Horseback riding, canoeing, working ranch

This past week was fantastic and amazing.
The horseback riding was    exciting; what
a thrill Heinz on Winterhawk getting all wet in the waterhole and moving
the  Texas Longhorn to another pasture was so adventurous. 

We will miss you.

July
2007  Livia R., Switzerland, Europe

Horseback Riding, Canoeing and Ranch Work

Saddle up …

Our

excellent group of horses are adaptable for each rider’s ability. Marty and Kathy’s goals are to make every guest comfortable with their chosen mounts. They know how important it is for riders to spend some time with their riding horse and get a feeling of the horses nature in order to have the most pleasant ride and to be able to improve their riding abilities.

Experienced riders as well as athletic beginners love the solid and dependable, yet lively and energetic ranch horses. Most of the horses have been raised on the ranch or bought as young horses and Marty and Kathy trained them with patience and love.

The rides are guided by either Marty or Kathy and lead through forested public land. Some trails in the bush are narrow game trails, watch out for branches and enjoy sights of the untouched forest. Some trails are wider and suitable for a trot or for confident riders, there are possibilities to let your horse lope (canter).

Ride the Wind Ranch’s small herd of quiet, registered Texas Longhorn cattle is of historic value to every “Wild West” enthusiast. Guests love to ride along with the herd or every couple of weeks participate in moving the cattle to another pasture.

Do guests need riding experience? The Trail rides are set up for
experienced riders or riders with some trail riding experience and feel
very comfortable around horses and have a love for adventure. On narrow
trails through beautiful Canadian forest, the group rides the horses in
single file; over meadows riders can ride side by side. During a ride, it
is usual to put your horse into a trot often and an easy lope sometimes,
so every rider needs to be comfortable enough to participate.  What is the age limit for horseback riding at Ride the Wind Ranch?
12  – 60 years of age.

What about the weight of
the riders? We do have Paint, Quarter, and Appaloosa horses which can
carry up to 95 kg ( 210 lbs).

Does one of your family feel too uncomfortable to ride? Book
Package B or D (Lodge stay only) and spend time while the riders are out
on the trail reading your favourite book, going on a hike, relax on the
cabin’s porch. In summer, the riders will be back at lunch time.
 

We invite you to watch our 2 minute movie “Horseback Riding in Summer at Ride the Wind Ranch”

And our 3 minute movie “Spring and Fall Cowgirl and Cowboy Experience at Ride the Wind Ranch”

Canoe the lakes and rivers …

Besides the horseback riding,
Hans and Kathy take their guests on great canoe trips on tranquil Crimson
Lake and Twin Lakes or on the scenic Clearwater River (river canoeing
during weekly stays).

Canoes and lifejackets get loaded up on the pick up truck and off to a
great experience on the water. The lakes are wonderful to spend an
afternoon, paddle a bit, take a break on a dock and enjoy the sun.

The day canoe trip on Clearwater River is so much fun. Paddle along the
beautiful scenery for about two hours, than it’s time to stop on a little
island for a campfire – lunch and a swim in the water. Another good hour
on the river after the lunch stop, keep an eye out for white tale deer
sunbathing on islands, blue herons fishing and trout swim in the water.

Ranch Work …

Are you interested in becoming totally emerged in the Ranch environment? You are always welcome to grab a hammer and nails and go off to fix fences, help build a gate, make some firewood. We also always have time to tell you more about ranching, horsing around and Texas longhorn cattle. Come along on the pick up truck to a pasture to bring out water troughs or some salt blocks and check, if the cattle need to be moved to greener pastures.