Cattle Drives
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Imagine
yourself heading back in time and moving cattle over the picturesque rolling
landscape of Alberta. Anderson Vacations'
can arrange for you to be surrounded by this vast open country that comprises
the wonder that is the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Join one of the
experienced outfitters that partners with us to provide this unique western
experience. You will view wildlife that may include elk and deer as they
mingle with the wide variety of cattle found in Alberta, and enjoy becoming
familiar with horses that range in breed from Appaloosa, to Percheron, to
Quarter horses.
If you have always wanted to be part of a cattle drive, give some thought
to spending time exploring one of the world's most unique and fulfilling
experiences. Join one of our highly qualified outfitters and make your western
experience dream a reality. You will be given the opportunity to ride and
drive cattle with experienced ranch hands whose life's occupation has been
as a cowboy; from catching wild horses to riding broncs and working with
cattle.
And remember, it's not all hard work. After a day in the saddle, you can
spend the evening savouring a delicious home cooked meal and gazing peacefully
into the glow of the crackling campfire.
Come experience a cattle drive as only a cowboy can.
In order for guests to enjoy one of our Cattle Drive experiences, they
should have at least intermediate riding experience and
be able to ride for long periods of time. The terrain is varied as is the
pace, but most of the riding is done at a walk or trot. Cantering or galloping
is only done when necessary to bring the cattle back into line or keep them
going in the right direction.
To really get to know the country and your horse we recommend the
following working ranch and cattle drive packages.
- 6 nights accommodation,
- 3 meals per day,
- Daily riding and other ranch activities,
- 2 days riding and moving cattle
. Ensuite $1695/person.
If
you have always wanted to be part of a cattle drive, give some thought to
spending quality time on horseback in the beautiful Porcupine Hills. Lucasia
Ranch runs about 600 head of cattle and 80 horses.
You may prefer to book a week package as this gives you the time to get
to know your horse, as well as getting a bit of knowledge about the terrain
in the surrounding hills.
The first cattle drive of the year transfers the yearlings
into the Forest Reserve during the first part of June. Usually the yearlings
are gathered on one day and driven three miles to the neighbour's corrals.
They will stay there overnight, and the next morning we move them between
15 and 20 miles into the Forest Reserve.
The second cattle drive of the year will take place in
mid-July. This involves taking up the heifers that have been with the bulls
for six weeks. This drive is similar to the first as they will go into the
same pasture as the earlier group.
The third cattle drive of the year is the Fall Roundup.
This drive takes place around the middle of October as the cattle need to
be out of the Forest Reserve by the 15th of the month. You leave early from
the ranch buildings and ride into the reserve. The cattle are gathered and
pushed to the corral setup, which is located in the Reserve. At the end
of the day you will return to the ranch for a well-earned rest and a wholesome
supper.
The next day will be very similar as all of the stragglers need to be found
and corralled. While the search is on for the stragglers, a group of ranchers
will be separating the cattle as there are five ranchers with herds combined
on the Reserve. When everyone has returned, each owner will leave with their
herds at different intervals. The Lucasia herd will then be driven the seven
miles home. This is two hard days in the saddle and we recommend that riders
be seasoned.
We recommend that if you are interested in a cattle drive, you book early
as space is limited and these weeks are the first to book.
We look forward to sharing our western way of life with you!
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
Come
and join us on over 15,000 acres of high country wilderness bordering the
eastern slopes of Waterton Lakes/Glacier National Park. This area is a combination
of crown and private land that has been the high country summer pasture
for ranchers’ cattle herds for over 100 years. Thrill to the experience
of exploring different scenic trails, rich with a diversity of landscapes
and history.
Cattle drives at Mountain Meadows are scheduled for the first part
of June, end of July and end of September. These
are energetic cowboy rides, so some previous riding experience is required.
Join us on a traditional roundup and cattle drive, as we move our cattle
to greener pastures.
Each of these cattle drives can be booked as a 3 or 4 day overnight riding
package, with 2-3 days of cattle gathering, driving, and herd check rides.
For those that come for 4 days, the last day is spent exploring the country
side, relaxing, and just enjoying the amazing scenery of the area.
July 24 & 25, 2010 and August 28 & 29, 2010
“The Best Little Cattle Drive in the West”. Saddle up and ride with the Sierra West gang on their 2010 Cattle Drives. These trips will take you through some of the most scenic mountain countryside nestled close to the base of the majestic Livingstone Mountain range in south western Alberta. Step back into the pages of time and experience a taste of the “Old West” as you ride the open ranges, drive cattle, indulge in down home country cooking and tell yarns & sing songs around the campfire. You will marvel at the breath-taking scenery, serenity of nature and the comradeship of fellow horsemen. You’ll experience an adventure you’ll remember forever – Reserve Your Saddle Today!
Contact
our knowledgeable staff today to discuss making your western experience
holiday a reality.
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