I stayed at Homeplace Ranch in June, 2011 for a week and I'm still dreaming of going back! I had never been to a dude ranch before (even though I have a few years of riding experience) so approached the trip with an open mind. The staff was great - very friendly, personable, and really good cooks. James, the wrangler, was very patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable.

Mac, Susan, and the staff's love for horses was obvious. I have truly never seen such happy, content, and relaxed horses - it was an absolute joy to see them play and roam free, and something I will always treasure. I learned a great deal about horse behaviour and natural horsemanship through Mac, James, and simply by watching the horses peacefully for hours. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have full interaction with the amazing horses.

I saw a few complaints on this site about the 'slow' rides offered. It states quite clearly on the Homeplace Ranch website that the majority of the trail rides are at a walk, and this is true. Anyone with any riding experience or knowledge knows that it is irresponsible to allow guests to canter or gallop (!) without knowing their level of experience - it compromises the safety of both the horse and the rider. The majority of the walks also take place within the woods, where it is unsafe to go faster than a walk. In short, if you're looking for fast-paced rides, look elsewhere - but understand that Homeplace's first priority is the safety of horses and guests, as it should be.

Sincere thanks to all at Homeplace for a laidback, relaxing, peaceful, and unforgettable vacation.

I have ridden various horses and various styles through out my life, and was pleasantly surprised after arriving at the homeplace ranch, that the staff took the time to show all of us (some with no experience, some with plenty) exactly what to expect from our horses by showing us how they were trained, and how to handle them accordingly.

The trails were beautiful, ranging from thick woods to ridges looking out at the rockies.

The wranglers looked after us very well and answerd every question we had about the horses and the area, pointing out the sarcee indian reserve in the distance and even when riding over an old indian migration trail. There was also plenty of wildlife to see along the way, and they stand there and watch you!! amazing photograghs.

When i arrived i was a little disapointed that we didnt have access to a tv set. after a day or so i didnt miss it 1 bit, and found myself totally unwinding and relaxing, and enjoying the company of the staff and other guests and making some new friends.

On the whole we had a really good time, and enjoyed our hosts, fellow guests, horses, meals and the landscape very much. We are already planing our return trip next year!!

I have traveled the world many times over, for both work and pleasure. I have spent my time in every type of hotel and mingled with every culture. I was put on a horse at the age of two and I would consider myself an experienced rider.

I came across Homeplace Ranch by chance when a pin in the world map landed on Canada and I decided to investigate further. And homeplace ranch was my first and only stop.

I was blown away by the ranch, the wranglers, the FOOD, Mac + family and of course the horses. When one has traveled as much as I have - its hard to call a place home, but Homeplace Ranch became an instant family.

Mac takes great care of matching the horses to the character and experience of the rider. I was given a feisty little mare with an attitude - Mac what are you trying to tell me LOL??!

This is trail riding at its best. If you want to see the magical Rockies, and meander through the mystique of Alberta - enjoy the quiet and the soft pace of the horses .. there is no need to talk just absorb the beauty and peace which we rarely relish in this crazy cell ringing and traffic congested world then Homeplace is the place.

If you are looking to be a yeehah urban cowboy charging off at full tilt into the sunset - this aint the place. Why? Because Mac cares for his horses and when they have to carry "all types" of people of all sizes and experience across rough terrain and down steep hills - then he puts the horses welfare first and doesnt push them. As a side note its rare to be able to canter etc in the USA as insurance wont allow it on guest ranches, so do keep that in mind and dont expect too much more in Canada.

If anyone is up early enough in the mornings at Homeplace Ranch you wont see Mac going out trying to catch the horses for the daily ride - the herd of horses ALL coming running down the hill at the sound of his whistle. If they dont come into the paddock at their own free will, then they dont have to work that day:) And finally as I sign off - I had such an amazing time at Homeplace Ranch that I applied for a visa and stayed in Canada. I gave up my job and I now work in the horse industry as an equine therapist. Homeplace wasn’t just a vacation - it was a life changing experience.

My visit to Homeplace Ranch was one I'll not forget for a long time. I have ridden horses off and on for years and finally at the Homeplace Ranch feel like I understand what riding is all about... the horse and building the horse and rider relationship. I was given excellent instruction up front on Woody, a wooden horse with saddle and bridle, as to how the horses were trained and how to ask them for what I wanted them to do. I learned that a horse wants to be taken for a ride, not take me for a ride. Understanding this before I got on my horse helped me feel safer and relaxed, and it seemed Pasqualie felt that as well. The other part that was great at the Homeplace was that everyone pitched in and helped with meal time. We helped set the table, we helped serve one another during meals, we helped clean up after the excellent home cooked meals by Karen... just like at home, except we enjoyed it a lot! Then we sat around the lodge and chatted, told stories about our lives and laughed a great deal. I made new friends from England, Germany and Switzerland in one very short week. I didn't really consider myself a rider before this week, but after the lessons I learned at Homeplace Ranch, I do now... I don't know it all, but I know more than I did... thanks to Mac, Nola, Rob (excellent wranglers) and of course, Pasqualie! To learn more about Homeplace Ranch check out their web site at http://www.homeplaceranch.com today!