Horseback Riding at Thanksgiving Ranch

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 Canadian Rocky Mountains and sprawling mountain 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 are comfortable with new riders. We tailor the horseback 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 book your ride here. If you are planning a stay at the Ranch, you can book your ride and stay here.

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

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

(90 minute plus experience)

Starting at $150 per person

If you are new to horseback riding, or you just haven't been on horseback for a few years, we recommend this experience ... you'll get a stunning view from the top of a horse and not as likely to get saddle sore. 

Your experience can begin when you 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 - to ensure you are at ease on the 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 creek side. 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. 

Guided Horseback Riding - Experienced Rider (approx. three hour experience)

Starting at $290 per person

If you prove to be comfortable on a horse, possess an intermediate to advanced level of skill on horseback, and have been riding fairly regularly over the past few years, these longer rides are perfect for you (your bottom has likely adjusted to life in a saddle). 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

• Footwear should be shoes or boots with at least a one-inch heel (riding boots are great, but dress boots or even rubber boots will work as long as they have a 1-inch heel). 

• Note that long parts are mandatory. Jeans are recommended. Some brands of leggings are okay. Sweatpants are not acceptable as the material is generally slippery. 

• Long sleeve shirt is preferable (for riding through the trees).

• Dress in layers for warmth and be prepared for rain with a waterproof jacket.

• Helmets are a good idea, especially for junior riders (if a proper riding helmet is not available, a good fitting bicycle helmet or hockey helmet is adequate). However, you may decline the option on the waiver form.

• A cowboy hat is always acceptable - we love to see our riders share the Western spirit but hats must be very 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 

• The length of the riding experience is not based upon actual time in the saddle. Preparation, grooming, saddling, safety and introductions are assumed to be part of the experience.

• Due to variable winter weather conditions 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

• Minimum age of a rider is 8 years. We reserve the right to lead the horse for younger riders.

• 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. We reserve the right to cancel a booking if relevant information has not been disclosed.

• All trail rides are guided by experienced staff and we do our best to minimize these risks to both horse and rider by prohibiting any running, galloping or trotting without permission.

• Fast movements around horses and general disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Riders who disregard this directive increase risks for themselves and other riders, and will be removed from the ride without refund.

• One rider per horse

• We don’t recommend riding during pregnancy

• 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 but not just to lengthen the timeframe of the experience

• 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

• Guests of The Lodge are given priority for riding experiences.

• Hand lead horse rides for younger guests of The Lodge are available on a limited basis, approximately 5 to 10 minutes in length,

Questions About Riding?

Complete the form below or call or email us at info@thanksgivingranch.ca, 1 (403) 627-1961 or 1 (866) 966-7484.