Event Phone: 587.394.7674

Adults Rides

This is for adults who know how to ride and want to get away for some ‘horse therapy’ or ‘something-other-than-yoga.’   Or for English riders that just want to try Western riding and find out what ranch life is like and why we ride one handed.  (Don’t know how? Meh, its easy when you have to hold your coffee mug! )  Or maybe you have a green horse that needs miles and a safe place to learn….come join us.

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 we 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!  We also have some green broke horses that need miles and riders who may want to test their mettle….or bring your own colt.

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.

****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 haul in horses must have at least 30 days of training and be sane.    We want to encourage riding for fun, while improving confidence and horsemanship.

Participants must wear appropriate riding gear 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.