|
The idea of the Bar W originated in 2000. It began with a father’s longing to escape the rigors and chaos of the office and stave off burnout. He came to Montana with his two young daughters, Meghan (age 9) and Emily (age 7). Both girls had only about a month’s worth of horseback lessons under their belts. Dave Leishman, future owner of the Bar W, and his daughters were persuaded by longtime friend and owner of the Double D Guest Ranch in New Jersey (and now Bar W partner) Phil Dukes to head West and make the trip to the Bear Creek Ranch. In the spirit of true Montana hospitality, Bear Creek's wranglers worked with Dave and the girls on their horsemanship skills and under their tutelage, Dave’s fears and doubts about his riding skills quickly abated. In no time, he and the girls were riding to the tops of ridges, where they could gaze at the Big Sky countryside for 130 miles in every direction. “We went up ridges and down ridges that I never imagined a horse could go,” Dave said. It turned out to be a vacation for the ages – one of those life-changing, priority-altering experiences many people wait a lifetime for. It was a whole package - the riding, the western way of life, the rodeos, the work, and the people – a true total experience. Dave and the girls drew closer on each subsequent trip to Montana, and it was an adventure that they shared year after year. He was hooked. So much so that after the next four annual trips, the former world-class skier and outdoorsman decided that a yearly excursion to Montana just was not enough anymore. Dave wanted a ranch of his own, a place where he could help people live the same experience he did on his first visit. Dave and his wife Jan joined with Dave’s brother Greg and Phil Dukes to make the dream come true.
Now, having ridden some of the toughest trails, Dave and the girls understand it from a beginner’s as well as a veteran rider’s perspectives. Their experience has provided them with a keen understanding of our guests’ reservations about riding when they arrive. The Bar W knows how to tailor the guests’ riding experiences to their capabilities. Today, the annual trip for the Leishman family lasts a full summer with Dave, Jan and youngest daughter Haley joining Meg and Em to work around the ranch and enjoy the Montana lifestyle. “Our first trip to Montana literally changed our lives – we hope you give us a chance to make a difference in your life as well. We will do our best to make sure that the joy of your stay lasts a lifetime too!” The Leishmans & Phil Dukes
| 
