Rides Away Lifestyle

Behind every polished performance and carefully presented animal is someone who has put in the early mornings and long days. That dedication is part of what makes an agricultural fair meaningful: the chance to see the pride people take in their animals and their work.

Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying - these Ranch Hand Hashbrowns are bound to hit the spot. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and just as delicious cooked at home as they are warmed over the campfire.

A tropical morning, a beautiful bay and a few hours in the company of horses: in Barbados, that is a wonderful way to start the day.

A storm was brewing. The sky darkened, and a curtain of rain began sweeping towards her. Ominous clouds and a sudden wind spilled over the ragged mountain skyline and raced across the rolling grasslands. Thunder boomed and echoed while forked lightning stabbed at the hills, briefly illuminating the darkening sky.

Another season in the books, and another chapter written between the horse’s ears

A Little Spice in Your Life? Sweet, spicy, and downright addictive, Cowboy Candy is a trail-tested favourite! Spoon it over cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer, or use it as a sweet and spicy glaze for chicken, pork, or beef. Don’t let all those jalapeños scare you off — the sweetness balances the heat, making this a delicious addition to just about any meal. Ingredients • 1½ pounds jalapeño peppers, sliced into ¼-inch rounds • 1 cup apple cider vinegar • 3 cups s

By Kayla Ross I’ve said before that it’s pretty special sharing the love of horses with your hero - my dad - I didn’t think I’d be able to top that feeling but now seeing my daughter's eyes light up around horses the same way mine did as a little girl is a whole new feeling of incredible. At just 2.5 years old, my daughter is already finding her own little place in the world of horses. Shortly after her first ride on Peaches I knew this hobby was likely going to stick and I

Tucked into the Gatineau Hills just east of Wakefield, Quebec, Captiva Ranch is the kind of place where life seems to slow down the moment you pass through the gates. Founded some 30 years ago as a place to escape the pressures of city life, the ranch has grown into a sprawling equestrian destination surrounded by the beauty of the Quebec countryside. With more than 60 horses and hundreds of acres of private land, Captiva offers an opportunity to trade the noise of everyday

Cowpokes, Cowboys or Cowgirls — who doesn’t love a satisfying sweet treat? Whether you’re working hard or hardly working, a little something special goes a long way. These cookies are crisp around the edges, soft and chewy in the middle, and packed with all the good stuff. And yes… chocolate chips are highly encouraged! Ingredients • 2 C all-purpose flour • ½ tsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 C butter or shortening • 1 C brown sugar • 1 C white sugar • 2 eggs • 1 tsp

“Giddy-Up big fellow” I say, and with a flick of the lines, I coax my dapple-grey Percheron carriage horse into a trot. I have visited many dude ranches – where you essentially rent a saddle horse for a trail ride. I’ve been on pack-trips, cattle drives, and to working ranches- many splendid places that allow you to follow your passion and ride away. Mackinac Island is the only place I know where you can actually hire your own self-drive horse and buggy. So, I tap into some

Tucked away in the beautiful countryside of Rutherglen, Ontario, Von Doeler’s Ranch is a fourth-generation, family-run ranch where horses, nature and authentic ranch life come together. From scenic horseback rides through forests and along Talon Lake to hands-on ranch experiences, rustic lakefront cabins and glamping-style stays, Von Doeler’s offers a true escape from everyday life. The ranch has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel like part of the family,

By Jamie Ross I was bent at the waist with Rebel's front left foot cradled in my lap. I was just tapping in the last couple of nails, replacing a shoe that had been click-clacking down the trail that afternoon, the footwear on his front feet looking more like flip-flops than horseshoes. Sweat dripped from my brow and ran into my eyes as I struggled with the weight of a 1,200-pound horse who was quickly losing patience with me. Tired of standing on three legs, he was leaning

Banff Trail Riders offers more than just a horseback ride—it delivers a journey through the living history of the Canadian Rockies. Since 1962, this iconic outfitter has been guiding visitors along the same breathtaking trails first carved by early explorers in the 1920s, creating an experience that blends adventure, heritage, and natural beauty. Horseback riding has long been woven into the story of Western Canada. In the 1800s, pioneers relied on horses to traverse the rugg

Tired, dusty, and hungry after a long day on the ranch or the trail? This bold, smoky cowboy steak delivers big flavour with a spicy Red Rum Rub and a rich Rum Butter Sauce that will satisfy even the hungriest ranch hand. Ingredients Steaks 2 rib steaks (bone-in or boneless) ½ cup Red Rum Rub (recipe follows) Rum Butter Sauce (recipe follows) Instructions Prepare the Red Rum Rub. Generously coat both steaks with the rub, ensuring all sides are covered. Cover and refrigerate f

“Or the day I decided to guide rather than pack!” By Jamie Ross They never showed this in those old Western films, I thought, as I watched the tail end of my pack string erupt into chaos. It started with Chainsaw, the stout palomino bringing up the rear. Maybe his pack had shifted into an uncomfortable position. Maybe he had stepped on a hornet's nest stirred up by the horses ahead. Or maybe he had simply decided he'd had enough. Whatever the reason, he launched int

Summer shines a little brighter in the Cariboo, and this year there's an extra reason to visit. From July 16–19, 2026, Quesnel will celebrate the 50th Annual Billy Barker Days Festival, a milestone event honouring one of British Columbia's most cherished community traditions. Rooted in the region's Gold Rush heritage, the festival captures the warmth, hospitality, and pioneering spirit that continue to define the Cariboo. For four vibrant days, LeBourdais Park becomes the hea

By Kayla Ross Raising children is one of life's greatest blessings, joys, and responsibilities. Sometimes I try to remember what life was like before having kids and wonder what I did with all my free time. Time seems to be the biggest challenge when raising a family—it goes by far too quickly, yet there never seems to be enough of it in a day. I firmly believe that my husband and I are better parents to our two wonderful young daughters because we continue to make time for t

After a long day in the saddle, nothing hits the spot like a hot, spicy dip around the campfire. Make it ahead of time, then warm it over the fire while you swap trail stories. Ingredients • 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced • 8 oz cream cheese, softened • ¼ cup mayonnaise • ¼ cup milk • ¼ cup red pepper, finely minced • 2 tbsp jalapeño peppers, minced (leave the seeds in for extra heat or remove them for a milder kick) • 1 tbsp lemon juice • ¾ tsp Tabasco sauce Ins

“Discovering unexpected landscapes and rare wildlife in Grasslands National Park” By Jamie Ross “Who said Saskatchewan was flat?” I whisper to my horse Gus as he gamely hauls my butt up another steep incline. The question was meant to be rhetorical, but with a sharp expulsion of air, from both ends of his body, the horse gives me his answer. My palomino and I pick our way through silver sagebrush, prairie grass, prickly pear cactus, primrose and cottonwood, down through wet c

Tucked into 100 acres of Muskoka’s Canadian Shield landscape, Maple Lane Farm offers a western-style riding experience that feels both welcoming and authentic. With a mix of open fields, wooded trails, and well-kept facilities, including an indoor arena and outdoor jumper ring. It is a ranch destination where riders can settle in and enjoy the rhythm of the barn. Trail rides are a highlight, especially for those new to the saddle. Each experience runs about an hour and a half