Giddy Up! Rocking Horse Ranch is a little slice of the West, and only 90 minutes from NYC! There is no better quality family time then that of the all-inclusive four-season Rocking Horse Ranch Resort provides. The non-stop activities range from their namesake horse back riding experiences, an indoor water park, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mini golf, paddle boats, and more – all on their beautiful 500-acre property that is just waiting to be explored. We recently visited, and had the most incredible experience.
Welcome to the Ranch
Rocking Horse Ranch is located in Highland, New York, a town of just over 5,000 residents located just southwest of the Catskills Mountains and east of the Hudson River. The ranch encompasses over 500 acres and sits in the heart of the scenic Hudson Valley. It’s on a private lake and gorgeous nature trails for horse rides.
The hotel itself is gorgeous. From the wood beamed ceilings, roaring fireplace, rustic decor and careful attention to ranch styling, each and every room looks straight from a Western Pinterest board. Everything is remarkably clean and well kept. There’s only 113 guestrooms on the property – which keeps the guest-count (and line time) virtually non-existent, even on the busiest of weekends.
Horsing Around
As the name would suggest, this is a ranch and our four legged friends here reign supreme. The ranch boasts being the “Home of the Greatest Herd in the World” and from what we saw this is most definitely true. They have over 120 horses on site, and offer numerous daily trail rides for all skill levels. Aside from rides – programming includes “learn to ride” sessions and horse shoeing presentations from their onsite Blacksmith. Pony rides are also available for smaller guests (you must be 48″ tall to ride the trails).
Adults and children who meet the height requirement can sign up for one 60-minute trail ride per day. There are a number of groups s experience. Beginners—guests with little or no riding experience—will walk only during their ride. Intermediates—folks who have ridden a few times before—will walk and trot. Advanced riders should be comfortable walking, trotting, and cantering. After the wranglers match each rider to a horse and get everyone mounted and equipment adjusted, the actual riding time is about 45 minutes. Each group of riders is accompanied by several wranglers who keep an eye on things and call out directions.
There’s still plenty of horsing around for guests under 48″ tall (and parents can even lead their kid’s pony if comfortable). The “ponies” are actually full size horses, and typically trail-retired. Since our last guy didn’t meet the height, we enjoyed 3 “pony” rides during our visit.
All Inclusive Fun
Delicious all-you-can-eat meals are prepared by celebrated chefs, endless activities and top of the line entertainment with magicians, jugglers, comedians, and character breakfasts, there’s something for everyone at this mega resort of fun. And it is all INCLUDED in the room fee. (yes, seriously!)
Fun doesn’t stop here: a bungee bounce, archery, tubing hills, mining, mini golf, and an indoor air ball world are all included as well. Did I mention that there are crafts sessions and mining fun for the kids? There’s so much to do and see we couldn’t decide on what to try next.
At Rocking Horse Ranch you can bowl away the day, or practice your putt putt as long as you want – but not having to pull out the wallet, or calculate how much things were going to cost was the real treat. It brought relaxation to a whole new level, and made our time together even more enjoyable,
A Waterful World
Possibly because I have been a New Yorker for 17 years, I get really excited about the idea of a lakeside resort. It is a foreign entity to a New Yorker, and anytime I am on a vacation/hiking near to a lake I automatically feel more connected to nature. Lakeside activities included skiing and tubing, as well as paddle-boating and kayaking, Pool more your speed? They have four! Two outdoor pools; one for babies/toddlers with a small slide, and a larger pool with a large slide where they host games and activities. Inside you’ll find two more pool areas – one a play area with small slides for younger kids, the other deeper pool has lots of “American Ninja” type apparatuses as well as basketball type activities.
Entertainment
Aside from the activities, there is an amazing world class entertainment to see! Head to the main house cellar level for the free nightly entertainment such as magicians, jugglers, and entertainers (again – FREE!) or take a wagon ride to the nightly bonfire with free live music. The Bonfire was a truly magical experience that we won’t forget. We appreciated how it started earlier then dusk, allowing little ones to enjoy the bonfire and marshmallow activities, while still making their bedtime routines.
Ranch Sized Appetites
There is always food on hand at the ranch! Enjoy three delicious meals daily, summer BBQs, afternoon chef tastings, pool parties, wine pairings, and more. There is a 24-hour a day coffee and water station, and plenty of food options available (for all dietary needs and aversions!). Breakfast is served in the main dining room and includes a wide selection of hot entrees (made to order omelets, a selection of cooked eggs, bacon, and heart shaped waffles) as well as any continental breakfast items you could imagine – an oatmeal and cereal bar, cold cuts and cheese, and every fruit you could please.
We had two lunch time meals during out stay. One of the meals was served at an Outdoor BBQ setting and included live music! Foods such as burgers and hotdogs, BBQ chicken and many types of potato salad and coleslaw were on hand. I loved the large salad bar and burger station which allowed you to build your own sandwich creation as you wish.
The next lunch we experienced was a character dining experience – just kook at this mustache!
Dinner is chosen from a menu of options which included steak and ribs, and a selection of vegetarian items. The dinner also included the largest dessert buffet I had ever seen, including a chocolate fountain and an incredible array of ice cream toppings.
Other food offerings include poolside snack time (think gaucamole and chips, fruits and cheeses, and hummus and chips) and free daiquiris for mom and dad.
How to Get There
The best part for city dwelling New Yorkers – you can access this lake side oasis without a car or license! We took the Metro North train from Grand Central Station to the Poughkeepsie Station, and it couldn’t have been easier. Once we arrived, Rocking Horse Ranch picked us up right at the train station. A 15-minute drive to the ranch later, and that was it! A perfect start to a truly stress free vacation, and the epitome of relaxation. Bonus – the train ride is absolutely gorgeous – be sure to grab a window seat to see rolling green hills and river views throughout your trip.
Can’t wait to come back! Thank you Rocking Horse Ranch for an experience we will never forget.
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort. 600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY. Apx 1 hr 45 mins from NYC. Rocking Horse Ranch is accessible by Metro North. More information on the resort HERE.
