Bimoomigo

This program is designed for people who do not have the time to take one of our longer courses and wish to acquire basic skills for backcountry riding. Even though this course is only a 4-day course, it is intense and focuses on useful skills and knowledge.

Our boot camps require a minimum of four guests with a maximum of six so be sure to book early if you’re thinking of joining us!

Day 1

On your first day you will gain some new skills and prepare for your adventure.

• Learn how to prepare yourself, both mentally and physically, for mountain riding.
• Learn technical riding skills that will prepare you for the trail.
• Equine Health and Emergency first aid, this is a basic equine first aid course and will provide each participant with a certificate.

Day 2

Our second day focuses on your horse and increasing your bond while getting them ready for the trail.

• Learn how to condition and prepare your horse for the trail
• We will also have a little fun with an obstacle course to gain skills and increase confidence

Day 3 and 4

• Route planning session will help you explore what is involved in planning out a ride in the backcountry.
• Learn to read maps and calculate distances topographically to estimate how far the horses will need to travel
• Discover how to identify places to take breaks and set up camp
• Experience and practice ‘no trace’ camp
• Explore Natural Navigation by letting nature can tell us where we are, and even how to find our way around in the wilderness.
• Explore the different equipment needed for backcountry riding.
• Gain technical riding skill in the arena to gain confidence in your riding ability: Improve your skills any details here in terms of what these are?
• Trail ride on the property to test out the new skills you have learned

Learn about your instructors, Tracey Klettl and Tim Mearns.

Getting in the Saddle

Woven into all of our riding experiences is our Indigenous history and culture. We have a long, shared history with horses and we share this knowledge in all of our lessons here at Painted Warriors. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn about our spiritual connection with horses and how to establish a respectful connection with your horse before your trail ride.

We’ll be sure to match you with the right horse from our herd. Each of our horses has a story and a unique personality and we know there’s always a fit for even nervous, first-time riders! During the lesson, you will learn to understand your horse’s body language as well learn as some key safety techniques to increase your confidence before heading out on the trail.

This is a 5 day all inclusive experience where you will gain land based traditional knowlege and skills, horsemanship and back country skills. Please send us an email to inquire about this program and we will send a detailed itinerary.

Learn about your instructors, Tracey Klettl and Tim Mearns

A unique Indigenous horseback riding experience

While you’re learning new horseback skills and gaining confidence to ride in the backcountry, you’ll also gain insights on our hunting and gathering history and why the horse was so vital to our existence.

The Mountain Metis and first Nations of the Jasper National Park area were known as the Asiniwuche Winewak, which means the Rocky Mountain People in Cree. We lived off the land as hunters and gatherers and later became guides and scouts; we depended on the use of trail horses and packhorses to survive.

Woven into all of our riding experiences is our knowledge and culture, which includes helping each guest to establish a connection and a bond with your horse before actually riding them. This will give you a deeper understanding of our Indigenous way of riding and what some refer to as ‘horsemanship’ and skills that were crucial to our survival as Indigenous peoples.

After your Canadian Horseback Adventure, you’ll not only feel more confident about horseback riding having gained useful skills and insights that we hope will also serve you in your life when you return home.

This adventure is seven days in total including departure to and return from the off site ride. The first two days learning about back country horse skills and Indigenous culture. You will learn basic riding skills and safety on and around your horse. We’ll teach you how to saddle, bridle, and groom and coach you on riding techniques. You’ll have a chance to learn about setting up and keeping a clean, safe campsite. Lastly, we’ll explore route finding and explore mapping out our adventure and the trails we’ll be heading out on.

After two days of immersive training, we’ll head out on the trails where you can put your training into practice. We’ll typically go as far as the group is comfortable, with the first day being a four hour trip with lots of breaks for taking in the spectacular beauty of the land and learn about Indigenous culture along the way.

At night, after a hearty dinner cooked over the campfire (weather permitting), you’ll learn about traditional fire lighting and share stories under a canopy of stars in the soft quiet of an evening in the beautiful Canadian wilderness.

Arrival and Departure Point

Acclaim Hotel by Clique Calgary Airport, 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3. Painted Warriors will pick you up and a pre-arranged time from this location.

 What is included?

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided (Note: Once you book with us, we’ll send you a form to fill out about any food sensitivities you may have).
• Accommodation (Note: tents will be shared with no more than 2 per tent unless there is a family that would all like to stay in the same tent.)
• Archery equipment, all horses and tack

Exclusions

• Private transportation

Important considerations before you book

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

What you’ll need to bring

• A pair of boots with a low heel
• Sleeping bag, toiletries, water bottle

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Learn about your guides, Tracey Klettl and Tim Mearns.

DAY 1

11:00 am

Meet at Painted Warriors Ranch for introductions and orientation of the ranch.  Guest will then be taken to their glamping accommodations.

12:00 pm

A traditional lunch will be served and the guests will receive more information on how our time at the ranch will look.  We will take this time to get to know the guests and share a little bit of our story.

1:00 pm

Our journey begins with a connection exercise; each guest will be introduced to their horse and taken through some unmounted exercises. When everyone has had a chance to get comfortable and create a bond with their horse, the guest will have a mounted lesson to get familiar with riding and learn some safety to prepare them for the trail ride.

3:00 pm

We will go through some after care and grooming and put the horse away for the evening.

4:00 pm

Cocktail hour! The guest will have the option to participate in preparing the evening meal and learn some fire lighting techniques, or spend time relaxing.

6:00 pm

Dinner will be served in our beautiful pavilion.

8:30 pm

Campfire time! We will settle down by a roaring fire and have a chance to share stories and enjoy a beverage.

DAY 2

8:30 am

A hot breakfast with good hot coffee or tea will be served. Note: Breakfast choices will take into account any dietary restrictions.

9:30-10:30 am

We head out on a trail ride where we continue our story on the trail. We provide a genuine, personal experience on how we as Indigenous people connect to the natural world, and how the horse was and still is such an important part of this world.  Along the trail we will come across elements of this connection, including animal tracks and plants, which are all part of this story.

11 am

Time for final reflections together!  After snacks and a sharing session, we bid our guests farewell.

Learn about your instructors, Tracey Klettl and Tim Mearns