Lazy B Ranch: Trail rides and fun-filled adventure

By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer

Lazy B Ranch Trail Rides and Longhorn Cattle Company celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Friday, June 3. Area Chamber of Commerce officials, neighbors, friends and satisfied customers were in attendance to meet owners Shawn and Camille Boyer, enjoy delicious snacks, and even take a turn around the ring on the well-trained horses who provide transportation around the ranch’s acres of scenic trails.

Writer Cindy Thomas takes a ride on Autumn. And we thought she was working!

(Courtesy Lazy B Ranch)

Shawn, a Marine Corps veteran, has been around ranching and animals for much of his life, including championships in bull riding and bulldogging. Since acquiring their own ranch, he and Camille have worked cattle by horseback and realized that the ranch experience, including the opportunity to be around animals plus the beautiful setting and scenic views, were something they wanted to share with others.

Camille Boyer introduces Autumn.

(Photo by Cindy Thomas)

Lazy B Ranch trail guides are experienced with guiding riders at all levels of horsemanship including beginners, so everyone has a safe and comfortable experience. The trail horses are gentle, including four rescue horses nursed back to health by the Boyers and now enjoying a comfortable life.

Shawn and Camille Boyer cut the ribbon

(Photo by Cindy Thomas)

The ticket price of $45 includes a one hour and 15-minute trail ride, followed by a cowboy cookout of hearty chili, stew, or other authentic trail-style food complete with homemade corn- bread and freshly-baked cookies, but the experience doesn’t stop there. Riders can also try their hand at the roping dummy, enjoy games for all ages, take a hayride, and even hand-feed a longhorn. For no additional cost, everyone can also brand a souvenir board.

Janet Minor, Branson Chamber of Commerce, enjoying a ride

(Photo by Cindy Thomas)

There is a gift shop with souvenir merchandise as well as restrooms, drinks and snacks handy, nice to know since the ranch is, obviously, out in the country. Camille, a former schoolteacher, says her specialty is helping families and especially younger riders feel comfortable and cared for, while Shawn’s expertise is in working with the cattle, answering questions about ranching, and facilitating the “cowboy experience” so everyone has fun.

One guest at the ribbon cutting was Vickie, a visitor to the Branson area from Oklahoma who had taken a trail ride the day before and had so much fun she decided to return for another one. “These people are so sweet; they explain everything and answer questions and just treat you like family,” said Vickie, who entered wholeheartedly into the celebration. “I’m going to recommend this to all my friends, and I’ll be back.” Reflecting Vickie’s comment, Shawn said the goal is for people to arrive as guests, but feel like family by the end of their time there.

Ride times are 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. year-round, weather permitting, with reservations requested at least 24 hours in advance. A discount is available to veterans and their families. Riders under age 18 are required to wear helmets, which are provided at the ranch, and all riders must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

There is a minimum age of 10 years to ride the trails, but a special riding experience is available for younger riders for $20 each.

Visit the website, www.lazyblonghorns.com, for more information and pictures of the ranch and animals. Reservations can be made via the website or by calling 417-543- 3139. The ranch is located at 2100 Cedar Hollow Road, Bradleyville, Missouri, just off Hwy. 76 east of Forsyth and just a short scenic drive for guests vacationing in Branson or the lakes area. Make plans now to join the Boyers and Lazy B crew for a fun-filled adventure!