Event Phone: 587.394.7674

Kids, Cows, Trails & Tricks

Last year we couldn’t keep up with the demand for kids who ‘just wanted to ride more’!  So we are adding this option to the program for kids who know how to ride and want to ride MORE than just once a week.  Whether they are English riders that want to try Western riding, OR local ranch kids that want to haul in and have a fun group of other kids to ride with! 

We meet (weather permitting) to catch and tack up, then we head out on trails to move cows, chase in fence crawlers, chase out a bull, or whatever ranch riding needs done.   This year some of our cattle are involved in an IVF program, so we will be bringing cattle in and out for their treatments, so kids will have lots of opportunity to do work cow,  gates and sort. We are also in the process of adding on to our Cowboy Challenges and we need brave riders to test out new obstacles!   

This class was an absolute hit last year and sold out quickly!

Time: Schedule at least 2 hours.

Duration: 8 weeks but please schedule in an extra week in the event we get rained out.

TWO OPTIONS:

  • PEEWEE (Slow Pokes): Kids 9 and under who know how to ride, but are cautious and like to stick to a walk or trott.
  • YOUTH (Fearless Land Pirates): Cowboys and cowgirls ages 10 to 13 who want to cover ground faster, chase cows and do the harder cowboy challenges and tricks!  If weather is iffy and we need to stay close to home, we will do some beginner roping in the arena.

****Prices include cost of Coach/Trail Boss and whether riders need to rent a horse or provide their own.

NOTE: Although our coaches will step in to assist and actively coach riders and horses, these are NOT riding lessons.  Riders must know how to ride, and horses must be broke and kid friendly.    We want to encourage riding for fun, while improving confidence and horsemanship, in a playful group dynamic.  

Participants must wear a helmet and long pants, riding/cowboy boots and appropriate layers for the weather.

Other information:

❗ Please read our Purchase Agreement & Code of Conduct page prior to registration.

❗ Please download an ‘Acknowledgment & Release Form’ to print out and sign.  This needs to accompany your child when you sign in on the first day.

What to wear:

  • Dress in layers depending on the forecast and please ensure your child wears long pants or leggings.  If chilly, kids in snow pants to keep legs warm in the saddle is the way to go.
  • We encourage footwear with a heel, such as wear rubber boots or cowboy boots, however young kids often prefer to cling with their legs rather than use stirrups, and we are ok with that.
  • If possible, please wear cowboy boots, or winter boots with a heal and warm socks. No open toed shoes allowed.
  • A properly fitted helmet. Please ensure helmets fit and that hair is flat (no braids or ponytails) so that helmet fits snug against the head.
  • Bring  a water bottle that can be tied to the saddle.

HorsePlay Merchandise can also be pre-ordered and set aside for pick-up!

HorsePlay is based out of Big Rock Ranch (est. 1885), just 12 minutes SW of Okotoks.  For more information and directions, please go to the Location page.

  • The bunkhouse has a baby changing station, kitchenette and a small lounge.
  • The ranch bunkhouse has juice boxes, water and pop, as well as pre-packaged granola bars and chips on site at minimal cost if kids get hungry.
  • Staff are certified in standard first aid and CPR.
  • Please don’t feed the ponies treats without permission.

There are no upcoming dates for this event.


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Venue:  

Venue Phone: 587.394.7674

Address:
418215 64 St W, Okotoks Alberta T1S, Canada

Description:

HorsePlay! Ranch Adventures is based out of Big Rock Ranch (est. 1885), a 130+ yr old family owned ranch located SW of the town of Okotoks, AB.

 

DIRECTIONS

HorsePlay! at Big Rock Ranch is just 12 minutes SW of Okotoks (3 min South of the Big Rock erratic).

 

 

From Okotoks:

  • Take highway 7 heading west towards Diamond Valley. You’ll see the Big Rock Erratic and then take the next turn South (left) on 64th street.
  • Look for the ‘HorsePlay / Big Rock Ranch’ sign on the West (right) side of the road. (If you go past the 434th Ave intersection you’ve gone too far.)
  • Drive straight past several white farm buildings and park by the white building with the HorsePlay sign in the window.

From Calgary: Follow the signs to Okotoks and Diamond Valley.  You can either drive through Okotoks or go via Aldersyde to get to highway 7.  Then follow the Okotoks instructions listed above.

From High River:

  • Take highway 543 heading west towards Hartell and Longview.
  • Turn North (right) on 64th street.
  • Go past 434th Ave and take the first turn West (left) into a wide driveway. There is a big ‘HorsePlay / Big Rock Ranch’ sign.
  • Drive straight past several white farm buildings and park by the white building with the HorsePlay sign in the window.

From Black Diamond/Turner Valley:

  • Take highway 22 heading South towards Longview.
  • Turn East onto 434th Ave (heading towards the MD dump).
  • Turn North (left) on 64th street and then take the first turn left again into a wide driveway. (There is a big ‘HorsePlay / Big Rock Ranch’ sign.)
  • Drive straight past several white farm buildings and park by the white building with the HorsePlay sign in the window.