Ranch Rider introduces indigenous ‘horseback adventure’ in Canada
Operator adds Alberta ranch to give insight into First Nations culture
Aliver
Riding holidays specialist Ranch Rider has introduced its first indigenous-owned ranch experience to its programme.
The Painted Warriors Guest Ranch is located in Alberta, an hour’s drive north of Calgary in Canada, and is surrounded by 82 acres of forest. Its addition follows the decision by Canada to remove all Covid restrictions for international visitors from this month.
The operator, which pays 10% commission to travel agents, already offers wilderness rides in the Banff National Park and Canadian Rockies but its new property aims to give clients an insight into First Nations culture.
Marketing director Sandra Potter said: “A first for Ranch Rider, the ranch is a wholly-owned and run indigenous tourism operation, with stays at Painted Warriors giving people a unique glimpse into the lives and culture of the Ojibway, Cree, and Mohawk people.
“The horseback adventure invites travellers to see nature from a new perspective, as they will be riding in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains and reconnecting with the outdoors through the eyes of the First Nations, their philosophy shaping all of the authentic outdoor experiences from practising archery through to learning backcountry basics.
“Its proximity to Calgary also makes the ranch an ideal starting or end point to a festival focused trip.”
The trips take a maximum of six people, with horseback adventures lasting two to ten days and each tailormade trip offering insight into natural navigation, geology, animal tracking and medicinal plant identification.
The nine-night ranch stay includes five days getting to grips with horse riding and learning about the First Nation outdoor skills, from basic camping and fire lighting to reading nature trails and finding out more about the indigenous culture.
The final five days are spent on the trail putting these skills into practice.
Ranch owner Tracey Klettl, a descendant of the Cree and Mohawk people, who has also represented Canada at the world archery championships in the past, is a riding instructor on the trip.
Accommodation is Métis-style comfortable trapper tents, each holding up to five people, with wood burning stoves and shared facilities. Nine nights with Ranch Rider costs from £3,317, based on two sharing and not including flights.
