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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Canada
Intro to Canada
Alberta British Columbia Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon
Extensions:
Coastal Yacht Charter
Johnstone Straight
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Porcupine Hills Working Ranch and Round Ups
Alberta
Canada
Surround
yourself with 4,000 acres of vast open country which comprises the
impressive Porcupine Hills Ranch. Herds of elk and deer mingle with
Texas Longhorns and Crossbred cattle, as well as Percheron, Appaloosa
and Quarter horses. This working ranch is a family-owned and operated.
The family enjoys meeting and introducing guests the from all over the world to their western lifestyle. During the season from May to October you can join in on weekly ranch activities, branding in the spring and cattle round ups and drives (spring/summer/fall drives - book early).
Wayne and Judy and their family take
pride in the historic legacy that depicts the ranch. Their
daughter and her family farm 30 miles east, while three sons, Rusty,
Brett and Flint, divide their time between other interests and ranch
life. Established in 1881 by Colonel Lyndon, the foothills ranch stands
as testament to a bygone era. By preserving their Western heritage and
lifestyle, they are able to share the legends, history and culture of
cowboy life with their guests. A visit to the ranch in the Porcupine
Hills will leave you with a lifetime of western memories. If you have
always wanted to be part of ranch life or a cattle drive, give some
thought to spending some quality time on horseback in the beautiful
Porcupine Hills. The ranch runs about 600 head of cattle and a herd of
over 80 horses, many of them home-bred, which are suitable for all
abilities. They have been breeding and showing award winning Percherons
since 1969 and also breed registered Quarter Horses and Appaloosas.
You become very much part of the family at this ranch and will enjoy home cooked
meals and comfortable accommodation. The main ranch house has two
double guestrooms with a shared bathroom and the new cabin has two ensuite double rooms. Alternatively you may choose the rustic life in a
turn of the century refurbished log bunkhouse.
Access is convenient from either the Calgary International Airport (1.5
hour drive) or from the U.S. Montana border crossing. Often guests use
the place as a staging area to drive to Banff, Waterton National Park,
Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump or Calgary, returning the same day to the
Ranch. (Please note that while the ranch has a high speed internet
satellite, there is no cell phone service at the ranch.)
A Rancher's Goals
The goals of ranchers today is the same as yesteryear: produce the best beef we possibly can, raise the best horses that a cowboy would wish to have, operate in harmony with the wildlife and be conscientious stewards of the land.
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Working Ranch Cattle Drive, Round Up
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Meeting:
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Claresholm
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Airport:
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Calgary
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Transfer:
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Calgary Pick up between 12 noon and 6 pm
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations, all meals, daily riding, day trip to "Head Smashed into Buffalo Jump" or "Historic Fort MacLeod" on the regular ranch weeks
| A | 2012 | 7 day Ranch Week, AP | 7d / 6n | $1395 | $1395 |
| Supplement for cabin with private bath pp (dbl) per week | $100 | $100 |
| Two-week Rate (12 nights) | $2595 | $2595 |
| B | 2012 | 7 day Branding Week, AP | 7d / 6n | $1750 | $1750 |
| Supplement for cabin with private bath pp (dbl) per week | $100 | $100 |
| C | 2012 | 7 day Cattle Drive / Round Up Week, AP | 7d / 6n | $1750 | $1750 |
| Supplement for cabin with private bath pp (dbl) per week | $100 | $100 |
Minimum Deposit:
50 %
GST (VAT) 2.5% (5% for Canadian residents)
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Calgary Airport and return at set times (rate for 1st rider)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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$
300
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$300
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2012
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Each additional rider afterwards - transfer rate per person - then total cost shared by group
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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$
50
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$50
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Check in is between 3 and 5 pm. Check out is at 11 am.
Group transfers from and to the airport are Sundays between 12 noon to 6 pm and return transfers are Saturdays between 12 noon and 6 pm. Exact times will be set when we have all arrival details ..
Transfers from Calgary city on request only.
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2012
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05/22
- 05/28
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Expired
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| C |
2012
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05/27
- 06/02
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7d / 6n
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7 day Cattle Drive / Round U...
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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06/03
- 06/09
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| B |
2012
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06/10
- 06/16
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7d / 6n
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7 day Branding Week, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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06/17
- 06/23
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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06/24
- 06/30
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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07/01
- 07/07
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/08
- 07/14
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| C |
2012
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07/15
- 07/21
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7d / 6n
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7 day Cattle Drive / Round U...
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/22
- 07/28
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/29
- 08/04
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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08/05
- 08/11
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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08/12
- 08/18
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| C |
2012
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08/19
- 08/25
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7d / 6n
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7 day Cattle Drive / Round U...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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08/26
- 09/01
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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09/02
- 09/08
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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09/09
- 09/15
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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09/16
- 09/22
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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09/23
- 09/29
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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09/30
- 10/06
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7d / 6n
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7 day Ranch Week, AP
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| C |
2012
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10/03
- 10/09
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7d / 6n
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7 day Cattle Drive / Round U...
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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Rates do not include:
No riding on Sundays. Gratuities.

The emphasis is on scenic rides around the ranch, checking over the 600 head of cattle and the breeding horses as you go. The gentle pace of the riding is set by the terrain and respect for the horses. You would normally expect to ride out in the morning and afternoon, returning to the ranch house for lunch. Day rides can also be arranged. Lessons in Western riding are available to everyone at no additional cost. Ranch activities also include cattle drives, branding days, seasonal round-ups and regular checks on cattle & horses. Other options include team roping practice and learning the basics of roping, or hiking the hills and watching for birds and other wildlife. Taste the crystal clear spring water that flows through the ranch yard into a pond that is home to colorful ducks and geese. Join the family as they go about the daily ranch activities. After a day in the saddle, you can spend the evening beside a crackling campfire, relax on the deck, or challenge someone to a game in the horseshoe pit.
At certain times of the year round ups and cattle drives are organized.
Please see below for more information.
Round Ups
During the Branding Week you can take part in a very traditional experience that even today echoes the practices of the past. You will help the wranglers gather, sort and brand the herd. This is a very social time for all the ranchers and their families.
Cattle Drives
Spring Drive: The first cattle drive of the year allows us to take the yearlings into the Forest Reserve in the first part of June. Usually we gather the yearlings on one day and drive them three miles to the neighbor’s corrals. They will stay there overnight, and the next morning our group will join us as we combine the herd and move them between 15 and 20 miles into the Forest Reserve. This will take place on the 1st of June (weather permitting).
Summer Drive: 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.
Fall Drive: 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. Please book early as space is limited and these weeks are the first to book.
Meeting:
Claresholm
Airport:
Calgary
Transfer:
Calgary Pick up between 12 noon and 6 pm
Distance:
80 miles 1.5 hrs
Check in is between 3 and 5 pm. Check out is at 11 am.
Group transfers from and to the airport are Sundays between 12 noon to 6 pm and return transfers are Saturdays between 12 noon and 6 pm. Exact times will be set when we have all arrival details ..
Transfers from Calgary city on request only.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter, Appaloosa and Paint, Percheron
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Pace:
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Level for all riders. 6 to 8 hrs in the saddle. Round ups and Cattle Drives only for more experienced riders
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
65
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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The emphasis is on scenic rides around the ranch, checking over the 600 head of cattle and the breeding horses as you go. The gentle pace of the riding is set by the terrain and respect for the horses.
The ranch can take all levels of riding ability. Children over twelve years old are welcome. The riding is all at a walk on the ranch; the riding will be more challenging during Cattle Drive weeks.
Horses
The ranch has a herd of over 80 horses, many of them home-bred, which are suitable for all abilities. They have been breeding and showing award winning Percherons since 1969 and also breed registered Quarter Horses and Appaloosas. The Lucas Family purchased their first registered Percheron in 1969. The pair of mares "Royal Daisy" and Drake Farms "Ann" came from Ontario. These horses sparked a desire to enter the Show Ring!
Royal Daisy was shown extensively and was prominent in the winner's circle for many years.Farman Bill and Opal Lucas toured England and France in 1975 and returned home with the Grey Percheron Stallion "Farman". He was the first French Stallion to be imported from France to Canada since 1930. One of the first ranch-raised Perchersons to be shown widely and successfully was "Big John". In 1976, he won three Grand Championships and two Supreme Percheron trophies in Alberta. That fall he went on to be named Grand Champion Stallion at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair. Sir WilliamBig John's sire, the renowned "Justimere Showtime" also sired a half-brother out of the mare "Drake Farms Ann". This Stallion was "Sir William"; he was perennially at the top of his class for the few short years he lived. The progeny of these horses has allowed the ranch to show quality Percherons for many years. The ranch held production sales in 1983, 1986 and 1998. Wayne and Judy had a Percheron dispersal sale in High River, AB but the need to keep Percherons in their lives was too great. The small herd of ranch Percherons is slowly growing and more and more frequently of late; the ranch horses are finding their way to the show ring!
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following: (a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian . more
The area is known for its moderate climate.
The dress code is always casual, so when you are relaxing around the ranch, wear whatever feels comfortable.
For Riding:
* Boots with a heel and smooth
sole are recommended. If you don’t have your own, we do have a
selection of boots for guests to use during their stay.
* A cowboy hat with stampede string or baseball cap secured with a cap clip
* Jeans or riding pants. We do not recommend that you ride in shorts.
* Long-sleeved shirt
* A sweater or fleece for layering on those cooler days
* Gloves
* Warm jacket for spring and fall riding
Around the ranch:
* Light weight waterproof jacket
* Spring and Fall can be cool, pack some warmer clothing
* Sunscreen
* Insect repellent
* Lip balm
* Sunglasses
* Camera
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter, Appaloosa and Paint, Percheron
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Pace:
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Level for all riders. 6 to 8 hrs in the saddle. Round ups and Cattle Drives only for more experienced riders
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
65
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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The emphasis is on scenic rides around the ranch, checking over the 600 head of cattle and the breeding horses as you go. The gentle pace of the riding is set by the terrain and respect for the horses.
The ranch can take all levels of riding ability. Children over twelve years old are welcome. The riding is all at a walk on the ranch; the riding will be more challenging during Cattle Drive weeks.
Horses
The ranch has a herd of over 80 horses, many of them home-bred, which are suitable for all abilities. They have been breeding and showing award winning Percherons since 1969 and also breed registered Quarter Horses and Appaloosas. The Lucas Family purchased their first registered Percheron in 1969. The pair of mares "Royal Daisy" and Drake Farms "Ann" came from Ontario. These horses sparked a desire to enter the Show Ring!
Royal Daisy was shown extensively and was prominent in the winner's circle for many years.Farman Bill and Opal Lucas toured England and France in 1975 and returned home with the Grey Percheron Stallion "Farman". He was the first French Stallion to be imported from France to Canada since 1930. One of the first ranch-raised Perchersons to be shown widely and successfully was "Big John". In 1976, he won three Grand Championships and two Supreme Percheron trophies in Alberta. That fall he went on to be named Grand Champion Stallion at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair. Sir WilliamBig John's sire, the renowned "Justimere Showtime" also sired a half-brother out of the mare "Drake Farms Ann". This Stallion was "Sir William"; he was perennially at the top of his class for the few short years he lived. The progeny of these horses has allowed the ranch to show quality Percherons for many years. The ranch held production sales in 1983, 1986 and 1998. Wayne and Judy had a Percheron dispersal sale in High River, AB but the need to keep Percherons in their lives was too great. The small herd of ranch Percherons is slowly growing and more and more frequently of late; the ranch horses are finding their way to the show ring!
Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.
Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.
(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
1 |
| USA |
2 |
| Other EU |
3 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/4 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
N/A |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
5 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
N/A |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Porcupine Hills Working Ranch and Round Ups
Tour Code:
WRAB04
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,395.00
Dates :
May to October
Difficulty :

Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Western
Horses:
Quarter, Appaloosa and Paint, Percher...
Pace:
Level for all riders. 6 to 8 hrs in th...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Calgary
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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