It’s been said time and time again on this site: the mountains look better when framed by the ears of a horse. If you've never ridden a horse before, or it's your favourite thing to do in the world, there’s a ride waiting for you at Cowley’s Rafter 6.

The Cowley family has been running Rafter 6 for generations. They know the area and they know the best ways to explore it with horses. Their location – just east of Canmore and west of Hwy 40 in Kananaskis Country – provides a mix of foothills, mountains, and meadows. It’s the perfect place to ride and live out your cowboy dreams.

The scenery was spectacular. And it was quiet even on a sunny Saturday afternoon!

Rafter 6 isn’t your standard “line-‘em-up and walk along the trail” kinda ride. Located outside of the national parks, they have a lot more freedom and room to roam. There are trails through the trees (perfect for those fall rides!) as well as river rides, picnic sites, and meadows for a good lope. They can customize a ride to suit your needs.

Never ridden before? Keep it casual with well trained horses who know this area and who can provide a safe and memorable experience. A knowledgeable guide will teach you the basics and you can ride through the mountains and feel like you’re in an old western.

Experienced horseperson? Let’s go. It’s time to see what a mountain ride is all about! Intermediate and advanced rides include more than a stately walk through the scenery. Get ready to go on a ride that includes trotting and loping through the meadows and really get a feel for the western experience. Mix some speed with some peaceful moments and more technical terrain that leads to the best scenery around. This is the mountain ride you’re looking for.

No matter your experience level, Rafter 6 can customize a ride for you.

It was a sunny Saturday when our crew saddled up for a ride at Rafter 6. With 4 relative newbie adults and one very excited kiddo who’s taken a few riding camps, we were ready to ride the range. Finding the place was straightforward. Turn off the Trans-Canada Highway at Exit 114 and make a left at the T intersection. Follow the road until you see the corrals. It’s well marked, and easy easy to get to.

Despite the busy public parking lot, which was full of personal horse trailers belonging to people enjoying their Saturday, we actually didn’t see anyone on the ride. There is so much room out here, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. If it’s such a popular spot for people to bring their own horses to ride, we knew we had stumbled onto something fantastic.

Pulling up to the corrals, we were greeted by friendly horses, saddled and ready to go. They were happy to come and interact with us along the fence line and they seemed eager to go out for a ride. The staff were friendly and approachable. They took their time to ask us questions, got us to sign waivers, and asked about our experience. They took care to match us with suitable mounts – horses who could handle our various sizes as well as experience levels. Our horses for this adventure were Sophie, Partner, Buffy, Melody, and sturdy but spry Hope for the little one. Our guide rode Quicksilver, a younger horse in training who is on his way to becoming a solid trail horse.

Once we were partnered up, the staff were very kind and patient getting us on board. They took the time to make sure we were comfortable and that everything was adjusted to fit. Stirrups, reins, and cinches were checked and adjusted before we were ready to go. We were instructed on the basics: stop, steer, back up, and go forward, and once everyone was comfortable, it was time to hit the trail.

The horses all shone with personality. We were carefully matched with our riding partners for the day.

And just like that, we were off! Our guide, Leroy, was excellent. He had a great knowledge of the area and he was eager to answer the constant barrage of questions coming from the youg’un in our group, who wanted to know everything there was to know about each and every horse on the ride, but also about the all the horses back at the corrals as well. There wasn’t a question unasked, and Leroy had an enthusiastic answer for every one.

For the adults on the ride, it was a peaceful experience. Leroy kept an eye on everyone to make sure we were comfortable and directing our mounts appropriately. When Melody – who we dubbed Munchy Melody – decided it was snack time, Leroy was quick to instruct on how to keep her on the trail and assured us she wasn’t missing anything from her diet.

The staff took the time to make sure we were well matched with our horses

We rode through Sundance Meadows and down to the river. It was spectacular. At several moments, Leroy would ask if everyone was ready to trot, and off we’d go with a little speed. The trotting sessions were short because most of us had no idea what we were doing, but it was fun to get the horses moving a little faster, and it’s certainly something that you can’t do with most trail riding outfits.

On our way back, Leroy asked if we wanted to go the easy route, or the harder route. Of course, our experienced kiddo chose the hard route, and next thing we knew we were up on a ledge overlooking the meadow and the mountains beyond. It was stunning. And we were all thankful our horses knew more about riding than we did because they kept us safe and sound with their surefootedness.

One more quick trot and we were back at the start. That hour-and-a-half ride flew by in the blink of an eye. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?

There was a variety of trails from easy, flat terrain to ridges and everything in between

We couldn’t get over how quiet the place was. It felt like we had the whole area to ourselves and coming from busy tourist areas like Banff, it was a pleasant retreat. It didn’t feel like the conveyor belt of activities that tourists are “supposed” to do, and it felt like we had a genuine experience that catered to our specific needs and abilities. We were all impressed we could be so close to home but have such a radically different mountain experience. It was a pleasure to ride through the foothills and get a fresh perspective on the mountains.

The only complaint: There wasn’t enough trotting. This came from the kiddo who’s done a few horse camps so is pretty much an expert on the subject. She plans to return for her birthday with some riding friends for an advanced trail ride that doesn’t include grown ups slowing her down.

All in all, we felt like we stumbled upon something special with Rafter 6 trail rides. A secluded ride catering to our needs in a beautiful mountain paradise that isn’t crowded with people – we didn’t know such a place still existed! If you’re looking for a true mountain experience, saddle up with Rafter 6 and get ready to ride the range – trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

We all had a great time riding with Rafter 6

Taylor Jaine