about us

GENERATIONs OF QUARTER HORSES

Rocking Heart Ranch is a family operation rooted in prairie homesteading and shaped by generations of commitment to agriculture and horsemanship. The story begins in a sod shack homestead near Cando, Saskatchewan where the family first established themselves on the land. From those early beginnings, the operation grew into a mixed farming and cow/calf enterprise near Wilkie, building the foundation of livestock knowledge, resilience, and family partnership that still defines the ranch today.

COME VISIT

In 1986, the family relocated to Alberta and began a new chapter that would eventually shape the identity of Rocking Heart Ranch. That same year, they purchased their very first registered American Quarter Horse mare at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina. At the time of the move, the ranch operated with 200 pair of purebred Black Angus cattle before later transitioning into Texas Longhorns, while gradually expanding their involvement in the horse industry.

MEET THE HERD

A pivotal shift occurred in 2009 when the family made the decision to focus their energy and resources on building a larger horse program. What began as a small band of mares developed into a growing breeding and training operation that today includes approximately 30 mares, 5 stallions, and around 80 head of horses on the ranch. 

MEET THE HERD

A pivotal shift occurred in 2009 when the family made the decision to focus their energy and resources on building a larger horse program. What began as a small band of mares developed into a growing breeding and training operation that today includes approximately 30 mares, 5 stallions, and around 80 head of horses on the ranch. 

MEET THE HERD

In 2017, the Kenow Wildfire swept through the region and devastated the ranch, destroying nearly everything except the shop — including the family home, barn, arena, and corrals. While the loss was significant, it also became a turning point. The rebuilding process allowed the family to re-envision the future of Rocking Heart Ranch, expanding beyond breeding and training to include equine tourism and educational experiences.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Today, Rocking Heart Ranch is owned and operated by Melody Garner-Skiba, alongside her husband Doug and her parents, James and Angel Garner. The ranch hosts clinics throughout the year and offers a “Ride and Relax” experience, where riders bring their own horses to camp and explore the surrounding landscape.

EXPLORE CLINICS

Today, the ranch also hosts signature events, including the annual Weanling Challenge, where teams of emerging trainers halter break a foal; the Young Guns Challenge, a three-day colt starting competition held in partnership with Horse Expo that promotes the next generation of training talent; and Confident Cowgirls, an annual camp focused on building confidence for women both in and out of the saddle.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Explore the Ranch and Facilities

Arena & Roundpen

We have an 80' x 150' indoor arena, 10 10x10 stalls, a 60’ outdoor roundpen, and a 60' roundpen that can be set up indoors.

Join a Clinic

Obstacle Course

Challenge your horses with an outdoor trail course, with water crossings, bridges, jumps, tires, and poles at the Ranch!

COME RIDE

Pens & Trails

Camping and horse pens are available at the ranch. Come enjoy direct access to many of Waterton’s trails and the Park.

RESERVE

WeddingS

Does your dream wedding include mountain views? Have your wedding at the Ranch and enjoy a Mountain backdrop!

LEARN MORE

the program today

Rocking Heart Ranch markets horses at all stages of development, from weanlings to broke saddle horses, with an emphasis on producing versatile, family-friendly horses known for good minds, solid conformation, and strong foundational pedigrees.

Bloodlines represented in the program include Blue Valentine, Two Eyed Jack, Peppy San, Playgun, Frenchmans Guy, and Metallic Cat.

MEET THE HERD

CHANGING THE INDUSTRY

At its core, Rocking Heart Ranch is dedicated to helping people experience great horses and great rides — while continuing a family legacy that began generations ago on the Canadian prairies.

We believe our legacy should also support future generations, which is why we are focused on making the industry as fair, welcoming, and open to the next generation as possible. Through programs like the Weanling Challenge and the Young Guns Challenge, Rocking Heart Ranch gives young horsemen and horsewomen real opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

GET INVOLVED
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WHAT OTHERS SAY

TESTIMONIALS

I highly recommend any horse that has the rocking heart brand on its hip [...] I have been incredibly impressed with any horse I’ve worked with that has their brand on it. There’s been at least 15 come through my training program and every single one has had a solid mind and been able to handle anything that has been thrown at them throughout their training here. Whether it be arena work, obstacle work or everyday ranch work, these colts have exceeded expectations and been able to take everything in stride [...[ I stand firmly behind their breeding program, as it is the only one that I have found that is still breeding a quarter horse for every job possible you could want in your next horse. 

- Trevor J. Mertes Owner and Operator of ‘Horses That Work’

I’ve just got a chance in last month to ride Vanilla as my 13 year old grand daughter has now let me share him. I have spent time on and off and some ground work. He’s very easy going. Has some anxious moments but that’s because it’s just something new. He settles fast. Just love his nature. Very very attentive and will have the other horses to come when he sees me. I tell myself “oh my I’m special”. He’s enjoyable to handle and will stand in the field while I brush him no halter. Thanks again for opportunity to purchase!

- Julie Malet, Nanaimo B.C.

I had been looking for a blue roan gelding for quite some time when I got acquainted with the Rocking Heart program. A young green horse was not an option that I had considered until I started following the participating trainers and their horses on social media. They were exposing their projects to so many different aspects that I felt confident enough to consider a Rocking Heart bred 3-year-old. I picked a few candidates, went to see them while in training (thanks to the trainers for accommodating me) and purchased on the phone as I was unable to attend the sale.Rowdy (lot 3 in the 2019 sale) has been a joy to own. He is sweet, with a steady mind. We have done several different things already and he’s always a willing partner.

- Anne Brunet-Burgess

The Rocking Heart Ranch breeding program knows how to make a farriers life easy. From the bottom to the top, the feet to the mind, these horses all have a lot going for them. There is a saying out there that if you want to buy a horse pull your hat down and look at its feet and these horses are all there when it comes to feet. They all have nice thick, sturdy wall and bone structure to match. If you are looking for a horse with a great mind and foundation this is your one stop shop.

- Nick Baer CF, Kailey McIntosh CF, Bradford Trennery

I bought CJC Hickory Chic aka Chica at the 2019 colt challenge with the intentions of bringing her to college to finish her training and then eventually reselling her, while in the last months of having her, my plans have completely changed. Chica will now be lifelong horse! I left her in a field for the winter and I have just recently started working with her again. She obviously has her moments as she’s still a baby but blows me away every time! She is super sensitive and smart and is such a pleaser! She loves to be brushed and to be near us at all times! I am so happy that I was able to leave with such an amazing horse! I know that I will be coming back to Rocking Heart for my next forever horse!

-Jensen Pakosh

I purchased RHR Blue Gun (Jimmy) in 2015 and what an amazing horse he turned out to be! This truly is my heart horse. He is versatile doing most Western and English disciplines and now we are focusing on Western Dressage.

He is gentle and kind and also quiet enough for my grandchildren to enjoy. His personality is a barn favourite.

I can’t tell you how many times people have offered to buy this horse and I always say… go visit Melody at the Rocking Heart Ranch. 

- Cara Briggs

I bought my “little” Wendy girl as a three-year old at the 2017 Colt Starting Challenge after she captured my heart with her sweet disposition, good mind and flashy silver red roan colouring. [...] She is both trusting and trust-worthy and has been key to building my confidence back as a rider. She is the horse I can leave sit in the field for months, then throw a saddle on and off we go with no problems. She will try everything I ask her to do, especially roping and ranch work. Cattle and buffalo don’t phase her one little bit [...]

I look forward to riding her well into my old age, she is that kind of horse. I am lucky to have Wendy in my life and highly recommend a RHR-raised horse to anyone who wants a versatile, well-bred, well-mannered horse who gets noticed.

- Candace White

Just can’t get enough of those Rocking Heart horses and the Rocking Heart people…I keep going back for more! Mickey is my second Rocking Heart Ranch horse, and like my first, he has solid bone and breeding, flashy good looks and a very good mind. [...] Mickey won his year’s weanling challenge and then came home with me as a two-year old to start his journey as a working cow horse. Mickey’s lope is as a smooth as silk and he picks up on things very quickly, working cows and buffalo calmly and naturally. I took Mickey back to RHR this summer so he could experience his first trail ride. He was a super star and exceeded my expectations
for a youngster, taking on the new adventure with an open mind and willing heart.

- Candace White

I feel so grateful to have been welcomed onto the Rocking Heart Ranch intern team this summer. Mel and Doug were wonderful in teaching me all about what goes into running their ranch and for introducing me to the western side of the horse world. There was so much to learn! Every week (if not day) brought something new to try or experience. I made many great memories, but one of the best highlights was definitely riding out in the beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park and on the RHR natural trail course. Many thanks to Mel, Doug, Jim, and Angel, as well as Linsey, Kate, and everyone else who made the summer so special.

- Sylvie Riecken