2018 was a banner year for the ranch with many new programs offered to our guests
Here in no particular order are the new activities launched in 2018.
1. Equine Department
As our guests requirements are changing so are the dynamics of our herd. With recent expansion we are drawing many new riders to the ranch. To meet the demands we are bringing in 20 new horses suited to less advanced riders. So far we have added 8 horses to our herd this year. Through the winter our wranglers will be hopping on these guys to get them used to the area so they are guest ready for the start of 2019.
Poppy - 14 year old pinto mare
Pearl - 15 year old arab mare
Rain - 11 year old morgan mare
Charm - 17 year old quarter horse mare
Breeze - 12 year old quarter horse mare
Jessica - 21 year old morgan mare
Simon - 9 year old hackney cross gelding
Ted - 18 year old Standardbred gelding
2. Wrangler For A Week Program
The response to our wrangler weeks was awesome. We had a full camp in April to open the ranch and then again this fall wrangler week was a big hit. The dates for the 2019 weeks are posted in next years schedule posted below. Thanks everyone for pitching in.
3. Bring Your Parents To Camp Week
Our inaugural Wild West Adventure Camp was launched this year. It was so successful that in 2019 the entire ranch will be set aside for the camp. That's because 90% of the folks who came out last year rebooked. The idea behind the camp is that during the day time the kids get a regular organized camp activity while the parents can take it easy and ride on their own. And in the evening everyone gets together for family activities such as fireside chats, talent shows and games. Families who are interested in our camp should book now to avoid missing out.
4. Waterfront
What sets the Flying U apart from other ranches is our fantastic lakefront location on the crystal clear Green Lake. In 2018 we expanded our waterfront equipment with a new power boat, new sailboat and regular supervised waterfront activities. Of this tubing was the most popular everyday feature at 4:00 pm.
This summer we started a full navigation and emergency response program for all riders. This gives our guests knowledge of the ranch trails and how to navigate both with old school techniques and modern navigation GPS aids. This really helps our guests navigate in our 60,000 acre range.
Archery was a big hit in 2018 in our new expanded archery range which we cleaned up during our Spring Wrangler Week.
Late in the season we launched our Friday night talent show which we adapted from our school program. People old and young get together for Friday night showcase of their musical, singing, juggling, comedy acts. We also give any guest the opportunity to showcase a family skit right after dinner in the dining lodge.
8. Strawberry Fields Park
We have developed a lush parkland setting overlooking Spring Lake just past the archery field. This was used for both a wedding location and also for our Scouts Canada Camp. It's away from the ranch so gives people a separate secluded location without disturbing our regular guest activities.
This year we have implemented a rotational range use plan for moving our horses to separate pastures. In addition to this we have added 2000 acres in Taylor Lake pasture.
10. Meet The Neighbours Weekend
Every Saturday night we opened up the ranch to our community to give our wonderful neighbours a chance to come and enjoy the ranch. It was a huge hit and we were able to meet new neighbours and say hello to the familiar faces. In 2019 to kick off the neighbours weekend on the Victoria Day Weekend we have a huge special headliner.
11. Sunday Nights Line Dancing
With inspiration from a guest we have started doing line dancing on Sunday nights! It became a huge hit with the guests and was filled with fun and laughter as the staff learned the dances along side with our guests.
12. Horse Bingo on Friday Nights
Our head wrangler Angela came up with the great idea for horse bingo! The guests are put into groups of 4 people and are given a bingo card along with a list of the descriptions of the horses. The first group to find the correct horses out in the pasture with a bingo line wins a prize! This give our guests a great working knowledge of all the members of our herd.
