HORSEPLAY RANCH ADVENTURES Kari Lammle Carr has created

HorsePlay Ranch Adventures

Story & Photos By BAR XP Photography

Nestled in the heart of the Foothills, HorsePlay Ranch Adventures offers pint-sized, authentic ranch experiences for the entire family. The concept branched out of family-fun, continues to flourish on a fifth-generation, working ranch near Okotoks, AB. HorsePlay Ranch Adventures welcomes children at the age of two and classes have evolved to include more experienced riders who have grown in both skill and stature. Along with their parents, youth are invited to learn the fundamentals of horsemanship, experience ranch life first-hand and appreciate the vibrant, local landscape.

Struggling to find the perfect horse for her infant son, founder Kari Lammle Carr was reluctant to venture down the “pony path.” She certainly doesn’t regret her decision to explore the world of smaller horses however and credits Birgitta Wilkinson of Success With Horses for her “pony” introduction. Initially, the Carr family went to look at one pony and came home with four! Recognizing that many great programs catered to older youth, Carr was motivated to offer experiences that captured the natural wonder of younger children. Carr began offering Pony Play classes where parents could get together and enjoy the ponies with their young children. The response to the classes was outstanding but Carr’s toughest customer was her own son, Davin.

While he loved his pony Johnny Cash, his interest in saddle time waivered. Carr realized that she needed to

Dead Betsy provides a learning opportunity about the circle of life and bovine anatomy at HorsePlay Ranch Adventures that most children would never otherwise receive.

PONY PLAY AGES 2-4 YEARS

A fun, relaxed, five-week, parent involved program. Here, parent and child learn with their pony, at their own pace. They discover horsemanship basics and handling. From brushing and cleaning tiny hooves to leading or being led on a pony, the wee riders gain confidence quickly and soon embark on leadline adventures around the property. Children learn to ride up and down small hills, navigate small water crossings, tour pastures, visit cows, observe wildlife and seasonal flowers.

RANCH ADVENTURE PROGRAM AGES 4+

As riders graduate to bigger ponies, they expand their riding zone and explore 400 acres of trails and ranch obstacles. In this five-week series, children and their guardian learn how to wrangle their pony, saddle-up and explore. Once everyone is comfortable, the group leaves the home paddock in search of adventure! These, mini-ranchers learn how to care for their horse, check cows, open/close gates, navigate obstacles and even visit some old cow bones! Kids develop balance and continually get on/off their ponies as investigation takes place. Soon into this level, guardians are “unclipped.” Often, parents can be found visiting at the back of the group, enjoying the scenery while the young riders gain independence!

RANCH RIDERS MORE ACCOMPLISHED EQUESTRIANS

Designed for riders who have graduated out of the Ranch Adventure program or those who come with more experience, this is an eight-week series. After a quick review of skills, the cohort sets out for some real ranch riding. As a group, riders check cows, count calves, embark on longer trail-rides and appreciate the landscape. If a fence is down, the crew learns how to fix it. If a cow is out, they learn how to put it back where it belongs. The group changes pace often and rider tips are shared often as youth learn to appreciate the support of others, while working together on the ranch!

(L to R) Jackson Piepgrass, Kari Lammle Carr and Neve Armstrong.

appeal to him in a unique and fascinating manner. She quickly developed adventures and obstacles that fueled his interest in riding. The catch was that he had to take Johnny along. Friends and family were recruited to test Carr’s ideas and the Ranch Adventures program took flight. Here, beginner horsemen head out, along with their parents and volunteers, across 400 acres of trails. They encounter true ranch obstacles while learning about nature and ranch history! To keep up with growing kids who have graduated from the previous cohorts, Carr also developed the Ranch Riders program. In it, youth with a little more experience brush up on their horsemanship skills, participate in true ranch duties and appreciate the landscape that surrounds the historic site.

While there are three divergent programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse client base, HorsePlay Ranch Adventures is not just about the kids. Carr notes, “Parents really enjoy learning about ranching and livestock too. I find myself explaining the importance of good water sources, pasture rotation and animal husbandry.”

Across the board, Carr’s programs focus on developing independence in a unique, comfortable and authentic setting. Together with her faithful volunteers, she delivers a first-rate experience that shares her love of ranching and ponies, amid the history of the location.

Carr is proud of the heritage that founds the facility and speaks to its past with tact and authenticity. Her family has ranched in the area for more than 120 years. To say the least the buildings and artifacts that one encounters while on location, are rich with character. While the age of some structures present challenge, they also provide charm and opportunity for education. She takes pride in decorating each area with her own style.

A plethora of colourful halters is required, as the ranch is home to numerous lesson ponies.

The entire farmyard is ripe with hands-on opportunity and appeal. Carr remains appreciative of the ongoing support that she receives from both her family and friends. Her loyal volunteers, compliment her skill set well. Neve Armstrong has known Carr since she was a pony-rider, herself. She brings a confident and charismatic flare to the program. Jackson Piepgrass has a heart for all animals and is quickly learning the ropes as a horseman. He has a special appreciation for “Gloria,” a young heifer that Carr and crew are training to be a riding cow. Currently, they use her to pack trail snacks! Gloria is another example of the unique flare present at HorsePlay Ranch Adventures. Carr strives to keep her programs fresh with the addition of new trails, features and obstacles. She described one obstacle that has been a special highlight, this year: a culvert that became eroded by spring run-off and the roadway creek-crossing.

“Kids now have two choices… cross the creek on their pony or walk the plank, like a pirate!” she says.

The herd consists of a pony for all ages and abilities. Carr truly aims to keep her program operating with her personal touch and a fun-while-learning approach. It’s designed to be something that parents can do with their child and enjoy. “Not everyone can afford their own horses, but they love coming here to freely handle and enjoy one with their child.”

She adds that her facility is, “…a great place for beginners to start. It’s a great place for parents to better understand ponies and try different ones out so that they know what they like and don’t like.”

If you are interested in learning more about HorsePlay Ranch Adventures, visit their website at https://horseplay. eventsmart.com/ or join their Facebook group for current classes and witty agricultural humour.