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TOP 10 QUESTIONS ABOUT DRYHEAD RANCH

10.  Cattle Drive Vacations are better than Dude Ranch Vacations?

Dude ranch vacations are for people who are not avid horse riders.  They cater more to the amenities people look for in a vacation: swimming pools, spa, game rooms, fishing.  Cattle Drive vacations are a working ranch amenity. Our horses are cow horses trained to work cattle and help our guests feel like a real cowboy.  Cattle Drives are work and that creates a partnership between a cowboy and a horse that is very thrilling.

9.  What are Ranch Weeks?

This is one of the most often asked questions.  Cattle Drives move cows from Wyoming where we spend the winter to the grassland pastures in Montana.  Horse Drives do the same-we move horses to the ranch so we have horses to ride and back to Wyoming for the winter.  Ranch weeks are all the working weeks we have when we are living at the ranch from May to November. These weeks are full of branding, getting cows settled on spring pastures, doctoring calves and heifers who get sick, breaking and training horses, weaning calves in the fall, pregnancy testing cows, making mare bands for breeding our horses, weaning colts off their mothers for training and selling.  This is the heart of the ranch work that we share with guests who come to ride with us.

8.  Why do we have Cattle Drives Vacations?

Our cattle winter in Wyoming because there is less snow in the Big Horn Basin than in the Pryor Mountains.  Our farm pastures are without snow most of the winter because the snow falls on the mountain tops all around the Big Horn Basin.  So, we keep our cattle in Lovell, Wyoming all winter and the cows have their calves. We do authentic cattle drives back down the historic old Sioux trail and through the Wild Horse Range/Big Horn Recreation Area and into Montana to the Dryhead Ranch where the spring pastures have native grass and lots of natural spring water.  It takes us 4 days to trail cows and calves almost 50 miles.  It is real and the weather is whatever comes in spring: wind, snow, rain, sunshine.  It is hard as the calves get tired and they have to be pushed and guided from stopping places to leased pastures and then to the ranch.  Lunch is not always at noon.  We are on cow time.

7.  What are Horse Drives?

Dryhead Ranch owns 140 head of horses.  Some horses are cavvy horses that our guests and cowboys ride.  Some are breeding stock, mares who have 20 head of colts each spring, stallions, and young horses we keep for training and selling.  Several years ago, we found the need to take them to Wyoming for the winter and hauling them in stock trailers was to expensive so we began to trail them.  The Horse Drives are two of our most popular weeks for the guest ranch season.  We trail between 60 and 80 horses out of the ranch in late October and back into the ranch in mid-April.  The mares stay at the ranch year round.

6.  Where did the Dryhead Ranch gets it’s name?

Our ranch is on the Crow Indian Reservation.  Indians lived and roamed our ranch country many years before the white man came to this part of the country.  In the 1500’s before the Indians had horses or guns the buffalo was a large part of their Indian culture.  The buffalo jump located in the canyon below the ranch was a central place where buffalo could be pushed off the canyon wall to kill enough of them to feed their tribe.  Many groups of Indians used this buffalo jump so the Indians named that area “Dry Skull” because of all the buffalo bones that laid below the buffalo jump.  Through the years the name evolved into the Dryhead country.  The Dryhead Ranch was made into a ranch in 1898 when the Phelps family, who was part Indian, moved there and built the barns and buildings and ran cattle.

5.  How long have the Bassett family been in the ranching business?

Joe Bassett bought the Dryhead Ranch with a partner in 1989. As a kid his uncle was the cowboy who managed the ranch for 35 years.  Joe spent a lot of time helping his uncle, Tuff Abbott, ride and work cattle.  From those growing up days Joe learned to love good cow horses and how to work cattle and how to ride big pastures and work in the Dryhead country.  When Joe and Iris got married in 1947 it was always understood that dad would own cows and be a rancher.  The start was slow but steady and in 1965 he had enough cows to buy the Schively ranch which was 12 miles away from the Dryhead Ranch and 2500 acres but it was his own.  In 1983 we started the guest ranch business as it fit so well with the ranching business and offered an additional income using the same assets. We rode and had cows at both ranches for 15 years and took guests back and forth each week to take care of all the cows.  We have been on the Dryhead Ranch exclusively since 2001 when we sold the Schively and centralized our efforts in one location.

4. Can I bring my own horse?

No.  Dryhead Ranch is located at the foot of the Pryor Mountains and every direction that we ride is up the mountain or down the canyon.  This is naturally rocky, brushy country.  Our horses are raised here and learn from their mothers side how to place their feet and cross creeks and keep our guests safe on all our trails.  It would be unkind to bring a horse that is not muscled up and conditioned for this type of riding.  Health reasons are our second reason.  We have an isolated horse cavvy that are not exposed to horse type diseases like strangles, West Nile, and etc.  We cannot afford to expose them to these problems and still have horses to give to our guests to ride for 6 months out of the year.  We just can’t have outside horses come to the ranch.

3. Do you have dogs?

Yes, quite a few.  Our dogs are working dogs and they have a specific owner who takes his/her dogs with them to help them work cows.  They are tied up all of the time so when they are let loose they know it is to go to work.  No, we don’t recommend that you bring your dog here on vacation.  You would have to keep it kenneled and not in the cabins or rooms.  We do have a vet in Lovell who kennels dogs for the week, if that is of interest.

2.  What are some of the wild animals around the ranch?

We hear a lot of coyotes.  We have rabbits, whistle pigs, sage hens, mountain lions (which we never see), brown and black bears (which we see in the fall) deer, antelope, elk (which we never see), snakes (which we kill if they rattle).  The area has some of the best fishing in the USA so we see a few trout in the creek and beavers down the canyon.

1. What other interesting attractions are near or around Lovell, Wyoming?

Most all our guests plan to see Yellowstone National Park as part of their Working Ranch experience.  That is one of the 7 Wonders of the World, so I recommend taking at least 2 days to drive through Yellowstone National Park.  It is only 2 hours from the ranch.

Cody, Wyoming is a great western town with lots of touristy stuff to do but the best is the Cody Nite Rodeo from June 1-September 3.  Everyone needs to see a rodeo and these are home town supported with cowboys as well as the Cody community has a gun fight on main street every day and great shopping.  It is only 1 hour from the ranch and a good place to go on to Yellowstone National Park.

Buffalo Bill Historical Museum is one of the best in the USA and is located right there in Cody, Wyoming.  The museum offers Western Art, Cowboy and Indian historic chuckwagons, teepees, arrowheads, clothing and history.  Best Remington gun collection in the country and other famous cowboy guns and information.  It is a great place to visit.  Spend at least a day.

Custer Battle Field is an interesting historical place to see lots of Indian history as well as learn about the battle Custer and his army had with the Indians.  The Crow Indians also offer several historical reinactments and a Crow rodeo there in Crow Agency each summer.

There is a Dinosaur Museum in Thermopolis, Wyoming that has several dinosaurs that were found near Thermopolis.  The Wind River Canyon is also in that area and a beautiful place to drive through.

Frannie, Wyoming has a great tack store that is one of the best in this rural western horse riding area.  If you drive to the ranch, it is a great place to stop and shop.  They have saddles, all kinds of tack, western riding equipment, western jewelry, bits, spurs, cowboy vests, chinks that he can make for you and ones that are already made.

Red Lodge, Montana a great town to stop in on your way through the northwest entrance to the Yellowstone Park.  Over Beartooth pass is a great scenic route to get into the park.

Interested in a Cattle Drive Vacation? Send us Your Questions or Comments.

SEE WHAT OUR GUEST HAD TO SAY!

One of my favorite images from MT last summer at the Dryhead Ranch was chosen as the Opening Shot in this month’s February 2020 issue of Western Horseman magazine!  Watching James ride Yeller and rope his calf was truly one of the highlights of my trip.  The determination and seriousness on his face is priceless! Lol  Good thing two grown cowboys were nearby to help out. -Pam Gabriel Photography

The future belongs to the few that are still willing to get their hands dirty.  Thanks to all the farmers and ranchers for keeping us well fed. -PhyllisBurchettPhoto

So excited to open the May edition of Western Horseman magazine April 2020.  It be honest, during all of the craziness that is currently happening, it’s been very hard for me to stay positive about my small business.  The opening shot couldn’t have come at a better time for me!  Stay healthy and happy, my friends!  I hope to photograph you all in the coming months. -Hilary Bishop

Well, its back to reality and back to work for me today!  I’m still dreaming of the aroma of sage in the pastures in Montana and the thundering hooves. -Roam Photos

I got to photograph some colt starting while out in Montana.  It was amazing to watch the way they communicated with their young horses and Jake and Matthew were kind enough to share stories and technique with us while calmly working with each horse!  I’m sharing a couple of the most exciting moments here,  but all in all it was a pretty calm affair. -Fast Horse Photography

14 years ago and still thinking about my experience everyday. Unforgettable. -Camille Brit

 A place to meet old and new friends.  Every year I learn a little more about the work of the cowboys, a little more about how to handle horses.  It’s a place that decelerates.  All work is done in cow time.  After the holiday is before the holiday.  So I look forward to next year -Andreas Will, Germany

Such incredible memories of my week on the ranch.  A long time dream of mine and I just don’t have words for the “wow” moments I had on that trip.  Hearing the cowboys bring in the horses that first morning, galloping to catch up to and turn the strays, the stars at night, to name a few! Thank you for the memories I will forever cherish -Maureen Knibloe

Solitude. Peace. Adventure. Friendship. Great food. As close to the real West as could be.  Treat that childhood cowboy wanna-be to something special. -Jimmy Addis

I had a great time at the Dryhead Ranch.  I loved my time in the saddle experiencing Montana and getting to know the family.  It left me the best kind of tired, ready for a good nights sleep after a delicious dinner.  I’d like to think that stay gave me the clarity of mind to make the best decision of my life…to move out to Montana and enjoy riding my horse surrounded by it’s beauty…Read More

There is no place better to see beautiful scenery and enjoy the cowboy lifestyle.  Every time I go, I learn and grow thanks to the outstanding team at Dryhead.  Thank you all so very much! -Ken Fisher

For me it was the most beautiful travel I’ve never done!!!  It was a dream since I am 10 years, and I really hope I could come and see all of us one more time… -Isabelle Isa

Still my favorite place on earth!  I dream about it every night..  My feet itch to get back only I will probably never leave again..  From the feeling of family epic horses and a once in a lifetime experience..  Nothing could ever top the Dryhead.  It healed my soul in so many ways I couldn’t begin to explain..All I can say is thank you and hopefully see you all real soon. -Caty Greve

I can honestly say that this was one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on. Great food, great staff and some of the best scenery you could ask for. I’ll be back, and it won’t be fast enough. Jen was great in getting us started and getting us anything we needed during my stay. Jake was great with me while working with the cattle and horses as a novice rider, and the food was…Read More

Sore muscles and a dirty face has never felt so magnificent!  Having the privilege of joining the ranch family, building relationships, working hard, and experiencing the majesty all around, was truly an unforgettable experience. -Monique Gilbert

Friendly welcoming and had a fabulous time on this true cowboy hands on experience with fabulous horses.  Good homemade food set to your dietary requirements.  Clean and homey accommodations.  We felt like family and have returned for a second time. Hopefully we get to go again. -Michelle Robinson

This is a great place with great people—and the real deal, nothing fancy, which greatly contributes to why I keep coming back.  It doesn’t matter whether you are with a big group of people, or the only guest, which, by some strange coincidence, I have practically been the only guest most of the times I have been to Dryhead.  The scenery is amazing.  And you can be sure of a lot of riding on good…Read More

Once in a lifetime experience never to be forgotten.  You really do become a part of the family. -Pat Hofmann

I just came home from a week at the Dryhead Ranch and wanted to thank Iris, Jennifer, Jackie, and Jake for the greatest vacation I have ever had! I have always wanted to see Montana and this experience was more than I ever hoped for. The bunkhouse, food, horses, scenery and hospitality shown by this wonderful family is something I will always fondly remember. I came home with answers and this really did change my life in a…Read More

Third time and keeps getting better! A big thanks to Jake, Sky, Jennifer, Jackie, Cannon, Suzie, and everyone else at the Dryhead for making my third trip to the ranch so much fun. We really got to experience a little bit of everything last week! The other guests and I really got along and seemed like had I had known them for years instead of just a few days. The warm family atmosphere at the…Read More

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