Horseback Riding – It’s What We Do

Horseback riding is all that we do here. No matter your previous experience, we have a variety of horses and trails which means we can cater to all levels of experience.

We offer complete flexibility in our riding programme so that you get to ride as much or as little as you like. We have rides that vary from an hour to all day rides. Once you’re here, just let us know your preferences and we’ll make it happen.

Our horses are experienced trail horses familiar with the local terrain. Strong, responsive and sure-footed, each one has been personally selected by the Ranch Owner for their temperament and ability. She will choose the right horse for you based on your experience and personality and he’ll be yours for your entire vacation. Some of our guests like to ride a variety of horses during their vacation, and we can arrange that too. We have some wonderful horses here at the ranch that you’ll love riding. Spend a little time at the barn and get to know your horse – just don’t forget to give him back at the end of your stay!

Total Immersion Horse Experience

For those guests who want to experience more than the trail rides, we offer you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the horse experience and experience the beauty of the bond between horse and human as you spend more time working with your horse. After breakfast, join the Wranglers at the corral as we catch the horses we need for that day. Then get hands on experience feeding, grooming and tacking up your own horse. After the rides, untack and groom your horse before turning him out to the pasture with his buddies. On the first day, this will be done under the full supervision of the Wranglers, but once you get the hang of it, then you’ll be on your own taking care of your own horse for the duration of your stay.

Wrangler For The Day

New for 2012, we are offering one guest each day the opportunity to be a Wrangler for the day. You will need to rise early and meet the team at the barn ready to round up the horses and bring them in from their night pastures. Once all horses are accounted for, you will help us check every one of the herd for injuries, lost shoes, cuts or bites that might warrant them being given the day off! Work with Tracey in matching the horses to riders and learn some of the science behind this very important task at the barn. After breakfast, assist the Wranglers with the routine barn jobs followed by the grooming and tacking up of all horses needed for the days rides.

When the ride returns to the barn at lunchtime, whilst the other guests rush off to find out what’s for lunch, you will be filling water troughs, picking up poop and making sure the horses are comfortable during their mid-day break. After lunch, back to the barn again to cinch up the horses and get ready for the afternoon ride.

At the end of the day, you will help untack all of the horses and turn them out for the night. Then it’s onto the list of barn chores, cleaning and storing everything away, before we close the barn for the day.

If being a Wrangler is your dream job, even just for one day, then let us know and we will be sure to put you on the roster!

Meet Your Wranglers

For 2012, we are delighted to welcome Steve back to the ranch and to welcome Kelly to the team!

Steve Scott

Originally from the UK, Steve has over 50 years horseback riding experience. A true horse lover he has owned and cared for his own horses both in the UK and here in Canada and has worked with horses for many years, including several seasons Wrangling at other great Guest Ranches in BC.

This will be Steve’s third season at the ranch. He loves to spend time with the guests and despite his terrible singing and questionable song choice out on the trail, guests really appreciate his gentle nature when handling and caring for our horses as well as his willingness and ability to share his knowledge and experience of with them. After the days ride, Steve can usually be found watching an old classic western movie.

Kelly Goddard

Joining the team in 2012 is Kelly who was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. Kelly has been riding since childhood and is a Graduate of the Agriculture/Equine programme at Kemptville College, University of Guelph. Kelly is an experienced trail guide and horsewoman with a passion for Western riding and country living. After spending last summer travelling around Europe, she now knows that horses and the ranch way of life is her true calling. Kelly can’t wait to spend the summer in BC doing what she loves!