General Info

Homeplace Ranch is a historic ranch in Alberta’s high cattle country on the Eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains about a half hour from southwest Calgary. It sits at an elevation of 1500 meters (4900 feet) in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The ranch welcomes a small number of guests each week to experience it’s homey atmosphere, horseback riding and Western hospitality, as well as special programs and local events, like world class horse competitions at Spruce Meadows, the Calgary Stampede, short ranch breaks, Native American Culture Weeks, special horse and wellness weekends and more. Mac MaKenny, the ranch’s longtime owner and the fourth generation of his family to work with horses, takes pride in keeping the ranch in tune with its past. He’s been running Homeplace Ranch for over 36 years.

In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railroad expanded to Calgary. That, coupled with the offer of free land to homestead between 1896 and 1914, enticed many people to settle in Alberta. Homeplace Ranch was homesteaded in 1912. Many of the original buildings still remain on the property and photographs and artifacts of the original owners are still displayed. In addition to the ranch property, guests may also ride on the surrounding several thousand acres of Crown land, most of which is leased for cattle ranching. The scenery varies with open meadows ideal for trotting and cantering to wooded trails through Aspen forests. Trails cross old Native American migration routes. There’s a real feeling of Alberta cowboy history at the ranch.

The nice thing about Homeplace Ranch is once Mac takes in a horse, it stays at the ranch forever, even after its outlived its usefulness as a trail horse. One of Mac’s horses, Leroy, who retired many years ago, is now 34 years old. It’s not a bad place for retired horses or guests who want to enjoy a cozy ranch in Alberta ranching country.

2010 Vacation Options
Homeplace Ranch Vacation- year round
            includes Riding Lesson Weeks and 3 day/ 2 night Short Ranch Breaks in April and May

Horse & Personal Awareness Weekend - May
Trail Clearing Expedition- May
Ladies Trail Clearing Weeks- May
Ranch Vacation Calgary Stampede Combo- July
Spruce Meadows Horse Show Ranch Vacation Combo- Dates vary 

See "Special Departures" Tab above for these vacation options
Cowboy & Native American Culture Weeks- July
Alberta Foodies Week & Fall Colors Ride- Adults Only Week

Awards & Accolades
To be featured on the Equitrekking Alberta episode dubuting Spring 2010 on Public Television.
Longstanding Member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association
Owner Mac MaKenny received the Alberta Tourism Ambassador Award in 2007

Packing

Please see Equitrekking Travel’s General Packing Recommendations.

Homeplace Ranch suggests the following:
Riding boots
Layered Clothing
Hat/Cap or helmet for riding
Sunglasses
A good book for relaxing when not riding
 

About the Horses

The horses at the ranch are part of the family and valued, important partners. Once a horse is brought to the ranch, it never leaves. After they stop leading riders, the horses retire at Homeplace. There are over 35 head of horses to satisfy the expert to novice rider. The ranch raises 1/3 of their own horses. They also bring in younger horses and train them. They make up about another 1/3 and the remainder of the horses are purchased from people the ranch knows and trusts. The horses are American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds or mixed breeds.

During the summer, the horses are on the open range at the main ranch, coming up each morning for oats. During the winter, the horses have time off to graze and an unlimited source of good hay. The older horses stay at the main ranch during the winter and get hay along with oats and beet pulp. When it gets too cold, they are blanketed. The wranglers will work to match you with a horse that suits your riding ability and personality.
 

Activities/Events

Area Activities
At the ranch, riders and non-riders may enjoy fishing and have access to nearby whitewater rafting or golf.

Trips by car to Banff (Canada's first National Park), Calgary, Spruce Meadows or Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump can easily be done, using the Ranch as your home base.

Golf: There are two exceptional golf courses within a 20 minute drive of the Homeplace. Wintergreen Golf & Redwood Meadows.

Accommodations/Food

Accommodations
Homeplace Ranch’s main lodge can accommodate fifteen guests in comfortable private rooms with their own bathroom and shower. Guests share a western style living and dining area. Meals are served family style with guests and staff eating together, so you get to know everyone. Coffee and snacks are always available. Feel free to pop into the kitchen for fresh cinnamon buns or cookies.

The “Coach House,” the former home of the ranch’s owners, can accommodate 6-7 guests. Each room has a private bathroom.

Both the Coach House and Main Lodge are available for weekly rentals from October to April on a self-catering basis. You can have the place to yourselves, which is perfect for family reunions, country holiday celebrations or a great place to ring in the New Year!

There are no telephones or Internet connections in the guest rooms. However, guests have access to a centrally located telephone when making credit card or collect phone calls. Smoking is permitted only on the two outside decks at the lodge. No smoking is permitted in any buildings, on the trail or while walking around ranch property.

Food
On a typical day, you’ll start with a hearty ranch breakfast of biscuits, bacon, eggs, pancakes, hash browns and coffee. One morning a week, there’s a lighter breakfast of oatmeal and fruit, along with fresh home baked goods. The ranch prides itself on its homemade foods, including home baked bread and healthy meat and potatoes with lots of vegetables. The kitchen is open for those who would like to participate or learn about what’s cooking.

Lunch on the trail may include a sandwich with fruit and baked goods with a cup of coffee cooked over an open fire. If you’re back at the ranch, feast on homemade soups, sandwiches and more.

For dinner two nights a week, there’s an outdoor BBQ with steak, beans, ranch potatoes, salad, homemade bread and a dessert, like brownies and ice cream with chocolate sauce. If you have special dietary preferences, please advise the ranch in advance.

Foodies may enjoy the Alberta Food Week & Fall Colors Ride, an Adults Only Week offered Sept 25 to Oct 1, 2010. See Special Departures Tab above.

Drinks
Alcohol is not available at the ranch, but guests are welcome to bring their own.
 

The Ideal Traveler

A traveler who enjoys a sense of history and the environment and has time to feel those things as they exist at Homeplace Ranch. People who are looking to learn more about themselves through horses and being in nature.

Ranch Vacation

2010 Dates & Rates
Year Round
4 days/3 nights- $815.04 U.S. dollars ($866 CAD) per person double occupancy*
Vacation runs Sat to Fri or Tues to Fri
7 days/6 nights- $1,417.37 U.S. dollars ($1506 CAD) per person double occupancy*
Week runs Saturday to Fri
(plus 17% taxes and svc)


Riding Lesson Weeks
Available April and May only
$1,159.66 U.S. dollars ($1206 CAD) per person double occupancy*
Week runs Saturday to Fri
Practical hands on lessons in horsemanship. Each morning lesson to be followed by a ride on the trail.
(plus 17% taxes and svc)


3 days/ 2 night Short Stays
Available April and May only
$448.07 U.S. dollars ($466 CAN) per person double occupancy*
(plus 17% taxes and svc)


*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion. Above prices includes riding, all meals, snacks, accommodations & activities; arrival anytime after 1pm on your 1st day and departure after riding (4pm) on your last day.

Plus 17% to cover all taxes and service charges. Add an additional 20% for single supplement.

Arrive at the Homeplace anytime after 1 p.m. (Ranch staff can pick you up at the Calgary International Airport or other Calgary locations for an additional charge). Upon arrival, grab a fishing rod for a walk along the creek, have a game of horseshoes or just relax and settle in. Enjoy an outdoor steak BBQ complete with trail beans and Mac’s special ranch potatoes. After enjoying your time at the ranch, check out on your last day is at 4:00 p.m. after your ride.

A typical day at Homeplace

A horse is assigned to you when you arrive to the ranch. The ranch asks many guests to help choose their horse by first observing the horses together in the corral, and then quietly walking amongst them, and touching and speaking with them. Wranglers will spend time showing you how to become comfortable and work with your mount to help you develop a relationship with your horse. If you wish you can come out in the morning to help feed and groom. Each person has their own horse during their week at the ranch, so that they may bond with their mount. Rides at the ranch are divided by skill level.

The day starts off with a hearty ranch breakfast of biscuits, bacon, eggs, pancakes, hash browns and coffee, then you’ll saddle up for your choice of a half-day or a full day ride. Both rides leave at 9:30 AM. The half-day has you back at the lodge in time for a delicious homemade lunch. The full day ride includes a stop along the trail for “Cowboy Cappuccino” boiled in a can over a campfire and lunch. You’ll be back at the lodge around 3:30 PM.

The ranch’s foothills and mountain area was and remain cattle and horse country. Stock was wintered at the home ranch and herded to high country pastures for the summer. You’ll have a chance to ride these areas and cross a Native American trail that was once used by the Stoney Band.

Riding varies from mountain valleys to high foothills, crossing numerous streams, mountain meadows and old Indian trails. This type of terrain allows you the chance to periodically trot or canter if desired. There are over 35 head of horses to satisfy the expert to novice rider.

After a day in the saddle, relax in the ranch’s outdoor hot tub or dangle your feet in the creek during a hike. If you feel so inclined, you can even help the wranglers with the ranch chores, like cleaning corrals, working on fencing or moving hay bales.

The ranch is open year-round. During the winter months, Cross Country and Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, Dog Sledding, Skating, Snowmobiling and Hiking are just a few of the activities available to you in and around the Homeplace Ranch. After a day of outdoor activity, come home to a beautiful lodge just for you and your family and friends. Snuggle up around the wood stove, tell a few stories, play a few games or just curl up with a good book and enjoy the peace and quiet. The Horseman’s Lodge sleeps 12-14 people and Coach House sleeps 6-7, all have private rooms and baths.

Horse & Personal Awareness Wknd

Friday - Sunday all of in May
Price: $578.69 U.S. dollars ($615 CAD) per person double occupancy* (plus 17% taxes and svc)

Discount for 2 or more booking together - 20%


*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about horses, and possibly yourself? Join Homeplace Ranch for three days and two nights to experience a quiet getaway in the foothills Southwest of Calgary-- secluded but not too far away.
Designed specifically for people who want to know more about horses and horsemanship, you will come away from the weekend knowing much more about everything from horse anatomy and bits and saddles, to horse psychology and how the horse's energy responds to your body language. You will also depart with added confidence in your riding skills. This is not intended to be an intense experience but rather an enjoyable and non-invasive introduction to horse and human psychology and partnership. This is an opportunity to understand "joining up" with a horse, and as well as what it might tell you about your relationships with others.
The horses you work with will be chosen specially for you based on your horse experience and desires.


Arrival at the ranch will be Friday afternoon between 3 and 6 PM, followed by dinner and then a wine social where you will learn more about the weekend program. Guests stay in the "Horseman's Lodge" featuring comfortable private rooms (double occupancy possible) each with a private attached bathroom.  You’ll eat healthy homemade meals using mainly locally grown foods.  Meals will be served family style around the dining table, with the exception of the Saturday evening's open fire barbecue dinner.

This special program is conducted by
Mac Makenny, the owner of Homeplace Ranch, and Dr. Susan Lea. Mac’s owned and operated the ranch for 35 years. He’s also taught horsemanship through Calgary Parks and Recreation, University of Calgary and Mount Royal College. Dr. Susan Lea is a physician of Integrative and Preventative Medicine and a British Horse Society Certified Instructor.

Weekend Itinerary
Friday
3-6 PM Arrival
6:00 PM Dinner at the Horseman's Lodge
7:30-9 PM Wine social, introductions, Orientation to proper approaching, mounting and safety around the horses, principles of proper fitting of equipment, including the saddle and bridle.

Saturday
8:30 AM Breakfast
9:30-Noon Meet in the Corrals (ground work)
Choose and meet your horse
Grooming, working around the horse, and learning about the interaction between horse and human
Learn about gaining the confidence of the horse
Understanding the principles of request and reward
Discussion of horse's response to your body language and tone
Noon-1:30 PM Lunch in the main lodge
1:30-4:00 PM On the Trail
Proper trail etiquette and expectations
Riding skills - basic cues, proper position and discussion of how your balance, body reactions and state of mind affect the horse feedback on our observations of the reaction of your horse.
4:00- 5:30 PM Free Time
6:00 PM Barbecue dinner around the campfire
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Review of video of day's activities and discussion

Sunday
6:30-8:00 AM Meet in corral for feeding, grooming, saddling (optional)
8:30AM Breakfast
9:30-Noon Choice of:
"Joining up" demonstration and trial
Learning the horse's "language"
Gaining the horse's confidence
Trail Ride
12:30-1:30PM Lunch

1:30PM- 3PM Afternoon ride

3:00-3:30PM Review of program and "next steps"

Trail Clearing

Dates & Rates 2010

Any week in May
$1,134.80 U.S. dollars ($1206 CAD) per person double occupancy (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc)*

*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion.

This week is not for everyone. This is an experience for those who truly want to take part in daily ranch activities. Every spring the ranch needs to clear their trails from winter dead fall. You must be capable of mounting and dismounting without assistance, be able to carry 20% of your body weight and be willing to work in any kind of weather.
 

Ladies Trail Clearing

Dates & Rates 2010
All of May 2010
3 days/ 2 nights
$438.50 U.S. dollars ($466 CAD) per person double occupancy (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc)*
7 days/ 6 nights
$1,134.91 U.S. dollars ($1206 CAD) per person double occupancy (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc)*

*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion.

Get out of the gym and away from the bike paths for a workout of 3 to 7 days throughout May. The ranch’s trails are challenging and need clearing. The work is rewarding and the air refreshing. This week is not for the faint of heart and requires that you be able to leap as nimble as a bird in and out of the saddle as we remove winter deadfall and debris from the trails or correct erosion problems. If your idea of a workout means you don't mind getting dirty and like to reward your efforts with a hearty meal and the thought of being serenaded to sleep by coyotes while in a comfy bed, then this is for you.
 

Calgary Stampede

Dates & Rates 2010
7 days 6 nights 
$1,473.69 U.S. dollars ($1566
 CAD per person double occupancy) (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc)
July 3-9, July 10 -16, July 17-23


4 days 3 nights 
$833.77 U.S. dollars (886 CAD per person double occupancy) (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc)
July 10-13, July 13-16, July 17-20

*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion. This package includes accommodation at the ranch, all meals, riding, one days gate admission to exhibition grounds and transportation to Calgary.
               

Combine a week at the ranch with a visit to the world famous Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede takes place every July. It bills itself as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” If you’ve ever been to a state fair, big rodeo or giant Western Theme block party, you have some idea of the atmosphere here. There are rodeos, chuckwagon races, agricultural competitions, art exhibits, all kinds of food, live music shows and more. If you are looking for somewhere besides the ranch to wear your Western garb, this is it. This Calgary Stampede and ranch combo includes accommodation at the Ranch, all meals, riding, one day's gate admission to exhibition grounds and transportation to Calgary. From the ranch to the Calgary Stampede usually takes about 40 or 45 minutes, so you’re not too far away from the excitement.

Spruce Meadows

Dates & Rates 2010
7 days/ 6 nights (Saturdays to Fridays)
$1,417.28 U.S. dollars ($1506 CAD) per person double occupancy (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc.)*

*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion. 

Spring Run-Off : May 8 - 14
National: May 29 - June 4 or June 5 - 11
Continental: June 12 - 18
Canada One: June 19 - 25 or June 26 - July 2 
North American: July 3 - 9
Masters: August 28 - Sept 3 or 4 - 10 
Harvest Classic: October 9 - 15

Spruce Meadows is one of the world’s best equestrian competition facilities. Top Olympic, World, European, and National Show Jumping Champions compete at this Calgary complex. See the worlds top jumping horses and ride Homeplace Ranch’s finest stock and Polo horses. Includes accommodation at the Ranch, all meals, riding, 2 days tickets to Spruce Meadows and transportation to Spruce Meadows. Spruce Meadows is only about 20-25 minutes away from the ranch, so you can even enjoy riding at the ranch in the morning and the afternoon at the competitions.

Related Blog Posts

Alberta Homeplace Ranch

By Darley Newman, as published in True West Magazine   Where a family of seven once bunked together in 1912, three modern-day cowboys now sleep. The Canadian Pacific Railway’s entrance in 1883 and the government’s offer of free land to homestead enticed people to settle in the prairie province of… Read more »

Traveler Reviews

Thanks to Mac and the entire Homeplace staff for making our "first" ranch stay so enjoyable (especially the warm chocolate chip cookies) The rides were so beautiful and the horses so well trained. Hollywood was a gentle soul just perfect for my inexperienced riding ability. Richard enjoyed the nearby golf too. We'll be back to enjoy the natural beauty of Alberta

-- Carol and Richard Los Angeles, California

Thanks for the rides, food, laughs and above all making us feel so at home. You have a lovely ranch, and we truly enjoyed ourselves. I'm gonna miss "Happy". What fun it was to ride him througout this beautiful land. Hope to be back some day soon.

-- Brenda, Chester, New York

We have had a wonderful time. The people, staff and guests were so much fun. The animals were gentle and so much fun to ride. We have all enjoyed our stay and are planning to be back. Thank you all so much for making our stay a memorable one. All the best.

-- Barbara, Steven and Sarah Eliot, ME

Beautiful horses and excellent, friendly staff. Thanks for making our parents 50th anniversary a perfect one!

-- Marj Campbell River, BC

Thanks for your dedication to preserving cowboy culture and for giving us the opportunity to share in it for a while.

-- Art, Pennsylvania

Our vacation was definitely on the “top” of vacations. Our guide was excellent and catered to all our riding levels. The food – “fabulous”- the lodging “great”. Fully enjoyed every single day.

-- John and Margaret – Florida

What can you say about his place – the warmth and hospitality is second to none – in the kitchen and outside in the corral. Nothing was too much trouble for anyone. You only had to ask! I arrived as an extremely nervous novice and left feeling much more at home around horses in general. Thanks for that. What a great experience. I will treasure my memories.

-- Jackie, England

After more than two weeks driving around Canada in a motor home we found the perfect place to end our holidays here on the Homeplace Ranch. The hospitality and friendliness of everybody involved are second to none. We really enjoyed our stay with all the beautiful rides, the excellent cooking and the relaxing atmosphere.

-- Walter, Franziska, Jan & Sven – Switzerland

Homeplace Ranch, all the horses and the staff will always have a special place in our hearts. THanks for "loaning" us Tilley and Happy for the week. Ihope you can keep this place the way it is forever - home for horses, deer, moose, hawks and cattle!

-- Christine, Brooktondale, NY

We have put on weight with all of Dawn’s beautiful cooking. She cooks just like my mum and accidentally made all our favourties! Thanks Dawn. To John and Brad, the trail cowboys, you both are what I imagined a cowboy to be, thanks for living up to my expectations!! The serenity-- wish we could bottle it and take it home. Thank you to Mac and Jayne for opening up their beautiful ranch to all these international strangers, it is most appreciated.

-- Matt & Dani (The Honeymooners) – Australia

Cowboy & Native American Culture

Dates & Rates 2010
$1,417.28 U.S. dollars ($1506 CAD) per person double occupancy (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc)*
July 17 - 23; July 24 - 30, 2010

*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion.

Spend your week at the Homeplace Ranch learning and living the cowboy way. Experience all the trail riding you like, good old fashioned home cooking and a day at a rodeo/Pow Wow. You will also experience the culture and traditions of the Tsuu T’ina First Nations people. Enjoy an outdoor, open fire dinner of traditional Native American fare while being entertained by Hal Eagletail of the Tsuu T’ina Nation. Also included is an afternoon tour of the Tsuu T’ina Reserve.
 

Foodies & Fall Colors

Dates & Rates 2010
$1,417.28 U.S. dollars ($1506 CAD) per person double occupancy (plus 17% Canadian taxes and svc)*
Sept 25 to Oct 1 – adults only

*Prices may fluctuate based on currency converstion.

Feast on Alberta foods and beverages and ride among the changing leaves during this special week at the ranch. While riding horseback or fishing, let your eyes feast on the beauty and colors of the high cattle country of the Homeplace Ranch. All meals feature Alberta products in homemade ranch recipes, plus over the week you will try a complete assortment of Alberta’s brew, Big Rock Beer. You are welcome in the kitchen to help or just pick up recipes for what you’ve liked.

Reading List

General Guidebooks

Frommer's Alberta (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback) by Murray Whyte
The lowdown on the best of Alberta, from the province's cosmopolitan cities, authentic western heritage, and wealth of outdoor adventures to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Rocky Mountains.

Moon Spotlight Banff National Park (Paperback) by Andrew Hempstead
Moon Spotlight Banff National Park is an 80-page compact guide covering the best of this scenic wilderness reserve, including Fairmont Banff Springs, Sunshine Meadows, Lake Louise, and Cascade Gardens. Travel writer and photographer Andrew Hempstead offers his firsthand advice on what sights are must-sees, and sightseeing highlight maps make planning your time easy. This lightweight guide is packed with recommendations on sights, entertainment, shopping, recreation, accommodations, food, and transportation. Helpful maps guide travelers through this vast, picturesque destination.

Biography/Memoir

Switchbacks: True Stories from the Canadian Rockies (Paperback) by Sid Marty
In "Switchbacks, Sid Marty draws on his own memories and those of friends and former colleagues in relating a series of true mountain tales. Among his subjects are: the old guide who built a staircase up a cliff; the stranded snowshoer who was rescued between rounds of beer in a Banff tavern; the man who catered to hungry grizzlies; an opinionated packrat with a gift for larceny; and a horse named Candy whose heart was as big as a stove.

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD's

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at ShopDarley.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.   

Equitrekking: Season 1-4 DVD sets featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes available at ShopDarley.com

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

  

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.