First time I visited here and I suspect it won't be the last time. The ESRA had their Summer Cruise…read moreevent here and from what I can tell it went off without a hitch. Such a beautiful location with such easy access and it is all ran and maintained by volunteers even though it is the other end of the world for me from Sherwood Park I will gladly drive here even if it is to just watch the horses. One of the people I was talking to had mentioned that they have a nephew with a disability and he comes every week for animal therapy. I seriously hope this is the venue for next years show as the space is phenomenal and parking is wonderful too! And if you want to spend a whole day, Fort Edmonton is right next door.

My daughter has taken lessons with both Lisa and Chris and we have enjoyed both. Lessons are set…read morewith a focus on the educational/safety approach of riding horses and is not simply a get on and go for it situation. For a beginner it will take several classes to lead up to jumping so be prepared for a slow and steady approach to riding and a financial investment in lessons. There is no need to own a horse to take lessons as 95% of the riders do not own. The current location is extremely old and the parents, riders, and staff all seem eager for the new construction to be completed so we can all move on to the neighbouring location opening in the fall.

Amberlea Meadows- They don't want our business…read more We called in September and then again later in the week. We left messages requesting hay bales for bunnies. No one returned or answered our calls, so we went out to the site, thinking they were too busy with horses to answer our calls. Their website says they are open from 8 am to 10 pm on Saturdays. We arrived at 4:10. There was no one around except someone grooming their horse. Whoever it was explained that the owners were at a horse show. So I saw a light on in the farm buildings and rang a doorbell. A young blond woman finally came to the door. She feigned surprise that we were there looking for hay bales on a Saturday, and so late (it was about 4:20 by this time). She told me the owners are never here on the weekend. I explained that I had phoned early in the week but no one had returned my call. I asked her if she could text the owners and ask about bales of hay. We waited outside for about 10 minutes. Through the window screen I heard her mocking me to a male companion. Finally she came back and told us she would sell us a bale- do you have cash? Despite the fact that my friend had bought two bales for $16 the previous year, she was firm on $20 for one. I would suggest the following: 1. update the website to include office hours.eg 10-noon Mondays to Fridays . 2. Hire someone to answer your phone if you are unable to. Or, very simply, put a "not available" message on your answering machine. 3. Possibly forward your messages when you're out of town. I was disappointed by the rude and disrespectful greeting we received from the business, both by phone and in person.To them I say "You might not want to sell hay bales. You might be only interested in horse owners' business. But you should not be just plain rude to people making inquiries. Especially when you don't bother answering your phone or responding to messages. Also, if you don't want our business, make that clear on your website. Then we wouldn't waste your time or ours."

They make the best of what they have, but event planning is not at the top of their skill sets…read more In presenting the RCMP Musical Ride, they did not mention any sort of schedule or alternative presentations preceding the RCMP. This meant for a long afternoon of cramped, standing-room only.

Excellent ranch for summer camps, Riding lessons, and other private functions. Have been going for…read moreseveral years and always have a great time. Learning lots of Riding skills too.

Amazing ranch & 'summer camp' type facility with fantastic varied retreat options just a stone's…read morethrow away from Edmonton. I came here recently as a chaperon for my daughter's grade seven band camp, so I didn't get the complete summer camp experience, but I certainly got a good taste. Our 30 kid band used the Cedar Lodge as their practice space. This space was ideal, having good acoustics, was quite roomy and could have accommodated far more people, and yet was still quite cozy and was stocked with much appreciated simple refreshments. We broke the band down into sections and the kids were able to trade off in smaller groups to have some fun on the super high concrete climbing wall, as well as the the rope course with zip-line. Aside from a briefing on rules, harnesses and helmets, no training was required for the kids for any of these activities because well trained staff was there to assist them every single step of the way (staff even belayed at the climbing wall). And when one tween panicked and fell between the rungs of the rope bridge, she was not left hanging, a quick, calm and efficient rescue was underway in the blink of an eye. A hugely positive experience, most of the kids felt very confident and reached climbing goals. We didn't experience, but certainly saw multiple signs of a full ranch setup as well... the sights and smells of the horses was quite the change of pace from sitting in a Jr. High classroom all day even at a bit of a distance. We dined in the main lodge for lunch. A very cozy atmosphere. Stereotypical summer camp style in many ways, but perhaps almost more luxurious - a glamping dinning hall for sure. Very efficiently laid out was a taco salad bar on the day of our visit, with several choices to assemble together, including vegan and gluten free that everyone enjoyed. Dessert and drinks were also provided. Other amenities that I know of include camp sleeping cabins, an impressive obstacle course, a football field, and an indoor recreation area in the main lodge that had several bouldering/climbing walls. This is a fantastic place for a youth group or a corporate retreat for training and team building. Personally, I'd like to see a few more activities on the menu, but I think it's still interestingly varied, with a phenomenal location. All staff were friendly, professional, and seemed quite well trained. Every spring, they hold a sort of summer kick-off with Family Fun Day, where they open their facility to the public, admission at a very reasonable fee. (I'll post in Yelp's event calendar for 2016's event), so certainly watch out for that if you (or your kids) are the daredevil type who enjoys nature. They also have an event planned for August 27 & 28th, 2016 for their 50th anniversary. Staff alumni are invited to attend - there's an rsvp page set up on their website. A last note, the lodges do display several plaques noting that they are a 'Christian' facility, as well some crosses on display - obviously most people would not have a problem with this, but it's worth noting as some groups might not find it suits their needs.

I've known Liz for a couple years now, she invited us to come out have a round of golf, check…read moreeverything out and then have a bite to eat. They have done a lot of work, and I mean a lot. It's a fun putting course and her horses are so friendly. Perfect riders, and they listen and follow direction well. When I was there they were just finishing up a spot for their drive range, it's done now as well. The surroundings at the house are comfortable and cozy, and the meals are awesome! Homestyle steak, corn on the cob, and potatoes yum! I enjoyed myself. You will as well. Cheers, enjoy.

Went to Putting Horse Ranch this past weekend, Thought we would give mini putt a try. The place is…read moreeasy to fine and the owner was very helpful and friendly. Great spot to take your family or coworkers. I would highly recommend, the putting grass is in really great shape, will be taking our grandkids there soon one day.

The staff are great and Shannon has been so amazingly helpful to me over the last eight months. The…read moreowner is intimidating in that amazing, authentic cowboy sort of way. You imitating don't want to disappoint him in any way. The pastures are huge and the animals are really well cared for and loved. I board my horse there and now that he's assimilated into the herd, he's seems happy and content. They have both indoor and outdoor arenas and storage for your tack, as well as a treed area for trail rides. They offer lessons to all levels of riders. I can't say enough good things, by far the best stable I've had the pleasure of boarding at ^_^

What to say about River Lane Ranch? I came here with my mother-in-law for a little weekend get away…read moreand this magical place exceeded all expectations. The ranch and the horses are beyond amazing and I don't think I've ever met a nicer and more welcoming family than the Baird's. Really can't say enough nice things about the entire experience.

Website lists a lot of accolades, but further research begs to differ. Using the kindness of other…read moreto pay bills, will not help its success. Neither will using coercion or threats to control your family is no way to build loyalty or success. Such a shame.