Seven Ways to Unbridle Your Inner Equestrian in Cody Yellowstone
Cody’s authentic equestrian roots run deep, and reminders of town founder Buffalo Bill Cody’s horse-centric lifestyle can be experienced in a variety of ways.
Buffalo Bill was already working in a saddle by the time he was 10 years old. During his legendary life, Buffalo Bill was an Army Scout, Pony Express rider, wagon master, and the legendary genius behind the internationally acclaimed “Wild West Show.” No doubt about it, he did most of his life’s work while on the back of a horse.
Visitors to Cody can discover more about Buffalo Bill’s life among horses at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s Buffalo Bill Museum. Here, exhibits display Cody’s saddles and tacks and showcase his Wild West Show exploits and many of his other life’s accomplishments.
But there’s plenty more for horse lovers to experience here in Cody Yellowstone. Here are seven ways visitors to our neck of the woods can experience the region’s equestrian offerings this year.
Become A Dude
Dude and guest ranches dot the landscape beyond downtown Cody, and they’re the perfect place to live out your coolest cowboy fantasies. The majority of dude and guest ranches in the area are all about the horses. In fact, many of the ranches will pair you with a horse of your very own for a week’s worth of activities — including instruction and trail rides. If you dream of saddling up and hitting the dusty trail, these dude and guest ranches are the place for you.
See the Wild Horses of McCullough Peaks
Did you know that McCullough Peaks is home to wild horses? It’s true! These free-roaming mustangs are descendants of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show horses. Located in the McCullough Peaks area 17 miles east of Cody, these horses and their ancestors have been roaming the range for more than a century.
Saddle Up With a Master Saddler
Here in Cody Yellowstone, you’ll have a chance to watch a master saddler in action. Scout Saddle Co. master saddler Keith Seidel and his apprentices create beautiful saddles, belts, and other premium leather goods in an authentic 1920s saddle shop at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Take a Trail Ride
Here in Cody Yellowstone, it’s easy to explore the Wild West by horseback. Cody offers numerous trail ride options, from one-hour rides to multi-day pack trips. There are also specialty adventures such as women-only trips, horse-supported backpacking trips, corporate retreats, and rides just for little ones. Plus, as you make your way into Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find plenty of trail rides to explore.
Watch the Night Come to Life at the Cody Nite Rodeo
Cody Yellowstone has earned its reputation as the Rodeo Capital of the World. And it makes sense. After all, this is the home of the legendary Cody Nite Rodeo, where the best riders in the country participate in events and showcases that put their skills to the test every night of the week, all summer long. This is a perfect opportunity to experience some Wild West action that’s fun for the entire family! Don’t forget to arrive early for a chance to meet the cowboys and have your photo taken with Mongo the bull!
Dine Out, Old West Style
There’s no doubt your Cody Yellowstone adventures are sure to work up your appetite. Luckily, Yellowstone’s Roosevelt Lodge offers nightly Old West Dinner Cookout staged deep in the park’s backcountry and only accessible by horse or horse-drawn wagons. You’ll love this authentic cowboy experience, as well as the fantastic meals being served.
Explore Western Art
Suppose you’re an equestrian with an artistic side. In that case, you’ll love checking out the Hand-crafted leather saddles on display at the By Western Hands Museum here in Cody Yellowstone. Here, you’ll see elegant leather saddles beautifully crafted by local artisans, who each have their own signature styles.
We’re not horsing around when we say that Cody Yellowstone is the place to be for your next vacation! Start planning your Wild West getaway today with a little help from our 2021 Vacation Guide!
