Cowboy Experience
Live like a cowboy and learn real ranch skills on 20,000 acres.
What to expect
This is the real deal, and a whole lot of fun. On this hands-on getaway, you’ll experience the cowboy life while learning real ranch skills on our 20,000-acre working cattle ranch.
Spend your days riding through the rugged hills of the V6, helping gather and sort cattle alongside professional cowboys. You’ll explore wide open country, pick up new skills, and get a real taste of the cowboy lifestyle, no experience needed.
Bring your own horse or ride one of our seasoned V6 Ranch Horses.
Your registration covers all meals and activities.
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Day 1:
3:00pm: Official ride start with scenic trail ride
6:30pm: Dinner and get acquainted at the V6 Blue Oak Horse Camp
Day 2 & 3:
8:00am: Breakfast and coffee in the Roundup Room.
9:30am: Saddle up and head out to gather and sort cattle in the V6 Corrals.
12:00am: Break for lunch in the Roundup Room before heading out for a scenic trail ride.
5:00pm: Unsaddle and enjoy some R&R in camp.
6:30pm: Appetizers in the Roundup Room followed by dinner and dessert.
Day 4:
8:00am: Breakfast at the Roundup Room
9:00am: Scenic Trail Ride
12:00pm: Say our good-byes until next time!
Keep in mind that schedules may vary significantly.
Accommodation
Your home base for this ride is Blue Oak Camp, nestled at the southern entrance of the V6 Ranch. Guests share access to the spacious Roundup Room, bathrooms, hot showers, campfire, and more.
Parkfield Lodge: Comfortable, modern private rooms 2.7 miles from camp. Pricing varies.
Wrangler Row Glamping Tents: Canvas tents with queen and twin beds, right at camp. $125/night plus tax.
V6 Bunkhouse: Cozy rooms with twin beds, located in camp. $125/night plus tax.
RV or Tent: Bring your camper or tent. 30 water hookups available free on a first-come basis.
Food
After a full day cowboy stuff, there’s nothing better than gathering around for a warm, home-cooked meal.
Every dish is made from scratch by our ranch crew using time-tested family recipes. Enjoy fresh California ranch fare like mole-marinated top sirloin cooked over a Santa Maria BBQ, crisp salads, and freshly baked cookies. Our kitchen is the true heart of the ranch, serving up wholesome, handcrafted food that puts a cherry on top of a fulfilling day.
Upcoming Cowboy Experiences
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March 24-27, 2027
SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS BRINGING OWN HORSES!
WAITLIST OPEN FOR GUESTS RIDING V6 RANCH HORSES.
Four days of ranch life on the V6. Gathering cattle, sorting, and trail riding as spring takes hold. A great way to kick off the year, with plenty of hands-on cattle work along the way. -
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September 30-october 3, 2027
Fall brings golden hills and some of the best riding on the V6 all year. Four days of gathering, sorting, and working cattle. A cowboy’s dream.
“One of the best vacations we have had!”
V6 is the best ranch! From the extremely friendly and fun Varian family, the great horses, and the rustic-upscale cabin accommodations, we absolutely love visiting.
~ Allison M.
“Incredible real ranch life experience.”
We met some really fun guests that we can't wait to ride with again. Great food, beautiful scenery, can't say enough about how genuine and real the Varians are. This is a must do every year!
~ Beth G.
Pricing
$950 per person for guests bringing their own horse
$1,350 per person for guests riding a V6 Ranch Horse (Sold out)
$500 deposit due at signup
Includes: All meals, all activities and instruction, RV or tent camping (water hookups available on first come first served basis), horse corrals (by reservation).
Glamping Tents, Bunkhouse Rooms and Lodge Rooms are not included.
Gratuity not included, but very appreciated!
Ready to ride?
Submit your registration request below and Kathryn will be in touch shortly to complete your booking!
Still have some questions? See our FAQ below or fill out the form below and Kathryn will be happy to answer any questions you have!
Frequently asked Questions
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Choose your dates. You can see all available Cowboy Experience dates here.
Request registration form. Request a registration form here. We will reach out shortly and help you complete your registration.
Complete registration & pay deposit. Fill out and sign the V6 Ranch registration form, V6 Ranch Release and pay a $500 deposit.
Pay your balance. Your balance is due no later than 30 days prior to arrival.
Please be aware that V6 Cowboy Experiences have limited spots and fill up quickly. If your dream ride is sold out we encourage you to join our waitlist, as spots often become available.
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Due to the intimate group sizes on V6 Ranch Rides and the unique challenges of operating a small, family-owned business, cancellations have a significant impact on our business. Therefore, we must adhere to a strict cancellation policy.
General Policies
All reservations may be canceled or moved up to 60 days prior to arrival, minus a 10% processing fee.
Reservations may only be moved once. Once moved, reservations become non-refundable and may be subject to additional fees due to rising costs.
We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and for this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment. You can get a quote or sign up here: Travel Guard Insurance.
If you have to cancel or move your reservation within 60 days our policy is:
Within 60 Days of Arrival
Rescheduling within 60 days of arrival is allowed, but a $200 processing fee will apply.
The new reservation date becomes non-refundable once it is rescheduled.
Reservations that are canceled within 60 days of your arrival date result in a forfeited deposit.
Within 30 Days of Arrival
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 30 days of arrival.
Reservations cannot be moved within 30 days of arrival.
Other Important Terms
Early departures are not eligible for refunds. Guests are responsible for the full amount of the original reservation.
V6 Ranch Rides are held rain or shine – weather does not affect our ride schedule.
Medical or family emergencies do not qualify as exceptions to our cancellation policy.If you are bringing your own horse, please note:
If your horse becomes injured, sick, or otherwise unable to participate these not qualify as exceptions to our cancellation policy. Depending on availability, we may be able to provide one of our ranch horses for your ride. Additional fees will apply. Reach out to us to check availability.
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V6 Ranch rides are all open to guests of all riding skill levels.
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Kids ages 7 and up are welcome.
For the safety of our horses we unfortunately cannot accommodate guests over 250 lbs.
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V6 Rodeo Academies have a group size of approximately 40 guests.
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V6 Ranch Horses are available on a first come first served basis.
If you would prefer to bring your own horse stalls are available by reservation. Horses must be in good shape and have shoes as terrain can be steep and rocky.
Learn more about our V6 Ranch Horses here.
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V6 ranch rides and events are held rain or shine.
On a ranch in California, there is no better day than a rainy day! The ranch is BEAUTIFUL in the rain and we will do our best to ride around the rain.
Get in the arena and learn from the cowboys who live it every day.