Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

per person

Introduction & Quick Snapshot

Picture morning mist rising over emerald meadows, the scent of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls drifting from a timber-frame lodge, and the eager nicker of well-mannered horses awaiting trail duty. Welcome to Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, a fifth-generation family property perched 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho. Here, the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains frame 2 000 private acres that flow seamlessly into a million more of national forest. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping cattle work or a serene sunset ride, the ranch combines genuine Western hospitality with polished comforts—proving that adventure and luxury can happily share the same saddle.

Ranch Heritage: Five Generations of Idaho Hospitality

The story of Western Pleasure Guest Ranch begins in 1918 when the Wood family settled these rolling foothills to graze cattle and draft horses. Today fourth-generation owners Roley and Janice Schoonover, along with their adult children and grandchildren, welcome guests with the same pioneer spirit—only now the herd includes sleek Quarter Horses, cozy log cabins, and a 10 000-square-foot main lodge. Photographs lining the knotty-pine walls trace a century of barn-raisings, branding days, and snowy sleigh rides. This deep-rooted continuity translates into confidence for visitors; you’re stepping into a living legacy where every trail and recipe has been tested by time.

Heritage Highlights

Century-old barn restored with original hand-hewn beams.
Ranch-raised horses bred for sure-footedness and calm temperaments.
Authentic Western décor featuring local tamarack, hickory, and antler chandeliers.

By weaving tradition with thoughtful updates—think radiant-heat floors and fiber-optic Wi-Fi—the ranch delivers a nostalgic ambiance without sacrificing modern convenience.

Location, Map & Seasonal Access

Nestled at 2 700 ft elevation, the ranch overlooks the sapphire expanse of Lake Pend Oreille to the south and snow-capped peaks to the north. Fly into Spokane International Airport (GEG), collect a rental car, and enjoy a scenic 90-minute drive along US-95. For private pilots, Sandpoint’s municipal runway sits just 25 minutes away. The property remains accessible year-round, though seasonal shifts dramatically alter the experience:

Season	Average Temps	Signature Appeal
Summer (Jun–Aug)	75 °F highs	Daily trail rides, cattle work, lake swims
Fall (Sep–Oct)	50–65 °F	Golden larch forests, wine-pairing weekends
Winter (Dec–Feb)	25–35 °F	Draft-horse sleigh rides, backcountry skiing
Spring (Mar–May)	40–60 °F	Wildflowers, brand-new foals, mud-season deals

Mountain gravel roads are well-maintained, yet a 4×4 vehicle is advisable October–April.

Horses, Riding Program & Safety Essentials

With roughly 70 ranch-bred Quarter Horses and draft crosses, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch prides itself on pairing each guest to the perfect mount. All riding abilities are welcome—from never-ever first-timers to competitive ropers.

Riding Style: Western, walk-trot-lope; English tack available by request.
Weight Limit: 240 lb; guests over 200 lb are matched to draft crosses.
Arena Orientation: A mandatory introductory lesson covers reining cues, trail etiquette, and emergency one-rein stops.
Trail System: 60+ miles of private and public routes traverse ridges, valley bottoms, and creek crossings.
Safety Gear: Helmets provided (required < 18 yrs); loaner half-chaps; guides carry first-aid kits and two-way radios.
Guide Ratio: 1 wrangler per 6 riders on trail; 1 per 4 during cattle drives.

Guests can sign up nightly for next-day rides—morning, afternoon, or all-day adventures that include riverside picnics and waterfall swimming holes.

All-Inclusive Vacation Packages & 2025 Rates

Package	2025 Season	Length	Price (pp, dbl)	Inclusions
Summer Adventure	Jun 9 – Aug 31	6 nights	$2 695	Cabin/Lodge lodging, 2 rides daily, 3 gourmet meals, evening entertainment, beer & wine
Fall Cattle Round-Up	Sep 8 – Oct 5	5 nights	$2 225	Cattle drives, horsemanship clinics, wine-tasting dinner
Winter Snow Adventure	Jan 3 – Feb 28	3 nights	$1 025	Sleigh rides, fat-bike rental, snowshoe tour, hot-cocoa bar
Spring Breakaway	Apr 14 – May 12	4 nights	$1 495	Trail rides, archery, mother-cow birthing demonstrations

Early-bird discount: Book by February 28 and save 10 %. Children 6–12 receive 15 % off; under 5 stay free (cribs available).

Lodging Options: Lodge Rooms vs. Log Cabins

Grand Lodge

Six guest rooms with private baths, handcrafted log beds, and vintage quilts.
Great Room boasts a 20-ft rock fireplace, leather sofas, and a lofted library.
Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, billiards, outdoor hot tub with mountain views.

Private Log Cabins

Rustic-chic dwellings spaced for privacy. Each features:

Full kitchenettes, gas fireplaces, and covered porches with Adirondack chairs.
Sleeping lofts perfect for kids, plus main-floor master bedrooms.
Stocked firewood and daily housekeeping.

Whether you crave lodge camaraderie or serene cabin seclusion, all guests share the same hearty meals and activity roster.

Culinary Experience: Country Gourmet Dining

From thick-cut huckleberry-glazed bacon at breakfast to cast-iron blackberry cobbler at supper, ranch cuisine celebrates Northwest flavors:

Farm-to-Table: Beef and pork from on-site herds; eggs and herbs from garden coops.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and keto menus available with advance notice.
Evening Themes: Cowboy cookout, prime rib feast, pizza night in the 1890s barn.
Beverages: Idaho craft beers, Pacific Northwest wines, and locally roasted coffee.

Guests rave about the warm cookies that magically appear each afternoon—fuel for horseshoe tournaments or cornhole showdowns.

Daily Adventures Beyond the Saddle

Summer	Winter
E-bike mountain tours	Sleigh rides behind Belgian drafts
Ax-throwing & archery	Backcountry skiing & guided snowshoe
Lake Pend Oreille boating excursion	Hot-chocolate sleigh stop with s’mores
Fishing on Grouse Creek	Indoor arena horsemanship clinics
Kids’ scavenger hunts	Snow-covered fat-tire bike trails

Evenings might include cowboy poetry, line-dance lessons, or a starlit soak in the hot tub—Idaho’s Milky Way is jaw-dropping.

Signature Experiences

Dinner Ride: Two-hour trail ending at a ridge-top Dutch-oven feast.
Grouse Creek Falls Day Ride: Five-hour trek with picnic and waterfall swim.
Cattle Sorting Competition: Test your agility in the 150′ indoor arena.
Photography Week: Professional instructor plus golden-hour rides.

These limited-edition add-ons often sell out six months ahead—plan early.

Family Programs & Kids’ Wrangler Camp

Children 6–12 join “Lil’ Buckaroos,” learning grooming, saddling, and arena games. Teens tackle advanced trail rides, roping practice, and e-bike races. Evening babysitting allows parents to savor a quiet wine-pairing dinner.

Weddings, Honeymoons & Corporate Retreats

The ranch hosts intimate ceremonies for 2 and corporate shindigs for 150:

Venue Choices: Meadow overlook, cedar-lined barn, lodge great room.
Planning Team: On-staff coordinator handles flowers, live music, photography.
Group Activities: Private cattle sort, skeet shoot, spa day in Sandpoint.
AV-Equipped Meeting Space: High-speed internet, projector, flip charts.

Elopement packages start at $2 850 and include a two-night cabin stay plus horse-drawn carriage to the altar.

Sustainability & Horse Welfare

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch grazes rotational pastures, sources 60 % of produce locally, and heats the main lodge with renewable wood pellets. Horses enjoy 24/7 turnout, custom-fitted saddles, and bi-weekly chiropractic assessments—resulting in calm, happy mounts.

Planning Your Trip: Weather, Packing List & Travel Insurance

Essentials: Broken-in boots, jeans, breathable long-sleeve shirts, lightweight rain jacket, swimwear for lake trips, sunblock, water bottle, and a wide-brim hat. Winter guests add thermal layers, waterproof snow boots, and hand warmers. Travel insurance covering riding activities is recommended; helmets are provided but personal lids ensure perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need riding experience?
No—first-time riders receive a lesson and are paired with steady horses. Advanced riders will still find challenging routes and cattle work.

2. Are helmets mandatory?
Riders under 18 must wear helmets. Adults strongly encouraged; high-quality helmets are provided free.

3. What is the typical daily schedule?
Breakfast 8 am, ride 9 am–noon, lunch, optional afternoon ride 2–4 pm or non-riding activity, dinner 6 pm, evening entertainment 7 pm.

4. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes—gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto and allergy-safe meals with prior notice.

5. Is Wi-Fi available?
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in the lodge and most cabins; cell service is strong on property.

6. What’s the minimum age for kids?
Children as young as 6 may ride; younger kiddos can enjoy ranch-yard activities with parental supervision.

Conclusion & Next Steps

If your dream vacation mixes crisp mountain air, spirited horses, and genuinely warm hosts, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is ready to welcome you home on the range. Early-bird specials, limited group sizes, and five-star reviews mean summer saddles fill quickly—secure your preferred dates now and start counting down to campfire sunsets and lifelong memories.