranch has grown, changed, and carried forward its unique legacy.

Complementing the photography is an engaging history of the DRA and the development of dude ranching written by historian Lynn Downey. Her narrative traces the roots of dude ranches—recognized as the West’s first destination vacation—and explores the enduring traditions that continue to shape the industry today.

Produced in collaboration with the Ranch Preservation Foundation, this book honors a century of western hospitality, heritage, and adventure.

Proceeds from the project benefit the Dude Ranch Foundation and support our mission to preserve and promote the history of dude ranching for future generations.

Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary keepsake.

Click below to purchase your copy today:

PURCHASE TODAY

GET YOUR COPY

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The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition, December 2025

Torey — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 23:03:13 +0000

Dear Friends,

As we wrap up another year in this incredible industry, I want to take a moment to thank you for everything you do—for your guests, for your communities, and for the legacy of dude ranching. What makes this industry special is you: the ranchers, owners, and families who carry forward a way of life that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

The Dude Ranch Foundation is here to support that legacy, and I’m excited to share some meaningful news:

A generous ranching family has stepped forward to match every donation made to the Foundation through December 31. Your gift will be doubled.

This match comes at a time when our programs are growing and making a real impact across the industry. Your support helps us:

• Provide scholarships for the next generation of ranch leaders
• Strengthen horse and guest safety across all ranches
• Preserve historic documents, photographs, and artifacts
• Expand educational outreach through our museum and archives

These programs aren’t just part of our mission—they are part of the fabric of dude ranching, past and future.

I invite you to ride with us into the new year.

If you are able, please consider making a year-end gift. With the match in place, every dollar you give works twice as hard to protect and strengthen our industry.

If you prefer to give by mail, we are still mighty fond of receiving a classic check at PO Box 2307 in Cody, WY 82414.

Give Today – Your Gift Is Matched »

LEARN MORE

Thank you for your partnership, your generosity, and your dedication to keeping dude ranching strong. It is an honor to serve you and this community.

With gratitude,
Josie Hedderman

Executive Director
Dude Ranch Foundation

Ride with Us!

Call of the West

Worldwide Premiere

A film by Mat Hames

The Dude Ranchers’ Association and the Dude Ranch Foundation are proud to welcome Billings Livestock Horse Sales as the Presenting Sponsor for the worldwide premiere of Call of the West, a Wyoming PBS documentary produced by Alpheus Media and directed by Mat Hames.

Billing Livestock Horse Sales

Call of the West is an epic film chronicling the rise of the dude ranch—an enduring symbol of the American West. Against breathtaking landscapes, ranch families face modernization, economic pressures, and generational change as they work to protect their legacy. Through powerful storytelling and stunning cinematography, the documentary captures a way of life that continues to shape the spirit of the West.

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, during the DRA Centennial Convention, for a free screening and panel discussion in the Billings Livestock Horse Sales Ballroom at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Billings.

100 Years of Dude Ranching – Available Now!

Proceeds Benefit the Dude Ranch Foundation

In celebration of the upcoming centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, the DRA, Ranch Preservation Foundation, and the Dude Ranch Foundation have collaborated on a coffee table book titled 100 Years of Dude Ranching: Celebrating the Centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association. With photographs by award-winning photographer Scott T. Baxter, this book explores modern dude ranching at 26 DRA member ranches captured over the course of a year, paired with historic information to see how each ranch has changed over a century.

A history of the DRA and dude ranching written by historian Lynn Downey chronicles the story of dude ranches — the West’s first destination vacation.

Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary keepsake — purchase your copy online here!

PURCHASE TODAY

Reminder: National Day of the Cowgirl $30,000 Scholarship

Applications Open Through December 31

Apply Today!

Durango® Boots is proud to continue its tradition of honoring hardworking women in the Western industry with the third annual National Day of the Cowgirl $30,000 Scholarship.

In partnership with the Dude Ranch Foundation, this scholarship celebrates passion, grit, and the next generation of trailblazers. It will be awarded to a young woman in her first year of college pursuing a degree connected to the Western lifestyle or industry.

Applications are open now through December 31, 2025 — and we’d love your help spreading the word. Please share this opportunity within your community or on social media to help us reach more deserving young women.

Learn more at www.nationaldayofthecowgirl.com

Apply now!

Join the Legacy!

Call for Articles

Lariat Legacy, The Magazine, Volume 4

As we celebrate 100 years of dude ranching, we’re inviting you to help shape the next issue of Lariat Legacy with the stories only you can tell.

Lariat Legacy is built on the voices and experiences that define the West, and we’re seeking article proposals that highlight the richness of our community. Whether your perspective comes from life on the ranch, guest memories, craftsmanship, conservation, industry partnerships, or a vision for the next century of dude ranching, we welcome your ideas.

Your stories help preserve the traditions we cherish, honor the people who shaped this way of life, and inspire the generations to come.

📬 Submit your article ideas or proposals: info@duderanchfoundation.org

Explore Past Issues

Want to get a feel for the magazine’s style, storytelling, and scope? Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of Lariat Legacy are available to read online. Dive into the photography, history, and firsthand accounts that shape each edition—and find inspiration for your own submission.

📖 Start reading past issues on our website.

Keep the stories alive. Preserve the legacy. Share the West.

Cozy Up This Winter at the Dude Ranch Foundation’s Western Heritage Museum

Winter Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM

The DRF Western Heritage Museum

❄️ Winter at the Dude Ranch Foundation & Western Heritage Museum

As winter settles in, the museum remains a bright spot for visitors eager to explore the history, artifacts, and stories that define the legacy of dude ranching. After a strong summer and a vibrant fall, we’re grateful for the continued support of guests who help keep this heritage alive.

Throughout the winter season, the museum will maintain its current hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Whether you’re looking for a cozy indoor outing or planning a visit with family and friends, we welcome you to stop by and enjoy the warmth of the West within our walls.

Thank you for being part of the Dude Ranch Foundation’s mission to preserve and share the traditions of dude ranching. We look forward to welcoming you this winter!

Where the Old West Still Teaches Us How to Lead

Leadership lessons only a horse can teach

Equine Facilitated Coaching

What if the most powerful guidance you could receive didn’t come from a book or a mentor, but from a horse standing right in front of you? Across the West, horses are helping people regulate stress, build confidence, and rediscover their inner steadiness — all without saying a word. Click to read more about why this ancient wisdom matters now more than ever.

Alliance Partners

Thank you to the Alliance Partners that support the Dude Ranch Foundation mission.

The post The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition, December 2025 appeared first on Dude Ranch Foundation.

New Matching Gift Opportunity Available Through December 31

Torey — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:24:32 +0000

Double Your Impact By December 31

A generous member of our dude ranching community is matching every donation through December 31, which means your year-end gift to the Dude Ranch Foundation will go twice as far.

Your support today helps preserve the history, traditions, and future of America’s dude ranching industry.

DONATE TODAY

Your Gift Fuels the Future of Dude Ranching

When you give to the Dude Ranch Foundation, you help:

Support the next generation of leaders through scholarships for students pursuing careers connected to ranching and the Western way of life.
Advance horse and guest safety through our industry-leading Horse Safety Program that sets a gold standard across the dude ranch community.
Preserve historic documents, photographs, and artifacts that safeguard the legacy of dude ranching for future generations.
Share the heritage of the West with students, families, and visitors from around the world through our Heritage Museum, research archives, and educational programs.

Every gift, large or small, helps keep these stories, skills, and traditions alive.

Give By December 31 To Have Your Gift Matched

All donations made by December 31 qualify for the match, up to the full amount of our generous donor’s commitment.

You can give in the way that suits you best:

Donate online using our secure giving form.
Mail a check any time in December to:
Dude Ranch Foundation
PO Box 2307
Cody, WY 82414

Gifts postmarked by December 31 will count toward the match.

Ride With Us Into the New Year

Your generosity helps ensure that dude ranch history is preserved, that horses and guests are cared for safely, and that the next generation is ready to carry this legacy forward.

Thank you for considering a year-end gift to the Dude Ranch Foundation.

Together, we can keep the spirit of the West alive for years to come.

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GivingTuesday 2025

Torey — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:58:52 +0000

SPREAD THE WORD

Today is GivingTuesday — and your support can truly make a difference for the Dude Ranch Foundation!

Big News From the Trail: Your Gift Will Be DOUBLED.

Thanks to a generous donor who is matching every dollar, your GivingTuesday gift now rides twice as far, turning $50 into $100, $250 into $500, and so on. And if you prefer the old-fashioned way, we still love a check delivered by mail, cowboy style. Matching funds are available through December 31.

Every gift made today fuels the future of the dude ranching industry. Your generosity helps provide scholarships, advance horse safety, preserve ranching history, and strengthen efforts in wildfire mitigation and ranchland conservation.

Join the global GivingTuesday movement, a worldwide celebration of generosity rooted in the belief that kindness can transform communities.

Created in 2012 with one bold idea, dedicating a day to doing good, GivingTuesday began at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City. What started as a simple spark has grown into an independent nonprofit and global force, inspiring millions across the world to give, collaborate, and support the causes they care about most.

DONATE TODAY

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Call of the West, a Film by Mat Hames

Torey — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 02:09:31 +0000

Call of the West

The Dude Ranchers’ Association and the Dude Ranch Foundation are excited to announce the upcoming worldwide premiere of Call of the West, a powerful new Wyoming PBS documentary exploring the history and enduring legacy of the American dude ranch.

Presented by Billings Livestock Horse Sales, the film will debut during the DRA Centennial Convention with a special free screening and panel discussion.

Click here to read the full announcement and event details.

The post Call of the West, a Film by Mat Hames appeared first on Dude Ranch Foundation.

The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition, October 2025

Torey — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:44:15 +0000

Lariat Legacy Volume 4

Place your Order Today!

Lariat Legacy, The Magazine, Volume 4

Lariat Legacy is more than print on paper—it’s a keepsake of the dude ranch way of life. Every page slows the pace, opening space for guests to breathe in the traditions, landscapes, and stories of the West. Whether seasoned riders or first-time visitors, readers find themselves connected to a heritage worth preserving. At only $4 a copy, plus shipping, it’s a simple touch with lasting impact. Tuck copies into cabins, lounges, and quiet corners where guests pause to rest and reflect.

Share the legacy. Spark conversations. Ride with Us!

Email info@duderanchfoundation.org to order your copies today.

Safety on the Trail, Season After Season

Wrangler Trainings Head South for the Winter Season

The Dude Ranch Foundation Horse Safety Program

After a successful summer of Horse Safety Wrangler Trainings across Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana, the program is heading into a new season—this time in sunny Arizona. As cooler weather settles in across the northern states, Arizona’s dude ranches are just beginning their peak season, and so is our commitment to safety and training.

📍 Upcoming Wrangler Training at White Stallion Ranch
We’re excited to kick off the Arizona season with a Wrangler Training at White Stallion Ranch on October 26th at 9 AM, led by instructor Russell True.

👉 To register, contact Russell at rtrue@whitestallion.com.

Receiving a Wrangler Certificate through the Dude Ranch Foundation’s Horse Safety Program sets a consistent, industry-wide standard that protects guests, horses, and wranglers alike. Whether in summer or winter, these trainings ensure every wrangler on the trail is confident, prepared, and committed to safety.

A special shout-out to our lead instructor, Will Ferguson, who traveled more than 2,600 miles this summer to make trainings possible across the region. We’re also deeply grateful to all of our instructors whose time, knowledge, and passion keep this vital program thriving year-round.

👉 Learn more about the Horse Safety Program and 2025 trainings HERE.

For additional information, contact the DRF office at 307-586-1831 or email info@duderanchfoundation.org.

Thank you to NFP, Glencar Insurance Company, and Outdoor Insurance for your essential sponsorship!

Sunshine to Sweater Weather

New Fall Hours start October: Mon–Thurs, 9 AM–5 PM

🍁 A New Season at the Dude Ranch Foundation & Western Heritage Museum!

After an incredible summer season, we’re excited to welcome the crisp days of fall. This past summer was among our busiest in years, and we are grateful to all who visited and joined us in celebrating the artifacts, stories, and traditions that honor the legacy of dude ranching.

With October here, the museum has now transitioned to fall hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Whether you visited during the summer or are planning a trip this fall, we look forward to welcoming you and sharing the history and heritage of dude ranching in the American West.

A Century of Dude Ranching

Honoring 100 years of Western hospitality and history

“100 YEARS OF DUDE RANCHING” RELEASING LATE 2026!

In celebration of the centennial of the DRA, the upcoming coffee table book 100 Years of Dude Ranching explores modern and historic dude ranching at ranches that were at the forefront of the industry, hosting dudes and giving them a taste of the West by 1926. With photographs by award-winning photographer Scott T. Baxter, this book explores modern dude ranching at these historic ranches; paired with historic information to see how each ranch has changed over a century. A history of the DRA and dude ranching written by historian Lynn Downey chronicles the story of dude ranches — the West’s first destination vacation.

Photographer: Scott T. Baxter
History By: Lynn Downey
Foreword By: Bob Boze Bell

Be among the first to own this centennial keepsake — ordering details coming soon!

Learn More

Horse Safety Tip

See Safety from Their Perspective

Horse Safety Tip

Tip for Safe Handling: Mind the blind spots.

Horses can’t see directly in front of their nose or straight behind their tail. Approaching from these areas can startle your horse and put you at risk. Always come from the side, near the shoulder, where you’re in view. Even the calmest horse can react suddenly if surprised! Respecting these blind spots helps keep both you and your horse safe.

The Wealth Beneath Your Boots

Soil fertility holds surprising financial rewards for landowners

Boa Safra Ag

The following content is provided by Boa Safra Ag, a valued partner of the Dude Ranch Foundation.

Most ranchers know every acre of their land above ground. But what about the value hidden beneath it? Boa Safra Ag helps agricultural landowners uncover IRS-recognized tax deductions based on the fertility of their soil. Known as Legacy Nutrient Deductions™, these savings average more than $1,700 per acre for qualifying ranches, farmland, and even production timberland purchased or inherited within the last 20 years.

With more than 5,000 landowners served nationwide, our audit-tested process turns hidden nutrient value into real financial benefit. That means stronger operations, healthier balance sheets, and more resources to keep your ranch legacy thriving for the next generation.

Yes, it really does exist — and it’s as real as the land you ride on. To show the impact, here are a few state-specific examples:

DRA Boa Safra Tax Deduction Value by State → Read the full report and see all states.

Trails to Tomorrow

A Wrangler’s Path to Medicine

Gunnar Lund

When Gunnar Lund first set foot on the Lazy L&B Ranch in 2021 with his father, he had no idea he’d discover more than just a vacation. The ranch, nestled at 7,200 feet in Wyoming’s East Fork valley and surrounded by the Wind River and Absaroka ranges, felt like another world. Rustic log cabins, star-filled skies, and serene trails greeted him. At the heart of this historic family-run ranch, the Halmay family welcomed every guest as if they were a part of their own legacy.

Gunnar Lund out on a ride.

Drawn by breathtaking horseback rides, fly-fishing in pristine streams, and evenings around glowing campfires, Gunnar and his Dad returned as guests in 2022. The following summer, Gunnar joined as an interning wrangler under head wrangler Julia, learning the rhythms of ranch life. He would go on to work as a full-time wrangler each summer thereafter.

Gunnar Lund with family iand friends on the ranch.

One week, while guiding rides and sharing campfire stories, he met a family from his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The parents, a doctor and an anesthesiologist, opened his eyes to the world of medicine and introduced him to the potential in a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). What began with casual trail conversations soon became a spark of inspiration, illuminating a path Gunnar hadn’t considered before. Encouraged by the connection, Gunnar is now enrolled as a freshman in Bellarmine University’s nursing program, exploring the path of becoming a CRNA.

“I owe so much to the Lazy L&B Ranch—not just for the skills I gained as a wrangler, but for the people it brought into my life. A single guest connection changed my future, opening the door to a career I had never imagined. The ranch was the bridge to both my passion for the West and my path in medicine.”

Gunnar Lund with his horse.

Today, Gunnar stands as a shining example of how the dude ranch experience can shape lives. The Lazy L&B wasn’t just a destination; it was a gateway into lifelong friendships and new horizons. Proudly supporting his journey, the Dude Ranch Foundation has awarded a scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Gunnar’s journey—from guest, to intern, to wrangler, to nursing student—shows the profound impact of the dude ranch community.

Celebrating Our 2025–2026 Scholarship Recipients

The DRF Scholarship Program

Building on stories like Gunnar’s, we’re proud to highlight the students who make up this year’s scholarship class. With $30,000 in awards, the Dude Ranch Foundation is helping the next generation of leaders pursue their education while keeping the traditions and values of the American West alive.

Jymie Adamson
Weatherford College, TX
Breakaway roper from Buffalo, Wyoming; pursuing a rodeo business career.

Hannah Crosby
Penn Foster, Online
Wrangler at Nine Quarter Circle; aiming to support dude ranches and nonprofits as a vet tech.

Ruth Ann Cypert
Samford University, AL
Worked in children’s program at Tumbling River Ranch; interested in ranch-focused architecture.

Skye Forgan
Colorado Mesa University
Worked multiple positions as part of the Rainbow Trout Ranch family; committed to self-funding her education and is passionate about horses.

Christine Howe
Colorado College
Grew up on the A Bar A Ranch; passionate about preserving ranch traditions and studying regenerative grazing practices.

Devyn Jones
University of Findlay, OH
Lifelong equestrian focused on reining/cutting horses; pursuing degree in Equine Sciences – Western Training and Business Management.

Gunnar Lund
Bellarmine University, KY
From guest to intern to wrangler at the Lazy L&B Ranch; inspired to pursue nursing through a dude ranch guest interaction.

Aubrey Matthew
Abilene Christian University
Valedictorian with lifelong family connection to Rich Ranch in Montana; plans to study speech pathology.

Josie Meyring
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Fifth-generation cattle rancher and standout student; keeps three horses with her at college to participate on the rodeo team, committed to ranch life and horsemanship.

Taylor Peck
University of Montana Western
Natural Horsemanship major with Ag Management minor; known for embodying the cowgirl spirit and western lifestyle.

Betti Travers
University of Idaho
Active in ag through ten years in 4-H; pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a passion for teaching riding and preserving western traditions.

Laurel Wilfert
Total Transformation Institute, TX
Therapy riding coach for a nonprofit serving veterans and children with special needs; pursuing a degree in Cosmetology and eventually a career in Ag Business.

To learn more about the Dude Ranch Foundation Scholarship Program, CLICK HERE.

This scholarship will help relieve the financial burden of school and unpaid internships, so I can focus on gaining hands-on experience and building the skills I need to care for animals on and off the ranch. I’m incredibly thankful for the encouragement I’ve received from mentors, my family, and the Dude Ranch Foundation.

Sincerely,
Hannah Crosby

Alliance Partners

Thank you to the Alliance Partners that support the Dude Ranch Foundation mission.

The post The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition, October 2025 appeared first on Dude Ranch Foundation.

National Day of the Cowgirl $30,000 Scholarship Recipient 2025

Torey — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:38:13 +0000

Dude Ranch Foundation and Durango® Boots Announce 2025 Cowgirl Scholarship Winner

In celebration of the enduring legacy of the American cowgirl, the Dude Ranch Foundation is proud to partner with Durango® Boots to present a $30,000 scholarship aimed at supporting young women pursuing degrees in the Western industry. This prestigious scholarship is announced annually on September 15th in honor of the National Day of the Cowgirl. Today, we are thrilled to announce Laurel Cox as the 2025 scholarship recipient.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship will open from September 15 through December 31, 2025. For more details or to apply, visit nationaldayofthecowgirl.com.

Laurel Cox accepts her $30,000 Scholarship check from Durango® Boots.

Laurel Cox: Sharing the Stories of the Western Industry

Hailing from Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Laurel Cox is an undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she studies animal science and journalism. Through her focus on agricultural journalism and broadcasting, Laurel is passionate about sharing the stories of the Western industry with the world—advocating for its values and inspiring the next generation of cowgirls.

“There are so many passionate people with powerful stories that need to be shared,” said Cox. “I want to be the connection between people within the Western industry and the rest of the world. My goal is to tell the full stories of people’s lives and encourage cowgirls everywhere to chase their dreams.”

Empowering the Next Generation of Cowgirls

The National Day of the Cowgirl scholarship is awarded to one outstanding female student in her first year of college, committed to furthering the Western way of life. The $30,000 award is distributed over three years of continued education, supporting students in fields such as agriculture, equine science, ranching, or Western sports.

“It means so much to me as a cowgirl who is finding my place in this industry to know that others believe in me,” Cox shared. “I am so grateful to Durango for creating the National Day of the Cowgirl holiday and its scholarship to help me pursue my educational goals. I am honored to add my name to a hopefully long list of cowgirls who will continue to change the world.”

“Laurel embodies the strong values of faith, hard work, and community that are at the heart of the Western industry,” said Erin DeLong, marketing manager at Durango® Boots. “We are thrilled to be part of her journey and support her future as a cowgirl.”

About the Dude Ranch Foundation

The Dude Ranch Foundation preserves the heritage and advances the future of America’s dude ranching industry by funding scholarships for higher education, conducting horse safety programs, stewarding a free Western Museum, and protecting millions of acres of historic ranchlands. The Dude Ranch Foundation is a duly incorporated nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3).

About Durango®

Founded in 1966, Durango® Boots manufactures and markets quality-crafted western and fashion footwear for men, women, and children. It is a division of Rocky Brands™, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol RCKY. For more information, visit www.durangoboots.com.

Media Contact: Emily Snayd, HFS Communications, emily@hfscommunications.com

The post National Day of the Cowgirl $30,000 Scholarship Recipient 2025 appeared first on Dude Ranch Foundation.

The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition, August 2025

Torey — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:16:48 +0000

Lariat Legacy is Here!

Place your Order Today!

Lariat Legacy, The Magazine, Volume 4

Lariat Legacy isn’t just a magazine, it’s a storytelling piece that captures the spirit and scenery of the dude ranch way of life. Whether your guests are lifelong riders or first-time visitors, Lariat Legacy invites them to slow down, connect, and appreciate the traditions we are all striving to preserve. At just $4 per copy, plus shipping, it’s a simple, high-impact way to elevate your guest experience. Place magazines in cabins, reading nooks, and anywhere folks gather to rest, reflect, and soak in the essence of the West.

Share the legacy. Spark conversations. Ride with Us!

Email info@duderanchfoundation.org to order your copies today.

WyoGives SUCCESS!

Your generosity helped us surpass our goals—thank you!

Thank you, everyone!

Because of you, WyoGives 2025 was a remarkable success!

We’re thrilled to share that in just one day, we raised $28,835 for the Dude Ranch Foundation. And thanks to the Hughes Charitable Foundation, an organization devoted to strengthening rural communities and preserving the spirit of the West, every donation made on July 16 was amplified through their $1,000,000 Incentive Pool. That boost brought our total to an incredible $37,432, making your impact stretch even further.

Your generosity helps us protect the land, legacy, and traditions that define the Western way of life. Thank you for riding with us!

Your generosity allows us to:

Fund scholarships for future ranch leaders
Provide horse safety and wrangler training programs
Preserve artifacts, stories, and archives through our free Western Heritage Museum
Protect historic ranchlands and the Western way of life

From all of us at the Dude Ranch Foundation—thank you for riding with us and believing in our mission. We couldn’t do this without you.

Questions?
📧 info@duderanchfoundation.org
📞 307-586-1831

Step into the Story of the American West

Explore the heritage, heart, and history of dude ranching this summer in Cody

Visit the Dude Ranch Western Museum Today!

We’re thrilled to welcome guests to the Dude Ranch Headquarters & Western Museum, now open Tuesday–Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, June through August!

As Cody’s tourism season hits full stride, there’s no better time to explore the rich history and living legacy of dude ranching. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our extended summer hours make it easier than ever to experience the artifacts, stories, and traditions that continue to shape the West.

🌟 Summer Attendance is Surging!
We’re excited to report that this July brought a record-breaking Saturday—our busiest in years! A big thank you to everyone who visited and helped make this season one to remember. Your interest and support are what keep our mission alive.

Make plans to stop by, and discover why Cody is the gateway to adventure this season!

Free Summer Admission for Military Families

Through Labor Day at the Dude Ranch Foundation Museum

Proud to be a Blue Star Museum

Support for Military Families: Blue Star Museum Program at the Dude Ranch Foundation

As part of our continued efforts to share the legacy of the American West, the Dude Ranch Foundation is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program, a nationwide initiative that offers free museum admission to active-duty military personnel and their families throughout the summer months.

Although the Dude Ranch Heritage Museum is always free to all visitors, you may have guests or know military families who could benefit from the Blue Star Museums program during their summer travels. This nationwide initiative offers free admission to thousands of museums across the U.S., giving active-duty military personnel and their families access to a wide range of cultural experiences. It’s a meaningful way to say thank you to those currently serving, while encouraging exploration of our nation’s diverse heritage.

There’s still time to take part—the program runs through Labor Day, September 1, 2025. If you know a military family traveling in the region, we invite you to encourage them to visit and explore our museum’s exhibits celebrating the heritage, people, and landscapes of the dude ranch world.

Launched in 2009, the Blue Star Museums program is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the U.S. Department of Defense, and museums across the country. It includes not only the Foundation’s museum but thousands of other cultural institutions nationwide.

We’re honored to participate and hope you’ll help spread the word. For more information, visit www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums.

Riding High This Summer: Catching Up with Katelyn Collins

2024 National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship Recipient

2024 National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship recipient Katelyn Collins (left) pictured with a friend

We’re thrilled to share that 2024 National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship winner Katelyn Collins spent her Fourth of July week at the beautiful Blackwater Ranch! From rodeo queen to ranch life, Katelyn continues to embody the spirit of the modern cowgirl.

Katelyn, an equine science student at Texas Tech University and a proud member of the university’s rodeo team, also holds the title of Miss Rodeo Texas Teen 2024. Her passion for the Western way of life and her leadership in the industry made her the perfect choice for the inaugural $30,000 scholarship, made possible through our partnership with Durango® Boots.

As fall approaches, keep an eye out—we’ll be announcing the 2025 scholarship recipient soon! And for aspiring young women in the Western industry, the 2026 National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship application opens this September.

Learn more at www.nationaldayofthecowgirl.com

Horse Safety Tip

Rhythm Builds Trust

Horse Safety Tip

Tip for Helping a Horse Relax: Rhythm is reassurance.

Horses find comfort in consistency – especially in your seat, hands, and breath. A steady rhythm in your riding cues, like soft, even rein contact and a balanced seat, tells your horse all is well. Jerky movements, sudden pressure, or mixed signals create confusion and tension. Try This: On a nervous horse, hum a low, steady tune. That rhythmic sound encourages relaxation and signals that you’re calm, which helps your horse follow suit. It’s not magic; it’s feel, timing, and trust.

A Visit to Double Dee Ranch

Exploring dude ranching roots and Amelia Earhart’s Wyoming connection

Dude Ranch Foundation Executive Director Josie Hedderman at Double Dee Ranch Tour with Meeteetse Museums

Earlier this July, our Executive Director, Josie Hedderman, had the privilege of joining the Meeteetse Museum for a tour of the historic Double Dee Ranch near Kirwin, Wyoming. Tucked in the remote Absaroka Mountains and accessible only by four-wheel drive, the area, once known as Sunshine, Wyoming, offered a unique glimpse into the past.

Josie was invited to give a presentation on the enduring legacy of dude ranching, a fitting topic given the Double Dee’s history as a working dude ranch for many years. Built in the 1930s by Carl Dunrud, many of the ranch’s original structures remain standing today.

One of the most remarkable stories tied to the Double Dee Ranch is that of Amelia Earhart, who stayed there for three weeks in 1934. So taken by the landscape, she commissioned Dunrud to build her a cabin nearby—a project left unfinished after her tragic disappearance.

As a longtime admirer of Earhart, Josie found it especially meaningful to stand in front of the very cabin where the famed aviator once stayed. We’re grateful to the Meeteetse Museum for the opportunity to connect with this extraordinary place and share in its rich dude ranching history.

Celebrating our Dude Ranch Foundation Scholarship Recipients!

The DRF Scholarship Program

As you all know, the DRF is dedicated to nurturing the future leaders of the dude ranch industry. Through our scholarship program, we offer financial support and motivation to students aiming to pursue degrees that will sustain and promote our industry and our Western heritage.

For the 2025/2026 school year, we awarded $30,000 in scholarship money. Since its inception, the DRF has awarded over $500,000 to deserving students!

The only reason this program is successful is because of supporters like you!

Scholarship Recipient Taylor Peck

I am beyond thankful for this opportunity from the Dude Ranch Foundation to help fund my college education. I am going into my junior year at University of Montana Western and it has been everything I could imagine and more.

Sincerely,
Taylor Peck

Alliance Partners

Thank you to the Alliance Partners that support the Dude Ranch Foundation mission.

The post The Dude-Halloo Ranch Edition, August 2025 appeared first on Dude Ranch Foundation.

WyoGives 2025

Torey — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:20:24 +0000

SPREAD THE WORD

WyoGives 2025

The 6th annual WyoGives is Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

The Dude Ranch Foundation will again participate in WyoGives, an initiative of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network. WyoGives is a powerful 24-hour online fundraising event designed to bring Wyoming-based nonprofits together as one community to raise money for good causes.

Every donor who contributes online via the WyoGives.org platform on July 16th will have their donation boosted by a generous incentive pool from the Hughes Charitable Foundation.

Look for more information on this exciting event, coming soon!

The post WyoGives 2025 appeared first on Dude Ranch Foundation.