rowse's 1+1 ranch

My brother, sister, and I went to the ranch in June. My brother and I have never ridden horses. My sister has owned horses. It doesn't matter whether you are or are not familiar with riding and horses, Jerry and Tammy will make you feel so comfortable with the experience from day 1. We not only had a wonderful time out on the range, but the people that were with us that week were fun, friendly and every day we laughed. I do have a few adjectives that describe Tammy and Jerry. Generous, fun, loving, attentive, laid back ( at least we thought so! ), patient, and extremely knowledgeable with horses. That was important for me. Their friends and family were so helpful and fun to be around.We all had tears in our eyes when we left. What does that say about our time at their ranch! :)

If you are looking for a true working ranch experience, with the warmest people, great food, terrific accommodations in a picturesque setting..............this is the place.I am a 52 year old man from New York with all the usual stresses of life looking for that release and freedom that comes with an honest day's work with a horse, cattle and nature and I found it here. After looking at many places to spend my first vacation in years, I rolled the dice and and came up big with 1 plus 1.Both Jerry and Tammy and everyone else at the ranch including their son, daughter in law, ranch staff and neighbors could not make my experience any better. After selecting the perfect horse for my riding ability, we spent hours each day discovering the country side as we rode through their herds of cattle. Each day brought a new adventure from evaluating the health of individual animals to checking fence lines and riding through the sand hills of Nebraska. As a New Yorker, who knew, lol.As I volunteered to feed young calves each morning and night in the pens next to the stable it gave me another insight into the life of my hosts. Watching them nurse back some sick or injured animals with such care and love it truly says a lot for why this ranch is so successful. While spending time on a true working ranch might not be a vacation for some, it was heaven for me and just what the doctor ordered.During my stay there were guests from all across the globe and spending time from a few days, a few weeks and longer.Lastly, during my next visit I plan on not coming alone as the pictures I brought back to not do it justice, it truly is a vacation to share with others.Best wishes and happy holidays to my new friends at 1 + 1Joel SklarLong Island, New York

Before choosing Rowse's 1 plus 1 Ranch in Burwell, Nebraska, I did my due diligence and called several places claiming to offer an "authentic" cowboy experience.My daughter just turned 20 and it was her dream to work on a real ranch, with real cowboys, horses and cattle. We excluded places that offered Spas, various other activities (like fishing, boating, hiking, etc), as well as places hosting families with children (and children activities).We were on a mission. First I thought given I am not experienced rider, it wasn't a good idea! I would be herding cattle across the foothills of Nebraska for 4-5-6-7 hours/day?? I promised my daughter to keep an open mind, and I did! This was her 20th birthday present after all! And so I called Tammy, at the Ranch, and asked a million questions which were answered immediately. I felt more and more comfortable that I might just be able to "swing" it even with my lack of experience.I never write reviews, but I read them when I do my research for new hotels and new destinations. I feel I had to take a moment to write this because Rowse's is truly a gem where you can live a true American dream and be a cowboy for a week! The Ranch is family run. Tammy takes care of the house and cooks, and makes sure the guests are happy and Jerry is a true cowboy who will pick a good horse for you, and make sure you are comfortable. Sure there were very experienced riders in our group, but I never felt I didn't "belong"I am a city girl and to be part of this experience is a true privilege. Tammy and Jerry really take you under their wing and include you in a very natural way into the daily routine. We rode every day, sometimes taking a picnic with us and having lunch in the foothills, other times coming back to the Ranch. We moved cattle from one pasture to another, gathered cattle and brought them back to the Ranch so they could get their shots, and many other things. My daughter was in paradise and I would have never experienced this if I hadn't given it a chance. Tammy's meals were always delicious and there were always plenty of leftovers, and Jerry made sure I enjoyed riding and I had no problem with my horse.Thank you to the Rowse family!! Tammy, Jerry, their son Kyle and his wife Tracy! "T.O." And Linda, and GrandMa were so welcoming and warm to all of us!If you are Looking for this type of American cowboy experience and are overwhelmed by the number of places claiming they are the "most authentic" place, do yourself a favor....and save time! I did all the research and I highly recommend this place! No Spa, no chichis, just the real working Ranch experience made in the USA!!!!! Go, you will not be disappointed!!!!

a real american ranch, where you can enjoy the real cowboy life! the cabins are very nice, the food is delicious! the horses are amazing and good to ride! the landscape is beautiful! The Rowse's are very friendly and its alway very funny! I'm definitively going back for another holiday! Chiara Zuber / Bern, Switzerland

If you want to learn about what real ranching is about this is the place to visit. You get involved with the day to day activities of a working ranch and you are not treated as a tourist but are expected to muck in with what jobs are happening on the day. It was the authenticity of this experience that made it so memorable for us. Tammy was so welcoming and provided us with great accommodation in a cosy, clean and beautifully furnished log cabin and the best food we had in our trip across America, which we ate with the family in their fabulous kitchen. Jerry chose us good horses to ride that matched our abilities (my husband a beginner and me with a little more experience). We rode with Jerry and his team and neighbours herding cows and calves into pens for the calves to be branded. It was fascinating to watch the team separating cows and calves and then roping the calves ready for branding. You get a great insight into how they work the cattle with horses and ropes. My husband and I did a road trip from San Francisco to New York and we both agreed that our time on this ranch was the best part of our trip. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a real authentic ranch experience. Thank you Tammy and Jerry for a brilliant time.

Best vacation ever, the warmth and welcome nature of this Family is beyond words. The cabins, and Food that Tammy cooks are fabulous. Great horses, beautiful scenery. Could'nt have asked for anything more. Will be back soon! Paul & Sylvia Lake Geneva Wi.

I was adopted to the family Rowse like I was one of their own. I felt so warm and welcome! Even at times when fully booked the group is still small and everyone has a chance to get know each other. The wooden lodging are designed individually and with much attention to detail! Very comfortable bed which is much appreciated after a long day out on the horse.Lovely people, great horses, amazing banter, super food…. What more can you ask for!I will definitely be back soon.

I was traveling here with my girlfriend, we have been at others ranches offering what seems to be the same for the last 8-9 years. We are looking for cattlework and riding, as close to the real world of running a ranch as possible. At Rowse's we found it. It is a family owned and operated ranch, no full time employees.We had long days, breakfast at 7:00, saddle horses and ride or trail out at 7:45. During the two weeks we spent there we where back at the ranch for dinner before 18:30 only tree times. It's great :-)Regarding the riding and cattlework, even if they do take beginners - and they seemed to like it. You will still have a lot more fun and value if you know how to ride, and some idea of how to handle cattle. If you a are looking for a place where your riding trip is the most important, this is the wrong place. The work that needs to be done, is the reason for the riding. Don't misunderstand, they take good care of you, and you will get a lot of riding but it is a working ranch. So are you looking for leisure riding, you are probably better of someplace else. But if you are, as us - looking for a real working cattle ranch where you are part of the team handling the cattle - look no further. This is it! The Rowse's are a welcoming family, and great hosts. The cabins are good, clean and gives you a good nights sleep. We will be back next year, no doubt about it.

I was travelling to Lincoln for work and decided to extend my stay. While researching guest ranches, it became obvious: Rowse 1+1. This is not a "dude ranch," where visitors go to "play" cowboy. This is a real working ranch, owned and operated by a six generation Nebraskan family, who are wonderful hosts and terrific cooks! Their horses are wonderful too! - very even tempered, laid-back, but attentive and responsive. The landscape is vast and beautiful. Everything about my experience was positive. Also, just so you, I stayed in the main house, and I shared the bathroom with another visitor who was travelling alone. It was very comfortable, and I was fine.

I wanted adventure, an experience to remember, out of my comfort zone, and I got it :)I was travelling alone from England, never travelled alone before, I was nervous, but that soon disappeared from the moment Tammy's friend picked me up from Grand Island for my journey to Burwell. people of Nebraska are very friendly and helpful. The moment I got to the ranch, everyone welcomed me. I've never rode before so Jerry picked Jose, to be my horse for the week, we got on well and I trusted him from the start, Tammy showed and helped me to saddle up, then the rest of the week Jerry and other guests gave me advice and help, when I needed it. the experience was amazing, feels like your back in time, just you, the horse's, cattle and open prairie as far as you can see, don't forget your camera! but the main thing is, this is real! some early starts, real work, checking and doctoring cattle, and checking fences and windmills. all jobs that need to be done, a learning experience for me, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I got everything I wanted from this 'holiday'. adventure, experience of new things, and after talks with Tammy's mum Irene, a real history of real people growing up on the Sandhills of Nebraska, which is also what I wanted from this trip. Back at the main house, Tammy cooks amazing meals, 3 times a day, steak, home made burgers, grilled veg, chocolate brownies and icecream to name a few. all eaten together around the family dinner table, except maybe a picnic on the pasture. then after a busy day, relax in your own log cabin, which feels like 'little house on the prairie' a real western feel, but with modern amenities, then outside a wooden porch with rocking chairs to sit and relax in the quiet peaceful surroundings, or chat with your neighbour/other guests.

If your "Bucket List" includes experiencing life on a real working ranch, then schedule a week at The 1+1 Ranch. This is not a nose-to-tail trail ride, nor is it a relaxing resort. At the 1+1 you are involved in the actual day-to-day life of a Nebraska sand hills ranch. This may include spending up to six or more hours in the saddle each day, moving cattle from one pasture to another, checking for sick or injured cattle, checking water supplies and a variety of other necessary jobs. The cabins are tastefully furnished with amenities like a coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave. Kicking back on the porch of your cabin in a rocking chair, visiting with other guests, and observing wildlife after a day of riding and a delicious home cooked meal is something to look forward to every day.If you love to ride horses, either experienced or novice, and are looking for an opportunity to be part of a real working ranch The 1+1 is "The Real Deal."

I found this ranch on the internet last year and began to make plans nine months in advance. Collected two male friends and off we went to Nebraska. Had a great time, good food, dry bed, rode nearly all day, and learned a lot. My friends and I are in our late 60's and were ready for bed, but we keep up with the younger ones. I was at the ranch the same time Mandy G spent her week there and her review was correct. In fact all of the reviews are on target. At one time I was in a pen on foot with a number of cows thinking I paid for this. Well I did pay for this and I am thinking of going back next year. Not going to say when until my reservations are set, they might fill up. We drove from Fort Worth, Texas.

As a kid growing up in the Bronx, I would have never believed that one day I would be on a working cattle ranch in Burwell Nebraska. I thought that it would be too much out of my element but Jerry and Tammy quickly eased any concerns I had. Back East, all I have ridden was English, but in Nebraska I was out with the cows, bulls, white tail and eagles. There were breathtaking vistas of beautiful landscape, the rolling green hills, all the wildflowers and the coyote peeking from above the hill. What a treat! The horses were well cared for and such a pleasure to ride. Jerry is one of the best horsemen I have seen; he has an incredible amount of knowledge of horses and cattle. Always quick with a joke and extremely patient with questions and instruction. His wife, Tammy, was very hospitable and prepared meals that were absolutely delicious! I have never eaten so much! Her familiarity around the ranch was obvious as she helped saddle us riders up for the day. After a wonderful and hard working day, we all sat around sharing a good laugh and some interesting stories. I was really looking forward to this trip, but it far exceeded any expectations I had. This experience has truly made my summer. I am already looking forward to returning next summer!Thank you Jerry and Tammy!Mandy Goldstone

Arrived at the ranch this summer for the second year in a row. I am fortunate to live in South Dakota, so it's just a four hour drive. Once again Tammy and Jerry were there to extend a warm welcome. I take my own horse, so put CJ in his pen and settled into my comfortable cabin. Later I headed for the main house for the first of many delicious meals made by Tammy. Here I had the opportunity to meet the other guests and get caught up on the ranch's activities. This is a real cattle ranch where guests have the opportunity to experience first hand checking, doctoring, moving, and sorting cattle. Excellent cow horses are provided for guests to ride in several beautiful Nebraska sand hills pastures. Don't plan on following or in most cases seeing a fence line. The pastures are just too vast. As you look for cattle enjoy riding through gently rolling hills, valleys, meadows and stopping at an occasional windmill and water tank to make sure it is working properly. Tammy and Jerry provide guests with a warm hospitable atmosphere. That's because this is a family run ranch. I especially enjoyed visiting with Irene, Tammy's mother, as she shared stories of being a girl in the sand hills and collecting cow chips while walking to school. Later she and her family would pick up the chips and burn them as fuel. So if it is a true ranch experience you are looking for, and not a commercial dude ranch/resort, then the Rowse's 1+1 will meet all your needs.

I have been to several Ranch Vacations but Rowse's 1+1 ranch is the real thing!!!!!!!First for a midwesterner it is an easy drive with some great scenery to get to the ranch. When you arrive you are greeted by your hosts Tammy and Jerry who immediately put you in a relaxed state of mind. You are shown what appears to be your rustic accomodations that have every amenity you would need plus a welcoming main house that is open to you for anything else.Jerry and Tammy allow their guests to get settled then have a meal so everyone can introduce themselves. They take only adult guests and there is no single suppliment charge if you are traveling alone. Within 24 hours you feel like a family.You do no have to worry about age or level of riding exprience. they match you with a well trained horse to your level.Then the fun starts. This is a working ranch and you are side by side doing the ranching with Jerry, Tammy, their son Kyle and charming daughter in law Tracy. Don't plan a schedule because it changes based on ranch needs and the neighbors requests for help. Everyday is a new exprience. If your body doesn't hold out and you need to rest and back out of an activity no problem but I would recommend you push yourself to exprience everything they have to offer.Meals are wholesome ranch cooking planned and made by Tammy. You will not go hungry. The staff is so attentive they noticed I never took dessert and asked about it. ( I have borderline diabetes) The next day they had sugar free pudding for me without a request from me. I can not say enough about the great exprience I had and observed others having the week I was there. I am trying to free up another week this summer to drive out to the 1+1 ranch. I know it will be different since the ranch will have different needs. If you have any questions or concerns give Tammy a call. She put me at ease with my first contact by phone and you will feel the warmth of a truly great hostess over the phone.Thanks Tammy and Jerry for a great time.Don Fischer