There are no upcoming dates for this event.
Event Phone: 403.408.7674
Father’s Day
GOLD RUSH
Panning for Gold with Ponies
A 2 hr family ranch event for Father’s and a children ages 3 to 13.
Bring Dad and your rubber boots for this gold panning adventure where you ride out in search of the Gold Rush Trading Post to stake your gold claim. Once there you’ll need to trade in your pony and saddle for your land claim and prospector tools. Dads and kids will have an hour to relax, play and of course get wet, while you pan for gold and other treasures in the creek.
All the gold panned will then be yours to keep or can be traded in for CANDY at the Trading Post. HOWEVER, in order to get back to civilization you’ll have to trade back your claim for a pony and saddle. On your way back, stop at a rustic mining photo area to capture your memory of your Father’s Day Panning for Gold on Ponies adventure. …but watch out for those trail bandits that might be lying in wait to rob you of your precious goods!
Pony Handlers: A tour guide will be provided for each group going out and our ponies are very well trained, however if dad isn’t too sure about handling his pony a handler can be provided. (If your a parent that has handled an active toddler you can do this!)
Details:
- Cost for this Father and child experience including pony rental, candy, and a cold surprise ‘treasure’ for dad is $65
- Total adventure time is 2 hrs.
- Additional adults who would like to tag along – $5
- For safety reasons only one child per pony.
- Babes under 2 are free.
- All participants must sign a equestrian waiver and fully understand that this event is being held on an active cattle ranch.
- Please bring your child’s own helmet.
Five times to choose from:
9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm.
Venue: Location
Venue Phone: 587.394.7674
Address:
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.
June 7, 2019 at 2:43 am
Hi, we have a couple of questions about the Father’s Day event. Is it $65 for both dad and 1 child? How do you charge for another child (sibling)? What about the mom if she wants to ride along ($5 or $65?) How long is the total riding time on the horseback and how long is the panning for gold session? Where will the riding adventure actually pass through (i.e. a field, a trail through woods, alongside a creek, etc.)?
Our kids (6 & 9) wish an experience of an actual riding adventure in the nature (not just in a circle around a small gated place). They can see some scenarios while riding. They also like to have a short petting or feeding time with the ponies, but not so interested in how to take care of a horse or cleaning the horse. Can the Father’s Day event provide them with this experience (on top of the panning fun)?
If the event does not suit, could you please recommend another option for us? We wish to have a family riding experience with the kids in a half day trip or less. Additional activities (other than petting and feeding, such as crafts or games) included with the ride is very appreciated but is not what we are aiming for. Thank you!
June 7, 2019 at 8:30 am
Hi Eileen,
Based on your comments this event will be totally up your alley!! No pony circles here!! Kids will have a good hour on their ponies with parents leading (and me guiding and helping alon the way). We go through trees, down and up some easy hills, through creeks. Then the once you find your claim you’ll have an hour to relax and on a blanket by the creek while the kids and dad pan for gold and then do some trading! This is all done out and through a couple of very scenic cow pastures! The ponies will all be saddled and ready so the only feeding kids will do is if they want to pick them dandelions. Lol
Once you get back to the home ranch there will be some hotdogs and cold drinks available but feel free to backpack your own in on the hike.
As for pricing, the $65 include an adult child and pony. So for two children you will want to book 2 ponies. 🙂
My number is 403-408-7664 if you have any more questions.
Best regards, Kari