Holidays

Giddy’up, Bon Voyage

Posted:

May 19, 2017

My colleagues sometimes ask about my commitment to overseas riding holidays. Why would someone who rides horses all day travel overseas to do more of the same? Why not go sit on a beach in Cancun and sip fruity beverages? Let me answer that, but first I should confess that as I write this, the buttery evening light slants across the trellised hillsides of a classical riding school in Tuscany wrapping up a good day in the saddle.

Flying U Guest Ranch

Posted:

April 7, 2017

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The Flying U Guest Ranch, one of North America’s only unsupervised riding ranches, is a horse lovers’ dream. Over 100 horses graze on the expansive Cariboo pastures that extend from the large barn, which was constructed 150 years ago. The barn stands central to the hustle and bustle of the stockyard, paying homage to the region’s rich history.

My Riding Vacation at Wild Deuce Women’s Retreat

Posted:

April 5, 2017

Shawn Hamilton, Wild Deuce Outfitters, Rocky Mountains Alberta, Bighorn Backcountry, Wild Deuce Women’s Retreat, Clix Photography, Horse riding holidays, canadian riding holidays, canadian horse holiday, equestrian vacations, horses in the rockies

Along with my travel mates Ali and Heather, I leave the Calgary airport in our rental car, stock up with snacks and refreshments, and head to The Grandview Stage Inn just outside of Rocky Mountain House, AB, where we bed in for the night. The next morning, we start off for the Cutoff Creek Staging area in the Bighorn Backcountry. The herd of wild horses grazing in a small clearing at the side of the road is so complacent with our presence that the foals remain lying down as we snap photos. Upon arrival, we spot a group of women gathered in the staging area, their gear laid out on the grass. Introductions reveal that our fellow riders are from Manitoba, Winnipeg, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, and as far as Australia and New Zealand. Most are new to Wild Deuce Outfitters, and a few are repeat visitors like me, although it was eight years ago.

Active Riding Trips

Posted:

October 31, 2016

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Travel to exotic places is a dream for so many people. France, Italy, Mexico, Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland and so many more are destinations filled with tantalizing historic, cultural, geographical and scenic wonders that would enthrall any traveller. But, as an equestrian, what if your trip was a horse riding vacation where you could ride wonderful locally-bred and trained horses, stay in beautiful accommodations in fabulous locations and enjoy mouthwatering food prepared in culturally rich cuisines?

Holidays on Horseback: Big Creek Lodge

Posted:

July 29, 2016

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The Big Creek Lodge is located in the remote and beautiful wilderness of British Columbia’s Chilcotin ranges. In every season visitors can experience pure nature and Canadian wilderness, and enjoy incredible views of forests, water and mountains.

Holidays on Horseback: Bear Claw Lodge

Posted:

April 8, 2016

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Bear Claw Lodge is located in British Columbia’s Kispiox Valley, just one-and-a-half hours’ drive north of Smithers, BC. Bear Claw features a 15,000 square foot post-and-beam luxury lodge on the world-famous Kispiox River, and more than 50 kilometers of well groomed trails, meadows, river canyons, and hills to explore.

Survival in the Back Country: Be Prepared

Posted:

April 8, 2016

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It’s a beautiful day to head out to the mountains for some playtime. You grab your horse and tack and head out in the afternoon for a quick ride to your favourite spot. It’s 28 degrees Celcius and you don’t see a cloud in the sky. You grab a light windbreaker for “just in case,” get on your horse, and soon you’re enjoying the peaceful sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.