This is Western hospitality with all the activities of a true western lifestyle, and reliable Cayuse horses matched to your abilities. You'll be impressed with your thorough introduction to Western Mountain riding as you learn to control your Cayuse horse by practicing horse sports in our gymkhana. Our sure-footed Mountain Cayuse horses are from the Cariboo-Chilcotin where the wild herds still roam. They have stamina and toughness, lots of energy, intelligence and a good disposition. Whether it's the "River Ride" or "Eldorado Pass", you'll find each ride cleverly crafted to gradually take you to new heights. If you're advanced, the alpine is just a short ride away with high passes and 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. Mule deer, Mountain goat, moose, and bear are regularly seen.
It is our goal to manage our guide territory for the finest wilderness experience possible. We are conscious to look at all human impact on the land and wildlife, provide research and input on how resources can be managed in cooperation with the respective government agencies. Our individual management plans for the resources, such as Range and Wildlife, make up our Guide Area Plan. It is this Plan that ensures sustained and compatible uses for a quality wilderness tourism product.
The management of our resources is a large part of our daily operations, and we provide many opportunities for guest involvement. For example, guides and guests on our trips use our wildlife sighting forms to bring back information on specific wildlife herds for accurate population counts. The most significant project we have been involved in is making a business case for the establishment of the South Chilcotin Mountain Park for wilderness tourism operators. The efforts for the creation of South Chilcotin Mountains Park mean that the South Chilcotin Mountains is now a protected provincial park. As a consequence, under Provincial Park regulations, the habitats of the wildlife within the park are preserved and protected for generations to come.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1.
The first day of your Guest Ranch Adventure sees you leaving the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver in the early morning, departing at 7 am. Travel the historic highways with opportunities to spot wildlife as the road winds itself along famous rivers and pristine lakes. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of mountains and canyons as you leave the driving up to us. After the spectacular 5-hour drive, arrive at our Guest Ranch at noon in time to hear the dinner bell ring. Sit down for a homemade lunch of fresh vegetables and salads, hearty homemade soup, freshly prepared sandwiches and oven baked biscuits.
When you have taken your fill, your guides will take you through a thorough Horse Orientation. We begin by matching you to your horse and getting a good fit with your saddle. Our horses are Mountain Cayuse horses that live and work in the mountains. These unique horses come from the wild herds of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, a mixture of breeds developed over generations. They have a stamina, toughness, energy, intelligence and spirit required to take riders safely into the mountains. Whatever your age or experience, we have just the horse for you.
The Orientation will give you a complete introduction to Western Mountain riding. You can get involved in bridling, saddling and learning how to tie the bowline knot. You will learn how to control your horse by practicing horse sports in the gymkhana, and once all the “kinks” have been worked out, we take you along the rushing river on our evening “River Ride”. After getting your first taste of Western mountain riding, return back to the Ranch in time for dinner, and enjoy the friendly conversations over the dinner table. In the evening, relax in our sun room or a indulge in a quiet moment on the Ranch deck which faces the rugged Coast mountains, before resting comfortably at the Ranch, ready for the next day’s adventure.
Day 2.
On your Guest Ranch Adventure, you will find that each ride is cleverly crafted to gradually take you to new heights. Your rides will become progressively adventuresome with each day. Today, we will take you on two half-day rides. After a hearty breakfast, head out to the barn and saddle up for your morning ride. From last evening's "River Ride", we take you to mid-elevation for spectacular 360° views. Whether from the "Bluffs" to the "Lookout," the panoramic views of lush valleys stretching out before you and the mountains surrounding you, will give you a sense of being on top of the world!
Then, ride back to the Ranch for lunch. Afterwards, your afternoon ride will take you along a different trail, perhaps one that was used as trading routes between the Interior and Coast for hundreds of years or on trails leading you to see remains of ancient seabeds, studded with fossils. In just one day, you will discover the bio-diversity of the area. After your day riding, spend the evenings enjoying our library, swimming at a nearby lake, or playing a board game before enjoying the camaraderie of the evening campfire. Or, make the most of your Guest Ranch Adventure with our Activity Options, from guided fishing, Grizzly Viewing, gold panning, "hands-on" horse logging demonstrations, shoeing/packing, gymkhana horse sports, Archery and Stargazing.
Day 3.
Today, we turn the adventure up with a full day ride! For those who are up to it, day 3 sees you taking a packed lunch as we head up into the high alpine. Other ride options are available for guests who wish for a more leisurely ride. Ride along well-defined horse trails, once used by explorers, pioneers and gold miners. Discover the outstanding variety of wildlife inhabiting our guide area. California Bighorn sheep, moose, Mule deer, Mountain goat, Grizzly, Black bear and wolf are plentiful and frequently sighted. We find that the wildlife are most obliging, so photo opportunities are plentiful!
The trail takes you gradually, higher up into the mountains. When we reach the alpine, we set up a spotting scope where you will be able to view the Mountain goats on the north facing bluffs, where the goats rest and escape from the heat of the midday sun. Then, savor the heady fragrance of the bumper crop of wildflowers in the open valleys over a leisurely open-air lunch. As the sun moves across the sky sinking deep into the west, ride the trail back to the Ranch. Return to the delicious aromas wafting throughout the Ranch house from the kitchen. After a day's riding, satisfy your newfound appetite on our hearty main courses. Favorites include candied salmon and barbecued ribs!
Day 4.
On your last day, just when everyone thinks they have done it all we introduce some new adventure! We then take off the saddle for some bareback lessons. And, for something a bit different, test your aim with some biathlon target shooting. After practicing your marksmanship, enjoy a farewell lunch before departing at 1 pm. Reflect on your adventure on the 5-hour drive back to Vancouver. You arrive in Vancouver in the early evening.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Horse Riding
Honeymoon
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