Horse Riding Experience

Thanksgiving Ranch is the ideal place for horse lovers to explore the beautiful nature that surrounds us. Indulge your senses as you travel through rolling Alberta Foothills on horseback. Once on the trail, you can expect spectacular vistas of the nearby Canadian Rocky Mountains and sprawling meadows covered with wildflowers and rich with wildlife spotting opportunities. 

Our guides have years of experience and your safety and comfort are our priority while you’re staying with us at the Ranch. Our horses are also experienced and comfortable with new riders, as long as there is some comfort in being around these animals which are sensitive to the emotions of the rider. We tailor the horseback riding experience to your comfort and riding level. You can meet our horses here.

If you’d like to book a ride and are not planning to stay at the Ranch, please contact us to see if there are any openings available for the public.

All riding experiences can be customized and we’ve included a sampling of experiences below.

Ninety Minute Experience

Guided Horseback Riding - New to Riding or Haven't Been on Horseback for a Few Years

You'll get a stunning view from the top of a horse and not as likely to get saddle sore. Join us at the barn where our experienced guides will introduce you to your horse and their unique personality along with a bit of preparation, including rider safety - this ensures you are comfortable on a horse and that the horse matches your comfort level. If you're an absolute beginner, you’ll receive the basics in horsemanship skills and horse tendencies. Our guides will generally stay on relatively level terrain Creekside. There are opportunities for trotting and loping on all trails, contingent on rider ability and comfort level. Small group sizes ensure that we are not nose-to-tail. 

Three Hour Package

Guided Horseback Riding - Experienced Rider

If you are comfortable on a horse, have intermediate to advanced level of skill on horseback, and have been riding fairly regularly over the past few years (your bottom has likely adjusted to life in a saddle), these longer rides are perfect for you . Our experienced guides head out to higher elevations and travel longer distances. Depending on the location of the cattle during your stay and your comfort level on a horse, we may include a ride through our cattle herd. Small group sizes ensure that we are not nose-to-tail. 

What to Wear For your Riding Experience

• Shoes or boots with at least a one-inch heel are required. We do have a number of boots available to borrow. Riding boots are best, but dress boots or even rubber boots will work as long as they have a one-inch heel

• Jeans or long pants are a must. Tights or jogging pants are generally too slippery.

• A long sleeve shirt is preferable for protection when riding through trees.

• Wear or bring layers. The weather can change quickly, and the horses won’t mind a little extra weight. A waterproof jacket is better to have than to leave behind.

• Helmets are offered to all guests. This is a good idea, especially for junior riders. If a proper riding helmet is not available, a well-fitting bicycle or hockey helmet is adequate.

• A cowboy hat is always acceptable; we love to see our riders share the Western spirit. However, it must be well-fitting or secured with a rodeo string (a string under the chin) to avoid blowing off and spooking a horse.

• More information about what to pack for your stay can be found here

Other Notes 

• Due to variable winter weather conditions, possibly from October through April, we may have to delay, reschedule, or cancel your horseback ride. In that event, we will work with you to rebook or we will refund your deposit

• Thanksgiving Ranch reserves the right to cancel your experience. For example, the reason for cancelation may include rider size, attitude, or safety concerns for our equine team, other participants, and staff. Please be prepared to give the height, weight, and riding level for each rider - so that we can ensure we can accommodate everyone in your group 

• The minimum age of a rider is 8 years

• Horseback riding is not without risk! While we do our best to provide safe and well-trained horses, and guides trained in first-aid, horses and nature are not entirely predictable.

  If you want to participate in this activity, you have been made aware of these inherent risks and have accepted all of these risks.

  You should be aware that ALL riders must sign a liability waiver before riding to indemnify Thanksgiving Ranch (and all associated parties and owners) and employees from legal actions.

• All trail rides are guided by experienced staff

• One rider per horse, no exceptions

• Riding is a physical activity that is not recommended for those who: have issues with knees, back, or hips, balance concerns, had recent surgeries, or are pregnant

• Guests are welcome to bring cameras on trail rides and we recommend that they’re secured with a wrist or neck strap

• Guides will stop for camera breaks so you can take photos

• Please note that for safety reasons items such as backpacks, purses, water bottles, or selfie sticks are not permitted on or near the horses

• Cell phones must be kept on silent as a safety precaution