Winter Ranch Rider Camp

Tues to Thurs (9 am to 3:30 pm).

Two Options for kids ages 8 and up:

              • Brand new beginners or Cautious Riders, or
              • Strong Beginner / Intermediate Riders.

Brand New to Horses or the Cautious Horse Rider

A relaxed 3 days of learning about the horse on the ground, and an introduction to all the horse terminology, parts of the animal and the tack we use.  Day 2 we will start riding in various controlled spaces to build confidence and trust between the horse and rider.  Day 3 if the group is ready, we will go on a short trail ride and check the cows.  Careful, slow and controlled.  This group will also build and take home a rustic keep sake.

Strong Beginner / Intermediate Riders
Learning how to be a great rider is a life long learning journey.  These 3 days offer a review and expansion on the horsemanship skills already built both on the ground and on the horse.  The first day we will work in the outdoor arena reviewing all the basics, working simple patterns in different gaits (much harder than it sounds!!).  The second day will be more challenging as we add in various gymkhana events that will challenge both the horse and the rider, plus a few vertical obstacles to navigate!

Every good ranch rider needs to know how to work cattle, so on the third day kids will get to gently work some cows and cut them out of the herd.  Each rider will get a chance to move a cow out and away from the herd and keep it away.  No herd bound horses here!!  These are working ranch horses and the kids get the chance to REALLY understand a working partnership.  After this fun but very real working ranch rider exercise we will head out on a nice 2 hour long ranch ride and eat our lunch as we ride!

Kids will expect to spend at least 3 hours ON their horse each day (9 hours of instruction) with Kari, the owner and operator of HorsePlay.   Balance of the day will incorporate ranch inspired agricultural/educational activities and of course a good game of bale tag.

Cost $405 + GST

What Kids Need to Bring:

  • Their own water bottle that they can tie to a saddle, and lunch.  (Bunkhouse still does have drinks and pre-packaged snacks on site at minimal cost if kids get hungry.)
  • Kids should bring their snowpants to keep their legs warm in the saddle or long underwear under their jeans.
  • Wear warm socks in their boots.
  • A Helmet and warm gloves.
  • Any personal medication that may be required.

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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.