Horseback riding in Alberta with "Big West Adventures"

HORSEBACK RIDING IN ALBERTA WITH        “BIG WEST ADVENTURES”

Sit, hang on and shut-up. This seems to be the general attitude for most of Alberta’s horseback riding facilities.

More often than not someone from, or visiting Calgary Alberta who wants to spend some relaxing time with, on or around horses must either tolerate riding around in a large circle while stuck in the confines of an arena of some fashion or they are stuffed into a line- up of people they don’t know and shuffled off for a bump and grind one hour ride.

At “Big West Adventures” horseback riding is just a small part of your experience. Get to know the animal you will be riding. Learn to properly groom and handle your trusted mount. Take the time to stand in the presence of the mighty horse and feel his comforting soul reach out and touch yours.

We’re not in the “sit, hang-on and shut-up business” at “Big West Adventures”, we’re in the experience business and to us, and every minute spent with a horse is time very well spent.

The connection between horse and rider is a very important part of our Adventure Program at “Big West” and we strongly encourage you to spend as much time as you wish with your horse.

“Big West Adventures” is NOT in the hourly ride business which would force us to work behind the confines of a regimented schedule. We spend a day with our clients, teaching, enjoying and creating memories that will last a life time.

The sound of the wind, the smell of the wild flowers and pines, the sound of horse’s hooves, the warmth in your heart. At “Big West Adventures” those are just some of the feelings you’ll experience while you enjoy your horseback ride into some of Alberta’s most spectacular country.

Take pride in your new found knowledge of horseback riding and horses. Feel confident in telling your friends how you learned to take a proper seat on the back of a horse, how you now know how to navigate a wilderness trail while feeling the strength of a sure footed horse beneath you.

With hundreds of miles of wilderness trails to ride in Alberta your first experience with “Big West Adventures” will certainly not be your last.

“TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE” with “Big West Adventures”

We’re only a “click” away   email us: bigwestadventures@gmail.com  

TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE WITH BIG WEST ADVENTURES

Tired of the taste of exhaust in the back of your throat?

Tired of rubbing elbows with people you don’t know while riding the C-Train to work?

Feel like the walls of your office are closing in on you?

Take a ride on the wild side with “Big West Adventures”; Alberta’s most dedicated four season adventure company.

“Big West Adventures” offers fully guided customized wilderness adventures, whether it’s an afternoon hike along the High Wood River or a full day horseback adventure into the incredible foothills or mountains South of Calgary your adventure with “Big West Adventures” will be one you’ll remember for years to come.

So many of today’s tourist oriented companies care not for the quality of experience they give their clients, they care only for the money they make while expending as little effort as possible.

“Big West Adventures” is dedicated to making your wilderness experience the very best it can be by making it educational, exciting and personal.

By accommodating a limited number of guests during each of our wilderness excursions “Big West Adventures” maintains a very personal approach, working to give each guest the utmost attention and care.

We’re in business because of you.

We want to share our extensive knowledge of the wilderness with you.

We strive to ensure that each adventure is just that, an adventure we were fortunate enough to experience with you.

At the end of the day you’ll leave satisfied and with a deeper appreciation for Alberta’s vast wilderness and the wildlife that lives there in abundance.

Life is an adventure; let “Big West Adventures” share a truly exciting and unique wilderness adventure with you every time you need a change of pace.

Take a ride on the wild side with “Big West Adventures”; you’ll just keep coming back for more.

email us to reserve your personalized adventure   bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Alberta's "Big West Guide & Wrangler School"

Since the days of Lewis and Clark there has been the need for Wilderness Guides. Men who lived in the furthest outreaches of the civilized world, men who had learned the way of the wild, men who stood a head above the rest when it came to overcoming the hardships of mountain travel.

As time passed and civilization pushed its way further into what was once considered wilderness, there still was found the need for those men who knew the ways of the wild.

The wealthy men of the world found much pleasure in the pursuit of the great creatures of the wild yet they lacked the basic skills of wilderness survival and soon found themselves dependant on the skilled woodsman of the day. Thus, the dawn of the Big Game Guide and the Guiding Industry.

For decades Wilderness Guides have led clients into the mountains in search of adventure and the possibility of harvesting a big game trophy yet now in the 21 century this way of life has become in danger of extinction.

The lack of recruitment, the dwindling supply of those adventuresome young men wishing to live the life of a Wilderness Guide has indeed become the most ominous threat to a once stable way of life.

Non-hunting adventure seekers have now, in many regions, taken the place of the once steady stream of Big Game Hunters yet the serious lack of qualified Wilderness Guides sees even this industry in peril.

So many of Western Canada’s back country operators now rely on seasonal employees from around the globe to work as Back Country Guides and Horse Wranglers in order to continue to stay in operation. This is without doubt a double edged sword as many of those now employed as Wilderness Guides are nothing more than tourists’ themselves, sometimes knowing no more than those they lead.

Without proper education in Horsemanship and Wilderness travel today’s Guides and Wranglers are not only placing themselves at great risk, but those they are entrusted to accompany as well.

The “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” has been developed in order to help educate those who wish to seek employment in Western Canada’s hunting and non-hunting guiding industry. There is a high demand for trained Wilderness Guides and Horse Wranglers. There is a need for the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” both here in Alberta and in Western Canada.

With over four hundred back country operators in Western Canada there is a great demand for a steady supply of qualified help, without a proper means of education the industry will most certainly always be under staffed.

Become a valuable employee to the hundreds of back country operators in Alberta and Western Canada by becoming a graduate of the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School”, a life of adventure and reward is waiting for you.

Study the art of wilderness horse packing while you’re learning how to handle a string of sturdy pack horses. Learn to master the art of tying the single and double diamond hitch, the basket hitch and the barrel loop. Show up at your new job as a Wilderness Guide or Horse Wrangler and be proud in your ability to handle yourself in even the most difficult of back country situations.

It is here at the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” you can enjoy the challenges of learning the dying art wilderness survival and back country horsemanship from men who have spent decades mastering their skills.

A life of adventure and excitement awaits you; we’re just a “click” away….

Alberta’s “Big West Guide & Wrangler School”…..

Email us at   bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Escape into the Wilderness

Escape into the Wilderness

When is the last time you sat on a ridge top and listened to the sound of the wind whisper through the trees?

When was it you sat mesmerized by the slow dance of a campfire’s flames?

Can you recall the last time you heard the strike of a horse’s shod foot as he carried you across a creek high in the mountains?

The smells, the sounds and the sights of a wilderness adventure will linger forever within the confines of your mind, giving you escape from the hectic pace of a busy life when you most need it.

No ringing phone. No buzzing text messages. No emails demanding your attention. Only the sound of the wind, the smell of the pines, the warmth of a Southern slope’s afternoon sun. Peace and serenity. Escape.

With “Big West Adventures” you can experience Mother Nature’s touch without the hurried pace of a generic tourist trap. We cater not to the masses but to you, to your personal needs and desires. Striving to ensure you leave with only the fondest memories possible.

Share with us the ultimate in wilderness adventures. Whether it be from the back of a horse, a fully guided hiking adventure or a trek through Winter’s wonderland on a set of snowshoes “Big West Adventures” will create for you memories that will make you smile for years to come.

“Big West Adventures”…..we’re only a “click” away…..

Life as a guide

As I look back over the past 30 years of my life, years spent living the life of a wilderness guide and horseman, I search the depths of my soul for regrets and I find none.

My life in the mountains has been anything but easy. Broken bones, hardships and friends lost to an unforgiving wilderness yet I would not for one second change my course if I were given the power to do so. My life has been solid, unforgiving and real.

I have experienced the death of three of my fellow mountain men, men with whom I shared many a fire, men I called friend. I dealt with the loss of seventeen good horses over the years, good friends and companions each and every one yet it was the life we chose, it was the way we wanted it to be.

Snow storms and high water floods, grizzly bears, upside down horses and broken bones. We were men of a different breed, hard and calloused men who shared the hardships and laughter of a life few could understand. Men of the mountains.

I watch now as today’s youth, young women and men cease to exist as soon as their I-Phone loses service. Pants down around their butt cheeks, hats on sideways and faces decorated with such a variety of jewellery that they look like they stumbled and fell face first into their grandfather’s tackle box.

Adventure is a day trip to the mall where they stand in small herds of unknowing and unwilling souls who seem to lack any direction in life what so ever.

What will become of the way of life we the men of the mountains once shared? Who will dare to step foot off the ash fault and lead the few into the depths of Mother Nature’s bosom?

Horses, high country, rocky trails and river depths, who will know the ways of the wild if someone does not teach them, who will become the mountain men of today?

The double diamond, crow’s foot hitch and the barrel loop, only a handful of men even know what these things are any more and even fewer men have stayed in practice with the art of wilderness horse packing.

It wasn’t but a week ago I witnessed a group of gents bungee strap a lop-sided buddle of crap onto an unimpressed horse. I was amazed when I heard one of them use the phrase “Horse Packer” as they worked together to stretch the bungee strap an extra foot.

The world seems to be filling up with those who like to call themselves hunters yet I cannot actually remember seeing a recent photo of an elk on a pack horse, I have however seen the ridiculous display of three men abreast trying to drag a bull elk out of the bush with their poor unconditioned horses who were near collapse.

There will always be those who want to experience a true wilderness adventure, whether it be during a big game hunt or a family outing and there will always be the need for those who hold the knowledge and skills required to safely lead them through the difficulties of mountain travel. It is with this in mind the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” was founded.

Let us not see our way of life as true mountain men and wilderness guides die, let us teach the youth of today the old ways, the way of the horse, the way of life in the back country.

Written by:

Ron Arnett
“A man from the wilderness”

Want to live the life of a Wilderness Guide    email us   bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Valley of the Wolf

Valley of the Wolf

I had decided to travel once again to Northern British Columbia, returning to the place of my birth, to the origin of many of my childhood memories, wanting to re-kindle the fond memories I carried of the adventures I shared with my younger brother and my father while growing up on the edge of the North Country's vast and unforgiving wilderness. The mountains of the North were far gentler than the rugged Rocky Mountains I had spent the last twenty seven years guiding hunters in and the change added to my silent excitement. Strangely I felt like I had returned home and an inner peace seemed to warm the depths of my soul. The rolling hills were covered with aspen trees in the height of their fall colors and the cascading views that fell before me added to my deep appreciation of once again being fortunate enough to stand in such an incredible place. I chose to make my small camp on the banks of the Pine River and once settled in I began to drive through the country, allowing my mind to take me back over the decades to a time when grouse hunting and snaring rabbits was my life’s passion. I found myself in a remote valley, the home of several small cattle ranches and my memory told me that I had spent time on one of the ranches as a small boy. I arrived at the door of the ranch house, seeking to gain permission to cross fenced land and to my surprise the vaguely familiar face of an elderly woman appeared in the doorway. I told her who I was and she immediately invited me in as she had been a good friend of my parents so many years before and remembered me as the small adventurous boy that I was now trying to come in contact with. After several hours of good fellowship and a couple pieces of thick apple pie I had learned that the Timber Wolves had taken over the country and were playing havoc on the tiny ranching community and their livestock. The winter passed, the small group of ranchers had banded together and hired a so called wolf expert from Poland to come hunt the wolves in hopes of decreasing the predator's population. His efforts had been fruitless and not a single wolf was harvested over the numerous baits he had laid. As I left the small ranch with a promise to return before my journey home, I couldn’t help feeling the woman’s sense of concern for her small herd of cattle and what the long winter months would bring. I returned to my small camp on the Pine River and settled in for a quiet evening around a small fire. Before I headed to bed I decided to return to the hills that surrounded the small ranching community as the fields held great feed for the deer and the chance of finding a good buck was as good as anywhere I had seen in my travels thus far. I started my morning with a pot of boiled coffee and left my camp well before daylight, headed back to the hills behind the ranch I had visited the day before. I drove in the darkness on an old logging road the kind woman had made known, driving slowly until I could see the lights of the ranch houses below me and then parked my truck at the edge of a small clearing in the aspen and spruce forest. The sky was beginning to turn gray with the approach of dawn as I quietly left my vehicle and headed South along the timbers’ edge. Daylight was now upon me and I had walked near a mile from my truck as I traveled the timbered ridge far above the small ranches that lay in the valley below. I stopped in mid stride as the mournful sound of a Timber Wolf’s howl broke the silence of the crisp morning’s air. The animal was not far off and my senses sharpened with the thought of the large predator’s presence. It had snowed the evening before and just like I , the wolf was hunting the dark timbers’ edge looking for something to give chase. I slipped behind a small spruce tree and quietly knelt down, taking my rifle from my shoulder as I did so. Never taking my eyes from the spot on the timbers’ edge where I’d heard the wolf’s howl I slowly chambered a round into my 7mm and waited. Several minutes had passed since the wolf’s howl had broken the early morning silence yet I saw no movement as I scanned the timber with my binoculars. I let my field glasses fall into place against my chest and slowly rested my rifle against the tree which behind I was hidden. Cupping my hands around my mouth I raised my head and returned the wolf’s lonesome cry. I’d barely taken my hands from my mouth when my call was answered by not one but two wolves still hidden in the dark stand of timber. I slowly shifted my body so that I could lay flat on the ground against the bottom of the small tree that concealed me and placed my rifle before me in the snow, making sure to make no sudden movements as I did so. Again the silence was shattered by the howl of one of the wolves as if it was searching to know where the stranger had gone. I waited in the silence, not answering the call, just lying there in the snow scanning the timbers’ edge with my binoculars. Suddenly the gray silloet of a large wolf appeared in the timber not 200 yards from me. The animal had materialized from the shadows and stood motionless staring directly at the tree under which I lay. I made no move for my rifle, lying still, watching , waiting. It was then the second wolf emerged from the shadows much like it’s partner had done, seeming to appear from nowhere. Both wolves were of equal size, standing well over 3 ft. at the shoulder and they appeared to be almost identical in color, twins it would seem. The first wolf that appeared took one step forward, lifted his head and howled. I could see the frosted breath rise from it’s mouth as it’s lonesome call echoed through the timber. I drew myself up on my elbows, staying hidden in the lower branches of the small tree and returned the wolf’s searching call. Without hesitation both animals slipped back into the timber and started towards me. I could see the outline of their bodies as they drifted towards me like two ghosts, stopping every so often as if to reassure themselves that their approach was the right thing to do. As I watched them approach I gently raised my rifle and began to follow them in my scope, never taking my eyes off their shifting shapes. When they re-emerged from the safety of the timber they were less than 100 yards from where I lay. Both animals walked completely out of the trees and stood side by each staring in my direction, looking for the invading wolf they had heard. It was then I ended it. My crosshairs rested on the chest of the first wolf and I touched off my first shot with gentle ease. The second animal jumped at the rifle's report and the sudden fall of his companion, standing in confusion only a few yards off, presenting me with a broadside shot. As I approached the fallen wolves I felt no joy or great satisfaction but a sense of solemn respect, for they were the ultimate predator here in the High-country. It was unfortunate that these creatures of the wild had resorted to killing livestock, adding strength to the hate that the Northern Ranches shared for these incredible creatures. Both wolves were adult males and I estimated their weight to be in excess of 140 lb.  Although they were adults they were not as large as these Northern Timber Wolves were reported to grow. I’d heard of large males weighing as much as 175 lb., standing over 40 inches at the shoulder. It was little wonder that these creatures could kill an adult moose weighing over 1800 lb.. Their teeth were razor sharp and were considerably longer than a domestic canines’ which gave me a deeper respect for their ability to kill. Although there are dozens of urban legends with regards to the wolf, there has not been one recorded attack by a wolf on a human being in the wild. They are a hunter of incredible skill, not deserving of their horrible reputation that man’s ignorance has tarnished them with. I returned to my truck and finding an old road bed , drove much closer to the where the wolves lay. After considerable effort I was able to drag the pair to the truck and load them into the box whole. I headed down the mountain to the small ranch I had visited the day before to show elderly woman my mornings work. As the old woman peered into the truck box she displayed a huge smile and shouted “Oh what a victory! “. My efforts were rewarded with a huge breakfast which she prepared on her wood cook stove and while I ate the terrific meal she called each of her neighbours’ with the news. I had now become the talk of the valley. One of the nearby ranchers reported that he had spotted several wolves in his pasture that morning and asked if I would come and try my luck again that evening. I agreed to do so and spent the rest of the morning splitting and stacking wood for the old woman as she was alone and had no one to help her prepare for the long winter that was fast approaching. My evening was spent hunting the ranch where the wolves had been spotted that morning and although I saw none of the illusive creatures, I found several sets of tracks in the early morning’s snow. The one set of tracks was so large that it seemed not possible to be real as the stride was longer than 36 inches and the foot print was so big it made me think of a creature from the movies. I agreed to return to the ranch the following morning in search of the wolves and headed back to my tiny camp in the darkness. I arrived at the ranch house well before daylight and could not refuse the warm invitation to another farm style breakfast and some good company. Over our hot meal the rancher told me that he had seen the wolves the previous morning while he was feeding his cows so I volunteered to help him with his morning’s chores with hopes of that we would see the wolves again. As we neared the north end of the ranch I spotted one lone black wolf loping along the fence line heading for a timbered hillside. We stopped the old farm truck as we watched the animal disappear into the trees and it was decided that I would continue on foot enabling me to make a silent approach. I could hear the old farm truck clamber off into the distance as I slowly walked down the fence line on the opposite side of the field from where we had seen the black wolf disappear. There were several large brush piles in the center of the field that the rancher had made with his dozer in an attempted to clear more pasture so I chose to use one of them as a cover. I climbed into the brush pile and situated myself so that I could see the timber line where the wolf had disappeared and found a protruding log that would serve as a shooting rest. When I had settled into my position I cupped my hands around my mouth and sent a long lonesome howl into the morning air. To my amazement the entire hillside erupted into a carouse of howls sending a shiver up my spine. There had to be better than a dozen wolves scattered across the hillside before me! The thought actually went through my mind that I didn’t have enough bullets with me. I sat and listened to the wolves as they continued to howl, it was a sound that I’ll never forget. When I finally returned with another Howl the carouse abruptly stopped and I knew they were coming. Within seconds the timberline was scattered with the shifting shapes of wolves in a variety of colors and sizes. I immediately sighted on a huge black that seemed to dwarf the two males I had killed the day before and watched as the entire pack trotted towards me with little concern. The big black had taken the lead and was approaching me at a quick and steady pace with the others not far behind. It was an amazing sight to see. I kept my scope on the black and when he finally stopped the advance he was just a little over 100 yards out. He had no sooner stopped when I planted him with a perfect shot square in the chest and then swung my sights to another black that was off to his left. Some of the wolves were now running back to the safety of the timber while others were still standing unsure of what had just happened. The second black I had sighted on turned half ways broadside and was looking back at its fallen comrade when I fired my second fatal shot, killing the second wolf with a slightly misplaced shot to the face. It dropped where it had stood without a kick. The rancher had heard my shots and returned in the old farm truck displaying his pleasure with my mornings hunt by nearly knocking me off my feet with a slap on the back. “Good work son!” he said with a broad grin, “How the Hell did you kill two of them?”. I explained my method of howling the wolves as we drove back to his ranch house and he returned my words with a queer grin and said, “You’re half wild yer' self aint ya.” We hung the largest black on the ranches old style butcher scale and I was amazed to see that it weighed an incredible 168 lbs and measured 7 ft 4 inches long. Truly an amazing animal. I returned home two days later with no deer in the truck but the hides of four trophy wolves certainly made the trip well worthwhile. Without a doubt I will one day again return to the” Valley Of The Wolf" Written By; Ron Arnett "A Man From The Wilderness

Big West Guide & Wrangler School

email us at  bigwestadventures@gmail.com  don't miss out on a life of Adventure!!!

INTRODUCTION

The steady annual increase in the number of tourists and outdoor adventure seekers into remote regions of Alberta require training and experience on behalf of the Guides and Wranglers entrusted with safety of these guests, guests who are seeking greater challenges and education from their wilderness holidays.

The serious lack of qualified Guides and Horse Wranglers in Alberta is forcing those operating within in the industry to rely on inexperienced employees from around the globe, most of whom are nothing more than tourists themselves seeking seasonal employment. This not only opens the doors for potentially dangerous situations to develop, but also sees the “Client” receiving less than adequate attention during their adventure, many of whom leave feeling somewhat disappointed with their experience.

This is Alberta, world famous for being the land of the “Canadian Cowboy” and home to the “Calgary Stampede”. Most every visitor is seeking a the experience of a horse back adventure, not only wanting to feel like a cowboy during their outing, but to be led by someone experienced and knowledgeable with regards to the horses, the wilderness surroundings and the wildlife that lives in the country they explore.

Horses are animals with a mind of their own, and although they may appear to be docile and complacent they can become unpredictable and even dangerous if the situation arises. Having an inexperienced and untrained guide in the lead of a group of mounted guests can only spell disaster if the unexpected may occur.

The importance of a Guide and Wrangler training program is of the utmost importance in order to ensure the safety of guests, horses and entrusted employees alike.

OBJECTIVE

It is our objective at the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” to train participants not only at an introductory level but also on an advanced level for those serious about seeking a career within the guiding industry.

Both our introductory program and our advanced program build confidence and character while enabling students to meet the ever growing demands of today’s tourists and the industry.

Our introductory program is designed for participants with limited horseback experience seeking seasonal employment as a Trail Guide at one of Alberta’s many daily trail riding outfits such as “Warner’s Stables” located in Banff, “Brewster’s Stables” located in Lake Louise or “Timberline Tours” also located in Lake Louise.

Our advanced level program is applicable for those individuals with specific goals in mind such as head adventure tourism guide working in Alberta’s premier back country, or managing or owning their own adventure tourism company.

THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM OUR TRAINING PROGRAMS

The back country tourism industry requires qualified Adventure Guides and Horse Wranglers in order to offer clients a safe and high quality horseback experience.

Graduates from the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” will benefit on a professional and personal level, gaining confidents in themselves and in the development of their work ethics and professionalism.

The employers of “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” graduates will quickly learn to appreciate the value of trained and professional employees and can certainly expect to see the continual increase in their client appreciation levels.

Clients seeking a truly enjoyable horseback experience will certainly appreciate the professional manner in which they are treated by “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” graduates, adding to the memories of their experience in Alberta.

The economic impacts of the tourism industry are significant and Alberta’s communities are quickly developing the expertise that is required for participation in this growing industry. Graduates of the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” bring their experience and knowledge back to their communities assisting with the future devolvement of the tourism industry on a local and provincial level.


INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM

TRAINING OBJECTIVE

To familiarize participants seeking seasonal employment with the basic skills of general horsemanship, client safety and industry professionalism.

WRANGLING

1) Learning how to safely approach, halter and release a horse

2)      “   proper leading techniques

3)      “   proper knots and tie up techniques

4)      “   equine injury identification techniques

4)      “   proper brushing and combing techniques

5)      “   proper blanket and saddle pad placement

6)      “   proper saddle placement and girth location

7)      “   proper bridling techniques and bit placement

TACK ADJUSTMENTS

1) Learning proper stirrup adjustment to suit client needs

2)      “     to identify proper saddle seat size according to client comfort

RIDING

1) Learning proper mounting techniques

2)      “       proper dismounting techniques

3)      “       proper leg positioning and balance

4)      “       proper rein length and head control of mount

5)      “       proper way to regain and maintain control of frightened mount

GUEST ORIENTATION AND RIDING INTRODUCTION

1) Learning proper methods of guest introduction to horse

2)      “       Proper method of riding instruction for guest

3)      “       Proper method of mounting and dismounting guests

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

1) Learning to identify guest/horse problems

2)      “     Professional manner in which to defuse potentially harmful                situations to either horse or rider

3)      “     The do’s and dont’s of trail riding

PROFESSIONALISM AND GUIDE ETHICS

1) Learning proper client care

2)      “   to identify the comfort zones of individual clients

3)      “   the proper way to handle a disgruntled or rude client

GENERAL HORSE CARE AND FEED REQUIREMENTS

1) Learning the nutritional requirements of an equine under normal and heavy use conditions

FIRST AID INSTRUCTION

1) Learning basic St. Johns first aid and client care

INTRODUTORY PROGRAM SUMMARY

The introductory program is conducted over a three day period during which the hours of instruction are 10 hours each day.

Graduates of the “Big West Guide and Wrangler” school shall each receive a certificate recognizing their completion and an up to date list of all Trail Ride Outfits in Alberta currently seeking employees.

Program instruction, written material pertaining to the Introductory Program, meals and lodging shall be supplied to participants during the 3 day program.

The “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” promotes a drug and alcohol free environment without exception. Any participants caught using or observed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be expelled from the program and asked to leave our facility immediately and without refund.

The price for the introductory program is $600 Canadian funds per participant.

Each 3 day introductory training program has a maximum limit of 12 participants therefore early enrollment is greatly encouraged. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to ensure program availability.

Participants wishing to be responsible for their own lodging and meals while enrolled in the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” introductory program can expect to receive a $100 discount off of the regular enrollment fee.

WILDERNESS GUIDE AND WRANGLER TRAINING PROGRAM

The “Big West Guide and Wrangler School’s” Wilderness Guiding and Wrangler program requires that you have some guiding and horse related skills. Whether these skills were acquired as a participant at our introductory program or on your own, they are required as a prerequisite of our program. 

HORSE HANDLING

1) General review of proper horse catching, preparation and saddling techniques

2) General review of equine injury and stiffness identification

3) Learning to properly match horses with the guest abilities and comfort levels

HORSE PACKING

1) Familiarization with the “Decker” and “Sawbuck” traditional pack saddles

2) Instruction on proper saddle fitting and placement for individual pack animals

3) Instruction in proper load organization and weight dispersement

4) Instruction in proper “Pack Box “organization and weight dispersement

5) Instruction in the use of the “Basket Rope” during the construction of the “Crow Foot” hitch and the “Barrel” hitch

6) Instruction in proper load balance and top pack placement

7) Instruction in proper load tarping techniques

8) Instruction in tying the single and double diamond hitches.

PACK STRING HANDLING

1) Instruction in proper tail tying techniques

2)      “          in leading a pack string safely through different types of terrain and obstacles

3) Instruction in how to approach a “tangled” pack string and how to safely diffuse the situation

HORSE SHOEING

1) General overview of the equine foot and it’s inner construction

2) Introduction to proper hoof trimming techniques

3) Introduction to proper shoe placement and safe nailing techniques

4) Instruction in nail clenching and hoof dressing after shoeing

This section of our Wilderness Guide and Wrangler program is not intended to be an in depth horse shoeing program. It is intended to give participants a general knowledge base, supplying them with the necessary means to replace a horse’s shoe while in the field.

WILDERNESS CAMP CONSTRUCTION

1) Instruction in how to identify the proper location for a wilderness camp site.

2) Instruction in camp construction having minimal environmental impact.

3) Instruction in how to properly identify an environmentally friendly latrine location

4) Instruction in proper “grey water” disposal

The use of Alberta’s wilderness areas by tourist oriented Guiding Companies plays an important part in the economic growth of both the rural communities and the province in general. The continued use of these pristine areas has become a vital part of not only the tourist industry but for Alberta’s residents who enjoy partaking in a wilderness adventure.

The impact of each visitor on these fragile wilderness areas must be kept at a minimum in order to protect and sustain the allowable use of such areas. It is one of our prime objectives at the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” to instill in every one of our participants the tremendous importance of leaving behind them as small a footprint as possible.

CAMP FIRES

1) Instruction in identifying environmentally safe camp fire locations

2)      “          in proper fire starting procedures

3)      “          in safe and environmentally friendly camp fire disposal

WILDLIFE PHOTRAGHY

1) Instruction in wildlife identification

2)      “          in species habitat and daily habits

3)      “          in terrain assessment

4)      “          in proper game stalking

5)      “          in how to anticipate quarry movement in order to safely position guest to supply best photo opportunity.

6)      “          in how to successfully photograph wildlife in it’s natural environment while ensuring the least amount of negative impact on the animals daily habits.

WILDERNESS FIRST AID AND EVACUATION

1) Instruction in Wilderness First aid by a trained medical professional

2)      “         in the proper techniques and procedures used to safely evacuate an injured person

3)       “         in how to properly locate and secure an acceptable helicopter landing site

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL

1) Instruction in wilderness survival techniques

2)      “          in wilderness shelter construction

3)      “          in the edible plants and mushrooms of the Rocky Mountains

4)      “          in fire building without using modern technology

5)      “          in snaring and humane methods of food gathering in extreme situations of isolation

WILDERNESS GUIDE AND WRANGLER PROGRAM SUMMARY

The continually growing and ever evolving Wilderness Tourist Industry in Alberta and North America for that matter has seen the development of hundreds of Wilderness Adventure companies both of a hunting and non-hunting nature in the past two decades. One of the key problems confronting those who operate these companies is the tremendous lack of qualified personnel available for employment on a seasonal and year round basis. It is our objective at the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” to make available a quality learning institute to those career minded individuals seeking a life working within the Wilderness Tourism Industry.

The age old arts of Wilderness horseback travel, horse packing and wilderness survival are acquired skills that cannot be learned within the confines of a classroom or schoolhouse, they must be passed down to those who wish to learn while being surrounded in a Wilderness environment.

The growing demand for qualified Wilderness Guides and Horse Wranglers

almost ensures our graduates of immediate acceptance into the work field. Each graduate from our “Wilderness Guide and Wrangler School “ will be supplied with a diploma outlining their personal accomplishments accompanied by a letter of recommendation for employment from the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School”.

The “Big West Wilderness Guide and Wrangler School” is conducted over a 10 day period during which the hours of instruction shall vary in length yet be based on an average 10 hour day.

Program instruction, written material pertaining to the Introductory Program, meals and lodging shall be supplied to participants during the 10 day program.

The “Big West Wilderness Guide and Wrangler School” promotes a drug and alcohol free environment without exception. Any participants caught using or observed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be expelled from the program and asked to leave our facility immediately and without refund.

The price for the introductory program is $2,250 Canadian funds per participant.

Each 10 day Wilderness Guide and Wrangler training program has a maximum limit of 8 participants therefore early enrollment is greatly encouraged. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to ensure program availability.