Claire (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The most amazing adventure that somehow far exceeded expectations! | I can't find the words to properly describe how utterly amazing our experience at Rocking Z was. The location, the people, the horses; all of it far exceeded expectations. There was a herd of 100 horses (with one born the morning we arrived!) all of which were known inside out by everyone at Rocking Z and were provided with 5* care. We were amazed at how they chose horses to suit each of us so well, some that intentionally looked after and gave confidence to riders, others that challenged our riding skills in a really positive way. Everything went at a pace we were comfortable with for our riding abilities. The trails were plentiful with breathtaking views and opportunities to 'lope' regularly if you wanted to and a couple of really good gallops on the all day ride which ordinarily would scare the life out of me but on an wide open track and finishing on a mountain top it was literally and metaphorically a being on top of the world moment! We had a go at barrel racing and on one day we got to be real cowboys and helped drive the herd of 60 cattle across the mountain and river to a holding pasture. Although I knew there would be more than just trail riding (although you could just trail ride if you wanted), I was absolutely blown away by the additional activities. Anna's knowledge of the workings of both horse and human bodies and the effect on riding is next level, I really enjoyed the bio-mechanics session she led. Equally Maria's 'Ride to My Focus' and Justi's 'Liberty training' were so interesting and we got to try these methods for ourselves with the RTMF being slightly emotional for several of us! (which sounds crazy but if you're horsey you'll get it!). I didn't expect to learn so much and in the words of Bridget who has worked on the ranch for 8 years, I've added some new tools to my horsey toolbox. Overall this really was the ultimate horse riding holiday.

Ettienne (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) An amazing experience | You can tell that the team at Rocking Z take the upmost pride in caring for and training their horses, which was also reflected in how they allocate horses to riders. They took on all your feedback regarding what level rider you are, and matched you to a horse suitable. They were also extremely accomodating in regards to how much or how little riding you wanted to do. We didn’t do the same ride twice, and I really like that they offered workshops like barrel racing and cow herding.

Jane (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience | The horses were all in very good condition, good natured and well behaved. The proprietors were careful to match horses to riders' abilities and took great care to ensure tack was properly fitted. Stunning scenery and varied riding terrain.
The insights we gained into Parelli natural horsemanship were really interesting; we also watched young horse training sessions. Also had fun barrel racing, learning to lasso etc.

Pen who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Super horses and scenery | Trail rides were great, different route each day, plenty of fast canters and the occasional gallop. Horses all well behaved so side-by-side cantering was allowed. A little too much arena tuition for my liking at the start of the week, and too intense. BASIC tuition in the western/Parelli techniques would be more welcome. Barrel racing and cattle-work both great fun and open to all, including beginners. Horses and riders were well matched but you could change/choose/keep, as you wished throughout the week.

Rachel who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. A dream come true | Whilst its a long way to travel it was worth every mile. Montana didn't disappoint, nor did the Ranch or their horses. Lots of wildlife - deer, eagles, rattle snakes! A stream to swim in and a hot tub to relax in.
I was paired with a perfect horse for me, fun and engaging but safe and sensible - just what I asked for! The riding was great fun, varied terrain and the trailer up to Medicine Rock was a perfect ride and the woodland complimented the ranch rides well.
Riding was a good mixture of learning different skills such as barrel racing, and rein less games, horsemanship and plenty of trail rides. Lots of walking on the trail rides, with opportunities for long lopes where possible too. I felt the guides had the right level of "eyes on" to keep us safe, but "hands off" so we didn't feel curtailed or micro-managed.
The food was delicious and varied, the company was great too.
My only complaint was the week was over all too soon - a week just wasn't enough!
[Olwen from In The Saddle - I am so glad that you enjoyed Montana - one of my favourite places in the world.]

Fiona (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The most amazing holiday! | The riding was brilliant, various terrains, absolutely stunning scenery. Everyone had choices regarding trail rides, liberty work and lessons. Everyone was well catered for.
The horses were so well cared for by knowledgeable people, so well trained and everyone was matched up perfectly with their horses.

Cecilia who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Surprising | Amazing the professionalism of Maria, Sara, Jessy and Anna

Catherine (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Fantastic experience | Made to feel welcome the moment I arrived and got to experience so many different aspects of the ranch.

Andrew (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Exceeding expectations | Excellent

Celia (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Excellent | Excellent

Anna (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Fabulous! | The horses were all so lovely and friendly. They were well matched to our ability - some were very forward going but had brakes! The wranglers were very caring and helped if we had any concerns.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the riding at Rocking Z Ranch.]

Mari (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Absolutely fantastic!! | Wonderful teachers - it was all just so much more than I imagined

Abigail who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Living my cowgirl dreams! | Rocking Z Ranch was everything I hoped for in a ranch holiday. Zack and Patty and their family have created a wonderful experience that made us feel like we were welcomed into a family, rather than guests at the lodge.

The wranglers and interns were amazing- so knowledgeable about the horses and they worked really hard to care for them and make sure we all got to experience the things we wanted from our holidays.

The horses (and gorgeous Lizzie the mule) were beautifully trained and there were options for all levels of riders. The trail rides into the surrounding countryside were stunning and the options at the ranch- from cow work to liberty and many more gave us a really varied and interesting experience. The Friday night trip to the rodeo was a fantastic bonus and a great night out!

I would highly recommend this trip and am already making plans to return next year.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback. We're thrilled that you had such a great time at Rocking Z!].

Alexis who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Another lovely holiday at Rocking Z | In my experience, Rocking Z is a special place because the horses are so well cared for and there is a real understanding of the value of natural horsemanship and the communication between horse and rider. My husband and I really enjoyed time spent with our horses and the instruction we received to learn more about improving our understanding and communication - and to have fun! The scenery is beautiful, the horses are great and the people are friendly and helpful. It also gave us time to unwind and enjoy life.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your return to Rocking Z.]

Janice (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Fabulous experience | We rode at a very difficult time of year, with snow still on the ground following a very harsh winter. Staff made sure we had varied and interesting rides.

Additional training was provided for natural horsemanship, plus other activities such as learning to rope steers.

Fiona (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience! | I was quite apprehensive when I went as I had not ridden regularly for many years and was not sure if I would participate in some of the activities. However from the very first ride, I felt confident enough to canter on the trail and ended up doing everything that was on offer.....This included Arena games and Barrel racing, Working with Cattle and Wagon driving! Everybody at the Ranch went out of their way to make sure all the guests were happy with their horse and got to do everything that they wanted to.

I really enjoyed the riding and it more than exceeded my expectations.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for leaving us your feedback and I'm so pleased to hear that you had a lovely holiday at Rocking Z.]