Horses & Wilderness
Riding, Trail and Packing Clinics
6 days | Group up to 4 | Ages 18 – 80 | All Levels
Your Path to Confidence….
…from horseback riding basics to mastering the art of packing, we guide you every step of the way. Our clinics are more than skill-building—they’re about fostering independence, building trust with your horse, and connecting deeply..
…in real
Wilderness.
Horseback Riding in Rugged Terrain
From beginner basics to advanced techniques, you’ll learn how to navigate challenging trails confidently. Our instructor will guide you through safe riding practices and provide tips for handling the diverse terrain of the backcountry.
Packing and Load Balance
Discover traditional packing methods to efficiently load and balance supplies on your horse. You’ll get hands-on experience with packing techniques that ensure both safety and comfort for the horses during travel.
Understanding Tack and Horse Language
Learn the essentials of tack, from saddling your horse to adjusting equipment for comfort and fit. You'll also gain insight into reading horse body language, allowing you to build trust and communicate effectively with your horse.
Leading and Managing Packhorses
From leading a packhorse on the trail to securing loads and noticing if packs begin to shift, we’ll cover the essentials of managing packhorses in different terrains and conditions.
Trail Clearing and Gear Handling
We will teach you techniques for trail maintenance, including noticing obstacles and using equipment safely. This ensures you’re ready to handle unexpected challenges on the trail.
Backcountry
Know-How.
Camp Setup and Minimalist Living
Discover how to establish a safe and comfortable camp with minimal gear, learning to set up tarps, select ideal camping spots, and stay protected from the elements.
Backcountry Fire Skills
Master the art of creating a safe fire pit and learn how to use the Chilcotin cook stove. You’ll learn fire-building techniques that are both safe and effective, allowing you to cook over an open flame with confidence.
Hobbling, Staking, and Sideline Techniques
We’ll teach you how to hobble, stake, and sideline a horse to keep them secure and calm at camp, covering techniques that keep your horses safe and close by without restricting their natural movements.
Open-Fire Cooking and Backcountry Cuisine
Discover the satisfaction of cooking over an open flame, understanding the technique from setting up cooking areas to preparing meals with just the backcountry essentials.
Clinic Program
Details.
Day 1 – Welcome and Meeting the Horses
Arrive at the lodge around 4 PM (last chance for snacks & drinks in Williams Lake, leave by noon). Get settled with a welcome tour and clinic overview.
Head out to meet the horses in their natural setting. Learn to approach, catch, and lead them to the saddle house. Practice tying to the hitching rail, grooming, and basic care.
As evening falls, release the horses back into the field. Enjoy a hearty dinner, connect with the group, and go over the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Tack Essentials and Building Confidence
Start the day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a hands-on lesson in saddling and tack. Learn to properly fit and secure equipment for comfort and safety. Practice essential backcountry knots: Bowline, Half Hitch, Clove Hitch, Quick Release, and Reef (Square) Knot.
After a picnic lunch, head out on your first trail ride while ponying your future pack horse. Gain confidence in the saddle and learn to navigate uneven terrain.
In the evening, regroup for discussion and knot practice, sharing insights from the day.
Day 3 – Packing Techniques and Trail Prep
Today’s focus is on packing. Using our drum horse, you’ll learn to balance and secure loads (Sawbuck Style) and master essential knots and methods. Efficiency and attention to detail will be key.
After lunch, practice what you’ve learned on a horse, adjusting loads and applying packing techniques.
Receive expert guidance to make the process smoother and safer for both you and your horse.
End the day with a reflective session to solidify your knowledge, followed by a satisfying meal to prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 4 – Heading to Camp: Embracing Wilderness Life
Put your skills to the test as we load up the horses and ride to our overnight campsite, practicing packhorse management
and load adjustments along the way.
Once at camp, set up using minimal gear, learning to pitch tarps, secure the campsite, and create a safe, comfortable space. Receive guidance on fire-making techniques and prepare a meal together over the flames, enjoying a rustic dinner under the stars.
The evening ends with storytelling and reflections around the campfire, connecting with nature and fellow adventurers.
Day 5 – Wrapping Up and Returning to the Lodge
After breaking camp and preparing the horses, we’ll ride back to the lodge, revisiting the skills and techniques you’ve practiced.
Once back, we’ll have a thoughtful debrief to celebrate your progress and discuss how to apply these lessons in the future. Enjoy a celebratory lunch, filled with camaraderie and shared stories from the week.
Depart with newfound skills, cherished memories, and the confidence to tackle future wilderness adventures.
Weather Considerations
This clinic is designed to adapt to the elements and will proceed in all weather conditions deemed safe for both horse and rider. Be ready to embrace the challenges of nature while gaining invaluable, real-world experience in varied environments.
Total Cost: 1000 CAD per person (all-inclusive)
What’s Included:
Use of our horses and tack for training and trail activities
Three hearty meals each day (breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner), from dinner on the first night to breakfast on departure day
Accommodations:
Most nights spent in a cozy double bedroom with a private bathroom and shower facilities at the lodge
One night of camping, with tents provided if needed
Tea, coffee, and wine served with dinner
What’s Not Included:
Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase in town)
Transportation to Williams Lake
Personal sleeping gear (please bring your own sleeping bag and air mattress for the camping night)
Optional Round-Trip Airport Shuttle:
200 CAD for a round-trip shuttle from Williams Lake to the lodge, shared among participants using this service.
