"Bookings for 2006 are already about 30 percent higher over this time last year," reports Colleen Hodson, executive director of the Dude Rancher's Association in Cody, Wyo. While there's no sure way to link the increased bookings to the 'Brokeback' phenomena, Hodson says the numbers and the renewed interest should alert fans to book early.

Since 1926 The Dude Ranchers' Association (DRA) has been helping consumers find quality ranch vacations by establishing and enforcing high standards for its 114 members. In light of what could be a surge of novice riders, these strict criterions translate to a marked level of preparedness for member ranches, says DRA Vice President Cheri Amos-Helmicki.

"Ranches are required to meet a long list of criteria before they are even considered for membership. Between 30 to 60 percent of the ranches that file an application are able to meet the high standards of the association," she says. "We want guests to fully experience the Western way of life dude ranches preserve, but we also want them to be safe while doing it." DRA ranches place up to 4,208 riders in the saddle on any given day, who log approximately 1 million hours on horseback during an average six-month season, Hodson says.

Because each member ranch is required to complete the DRA Horse Safety Certification Program, guests can take comfort in the fact that they are in expert hands, she adds. "A three-year certification is given out upon completion of the program. Right now we have more than 100 ranches, camps and outfitters certified." A three-year certification cycle may sound misleading, but Hodson asserts that the program calls for "continual evaluation of safety procedures and skills."

A core element of the program is Adaptive First Aid for the Trail. Amos-Helmicki, who spearheaded the safety program, says it's imperative that ranch employees have the tools needed to handle an emergency on the trail. As a result, phase two of the safety program will launch this spring with the Wrangler/Guide Training Program, which will certify individual employees on proper first-aid and safety protocol. Most all ranches also require riding instruction before guests are then carefully paired with a horse that best matches their riding ability.