At the Crossing -- Bent Creek Ranch and Willow Lane Ranch

~ Open Range ...
A learning adventure dedicated to those touched by the spirit of a horse!

Willow Lane Ranch and Bent Creek Ranch come together to provide a unique experience. Western riding education and practical application are highlighted with lots of cattle handling and other ranch activities thrown in to round out your adventure.

Bent Creek Western Vacations a cattle and Bent Creek: your adventure starts here ... horse operation focusing on equine education. A unique mix of Western Rider level instruction as outlined by Equine Canada combined with practical applications in pasture conditions including cattle handling.

A quarter century of professional teaching and Equine Canada National Coaching training set the background for your six days of western rider and cattle handling preparation.

Willow Lane Ranch a working cattle ranch where guests experience traditional western riding Willow Lane Ranch: your adventure continues here ... and cattle handling. The Lane's come from a rich cowboy heritage and wish to share it with you. But this is not one of those vacations where you lounge about all day, but you can if you want to! No, this is a vacation that calls forth the inner cowboy within you.

Choose either 6 days at the Willow Lane Ranch for activities or 6 days at the cow camp.

Open Range Itinerary
(two ranches - one price)
12 Days - $3,200
Program Summary:
Start at Bent Creek Ranch - learn and practice horsemanship & cattle handling
Transfer to Willow Lane Ranch - practice what you learned

Monday morning your adventure begins with a transfer from the airport or your hotel to Bent Creek Ranch.

Bent Creek: learn and practice horsemanship & cattle handling
(Monday to Sunday Afternoon)

"Crossing Rivers" ... a learning experience dedicated to those touched by the spirit of the horse and the Old West!

Gerry and Kathy Karchuk, Bent Creek invite you to discover a burning desire to share a life-long passion for horses, horsemanship and learning. Immerse yourself for 6 days of challenging horse/human communication.

You begin with basic Western riding theory and practice, progressing to more advanced "bridle-independent" communication. Learn cattle handling from horseback, implementing low-stress techniques applicable to "open range" management. Cattle roping techniques are an option for those so inclined. Feel the cowboy spirit emerge as you slip into a lifestyle surrounded by horses, cattle and Western Canadian hospitality in the peaceful Oldman River Valley

Next, transfer to Willow Lane Ranch to practice your new skills.

Willow Lane Ranch: practice what you learned
(Sunday Afternoon to Saturday Afternoon)

Keith & LeAnne Lane, Willow Lane Ranch, have much more then a passing familiarity with the cowboy ways - they've lived it their entire lives. Raising cattle, Rodeo, Ranching.

Part two of your cowboy adventure is the opportunity to practice what you learned, while you actively work the ranch, ride the horses, herd the cattle and live the overall lifestyle - all while being entertained & educated by your two amiable hosts. If good friends, hearty meals and a slice of a true Western lifestyle beckon you, than you are sure to enjoy this ranch as part two of your 'Open Range' Cowboy Adventure.

Returning to Calgary Saturday morning after a hearty breakfast.

May we suggest:

Arriving at least one day prior to package start date so you can adjust to the local time and enjoy a bit of Calgary.
Extend your Vacation by one day too properly celebrate two weeks in the saddle with an evening at the Ranchman's - A country music saloon where real cowboys hang out and there's lots of western fun and dancing.

We are happy to help with arrangements.

Happy Trails!

- What should I bring? -