Get away from it all and gain an inside view of an authentic working family ranch... ride the foothills, check cattle, fix fences, learn to rope the dummy or just kick back and relax. Set at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Canada this small working cattle ranch is the real thing. On 2 week programmes guests will experience cattle work and learn the basic techniques of working cattle and ranch roping. Riding experience would be beneficial for this but is by no means essential as on this horse riding holidaybeginners can also participate.
Why not combine your stay at the Ranch with a two day stay in the city for the world famous Calgary Stampede in July? Please contact Unicorn Trails for details.
Trip length
13 days / 12 nights- cowpuncher
7 days / 6 nights - ranch stay, cattle drives & branding week
5 days / 4 nights - short break
There are many different programmes on this riding holiday and they vary with the time of year, work needing to be done and guests requests. VArying length of stays are possible on this ranch. Short Break 5d/4n for those passing through Ranch stay 7d/6n probably minimum needed to get to grips with cattle work Cow puncher 13d /12n for those serious about learning the ranch lifestyle
This is a genuine working ranch and you will learn about all this entails. On the longer stays, you will experience more cattle work and learn the basic techniques of working cattle and ranch roping. Riding experience would be beneficial for this but is by no means essential. There are a number of special occasions during the typical ranching year and these are detailed below.
Branding Week 7d/6n
Take in a traditional branding experience that even today, echoes the practices of the past. Help the crew gather, sort and brand; you're welcome to observe or pitch in and learn the basics.
Cattle Drives 7d/6n
The first cattle drive takes place in the first part of June and allows you to take the yearlings into the Forest Reserve.
Usually they are gathered on one day and then we drive them three miles to the neighbour's corrals. They will stay there overnight, and the next morning we combine the herd and move them between 15 and 20 miles into the Forest Reserve.
The second cattle drive will take place in mid-July (weather permitting).
This involves taking up the heifers that have been with the bulls for six weeks. This drive is similar to the first as they will go into the same pasture as the earlier group.
The third cattle drive is the Fall Roundup. This drive takes place about the middle of October as the cattle need to be out of the Forest Reserve by the 15th of the month.
We usually leave early from the ranch buildings and ride into the reserve from the back of the ranch. The cattle are gathered and pushed to the corral setup, which is located in the Reserve. At the end of the day we will return to the ranch for a well-earned rest and a wholesome supper. The next day will be very similar as all of the stragglers need to be found and corralled.
While the search is on for the stragglers, a group of ranchers will be separating the cattle as there are five ranchers with herds combined on the Reserve. When everyone has returned, each owner will leave with their herds at different intervals. The ranch herd will then be driven the seven miles home. This is two hard days in the saddle and we recommend that the rider be seasoned.
We would also suggest that if you are interested in a cattle drive, please book early as space is limited and these weeks are always the first to book.
NOTES - ALBERTA WORKING RANCH
There are 3 single rooms on the ranch. Single guests can have these at no extra cost subject to availability.
Please note that all our ranch prices are fully inclusive of taxes, charges and gratuities. Extras that are commonly charged onsite ranches which we include in our prices are: state taxes, local town taxes, accommodation tax and gratuities (12-15% is commonly expected as the staff are paid largely via tips). In addition our prices are guaranteed not to be affected by currency fluctuations once booked.
The weight limit for this ride is 18 st/250 lb/114 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Includes all accommodation (supplement for en suite), all meals, riding and ranch activities, state tax and 10% tip.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, transfer to and from Calgary Airport.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
17, Acorn Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 ORA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
Office hours 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday
Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com http://www.unicorntrails.com
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Under no circumstances is any part of this site to be copied or used without written permission.
