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Art, Music, Tipi’s and Horses
(by Joel Martens)

You’ve seen the sign West of Innisfail... strangely out of place it reads “Wall
Street”. A piece of New York in Central Alberta. Next time you’re passing
through this region, be sure to head down Wall Street and stop in at the Wall Street
Ranch. The advertised speciality of the ranch is it’s tipis that are available to rent.
The unadvertised specialty of the ranch is it’s offering of peace, quiet and
tranquility. In a fast paced world of high tech RV’s, dvd players and video games,
this little spot boasts the opposite. The tipi’s are already there so there is no need
to spend hours packing tents and equipment. Bring a bedroll and get away from
whatever frenzied pace you are circling around in. Ron Halliday and Wendy
Morrison own a few head of horses but they are not for trail rides, we suggest you
bring your own horses if you want to ride. Lot’s of trees and easy going riding
terrain to work out a few kinks on a young colt or a great place to take a horse for
a chance to ride out of the arena. A paneled round pen offers a spot for lunging
before you ride the 157 acres of the ranch.

Wendy is a gracious host and allows me to ride out her filly, Mystic. Mystic has
been ridden a few times, mostly in the round pen... so, after a brief assessment, I
take her out. Left and right are good, stopping is reasonable but forward motion
lacks with some resistance displayed through head tossing. The filly also lifts on
the front end when she gets excited or antsy. Chance Lowry is riding with me.
He’s riding Wendy’s older gelding. We’ve been warned that the gelding has
bucked in the past and he may be running a little hot. Chance is up for the
challenge and when the gelding blows up, Chance allows the bucking to continue.
Handling a bucking horse takes a good deal of balance and the ability to make
decisions under pressure. Sometimes riding out the buck is the best option, other
times, it may be necessary to pull the horse into a circle in an effort to put a stop to
the buck by getting the horse busy on another task. Chance chooses to let him
buck and to push him forward. It’s always good to see a quality horseman at work
and it’s good to see Chance handle the situation with quiet confidence.

Several tipis are scattered throughout the acreage and when we arrive at the first
tipi, we hop off of our mounts for a closer look. As I approach the tipi flap, I look
up. Far beyond and high in the sky above the crossed tipi poles, a jet flies
overhead leaving a trail of white against the blue sky. It’s hard not to imagine the
passengers flying to various destinations, dulled to the roar of the jets, sipping
watery coffee and flipping through lifeless novels while we, on the ground, ride
out a dream.

After our ride, we head up to the house for some fine organic coffee (some of the
best coffee I’ve had in a while). Wendy’s artwork is mesmerizing and I’m
fascinated with the way she uses both old and ancient materials with her
metalwork jewelry. Ron’s life is in the music world. Creating saxaphone, flute,
voice and guitar music. Overnight guests at the ranch can even have Ron perform
a live fireside concert.

Ron and Wendy take a great deal of pleasure in watching their guests rejuvinate
and unwind. Their hospitality is not lost on us and we leave with memories of a
couple living, and sharing, their own dream. To book your tipi getaway visit Ron
and Wendy’s website at www.wallstreetranch.ca or call 403 746 5715.

Articles

Joel Martens Training Co & TLC Stables
Developing Sound Minded Horses for Show or Pleasure!