Sheridan Lifestyle Embraced by NYC Folks
On a whim in 1994, my husband and I took a brief holiday from our home on the east coast to a dude ranch just outside of Sheridan, Wyoming. We left our four young children in good hands thinking we’d scout out the territory and perhaps bring them along the following year. Both of us were first-timers to Wyoming and newcomers to the world of western horseback riding. The destination was Eatons’ Ranch, the oldest dude ranch in the United States.
Photo of Eatons’ Ranch Horses by Tracy Boyle
Neither of us ever imagined that first trip was the start of a 30 year love affair with Eatons’, with horses, the state of Wyoming, and particularly Sheridan County and the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. It changed the course of our lives so much that we now call Sheridan, Wyoming home. Our decision to pack up 25 years on the east coast and trade it all in for Sheridan was a momentous one. And I’d be lying if I didn’t say at times during the process we had reservations. A huge move from east to west can take a toll both physically and emotionally. Many of our friends and family thought we were absolutely crazy. However, the excitement of trying something completely different and building a new home in Sheridan outweighed the doubt and we set forth with optimism and curiosity about our future. And what a wonderful decision it has turned out to be.
A Dream for Equine Enthusiasts
Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan offers an exceptional environment for equine enthusiasts. With its rich cowboy heritage, vast open spaces, and vibrant horse culture, it has become a destination for those looking to keep, train, or even raise horses. Whether you’re a trail rider, rodeo participant, breeder, or someone simply looking for a rural lifestyle with horses at its center, owning equestrian real estate in Sheridan County is an ideal choice for a number of reasons.
Horse-Friendly Climate and Terrain
Sheridan’s high plains location provides a climate that is generally dry and cool, with four distinct seasons. Summers are mild and winters, though snowy, are manageable with proper planning. This climate promotes healthy grazing conditions for native grasslands, which can reduce feed costs. Moreover, Sheridan’s terrain—featuring rolling hills, meadows, and access to mountain trails, offers ideal conditions for riding and training horses. The proximity to the Bighorn Mountains provides endless trails for outdoor enthusiasts, giving riders access to scenic wilderness areas.
Cowboy Heritage and Local Equestrian Culture
Sheridan is deeply rooted in cowboy tradition and Western culture. It hosts several equestrian events throughout the year, including the famous Sheridan WYO Rodeo and polo matches at the Big Horn Equestrian Center. These events attract horse enthusiasts from all over the region, creating a vibrant community of horse owners, breeders, and riders. Additionally, there are plenty of local clubs, rodeo circuits, and social gatherings geared toward horse lovers. The area’s horse-friendly infrastructure including arenas, stables, and training centers—makes it easy to integrate into the equestrian scene.
Availability of Land and Cost of Living
Compared to other equestrian hubs in the United States, land in Sheridan County is abundant, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase 40 plus acre equine properties. Such acreage allows owners to keep multiple horses comfortably, create their own arenas or pastures, and even explore breeding opportunities. Larger properties provide privacy and space for barns, equipment storage, and trails within the property itself. Wyoming’s low property taxes and absence of state income tax further enhance the economic appeal of owning land here, particularly for those planning to run an equine-centered business. This makes it easier for equestrian enthusiasts to invest in facilities such as barns, indoor arenas, or horse trailers without being overwhelmed by financial burdens. The absence of a state income tax and relatively low property taxes benefit those looking to start breeding operations, riding schools, or boarding facilities.
Access to Services and Resources for Horse Owners
Sheridan is home to highly skilled veterinarians specializing in equine care, as well as farriers, trainers, and other essential services. There are also agricultural supply stores and local hay producers, ensuring that horse owners have access to high-quality feed and materials. For those interested in breeding or boarding operations, Sheridan provides a well-connected market within Wyoming and nearby states. Whether you’re raising performance horses or simply keeping a few for pleasure, the local resources support a variety of equestrian needs.
Apart From The Equestrian Lifestyle
Recreational Opportunities and Quality of Life
Living in Sheridan offers more than just a horse-centered lifestyle. The Bighorn National Forest provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting. Sheridan’s charming downtown area, filled with local shops, art galleries, and restaurants, also offers cultural experiences. With a small-town feel and a welcoming community, Sheridan strikes a balance between rural charm and modern amenities. Families can also benefit from the town’s high-quality schools and healthcare facilities, making Sheridan an attractive place to settle down. The combination of recreational opportunities and an equestrian-friendly environment ensures a high quality of life for both horse enthusiasts and their families.
Community Spirit
The Sheridan area has so many other activities and opportunities and you can immerse yourself in the fabric of this great community. For those individuals who may seek absolute privacy and anonymity, you can remain so, escaping into the vast landscape and enjoying the tranquility that surrounds you at every turn. But if you’re more of a joiner, you can dive headfirst into a thriving community with ample avenues to keep yourself engaged. I am a watercolor artist and discovered Sheridan to have a fantastic artistic community featuring a vast depth of talent and expertise. The cultural art scene here is world class and I make that observation after spending many years in the cultural mecca of NYC. For my husband Bob, our move involved a very drastic life change. It meant saying goodbye to Wall Street, 30 years spent on a bond trading floor and 3 hours a day commuting back and forth. It meant he’d finally have the chance to purchase himself a large tractor and countless other “toys” to work on his new property. He could explore options to build a barn and someday to find the perfect horse. Wyoming has set him free in so many ways. His fly fishing rod stands at the ready by the back door. He can immerse himself completely in this great state and share the majesty of the Bighorns with our friends, children, and grandchildren for years to come.
The Bighorn Mountains Foothills
Bighorn’s Peaks Veiwed from the Foothills
There’s no denying that the Bighorn Mountain range and its surrounding foothills are a feast for the eyes. The dramatic skyline, pastoral scenery and endless expanse of rolling countryside will cast a spell on anyone who loves the West. If you enjoy horseback riding, you won’t find better trails and wilderness riding opportunities anywhere. Spanning more than 1.1 million acres and hosting 1200 miles of trails, the Bighorn National Forest offers you a lifetime of horse-back exploration. Both my husband and I are looking forward to countless more trail riding adventures in our future. Both of us intend to be lifetime ambassadors for Wyoming and in particular Sheridan County. If anyone reading this should hear a whisper in their heart to move to Wyoming… listen to it, and connect with the Chase Brothers. Take it from two people who did and who truly believe they now reside in one of the most magnificent places in our great country. Everything about the Bighorn Mountain Foothills of Wyoming says “welcome home.”
