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

“Cowgirl Moms don’t have to give up riding when the wee one’s trot into their life!” by Kayla Ross There’s something magical about exploring trails close to home. Late October marks the tail end of fall colours in Ontario, and while the weather can be unpredictable, I had the chance to go on an unforgettable horseback trip with a group of women to Copeland Forest in Simcoe County. It was a three-day adventure where we left the chaos of home behind and immersed ourselves in

I hear the distant thunder of galloping horses. What a beautiful sound. George Gaber, owner and operator of La Reata Ranch, had disappeared on his ATV over the steep hill that backdrops the cookhouse, off to round-up the herd of 24 quarter horses that roam freely over the ranch’s 5,000 acres. Guests who had gathered at the corral with their hats, chaps and saddle bags, were chattering excitedly in anticipation of the day’s ride ahead. Then all went silent as we hear the beati