Enjoyed the most: Riding in pure nature.

Bothered you: Buying a DVD for 50 USD after the trip.

Enjoyed the most: Location, facilities, people at ranch, people on ride.

Bothered you: Nothing to really. However might renforce that for this ride you need to be an experienced rider.

Comments: Great ride, great people - would recommend this ranch to anyone. Great trip!

Enjoyed the most: The scenery in Idaho is spectacular!

Bothered you: Not having access to all our luggage on the ride. We were told the night before leaving for the trail that we could only bring a small carry-on and I was too ill at that point to pare down so I didn't have stuff I needed on the ride (like medicine and my nite light. It would have been helpful (and I heard others comment on this also) to have known this when initially packing for the trip. I picked up the flu or something on the plane on the way there so was unable to eat for the first few days but the food was EXCELLENT!

Enjoyed the most: The riding, the host family, the scenery, other guests.

Bothered you: Nothing!

Comments: This was a wonderful trip and will definitely be recommended to anyone I speak to!

Comments: I wanted to take the time to say a huge thank you. It was thanks to Hidden Trails that I have had the holiday of my life time. I have just got back from a week in Idaho.
My friend and I booked through Hidden Trails to go on a horse drive. The whole booking process was easy and helpful, and the holiday itself, well what can I say. The whole Tomlinson family is wonderful, welcoming, friendly and truly amazing, some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They completely made my week and dreams come true.
I loved the authenticity of their home life, and being invited to spend a week with them was a privilege. The food was delicious, home cooked by Lana and Lynn; my extra weight allowance came in handy on the return journey!! The horses were well cared for and superb travellers across the terrains. The love that LT and his family have for what they do is evident. There is nothing bad that I can say about what this family have achieved in their 18 years of welcoming soon to be friends into their home. The cabins and facilities are basic, but perfect. If you’ve never had a shower with lovely hot water and hail stones at the same time, well you’ve never been to this ranch!!  Too many times people only contact to complain, I hope I have made it clear that I have nothing to complain about and everything to thank L.T, Lana, Lacey, Dax, Bodie and Brock for. Oh and Hidden trails for being my portal into another world.
Please could you pass on my gratitude, I was sobbing too much to really say thank you!!! Everyone who has a trip planned to this ranch will not be disappointed.

Bothered you: Nothing!

Enjoyed the most: Our hosts/guides and the fast pace of the ride.

Bothered you: Everything was great. I wish that there had been more people on the trip that were my age. So, next time I will bring more friends with me...

Comments: Our hosts were unbelievable.  They were so willing to share so much of themselves with us.  It was incredible to learn so much about living on a ranch and to have so much fun at the same time!  I loved my horse and the meals were fantastic and the adventure was a very special one : )

Enjoyed the most: The horse drive. It’s a pity that it was only 3 out of the 5 days. Lynn (the rancher) let us do the work. That was great.

Bothered you: The other 2 days were a kind of boring to me. Scenic horse “walks” in beautiful mountains, but most of the time only walking, without much trot or gallop.

Comments: My expectations of the horse drive were truly fulfilled. I had a great time during these 3 days, for me these days might well be prolonged with a couple of hours and miles. The thing that was really special was the goodbye song they wrote. That’s something they don’t need to do; takes a lot of time to make, but they did it anyway because it’s fun for the guests. Thanks for that, and because I caught it on tape on my camera, I have a nice memory of their artistic skills. Great food, nice warm hospitality, beautiful daughters and wife (sorry Lynn), good riding horses and last but not least a good, sometimes hard shouting ‘go around them’ rancher. Thanks for the experience.  

Enjoyed the most: The riding, of course. I love "driving" horses in that terrain and at a reasonable pace.

Bothered you: The only thing I would change is pre-dinner snacking. It was usually something chocolate, and while I would probably be in the minority, I'd rather have chips and salsa, or something else less desserty.

Comments: This is the ride I've been looking for for 8 years!  I had a wonderful time start to finish.  The host family was very nice, helpful, and friendly, and they took very good care of their horses.  My thanks to Ryan, who accurately described this ride as one I would enjoy.  The right pace, terrain, etc.  I prefer a more arid climate, but all things considered, it ties with the best ride I've ever had.

Enjoyed the most: We felt like a part of the family while we were there and that was wonderful. Throughout the time we were at the ranch we felt well cared for and included. The food was great! The horses were amazing! The leadership on the rides was outstanding! Songs by the campfire - awesome. Everything about our visit was perfect... And now I've run out of adjectives. Thank you for a wonderful week. What a great way to spend time with my daughter and a whole new family & friends.

Bothered you: My only negative comment was with the directions provided to us for our drive to the ranch...Unfortunately they were vague and we ended up spending several hours in the dark trying to find the ranch.  After that however, our visit was AMAZING!

Comments: We were concerned that we would be made to feel silly in our city-fied ways and were very thankful that we never felt that way.  Everyone at the ranch was great at making us feel a part of everything and we both felt that we were able to contribute in our small way - something very important to us as we're not always the best at being just guests.

Enjoyed the most: Riding for so many days and getting to go fast most of the time...the slight thrill of not ever being in full total control.

Bothered you: The fact that I have much to learn about riding a horse. I could have had more control of my horse if I gave him better signals. It was my fault, but my horse was very calm and put up with me nonetheless.

Comments: It was just a joy to be on vacation out in Idaho. As a Canadian from Toronto, I was really looking for a change of scenery and a chance to get away from the everyday. With the Medicine Lodge Horse Drive, I got that and then some more! It was an all round fantastic experience. I took myself, that's right, I brought no one with me, and felt at ease doing so. The people who run the ranch are very hospitable and friendly and the guests who stayed were also warm and welcoming to me. The horses were well trained and hard-working. The food was awesome. The scenery was breathtaking. It was thrilling and exciting and exhausting and wonderful! At the end of each day, all I could do was plop down onto my bedroll and doze to rejuvinate my tired body. It was horseback riding with a purpose! Filled with fun memories and stories to tell the grandkids, although they are a ways of yet.  This trip met and exceeded my expectations. I was not expecting a four star trip with amenities and relaxation. I was hoping for a trip where you get a little down and dirty, and work your tail off until you can't stand up straight.

Enjoyed the most: The horse drive riding.

Bothered you: The late dinner time. There were several hours between arriving back after the ride and dinner without much to eat. Also I didn't like drinking unfiltered water from streams and creeks. I was concerned about safe drinking water.

Comments: The horse drive was great and the family was friendly. I would have liked a little more food and fresh, safe water.

Enjoyed the most: THE HOSPITALITY!

Bothered you: Nothing

Enjoyed the most: The little things that the hosts did to make our trip special..ie: the mountain fresh air smelling liners in our sleeping bags, candles in our cabin, homemade fresh food daily, homemade cookies/squares upon arrival to camp daily, campfire at night with their family, entertainment by their family, talking about their culture in Idaho, knowing our names, the compassion, concern, assistance, humour, everything about the host family was great!

Bothered you: The few unqualified riders who signed up for this advanced ride that couldn't keep up with the rest of us and complained about the riding because it was too aggressive, or long or because they were tired or sore.

Enjoyed the most: The entire trip was wonderful. My father and I had the time of our lives and are already looking forward to going back. The owners of the ranch were absolutely fabulous. And the other guests were spectacular as well. This horse drive is a must do for everyone!

Bothered you: Absolutely nothing.

Comments:  The Medicine Lodge Horse Drive is a once in a life time experience that I would recommend to everyone.

Enjoyed the most: I honestly liked the entire trip so much that there wasn't one special thing that stood out. The people were great, the hosts were awesome, and each day had new fun!

Bothered you: Nothing, I was totally prepared for the trip by Hidden Trails and just went with the flow, so nothing really bothered me. I guess the weather wasn't great but that can't be helped and it was well prepared for.

Comments: Thanks! It was awesome!

Enjoyed the most: The scenery!!

Bothered you: Nothing!

Comments: A really good time, thanks a million! Just one thing, sometimes I thought it would have been even more interesting if we were told a little more history and background of each area we rode through, but just a thought!

Enjoyed the most: Riding with the scenery

Bothered you: The flights

Enjoyed the most: Great horses,excellent tack, & knowledgeable,and fun hosts. LT and his wife Lana and thier daughter Lacy were great. Thier were 13 guests but only 3 of us from US. They were all good riders and enjoyed a good laugh. Enjoyed the fast pace of a horse drive.Best time I have had in a very long time.

Bothered you: Leaving.

Comments: I can't say enough about this ride and our hosts...they are the best...."How-U-Do-en!!!!  I have participated in a number of rides but this was the best.  It was what I had hoped...maybe better.

Enjoyed the most: Hosts, horses, tack, other guests and location.

Bothered you: Leaving.

Comments: This was a great ride. LT, Lana and Lacy [the Hosts] were terrific.  Great time, most fun I had all year.

Enjoyed the most: The hosts and the other riders

Bothered you: Nothing

Comments: The best ride I've been on so far.  Great people, horses, tack, food, trails, weather and sleeping places!

Enjoyed the most: The whole trip was fantastic. The hosts were great and the other guests were great conmpany. Food was excellent. The horses were very reliable. Loved the rustic accommodation and lack of electricity/phone reception.

Bothered you: Nothing to do with the trip itself, but our luggage got lost en route, which stressed me out for a few days.

Enjoyed the most: A real cowboy experience. Hard but satisfying!

Bothered you: Nothing

Comments: I already travelled with Hidden Trails in Argentina and this experience was also very good.

Enjoyed the most:
The people, the scenery, the horses, the food , just everything about it.

Bothered you:
Leaving!

Comments:
Best vacation EVER!

Enjoyed the most:
I WOULD SAY THAT THERE WAS NOT ONE THING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RATED BETTER THAN THE OTHER. ALL AROUND GOOD. THE PEOPLE, THE HORSES ,THE PICTUREQUE VIEWS OF THE LANDSCAPE THE FOOD I COULDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER TRIP AND GOD GAVE US GOOD WEATHER!

Bothered you:
FOR MY OWN PERSONAL PREFRANCE I WOULD HAVE SLEPT UNDER THE STARS ALTHOUGH YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOUR GOING TO GET NIBBLING ON YOU!

Comments
THANKS AND HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU.
THIS WAS AN EXTREMLEY AMAZING EXPERIENCE, THE HOSTS & THEIR FAMILY WERE GREAT IT FELT LIKE HOME ONLY BETTER NO DISHES!

Enjoyed the most:
Fantastic ranch and ranch owners. Well organised - would recommend trip!

Bothered you:
Not the most compatible roommate.

Comments:
Would love to do these trips frequently - only stopped by my budget!

The horse drive would have been wonderful, had I not sustained a stress fracture of a vertebrae in my back. The family/owners were the best, wonderful people. I never saw anyone work so hard as they do, and they had a sincere interest in having everyone get the most out of their trip.

Enjoyed the most: Living 'rough'. No communication with the outside world. A total get away break.

Bothered you: Absolutely nothing

Comments: I was extremely impressed with the quick feedback from Hidden Trails when I contacted you and asked you to find a holiday for me with certain criteria. This was accomplishd within 2 e-mails and the holiday was EXACTLY what I wanted.

Enjoyed the most: Everything - it exceded my expectations. This was an extraordinary experience.  I would recommend it to the serious horse lover.

Bothered you: The air travel, but that can't be fixed.  And the original driving directions were off for the drive to the ranch.

Enjoyed the most: 
The FUN... LT lets you ride, Lana makes you fat and Lacy makes you laugh! If your looking for a wimp ride this is not for you...YE-HA!!!

Bothered you:
We only got breakfast in bed for five of the six days...haha. Lacy made fun of my signing...I'm very thin skinned!!

Comments: 
This was my 2nd Medicine Lodge Horse Drive and hope to make my 3rd in 2010...highly recommend it. Great location, great hosts, great horses and excellent tack.
LT, Lana, Dax and even "Lacy" made the trip special. My trips to the ranch and the Tomilison family's hospitality are the high-lite of my year...can't wait to do it again next year.

Enjoyed the most: The experience of freedom riding in open country!  

Bothered you: Going back home to Holland!

Comments: The experience itself was well above my expectations. It was such a good holiday spending it with my 18 year old daughter; if I didn't go back it would only be because some things are ment to be once in a lifetime (but if my daughter finishes her studies and still wants to go again with mamma I probably do it all over again!!)  It was well organized and yet adventurous.

Enjoyed the most: Riding - companions and family.

Bothered you: My sore knees :)

Comments: Overall the ride is 'real' and the hosts are true. The ranch is a working ranch and the accomodations are trail-true - perhaps not for everyone. And you need to be a comfortable rider - 7 hrs in the saddle but well worth it!

Enjoyed the most: Riding in such wonderful landscapes was amazing. I really appreciated how our hosts cared about providing the best of such an experience.

Bothered you: Nothing bothered me.

Comments: I felt very safe; horses are great, very well treated and know what they are doing.
Meals were delicious and healthy, camping accommodations on the trail are a total luxury (which is not necessary, but still very nice after a 7 hours ride in the dusts).

Comments: Excellent trip - loads of fun!

Enjoyed the most: Everything. This trip was everything I have dreamed about and more, I had the time of my life. The Tomlinson family make it extra special. I will definitely be going back ASAP.

Bothered you - Nothing

Enjoyed the most: I could not say there was one thing I enjoyed the most as the whole experience was amazing! The horses, the accommodation, the food (YUM!!), the hospitality of the family at the ranch including Duke! The spectacular views and the variety of riding!

Bothered you: What bothered me was having to say goodbye but hopefully be going back in the next 2 years! We were a little unlucky with the weather but at the end of the day we have no control over that and the Tomlinsons amazing hospitality help you forget about the weather!

Comments: If you'red like us a few years ago you are in the process of deciding where to go on your holidays believe me you will be making the right choice if you decide to go on a holiday to this trip! The trip was absolutely amazing. If you are honest about your riding capabilities and are able to canter/gallop confidently then this trip is for you!
Firstly you don't ride nose to tail which was fantastic! We took part in the horse drive which was an exciting challenge but thanks to the guidance from all the Tomlinsons esp. Lynn telling you to "ride your horse" we were soon riding like proper cow girls!!
The horses are so sure footed over the varied terrain and my advice to you is trust them and just let them do there job and work as a partnership! I have never cantered down so many hills in my life and this is coming from someone who rides in North Wales alot! The horses really enjoy their work and are well mannered, anyone lucky enough to get Lambhi . . he is a dream.
The Tomlinsons are an amazing family and had us all in tears on the last night. They made us feel part of their family from the moment we arrived. Be ready to put on weight as the food is delicious and whatever is served I can tell you now you will be left asking fo more as it is that tasty!! The views are amazing so ensure you have a camera with you with plenty of memory and plenty of battery! I could go on and on and on about this holiday, I just think you should go and experience it yourself so you can be left with the many happy memories I have been left with from this trip of a life time! Thank you!

Enjoyed the most: I'm afraid i cannot isolate a single thing, because the whole experience was delightful! The whole experience was excellent. I couldn't have asked for a better host. The food, horses, other riders were marvelous!

Bothered you: The only thing was the toilet, but that's only because it was my first time camping in the bush and i'm so used to a western toilet that flushes. So really there is nothing that concerned me whilst being on the trip.

Comments: Thank you so much for enabling me and my friends to experience our life long dreams! IT WAS AMAZING!!

Enjoyed the most
Being outdoors the whole week on the back of a sure-footed horse in beautiful country.

Bothered you
Mosquitoes! But I would do the trip again in a second.

I honestly didn't know exactly what to expect but everything was great- the hosts were fantastic, the food was amazing, the horses were a joy, Duke is a crackup- everything was memorable.
I switched horses a couple of times- glad to have ended up on Juice! Great horse!

Enjoyed the most
Being welcomed and made to feel like one of the family. Also the food was great! It was also fairly difficult so was pushed out of my comfort zone but thoroughly enjoyable!

Bothered you
Nothing but I think I would have liked to take my own camp mat as the ones provided were not the best.

The whole trip was a great experience and a real challenge.  This was no dude ranch - you were expected to pull your weight!

Expectations met?  Absolutely - we wanted to push ourselves and not have a boring follow the leader ride - this is not for the feint hearted or the beginner.

Enjoyed the most

The hosts, the other guests, horses, riding, signing around the camp fire... everything.

Bothered you

My tent mate snored and farted a lot but he's a friend so what could I do!!!!

Comments

I have been on a number of rides none better than Medicine Lodge....See you next yr.

LT, Lana, Lacy May, Dax,Boedy, food, horses, tack, weather, every thing was great....And the girls from England were OK too!!!Everyday was a ton of fun....great fast ride.

Enjoyed the most
the horse drive and the beautiful scenery and getting to meet new friends from different locations/backgrounds

Bothered you
I have no complaints. 
I could not have asked for a better vacation.  The host family/operators were wonderful, thoughtful, accomodating and treated us all like family.  The food, weather, horses and other guests were just perfect!!
It was even more than I expected!

Enjoyed the most
Being allowed to ride. sounds obvious but this ranch allows spurs (rarely used) and galloping...I've been to other organizations that have an attitude ("stay behind me"). Driving colts, you get asked (without being asked) to head out and bring them in.

Bothered you
"Warm" springs campsite was not 'Hot" springs

Comments
Place is unique and awesome. Many europeans on both my trips. great riders and made for fun evenings - particularly the 3 ladies from Scottland that brought their own village made hootch!

Wonderful stock and tack - it's my second time and I'll return next year

Enjoyed the most:
Program, Host/guide, Food, Horses, Tack!

Bothered you:
Some Riders where not good enough. The host made it possible that they could keep up but I dont understand how people with 6 months or 12 months Once-Weekly-Experience can get in this programm (not booked via Hidden Trails!)

Comments:
Great Cowgirl Experience! VERY nice family! Extremely good food! Really good horses and tack!

Enjoyed the most
Great food. Accomodation was simple as described in the travel description but very clean and cosy and well managed by the host. Stunning views.

Bothered you
Too few gallops some of the days, maybe 2-3 in a 5 hour ride. (but there was a lot of trotting) Poor instructions in the beginning about what signals their horses listen to and how to drive the colts.

Comments
The host put sheets in the sleeping bags, no info about that in your prep info. We brought our own. Lunch is carried in the saddle bags every day, ie not possible to bring beer (out while riding the trail, but you can bring it to the camps).

Enjoyed the most
The horses and the friendliness of the hosts are unbeatable !!!!!!!!!!! 
I did the same horse drive in 2009. I knew exactly what to expect and I enjoyed the ride very much again. I`m sure I will do that ride again, maybe not next year, but every 2 years or so. It`s the best ride out of thousands....for me.

Bothered you
Nothing !!!!! Well, we had a thunderstorm one afternoon... :-)

Comments
The best riding ...but only for advanced riders. Please, don`t send beginners (riding experience 0 to 5 years) or children !!!!!!!!! They will disturb the ride and step by step also this last riding possibility for really advanced will be destroyed !!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoyed the most
The welcoming frendliness of our host, the food was 5*. The horses were superb, the scenery was breathtaking.  A fantasically relaxing break away from the rat race!

Bothered you
The MOSQUITOS!

Comments
I would recommend this holiday to anyone who wants to step out of the rat race for a week or so to recharge their batteries.

Enjoyed the most
I enjoyed everything! It was a wonderfull experience. Great to be part of the horse drive, it was so exciting! I loved my horse and all the other horses were so well trained. Idaho is a beautifull place to ride. The food that Lana cooked was excellent. I liked all the other riders in the group and they all had good riding skills. LT, Lana, Chase, Clint and Lacey made this week one to never forget!

Bothered you
Nothing

Comments
The Dutch travel agency went out of bussiness, so I contacted Hidden Trails, they took over the booking. They did a wonderfull job!

Enjoyed the most
The great balance of high energy riding and activity and relaxation.

Comments
ETh hosts on the trip made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived and were kind, generous and patient throughout the trip

Enjoyed the most
Loved the trip- the fact that an advanced ride is actually an advanced ride and all the guests had the same capabilities and skills, allowing everyone to have a good time and have great gallops freely! I remember being on a trip and we could not go as planned because of the other riders who overcalculated their skills and held the rest back. The grading of the ride (the old trip)varied from company to company as I compared it with the other riders. I would totally go on this trip again and it is definitely for someone who can handle varied and unpredictable terrain. The family was great, the food was good, accomodations good, bathroom facilities as expected, horses wonderful and location was magnificent. 
It was rustic and fun and yet we still had our basic comforts.

Bothered you
Everything was as I expected it to be. Cigarette smoking around the campfires. The Americans did not smoke but most of the Europeans did and it was suffocating. Also, not enough drinking water while on the rides. We carried two small water bottles in our saddle bags (initially just one) and this is no way enough for a full day of riding in the heat. Advise a camelback or a bigger water bladder for the saddle bags. We were not able to pack a whole lot in the very tiny saddle bags. Also advise some kind of nasal spray because some of us got bleeding noses on the trip from the dry air. Wet wipes were a must and they supplied us a good amount but I still brought my stash.

Comments
Also travelled with Hidden Trails before.

Yes, I have made it a mission to take one equestrian vacation a year...I am hooked! So I am always looking online for good trips and deals...hopefully a frequent traveler deal since it is my second trip with HT plus referrals. Since I always combine two tours when I take off (an equestrian tour with a regular escorted tour), how dates synch in is important so an online search feature that can narrow down as much as specific dates without having to open the individual trip pages really helps.

Enjoyed the most

everything

Enjoyed the most

the view, horses and the other riders

Bothered you

that one is oblige to pay a tip of 10 % at the end of the trip. It should be included in the payment from the beginning. The transfer fee is also very high.

Enjoyed the most

Riding alongside wild horses. It was magical and can only be described as a soothing balm for the soul.

Bothered you

That the trip had to end.

Enjoyed the most

Everything, but especially the amazing horses!

Bothered you

Nothing...

Comments

Lana and her family were absolutely wonderful and accommodating! Will definitely recommend in the future!

Enjoyed the most

all nature, horses, weather, friends,guides,...

Bothered you

nothing

Comments

it was important that the other riders were excelent riders. no childern was good too.

Enjoyed the most

Chasing the horses in the mountains.

Bothered you

Day 1 and day 3

Enjoyed the most

the riding all day

Bothered you

nothing

Enjoyed the most

landscape hosts horses

Bothered you

nothing

Comments

Travel agent

Enjoyed the most

Knowing I was being taken of by a passionate family that wanted me to have a great experience.

Bothered you

Not one thing!

Comments

Lana, LT and their family are special people...they care deeply about what they do.

Enjoyed the most

Knowing I was being taken of by a passionate family that wanted me to have a great experience.

Bothered you

Not one thing!

Comments

Lana, LT and their family are special people...they care deeply about what they do.

Enjoyed the most

Good organization. Great hosts and co-riders, amazing nature and sure-footed horses

Bothered you

Sometimes I felt we should have looked more after the horses.

Comments

Please only "Specials" by e-mail if they only come like once a month. Please don't spam my e-mail account... :-)

Enjoyed the most

The horses, the people, the terrain, the food, the entire experience!

Bothered you

Nothing!

Comments

Thank you to Hidden Trails for recommending this horse drive to me. It was really fantastic!

Enjoyed the most

The horses, the landscape, the atmosphere

Bothered you

Nothing. My expectations were more than fulfilled.

Enjoyed the most

- The place is beautiful surrounded by the nature in the middle of nowhere, very relaxing and exotic. - The ranch is rustic but also well organized as well as the campsites. - I thankfully had good time with my friend from France. We had good horses and loved the sceneries and the perfect weather

Bothered you

- The group was way too big, 16 people with several of them being very beginners...( the website asks for a intermediate/strong level) ,which took much more time to get ready everyday. This made the rides much more dangerous ( especially with a leader in the front and nobody at the back ). This provoked multiple minor injuries to the people and several more important ones to the horses. -The injured horses weren't replaced -I respect religious beliefs, but I don't accept that the family imposed twice a day, their prayers. I didn't sign up for a Mormon retreat. -One night, instead of watching how to turn a "young colt" into a working ranch horse ( as advertised on the website), we had a sheriff who came to the campsite and demonstrated shooting multiple weapons, showed us a video on weapons/self defense, and proposed his services after the ride to teach us how to handle and shoot weapons. Inappropriate to say the least.