Whitened Stallion Ranch, an extravagance dude ranch and dealing cattle ranch in Arizona, USA, may be the latest ranch to achieve the Top50 accolade. One factor that actually separated itself for all of us wasn't only the ranch's location just 35 minutes from Tucson Airport Terminal, but the truth that the moment you step cowboy boot-clad feet within the Arizona ranch, you may be 100 miles in the 'outside world'.

Since you can't go ahead and take entire items in your wardrobe, listed here are the primary points to consider when packing for the dude ranch vacations

Dude ranch vacation packing can be a nightmare! Unsure of what - and what not - to throw in your suitcase when packing for your horseback riding holiday? Whether you've signed up for an overnight pack trip, a backcountry riding adventure, a luxury ranch-and-spa break or anything in between, we've got your packing predicaments covered

Horseback riding holidays at Snowy River Horseback Adventure in New South Wales, Australia, are so much more than a horse trekking experience. The ranch, which specializes in leading small groups on two- to five-day horse treks across 'The Man from Snowy River' countryside, is a historical property where guests can learn about the Old Ingebirah Homestead during their horseback riding holidays.

Cattle drives offer a real treat for anyone looking for an authentic taste of western cowboy culture. And where better to experience the excitement of cattle drives than at Montana guest ranch Bonanza Creek, an adult-oriented working cattle ranch that is steeped in history. And it is this history which helps makes cattle drives at Bonanza Creek so special and authentic

Horseback riding holidays at Beaumont High Country Experience in Southland, New Zealand, offer more than just a unique sheep mustering experience on the 20,000-acre sheep and cattle station. Head to the 160-year-old New Zealand ranch and you'll discover Flecks Hut, a small, unassuming building with a big history.

Dude ranch vacations can be expensive: Fact. Whether you choose a rustic working ranch vacation or an all-frills luxury dude ranch vacation, one thing you can't escape is the cost. But have you often wondered where all that money goes? How is a ranch's revenue spent and what do guests get in return? That is something Peter de Cabooter, manager of The Hideout Guest Ranch in Wyoming, USA, is frequently asked by guests.

The Hideout Ranch in Wyoming, USA, inspired one of its guests for fictional novel "West of Sheridan". The ranch's good friend and guest, Mr Dean Ross, penned and published the fictional novel about two men traveling through northern Wyoming after a solar event destroys the nation's population and access to modern technology. The men subsequently find themselves in the modern day/future version of the "Old Wild West".

Running a guest ranch is about much more than playing host and offering excellent hospitality. Providing dude ranch vacations brings with it a whole set of challenges as well as constant change, to which luxury dude ranch resorts and working ranches alike much adapt to in order to keep their ranching businesses - and their livelihoods - alive.

White Stallion Ranch, a luxury dude ranch and working cattle ranch in Arizona, USA, is the latest ranch to gain the Top50 accolade. One thing that really stood out for us was not just the ranch's convenient location just 35 minutes from Tuscon International Airport, but the fact that as soon as you step cowboy boot-clad foot inside the Arizona ranch, you could be a hundred miles from the 'outside world'.

Tracey O'Connell, owner of Tod Mountain Ranch in BC, Canada, explains the challenges faced with running a guest ranch located in prime forest fire territory

Rancho Los Banos in Sonora, Mexico, recently received a visit from a UK national newspaper's roving reporter. Amy Willis, LA-based digital editor of British daily newspaper The Telegraph, paid a visit to the Mexico working ranch earlier this year for the Feburary roundup and, inspired by her incredible trip, wrote this article for the news title.

Bargain ranch vacations don't have to mean compromising on quality and high standards. Take a dude ranch vacation at Top50's Lone Mountain Guest Ranch this June and you'll save a whopping 10%, thanks to the Montana dude ranch's special offer. The discount ranch vacations are so tempting, we've named them Top50 Ranch Special of the Month for April 2012.

Planning a dude ranch vacation isn't something to leave until the last minute! There's a lot to consider, so follow Top50's top 10 tips to make sure you get the most out of your western riding holiday…

Dude ranch vacations are the ultimate way to enjoy a whole host of recreational activities. And it's not just about the horseback riding! In fact, many of our Top50 dude ranches, guest ranches and working ranches are great places to relax and unwind without even going near a horse.

Win $200 of vouchers for a dude ranch vacation at any of Top50's ranches! And how do you win such a fantastic prize?

One ranch ticking all the boxes when it comes to catering for kids is Red Horse Mountain Ranch in Idaho, USA, whose comprehensive children's program caters for 3-11 year olds.

Making July 2012 a great time to plan a Canada ranch vacation. The 10-day rodeo, exhibition and festival held each year in Calgary, Alberta, is one of the world's largest rodeos and attracts over one million visitors every year.

Love dude ranch vacations? Then you'll love the riding and yoga retreat put together by C Lazy U Ranch and Julie Goodnight! Taking place at the Colorado guest ranch on May 18-21, 2012,

A maximum of 16 guests enjoy the antique, luxury cabins, soft beds, great food, top-notch riding and cattle drives. At the Lazy E-L, you have the opportunity to live and breathe adventure and experience complete relaxation.