Spring Break at the Ranch! Family Event

Spring Break at the Ranch in Oakbank, Manitoba, offers a hands-on family day at Sage Hills Stables (Spring Break at the Ranch! Family Event). Held April 3rd & 4th, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this two-hour, ticketed experience invites visitors to meet gentle horses, explore indoor barn spaces, and try lead-line pony rides suitable for ages two through seventy-plus. The ranch sits on the eastern edge of Winnipeg’s rural ring in Oakbank, within southern Manitoba’s aspen parkland and agricultural fields, a short drive from Winnipeg—meeting details list 4180 Waverley Street, Winnipeg for arrival and check-in.

Stations are staggered so families flow between grooming and meet-and-greets, supervised pony rides with side-walking for young riders, a small petting zoo, and seasonal campfire treats: hot chocolate and roast marshmallows. Hayrides may run weather permitting for an additional on-site fee ($10 per rider). The schedule uses two-hour time slots; all attendees must purchase tickets in advance and minors need an adult to sign releases and supervise.

Children under two attend free; every person entering the grounds requires a ticket, even non-riding parents. This event is practical and playful: names like Rue, Sunday, Handsome, Zip, Elsa, Dolly, Smurf, PR, Boots, Spice, Bud, Crystal, Trian, Marble, Captain, King, Boots and Shasta are part of the herd you’ll meet—each horse handled for safety and led by staff during rides and grooming demonstrations. Activities take place inside the barn for many interactions, with outdoor stations exposed to the elements—dress for Manitoba spring weather and layered clothing is advised.

Why this is special: small-scale equine programs like this bring people close to horse care in a region where prairie and parkland meet hobby farms and agricultural heritage. For families this is an introduction to riding and stewardship—staff can answer questions about spring lessons and upcoming summer camps. The format is welcoming to new riders and young children, and the mixture of structured slots with free-roam stations keeps energy calm and manageable.

Practical notes: tickets are nonrefundable once booked; registration is required; expect staggered start times and check the meeting address on your booking confirmation. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled slot to check in at the barn; parking is on-site and free. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for all barn activities, and stables can be muddy in spring.

Expect friendly staff to guide grooming, tacking demos, and safe mounting. If a hayride is offered, bring ten dollars per rider. The event is run at a family pace—relaxed, supervised, and easy to enjoy.