Alberta SouthWest is horse country. Community rodeo is the social event of the year in many communities. Wranglers herd cattle from the rangelands in late autumn. Here, hand-tooled leather is still stiched with century-old machinery for working cowboys who are happy to wait more than a year to pay $5,000 for a unique saddle.

The short, muscular quarterhorse is the breed of choice for its exceptional professionalism and sweet temper.

Riding opportunities abound, from day rides through flowered foothills to long days in the saddle at the several working ranchs that welcome vacationing visitors to bunk down for days at a time.

Day Rides and Overnight Outfitters

Alpine Stables, Waterton Lakes National Park (403.308.3263)
Diamond Hitch Outfitting, Pincher Creek, (403.627.2949)
Dames on the Range Nanton, (403.646.0151)
Misty Mountain Adventures, Pincher Creek (403.627.1806)
Mountain Meadow Trail Rides, Mountain View, (403.653.2413)
Painted Trak Farms, Glenwood (403.626.3738)
Western Adventures Holidays, Crowsnest Pass (403.563.0253)

Working Vacation Ranches

Badger Valley Ranch, Cardston (403.653.8000)
Bent Creek Western Vacations, Fort Macleod (403.553.3974)
Brown Creek Ranch, Cardston (403.625.4032)
Circle 6 Ranch Getaway, Claresholm (403.625.2157)
Lucasia Ranch Vacations, Claresholm (403.625.2295)
Rangeview Ranch Vacations, Cardston (403.653.2292)
Sierra West Cabins and Ranch Vacations, Lundbreck (403.627.2431)
Skyline Ranching & Outfitting, Claresholm (403.625.2398)
Willow Lane Ranch Vacations, Granum (403.687.2284)