Hudson Valley Dude Ranch Survives Pandemic
During Memorial Day Weekend 1958, Nathan and Gloria Turk opened the doors to Rocking Horse Ranch, located in Highland, NY. The resort business has stayed in the family and is currently owned by Steven Turk, the original owners’ son. After 62 years of successful business, the Rocking Horse Ranch Resort faced a predicament that they had never seen before — a global pandemic.
A vacation at Rocking Horse Ranch during a normal time consists of unlimited activities such as an indoor waterpark, horseback riding, ball pits, trampolines, kayaking, and nightly shows. Since the resort is all inclusive, a buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and sit down dinner is also included. All of the normal practices came to a screeching halt on March 20th, 2020 and the resort had to shut down.
“We were closed for a total of about three months, we reopened June 19th. In the time that we were closed, we were constantly in contact with the county health department, with the state health department, and we were being briefed basically daily by our county executive.” Steve Vittoria, Marketing Director at Rocking Horse Ranch, explained. “The state had to put together a list of guidelines that would allow us to reopen to the public safely.”
Minor details such as the check-in line and where people stand at the front desk had to even be considered with social distancing in mind. Rocking Horse Ranch not only had to follow the hospitality guidelines, but they also needed to follow dining guidelines since they serve food to their guests.
“Breakfast and lunch are still “buffet,” but they are no longer self-service. We now have staff that wear gloves and masks serving people off the buffet as opposed to everyone touching.” Vittoria said.
When the resort opened up, families were ready to get back to the resort and start back up with all of their favorite recreational activities. Although the spa and “Fun Barn,” which was filled with a ball pit and maze for children, were unable to re-open, the stable full of horses, and the kayaks that had been sitting idly on the lake were ready to go.
“For the kayaking and the boats, we have an EMist cleaning tank which is essentially a giant wand with a holding tank and the tank holds a disinfectant. The boats all get sprayed after every use along with the life jackets. The reins and any touch points on the saddle get disinfected by hand. The riding helmets are sanitized and plastic liners have to be worn on the guests head under the helmet.” Vittoria said stressing the importance of sanitation.
Cathy Lyons, a resident of Hull, Massachusetts, has upcoming plans to visit Rocking Horse Ranch and she is thrilled with their reopening policies and feels comfortable with the outdoor activities they have to offer. Also, since she is fully vaccinated, that plays a role in it.
“I do feel safe doing outdoor activities at Rocking Horse Ranch. As a fully vaccinated person, I even feel safe despite cases being high in Hudson Valley at the moment. Especially since outdoor and distanced activities are much safer. You don’t need to be close to others to kayak with them.” Cathy Lyons emphasized.
Cathy only expressed one concern when it came to going to the resort and it had to do with dining procedures.
“I personally might stay away from the buffet if staff members stop serving others. But if someone was to serve me, I would feel safer. In that case, many less people would be touching the same utensils that I would be.”
As guests continue to return to Rocking Horse Ranch and the capacity increases, there is always a chance for transmission of the virus, although it seems as if staff is handling it appropriately. Guests can be at ease knowing how safe the resort is and how well they are handling the pandemic.
“Since June, knock on wood, we haven’t had any issues with any sickness. It’s been really good. The guests have been cooperative and we find that overall things are getting back to normal!” Vittoria exclaimed.
