ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: Western - the horses are schooled to neck rein.

Type of Riding: Trail Ride, Pack Ride, Expedition - depending on grade of ride chosen. The mountains are glaciated sandy shale, and so are easily accessed by horse and foot. There are rolling hills in more novice bound rides and steep more challenging terrain for advanced pack trips. At times, narrow trails will take you past vertical drops. You may be required to dismount and lead your horse when necessary.

Type of Tack: Western.

Hours in the Saddle: Our three grades of camp based adventures include the following: Grade 1 may exceed 6 hours a day, Grade 2 may exceed 8 hours a day, and Grade 3 may exceed 10 hours a day.

Riding Ability Required: Novice to Professional depending on Grade of ride chosen. In addition you need to be physically fit and capable of riding for up to 6 to 10 hours a day.

Maximum Weight: 100kgs (16st)

Number of Guides per Ride: Depends on trip grade but riders can expect 2 guides per 7 riders.

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 6/12 but larger groups are taken by special request.

Looking after the horse: The guides do all the work! However many of the guests choose to join the guides on particular tasks. Learning how to stake and hobble the horses at night in the alpine meadows when the horses are turned out for the evening is an example of one of the guest's favorite activities.

ABOUT THE HORSES

Chilcotin have a herd of 60 Cayuse Mountain Horses. These horses are renowned for the sureness of their stride, their effortless stamina and enduring toughness, which comes from experience and a blood line developed over many generations. They come from the Cariboo-Chilcotin where the wild herds still roam, and the mountains still courses through their veins. There are too many horses to tell you about them all but amongst the hooves and flashes of mane and tail of the running herd, there are the distinct personalities.

The Strong, Silent type - This horse is neither leader nor follower. He is his own horse. Confident and strong, you'll trust him instinctually from the first stride to the last. He's the type that will remember a trail, having only been on it once before. There is never any hesitation; this horse knows where he's going. His easy breathing and rhythmic footfalls will relax you into a quiet meditation. You close your eyes to the dancing sunlight that peers through the forest, secure in the knowledge that he'll take care of you. This trusty steed will never let you down.

The Leader of the Pack - This horse is the epitome of the alpha male. He commands respect from the herd with just his presence and from just one "don't-even-try-it" look. He's a seasoned hand at taking guests into the backcountry, knowing the trails like he knows somehow that the mountains are his home. He's so experienced that he can find his way to camp in the dark - his natural instincts his compass and guide. Nothing fazes our leader of the pack. He's been there, done that and seen it all before.

The Go Getter -This horse is always in amongst the action - or more than likely, the ringleader of it. Full of life and character, he has an energy and spirit that is boundless, and more often than not, infectious. He seeks the open mountain air with an energetic and purposeful stride. Always inquisitive, from a passing deer to the soles of your riding boots, he'll sniff and taste unashamedly to satisfy his curiosity. He's the type that you'll need to be sure is belled when turned out in the rich alpine grass to graze on open range. Just a bit cheeky, a little bit mischievous, this horse has a whole lot of heart!

Proud and Aloof - This horse is proud. Standing tall with a sense of dignity, he carries his rider safely into the mountains. He's the serious, no nonsense type of horse, and doesn't mess around to get the job done. He plays hard to get, which makes you love him even more - you know the type! His affections may not be won easily with his aloofness but he has an open honesty and intelligence that wins the respect of all his riders time and again.

Lover, not a Fighter - This horse will win your heart with his sincerity and friendliness. You'll instantly recognise him because he's the one that comes up to you in the hope of a sweet treat of oats or apples. He'll stand quietly, nuzzling you softly in response to your warm praise and attention. You can't help but fall in love with this horse with his unguarded and eager affections. Searching your pockets, flapping his lips or just a gentle whinny of pleasure at being rubbed, he'll somehow manage to make you laugh - even if it's been a long day. Always eager to please, he'll take you to the "edge of the world" and back again and will only ask for your affection in return.