About Us

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C.G's. Rustic Retreat is a campground conceived and designed to provide a vacation experience for both people and horses. The late Gordon Reimer, father of camp owner/operator Cindy Williams, originally conceived the camp's unique concept. Gordon was a naturalist whose enduring passion for all things equine made an indelible impression on Cindy, who in turn became a skilled rider and trainer of horses.

After Gordon's death in her teen years, Cindy kept her father's dream of a creating a rest-oriented retreat for horses, alive. In 2006, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation presented Gordon's family with an award in recognition of his contributions in support of wildlife conservation. A speaker that night remarked that the area where Gordon had lived, near a nature preserve inhabited by wild bison, was perfectly suited for a horse-oriented enterprise.

The other guests at Cindy's table, some of whom were life-long friends, turned to Cindy and said 'Well? When are you going to do it? You've only been talking about it since you were eight years old.' Thus, C.G's. Rustic Retreat went from concept to reality. In one year, Cindy, her sons, significant other and a small army of friends cleared brush, designed and built campsites and erected miles of fences over the sprawling territory that makes up the camp's ground.

Encompassing 40 acres so far, the camp currently has seven campsites each with its own corral. A larger campsite ideal for group vacations featuring a large corral that can accommodate between six and a dozen horses. If actually sleeping under the stars is just a little too much of the great outdoors, there is one motor home available that accommodates up to six people. Lakefront cabins and a lodge/community centre are in the works as are a year-round café, confectionary, tack shop and more. Sites with electrical hook-ups should be ready soon.

Camp life includes guided trail rides, lessons and trips to nearby Prince Albert National Park to visit the wild bison herd near Amyot Lake. Cookouts, socializing and just stepping back from the daily routine of working life are part of camp life, too. Do as much or a little as you want. It's your vacation – enjoy!

It's a campground. It's rustic. Of course you'll need a tent...and all the other common-sense stuff you'd take camping like food,pots and pans, insect repellent, extra shoelaces, flashlights etc. You'll also need to pack provisions for you horse too. In terms of bathrooms, there are lots of outhouses located throughout the camp. A camp-shower can be rigged up (it's a really interesting device. Just ask us.) but bathing in nearby lakes (with environmentally-friendly shampoos and soaps, to be sure) is a popular option for campers. While there is a town not too far away, most campers prefer to bring their perishables from home in coolers etc. If your idea of vacation includes a break from cooking too, our caterer in Canwood can prepare your meals for you. Our daily catering fee is $50 per person. Ask us about menu choices and what's available.

But do horses actually need a vacation?

Suppose you spent your days at work or in school without a break….hey, wait! People actually do spend most of their waking hours engaged in some sort of productive task. Horses lives are no different, particularly horses who are shown or ridden in competition on an ongoing basis.

All highly intelligent creatures benefit from a rest or a retreat from intensive or repetitive activity. The same benefits that people derive from a vacation, including a decrease in stress, an increase in physical and mental stamina and the opportunity to socialize in a non work-related context with others who share their interests, are healthy and essential for horses, too. Burnout, fatigue, anxiety, frustration and even emotional distress are the all-too-common consequences of overwork and these conditions manifest in four and two-legged creatures alike.

As both people and horses retreat from their regular routine, something really nice begins to happen. The owner and the horse have a period of time together where they can just relate to each other and bond with each other outside the context of training or work.

Happy horses will do just about anything for their owners. To stay happy, horses need the same down time that we afford ourselves from time to time. Although we do offer some training, lesson and a few structured activities, the focus is on fun and on voluntary participation.

What if I don't have a horse?

If you don't have a horse, you can rent one of our friendly mounts. We've got a large stable of outgoing and people-oriented horses suitable for riders of every skill level. Check our rates page for day and weekly horse rental prices. ABCs of basic riding and horsemanship are included with the rental.

Meet the Staff | Meet the Mounts | Meet the Neighbors