Horses in the High Country

Waterton stopped Bert Riggall in his tracks…. In 1905, young Englishman Bert Riggall was part of a survey crew in southern Alberta. He came to the place First Nations people called “The Lakes Within”. Here he saw magnificent mountains surrounding a broad valley cradling three sparkling lakes. So impressed he wrote in his diary, “I will take a homestead in this place”. And in 1906 he did.

The Nunatak. WMCR Bert Riggall V26/III/C/PA-SPP20–7

Bert Riggall became a legendary guide and outfitter in the Waterton region. He shared his deep love and knowledge of the area with his guests and neighbours. Horses became his magic carpet into the wonders of Waterton’s wild country.

Bert Riggall first blazed many of the backcountry trails we hike and ride today. But few trails existed then and back-country travel was fraught with challenges. High mountain passes and fast flowing streams were dangerous obstacles. Riggall carefully hand selected his mountain cayuses while he developed his pack string. Horses in the high country learned to be comfortable with animals like grizzlies.

They had to be sure-footed on the steep mountainsides with deep sliding shale that would terrify any prairie horse. Good nature, good feet, and courage, in the face of unexpected odds were the qualities of a high country horse.

Back then, pack train travel in the wild could extend for as much as two months. Tourists learned quickly to hold on tight and trust their guide and mount as they traversed steep scree slopes and mountain passes at 8,000 ft.

Guides were their connection to the natural world and Riggall set a high standard for wilderness interpretation that still stands today. His clients would jostle to see who rode next to him on the trail as his commentary was like a multidiscipline university education.

Horses can be your magic carpet to the high country with Alpine Stables. They keep Waterton’s equestrian heritage alive and this year they are offering a special Bert Riggall ride showcasing his story complete with a pack-horse lunch. Learn more about early Waterton in Bert’s new book in local stores. bertriggall.com

By: Beth Towe