Holiday on Horseback trip

I grew up dreaming of horses. Every wish chip, every birthday candle, and every shooting star I wished for a horse. I got lucky. Neighbours of my parent, in the winter of grade 5, allowed us to winter one of their ponies. Not much later, my cousin Sarah started boarding her Apache at our farm. A few years later I got my own young gelding. I rode through most of my junior high/ high school years. As grade 12 neared,I decided to chase future career success and said goodbye to horses. I left home to attend University…. My horsey days were over… for a time… Years later, I still hadn’t forgotten my days wandering on horseback with wind on my face. I pondered the idea of doing a holiday on horseback. I scanned for people who might want to join me… I found no takers. Finally, I decided it was time to go alone. This dream called out loud enough that the lack of company was not enough to stop it… Due to budgeting reasons, I focused on horseback companies in Alberta. I settled for Mountain Meadow Trail Rides. Not only was it a decently short 8 hour drive away, but it was near Waterton Park. Years ago, I had seen a picture of Waterton Park in a calendar and decided I wanted to Honeymoon there. Without a wedding anywhere near, I decided it was time to combine two of my dreams- Waterton, and horseback. I took the easy road and drove part way to Lethbridge on Sunday, July 31. The morning of Monday August 1st I completed my drive to the Nelson ranch. Arriving at about 10 or so. There I met the guides and the others of my party. Our group was composed of a father and his two teenaged daughters (also from Saskatchewan), as well as a nephew (who happened to go to University with my brother- small world!); a lovely francophone couple from near Montreal; myself; and three Spanish brothers from Mexico/ Texas. They assigned our horses, and I was lucky enough to get the one I had my eye on- a lovely horse named Shodo. The first part of the ride we were moving a group of cow- calf pairs to one of their other pastures. The cow dog was very impressive- I had never seen one working. We even took the cows down a very large hill- very “City Slickers” like. After dropping the cows to the bottom of the hill, we rode on through a variety of scenic areas before arriving at base camp around 3. Base camp was pretty neat. A number of small log cabins complete with coleman lanterns - each of our groups was assigned one. There was fresh spring water flowing in. There was a cedar hot tub. There was a camp fire and a hammock. A clean outhouse. And there was also the cook cabin- where they fed us. Day 2 we also spent riding. I was hurting quite a bit more this day… Day 3 was my most awesome day! We rode to the top of a great hill, where we had lunch. I absolutely loved the view- it was amazing… Special moments. After a few more hours of riding we split up- some of the party was staying on an extra day. Speedy led the 4 of us finishing back to the ranch. I loved it- and would go back! After the ride was over, I asked for references to a close camp site. I camped at Riverside Campground, and was very tired so fell asleep fast… (And had a great shower… ahh….) But before camping began, I had to go explore Waterton. I went for a few scenic drives and stayed close to the path. Did a short hike at Red Road canyon- however didn’t venture too far off. A lady working in the townsite mentioned how the bears were really bad at the time. I was convinced as just exiting the townsite I saw one close to the road. It was so beautiful… It is the most beautiful place I’ve seen so far… my favourite place on earth… so far at least… I didn’t explore everywhere- because I plan to go back…

Our group moving cows, my pal Shodo Chief mountain,   Red Rock Canyon