Over five centuries ago, Spanish horsemen—known as vaqueros—arrived in North America, bringing with them a deep horsemanship legacy that continues to shape today’s Western riding culture. Their influence can be seen not only in commonly used words like “chaps” (derived from chaparreras) and “rodeo” (from rodear), but also in the foundational principles of horse training and stockmanship.

Horseback riders across Canada are advocating for horse use on provincial and regional trails. In Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) that often means resolving potential conflicts with other user groups. On Prince Edward Island (PEI) it’s meant trying to gain access to the Confederation Trail — a 470-kilometre stretch of Canada’s Great Trail, previously called the Trans Canada Trail, which follows a former railway bed across the island.

Did you know that a stunning working horse ranch, backed by the Canadian government and open to trail riders, sits on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains? Yes, it’s true. Ya Ha Tinda Ranch — owned and operated by Parks Canada — is the only federally run horse ranch in the country and marked its 100th anniversary in 2017.

Job Description: Usually working in pairs, pick-up horses and riders are responsible for assisting the rodeo competitor to get off the bucking animal safely.