Thursday, August 27, 2015

Looking Forward to Fall

Bearcat Stables 
We have the best seat in the Valley 
to view the fall colors 
Open thru October 2015
      
We have had a wonderful summer season, thank you to everyone that came out and took a horseback ride with us. If you didn't have a chance to join us for a ride yet, there is still time. We will be open thru October! The fall is a spectacular time to get in the saddle. The elk return from their summer grazing grounds higher up in the mountains to enjoy the lush meadows in the Squaw Creek Valley, and the Aspen trees will be firing off their brilliant colors in just a few weeks.

Our Tuesday Night Chuck Wagon Dinners wrapped up August 25th. If you are looking to host a  dinner, group ride or event with us during the fall season please contact Jill in group sales. Groups of any size are welcome

  

Vail to Aspen backcountry excursions for the 2015 summer season will be completed this Friday August 28th! We had another amazing summer with new and old faces that came to experience the ride of a lifetime.

We will be taking reservations for the Vail to Aspen trips for 2016 starting in September. Call us today for more information
970.926.1578

Monday, July 27, 2015

Backcountry Rides by Bearcat Stables

Backcountry Horseback Riding 

The Colorado wildflower season is in full bloom, and one of the most spectacular ways to see all of the colors is on one of Bearcat Stables Backcountry Rides. Offering 3 and 4 hour backcountry rides daily leaving from the trail head at Big Park into the White River National Forest. 



The backcountry rides are great for those with intermediate to advance riding skills. Three hour backcountry excursions leave twice daily offering two experience. Big views and lush meadows are perfect for morning adventures and our afternoon outing will take you along Squaw Creek Valley, crossing the creek several times and winding through the cool shaded forests. Our 4 hour ride includes a gourmet lunch to be enjoyed in a wildflower covered meadow with views that are guaranteed to take your breath away. 






Can't get enough of the backcountry from the saddle. Bearcat Stables signature backcountry excursion is a four day and 3 night epic adventure. Leaving from the Vail Valley spend your nights in the 10th Mountain Division Huts and a private guest ranch while you make your way 55 miles to Aspen. Gourmet dinners are provided each evening and before you head out in the morning a delicious skillet breakfast will be prepared by our chef. Summer 2015 is full for the Vail to Aspen ride but summer 2016 reservations will open in September.




Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Family Fun in the Vail Valley


at Bearcat Stables




"It's not just a trail ride, it's an adventure"



Sunny days, crisp mountain air, and exciting adventures greet us each day in the Vail Valley. Our hearts are captured instantly by the thrills, the breathtaking views, the quiet, the relaxed attitude, and the memories we make with our loved ones. 






Bearcat Stables is home to the Vail Valley's premier horseback riding outfitter. Rides are fun and exciting for the whole family at any level of experience.  First timers will fall in love with gentle ride and breathtaking views of Gore Range's snow covered peaks. Our backcountry ride is perfect to get lost in your thoughts as you stroll along Squaw Creek in the White River National Forest. 




Horseback riding not for you? Join us at the stables for a chuck wagon dinner every Tuesday night starting June 23rd thru August! Families with all ages are welcome to enjoy our authentic Colorado homestead in the heart of the Vail Valley. A true western style BBQ is cooked up, live music, and plenty of games for all to enjoy.








Private dining experiences are perfect for families and groups looking to have an intimate dinner. Bearcat's Cabin and backyard are available to host small groups. Private chefs are available to cater to your every wish. Whether you are looking to have a laid back family style affair or 5 course culinary delight and wine pairing, Bearcat's Cabin will provide the perfect setting for any private dining experience.


Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Summer Events at Bearcat Stables


Searching for some good old fashioned family fun on a Tuesday night? Looking to stretch out the weekend just a little bit longer? Bearcat Stables has great events happening all summer long! Our events are always family friendly, and we always encourage you to get out for a trail ride. Free pony rides for the young buckaroos are always available at all of our summer events. We can't wait to see you there!




 Tuesday Night Extravaganza (June-September)
Every Tuesday Night starting in June join us for a night at the ranch. We will be cooking up a western fare Chuck Wagon Dinner, with all the fixin's and lots of cornbread! Start the evening off with a sunset horseback ride out to Bellyache Ridge. 1-2 hour rides are available before each Tuesday Night Extravaganza, and we offer complimentary pony rides for the little ones that can't reach the stirrups yet! Enjoy live music, s'mores by the fire, and plenty of yard games. A fun night out with the entire family!
**Reservations for horseback riding required, click for more info.




Sunday Funday! Starting Sunday's in June 2015
Who doesn't want to enjoy the Colorado sunshine on a Sunday afternoon. Laid back and casual each Sunday afternoon we will be grillin up burgers (veggie burgers available), and brats, pouring cold Crazy Mountain Brewery beers, and boogieing down to live music. Grab your buds and come on out to the ranch.  Enjoy a few rounds of horseshoes, soak up the summer sunshine, and relax, it's still the weekend!!!
**Reservations for horseback riding required, click for more info.

                                                   

June 9- Summer Event Open House
Bearcat Stables will be hosting an open house to show off our new pavilion and event venue. This event is free and open to hospitality professionals, wedding and event planners, DMC's and concierge. To RSVP or get more information please call our Event Sales Director Jill Ragaller, 970-376-3591 or email groupsales@bearcatstables.com 



July 26- Summer Brunch for the Horses 
Bearcat Stables proudly supports the Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, and we will be hosting their annual Summer Brunch for the Horses at the stables. Please join us and support the MVHR. Tickets to the event are $25/per person, and brunch is included. Bearcat Stables will be offering horseback rides all day, and 10% of proceeds will be donated to the MVHR!!! 
**Reservations for horseback riding required, click for more info.



Looking to host an event and need a venue? Bearcat Stables as a great rental venue with an authentic western vibe! We welcome you to connect with us today to discuss your next event at Bearcat Stables. groupsales@bearcatstables.com 

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Wedding Carriage Rides- Beaver Creek and Vail

~Vail ~ Beaver Creek ~ Colorado

Take your first moments as husband and wife in an open horse drawn carriage ride. Bearcat Stables offers carriage rides from the Vail and Beaver Creek Chapels in the Vail Valley.  We provide a skilled and professional driver and two of our beautiful Percheron horses. 
 



Perfect for weddings, quinceaneras, anniversaries, romantic engagement proposals, or just because you love someone.

One hour minimum- starting at $600/hr
Delivery of horses and carriage to approved venue
Available in Vail/Beaver Creek Village areas


For more information visit our website
or call 970-376-3591

Monday, April 20, 2015

Trail Riding 101: Part 1- The Cowboy Hat

Here in the Vail Valley we get visitors from all over the world looking for an authentic 'Wild West' experience when they come to visit us at the Stables. Of course we are happy to oblige and share with our visitors and guests the 'Cowboy Experience'. Our Trail Riding 101 series will get you out on the trail ready for your adventure in comfort, style and preparedness (you just never know when its gonna rain in Colorado). 

The Cowboy Hat


The cowboy hat is big business in the world of cowboys. Your hat is statement of YOU, whether it is used for function or fashion. From the color you pick to the brim style you ride with, its all about you. That is the beauty of the Cowboy Hat, each and everyone is different. Here are a few helpful tips to get you matched up with your Cowboy Hat.



Felt or Straw? Felt hats have been booming since John Stenson started manufacturing felt hats back in the 1860's, Stenson is considered the modern inventor of the cowboy hat. Felt hats were more commonly used in the winter time to help keep your head warmer and dryer, but now felt hats are seen and used all year round. They come in a variety of colors too, black, beige and brown are the most popular, but if fashion is more your thing there is a hat color out there for you!
Straw hats were considered summer hats, they are lighter and breathe a little easier. Straw hat quality is determined by the tightness of the weave. Again straw hats come in a variety of neutral colors from beige to brown, but dyed straw hats are easy to find. Felt or straw is up to you, or get one of each to start your collection. 



Brim styles are plentiful, but most commonly brims are more narrow in the front and widen out towards the back. Some like to opt for the flat brim, presumably offering the best sun protection, and some hats the brim bends all the way up, maybe for the ladies to show off their big earrings. Whatever style you choose, there really is no wrong way to go, just keep the sides even or you're likely to hear "that's one ugly hat".  
When buying a hat they often need to be shaped, but you can find them already shaped for you. Shaping your style is as easy as steaming the hat and gently bending the brim until your desired shape is achieved. Here are a few ideas on brim and hat shapes


Decor, hat decor is easily the best way to show off your personality. There are tens of thousands of different hat bands and accessories out there. Bands range from simple leather bands that wrap around the crown of the hat to intricate pieces that have gems, beads, buckles, and feathers. Choose a band that is a reflection of you. You can always change out your band for a new look if you are going from the trail to a party in the same day. 



We recommend everyone bring out their hat, and show off your style when you come out to trail ride, or celebrate an event with Bearcat Stables. 


Monday, April 13, 2015

Rehearsal Dinner

The traditional rehearsal dinner has followed the wedding rehearsal, and is typically hosted by the grooms family. During this time family would be able to meet and socialize prior to the main event. These days the traditional wedding party only rehearsal dinner is a thing of the past. Instead we are seeing our brides and grooms choosing to include everyone coming to the wedding.

When planning a wedding, especially a destination wedding, like so many weddings are here in the Vail Valley, you have to plan on giving your guests time to get to know each other. The bride and grooms friends get to meet each other, lets be honest these are the friends that are going help get your dance floor rolling on the big day, it helps when they have had a conversation beforehand.

Some tips on how to make your rehearsal dinner a great party:

Keep it casual people feel like they are on vacation at a destination wedding, let them enjoy a few days off work, and a weekend away from their ordinary. Strict timelines, and having everyone pose for 10 different group shots should be saved for the day of.


Be original- no better place than Bearcat Stables, this is the  'authentic Colorado' experience people dream of.  Your guests might not remember what exact flowers were in the bouquets, but they will remember the great time they had at your rehearsal dinner, getting to meet your fan club. And don't forget to bring in your own personalities- specialty drinks, party favors, decor...this will help tell your story.


A rehearsal dinner doesn't need to be an entire day affair, that's what the wedding day is for. Keep it short, 3-4 hours is perfect, and allows everyone to meet, greet and be merry. There are so many great activities to experience here in the Vail Valley make sure your guests have an opportunity to trail ride, go rafting, hiking or play golf during the day.

Don't booze too hard you and your groom have a whole weekend of drinks with family and friends. The last thing you need is bags under your eyes, and a headache like your 21st birthday, when that shot try comes around, dont be afraid to decline and let Uncle Ned take one for the team, again.

Guests of rehearsal dinners and weddings receive 10% off trail riding. Call us today for availability for your rehearsal dinner to be remembered Forever and Always.