Horseback Riding at Thanksgiving Ranch

Saddle Up for an Unforgettable Adventure

Thanksgiving Ranch is the perfect escape for horse lovers eager to explore the wild beauty of a southern Alberta working ranch. Set out on horseback through the rolling Foothills and let the landscape unfold around you—breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, wide-open meadows bursting with wildflowers, and the quiet thrill of spotting wildlife or cattle along the way.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or simply seeking a deeper connection to nature, our guided rides offer an authentic and unforgettable way to experience the land.

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 $300 per person

We require all guests to begin with a shorter ride, regardless of past experience. This gives our guides the chance to assess your comfort, confidence, and control in the saddle—especially given our varied terrain and working ranch environment.

If you demonstrate an intermediate to advanced level of skill, have been riding fairly regularly in recent years, and show that you're truly comfortable on horseback, then longer rides may be a great fit. These extended rides venture into higher elevations and cover more ground, offering a more immersive experience. Depending on your ability and where the cattle are located during your stay, you may even have the opportunity to ride through our herd.

Many guests arrive thinking they’re ready for a full day in the saddle, but this land—and our horses—tend to be more challenging than most are used to. Starting small ensures a safer, more enjoyable experience and helps us create a ride that truly matches your skill level.

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 

• We do our best to be flexible when planning rides and want every guest to have a meaningful experience on horseback. That said, we also ask for the same courtesy in return: please be ready on time—or even a few minutes early—at your appointed ride time.

  Our team works hard to coordinate rides, care for the horses, and respect the timing of all guests. If you arrive late, it will be at the discretion of the guide whether your ride is shortened as a result.

  We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation

• Due to variable weather conditions, 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 less confident or smaller 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 our top priority is the safety of both horse and rider. For this reason, we do not allow running, galloping, or trotting during rides.

  We understand this may be disappointing to some, but these rules are in place for good reason—the risks of injury are simply too high. Our goal is to ensure that every guest enjoys their experience and finishes the ride safely.

• 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 do not 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

• 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.