1. Am I the right fit for this trail ride?
If you are looking to explore incredible scenery which is only accessible either on horseback or by foot; if you’re looking for a wilderness adventure in relative comfort; if you’re looking to meet and make new friends; if you’re looking to get “disconnected” from our society for six days and “cleanse your soul;” if you looking for great food and fun; if you’re looking to have new experiences, then the answer is yes!
2. Am I fit enough to attend a ride like this?
Our riders range in age from 8 to 88 (actually our oldest was 91) and we do have many people that are in their “senior years.” The minimum age is 8 for Waterton and 14 for Cline River. Our guests need to be reasonably fit and not excessively overweight (the weight restriction is 235 to 250 pounds, depending on the ride).
3. How good of a rider do I need to be?
We do accept people that have never been on a horse before, but it is not our first choice or our recommendation. All guests should have ridden in their life before and we prefer that they “brush up” a little bit for the ride. A good riding stable in your area can make you a good enough rider for us in a matter of a few hours. The head guide is at the front of the line and rides at a steady walk. We suggest beginners ride right behind him. Since the horses are strung out in a line there are many opportunities where they “catch-up” and trotting and the odd gallop is available to more advanced riders. Each rider should know how to “post.” Part of our trails will involve rocky areas and some climbing and walking your horse is the only way we can get up these mountain trails. Generally we separate our rides into groups at some point during the day with beginners having an easier ride and the more advanced people having some more challenging riding.
NOTE: Certain rides are for intermediate and advanced riders only (i.e. no beginners). This condition is listed as part of the ride description.
4. What do I need to do to prepare for this trip?
Brush up on your riding before the trip; check the website for the “What to Bring” list make sure you have all the correct gear; read through the history on our website; read the Emcee letter and rider’s guide that you will find in the Welcome package that will be sent to you about a month before your ride starts. You are responsible for booking your own travel and hotel accommodations including the night before and after the ride.
5. Do I have the right equipment?
Check our “What to Bring” list on the website.
6. What about liquor?
The lodges are licensed and offer a selection of beer and wine for sale. For camping rides, you may bring your own selections and pack them within your duffel (no glass please).
7. What is the cost?
All of the cost information is on a in the Ride Costs page.
8. What currency should I use in Alberta Canada?
“ When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Use Canadian cash (ATM’s are everywhere), your debit or credit card. We do not recommend using US cash as it is unlikely that vendors will give you a fair exchange rate.
9. How will I be able to mount a tall horse if I am a short person?
When you complete the registration form you will be asked your age, weight, height and riding ability. We will do our utmost to give you a compatible horse. Any person that needs help mounting or dismounting a horse will receive it from our staff.
10. Do I need to do any “work?”
Our goal is to spoil you all week and introduce you to Western cowboy culture. You are welcome to volunteer to help but it is not required.
11. What happens if I get sick and need medical attention on the trail?
Our licensed guides are required to be certified in first-aid; we have first-aid kits on the trail and we have an extensive first-aid kit in camp. If you are well enough to be evacuated by horse then you will be, and in the event of a serious accident, the helicopter ambulance will be called. Guests are reminded to bring their own personal medications with them.
Note: It is strongly recommended that ALL guests purchase both travel and health insurance. Non-Canadian residents especially should carry adequate health coverage. Also note our cancellation polices under the Terms section.
12. What are your washing and washroom facilities?
Our camp is complete with washing area and dry toilets (some camps have showers). Along the trail there are no washroom facilities at all but there are lots of trees! Bring your own toilet paper and carry it in the saddlebags that we will provide for you.
The lodges and ranches have hot showers and either flush or dry toilets.
13. What are your cancellation polices?
Please note that our cancellation policies are non-negotiable. For this reason, we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance! We anticipate a strong demand for this year’s ride, and we strongly encourage you to register and pay your ride deposit as soon as possible. See details under Terms and Conditions.
14. Do you supply or require riding helmets?
Helmets are available from the outfitters. Helmets are mandatory for children under 18 years of age. Helmets are mandatory for adults on some rides. On other rides, they are optional so bring a cowboy hat!
15. Do I sign a wavier?
Each rider will be required to sign two waivers releasing the outfitter and the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies from all risks.
For safety reasons, all guests and members must be fluent in English. Further, we request that out of courtesy to all riders, English be spoken at all times except for the privacy of your own tent/teepee.
16. What are the accommodations?
We provide canvas wall tents. Each one accommodates two people on raised cots with mattresses. Just bring a WARM sleeping bag, rated at -10C, although it rarely gets below freezing. It can be quite warm some nights.
For lodge rides, you will be staying in rustic lodges in 2-person rooms with beds, mattresses and sheets provided.
At the ranch, there are either cabins for groups or bedrooms in the ranch house for couples with beds mattresses and sheets provided.
18. Can I expect to see wildlife?
That depends upon where we are. We will problably see wildlife, but there is no guarantee. Either way, a camera is a must!
19. Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19?
No. However, we highly recommend that you be fully vaccinated.
Further questions? Email us anytime.
