Daycare Sleighride at Wagon Wheel Ranch – February 12, 2026
Daycare friends and staff, along with a few grandparents, parents, and caregivers, travelled to Wagon Wheel Ranch near Val Therese on February 12. A perfect winter day with bright sunshine, blue skies, and snow-laden trees dampening any sounds except our own. The blanket of snow on the ground was so thick, the sleigh runners travelled smoothly through the fields and into the bush expertly by its horse-drawn team.
For today’s excursion, we were led out to the farmyard where a beautiful, and powerful, harnessed team of horses stood waiting for their visitors. They were impressive in size but gentle in nature, standing calmly while everyone navigated the snowy yard and clambered up onto the sleigh platform. Families were bundled up warmly, with blankets on the sleigh platform and covering the passengers’ laps. Everyone enjoyed a quiet, reflective ride across the expansive countryside. Of course, excited chattering and squawks of glee were heard from daycare friends as the sleigh lurched forward to begin the journey. As we swayed along through the snowdrifts, they pointed out unique things of interest to them with their tiny, mittened hands-- such as the fallen poop from the horses staining the pristine, white snow!
It was a magical outing -- snow sparkling on the fields, the sleigh rocking us gently from side to side, each of us snuggled close to our neighbours, ensuring we were all safely on board, securely seated, and sharing in the experiences together. Our sleigh driver made a big loop through the bush, the tall horses knocking snow loose from low-hanging branches to the squeals of passengers as it landed down the necks of their coats and on their attentive faces. Cheeks were rosy and glistening wet with the melting snow (and runny noses!), and the smiles and laughter were mesmerizing. The pair of farmhands delivered us to a cozy corner of the bush where a warm fire, seating area, and chance to greet the horses close up provided itself. Staff members had brought along plenty of snacks, hot cocoa, and juices, and a thermos of pre-cooked hotdogs to roast over the fire on a stick! Miigwech to Daycare Cooks, Priscilla and Ieshia for their foresight and preparations. No fire is complete without the sticky goodness of marshmallows to wash down the lunch! These outdoor, interactive experiences ignite all of the senses, creating lasting memories and space for personal development such as seeing and touching the frosty snow or the horses' whiskery noses, smelling the hotdogs cooking or the mittens drying out over the fire, sampling the sticky smores, all while basking in the sound of silence in the winter bush, punctuated with the crackling of the wood fire.
After taking turns petting the noses and faces of the large horses, gazing into their eyes, and having some photo opportunities, it was time to get everyone back on the sleigh. We skidded over hill and dale headed back to the ranch. Once everyone had disembarked and gathered up their blankets and belongings, we were greeted at the stable door by a wide-bodied donkey seeking some attention of its own from the passing children. The donkey stood poised for a few moments of delightful back scratching and appreciative stares from captivated onlookers and then sashayed away to its water trough around the corner.
The rustic farm décor and horse-themed decorations throughout the greeting area offered another level of learning: visual and tactile. There were horse collars and hames (harness), antique farm tools, and animals outside of the windows for friends to observe; much to their surprise! It also offered a cozy place to get dressed/undressed from bulky winter gear and use the bathroom following/prior to the long bus ride. The day trip was a wonderful educational experience -- one that both the children and adults alike, enjoyed immensely. Miigwech to Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik for organizing this amazing winter outing for everyone to participate in.
