Detour to Spruce Meadows

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I was bribed to come for a weekend in Calgary with a promise to go to Spruce Meadows. Always one to jump for a new adventure, we quickly secured our plans and booked our trip. But I had another special plan while my husband hung out with his childhood buddies ... and it involved horses.


About 30 minutes from Spruce Meadows is the beginning of Kananaskis, and the Moose Mountain. I booked a dayride at a local outfitter and got the homerun: great weather, solo ride with an awesome guide, and a good horse (Noah).

The trail conditions were SO SO different from what Im used to in my cushy bridle paths back home. Here it was up, down, over trees, mud, aspen forests, amazing lookouts. It was wild and beautiful without a hint of development or urban sprawl. The ranch is on 380 acres of their own property and the horses are out 12-16 hours a day on huge meadows to hang out and play around. They live in a big herd of 40+ horses.

My sweet steed Noah was quiet and responsive, never trying to graze or sneak a bite. On our way back he nickered back and forth to two other black draft cross geldings who were heading out with a small group of rank beginners. The geldings nickered back. They were happy to see each other.

It was the sweetest moment of the day. The other gelding was named Heart. He wanted to come back with Noah. The poor beginner had a good coaching session with the guides to direct Heart back to his group. Noah sighed, and we plodded home.

These guys also do extensive packtrips through the Rockies and Ill probably come back for something more extensive / adventurous next year, with some serious glamping. It would involve several days without a shower, and stinking of horse and fire. Sounds like a plan!







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