What to Expect: First-Time Guests at Hunewill Ranch
At Hunewill Guest Ranch, we love welcoming first-time guests and making sure your vacation is memorable, comfortable, and full of joy. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare for your horseback riding vacation with us.
Arrival & Settling In
As you turn onto the paved mile-long road known as the “Hunewill Mile,” the wide-open fields and panoramic mountain views signal the beginning of your dude ranch vacation in Bridgeport Valley. It’s common for guests to describe an immediate sense of calm as they arrive.
On arrival day, after a home-cooked dinner in the Ranch House dining room, you’ll head to the barn for “Horse Sense.” This is our welcoming orientation where we go over basic horse safety. Here we’ll gather around in a U-shape (or horseshoe shape, as we like to say), and set the tone for the week ahead. A majority of the group will likely be returning guests, but newcomers are warmly welcomed. And yes, we end the evening with homemade apple pie and vanilla ice cream!
What to Expect & How to Prepare
Before your visit, be sure to check out our “Know Before You Go” page on the website. The packing list is helpful, and not to worry, if you don’t have your own boots or a cowboy hat, you can borrow what you need from the Boot Barn at the ranch.
The Boot Barn at Hunewill Ranch
In order to physically prepare for riding before your trip, it can be helpful (but not required) to do some gentle stretching, squats, or going on longer walks in the weeks before your trip. Mounting blocks are available to assist with getting on your horse.
Hunewill Ranch sits at 6,500 feet in elevation, so staying hydrated is important. The fresh mountain water from our taps is safe and refreshing, so be sure to bring a reusable water bottle.
Your Cabin
Every guest cabin is simple, cozy, and designed for comfort, with a queen bed, twin bed, private bath/shower, and a front porch perfect for sipping morning coffee, journaling, or taking in the sounds of nature and kids playing. Once you park your car, you won’t need to drive again until you leave. Everything is within walking distance, giving you the chance to fully relax into ranch life without worrying about logistics.
The Riding Experience
“Our horses are trustworthy. They’re used to all different types of riders and all levels of experience. Before guests arrive, we match each horse with the rider’s experience,” explains Megan Hunewill, 5th generation Hunewill.
We typically offer two rides per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There’s also the option of an all-day trail ride during longer stays. Rides are always optional, so guests can choose whether to join or take a break to read on the porch, go for a walk, or even book a massage.
Hunewill Ranch wranglers are skilled in both horsemanship and hospitality. Each has a unique riding background, allowing them to meet guests where they are with empathy, encouragement, and clear instruction. “Because of their diversity of riding experience, our wranglers are able to communicate in a variety of ways to connect with different learning styles and levels,” says Aspen Hunewill.
Here are the different riding categories that you can choose from:
Buckaroo Rides
Perfect for beginners or those brushing up on basics, Buckaroo Rides focus on safety, connection, and rider confidence. On day one, you’ll learn how to start and stop your horse and go on a short loop ride to get comfortable. As the week goes on, we introduce trotting and posture guidance. For kids, wranglers use playful games to teach core riding skills. These rides are available for both kids and adults and are tailored to the group’s needs.
Walking Ride
This peaceful ride is designed for guests who want a slower pace. Along the way, wranglers share local stories, poetry, and historical facts as you enjoy the expansive views. It’s a chance to relax, reflect, and connect with the land in a deeper way.
Intermediate Rides
These rides offer a blend of instruction and independence. With moderate loping and less hands-on guidance than the Buckaroo rides, they’re ideal for those ready to build confidence and deepen their riding skills.
Advanced Rides
Our advanced rides are designed for experienced riders and feature long lopes across open meadows and varied terrain. These rides offer minimal instruction, though our wranglers are always available for questions and support along the way.
Activities & the Guest Experience
There’s something special about the rhythm of life at Hunewill Ranch. As Betsy Hunewill puts it, “This is one of the few places where parents feel completely comfortable letting their kids run around with friends, both new and old. They make friends easily and have fun just being themselves.”
Guests can enjoy the balance of structured activity and free time. From riding and relaxing to games, nature walks, or simply stargazing at night, everyone can shape their stay in the way that suits them best. It’s an ideal place for both introverts and extroverts to unwind, connect, and just be.
We’re honored to welcome you into the Hunewill Ranch tradition and can’t wait to share this special corner of the world with you! Check out the calendar and book your stay.
