For Horse-Loving Families, The Perfect Vacation Starts Here
Families can plan a stay where the cowboys work and play in Sheridan where the Old West meets the New West. The city kicks off several events that are sure to appeal to the cowboy or cowgirl in your soul.
Sheridan resident and horse legend, Buck Brannaman, known to many as the inspiration for the movie, The Horse Whisperer offers area seminars on his equestrian methods. His special talents in calming and gaining the trust of the horses while training them has garnered him a well-deserved reputation among horse lovers and trainers. He spent months with Robert Redford while in preparation for the actors role in the great western movie. Buck continues to travel and work with horses and their trainers and hosts nationwide seminars. February is the month to explore Buck's equestrian magic, while he is at home on the Ranch.
The Brannaman Ranch, located just outside Sheridan, sports the winter cowboy events in Wyoming. The family-oriented cowboying takes place at the Ranch arena monthly, beginning in November. The family centered events draw women, men and children to friendly competition for cash purses. The season's final competition takes place in March for the silver spurs prize.
Sheridan kicks off the annual Cowboyography Poetry and Music Gather on February 13th-15th. This event draws western poets and music artists from across the nation to perform poetic skills in entertainment and competitions. Opening night begins with a Jam Session, which is open to the public and anyone who wants to jump in and perform. The most anticipated event of the Gather is the Shoot-out Contest, which pits the poets against the clock. In this event the contestants are given one line and one hour to compose an original poem in 24 lines or less. The Cowboykidz program, features kids included in the Gather. These events are free to the viewing public with snacks, drinks and great entertainment provided. The weekend slate of events is held at the WYO Theater in Sheridan.
During a stay in Sheridan be sure to include a visit to King's Saddlery, Ropes and Western Museum. The museum began in 1989 by Don King who is internationally famous for the trophy saddles he built for the Rodeo Cowboys Association. The museum presents a collection of cowboy memorabilia comprised of hundreds of historical saddles, wagons, chaps, spurs, guns and coaches, etc. The rope business was developed in 1963, and presently houses lariats, floor-to-ceiling, coiled in all sizes, weights and colors.
To find out more about the Cowboyography Poetry and Music Gather, King's Saddlery, Ropes and Western Museum, Brannaman Ranch and Buck Brannaman's cowboying events, and seminars contact at 307-673-7120 or 1-888-596-6787 or visit their website at www.sheridanwyoming.org.
