B.C. Horse Vacations - Where Adventure & Luxury Meet
More Information
"God forbid that I should go to heaven where there are no horses."
Location: 124 Pinewood Crescent, Princeton, B.C., Canada
Scenic 3 1/2 hours east of Vancouver, and 1 1/2 hours west of Kelowna*, just north of the U.S. border.
The BCHV facility is 28 km north east of Princeton, just off Hwy 40 (Princeton/Summerland Rd).
If you’re traveling along the southern B.C. Hwy 3, turn into the small town of Princeton at Bridge St. – it’s clearly marked - a left if you are coming from Vancouver or a right if you are heading in from Kelowna or the Interior.
Make an immediate right turn onto Hwy 5A (to Merritt).
2 km up the hill you will turn RIGHT onto Old Hedley Rd.
Take a quick LEFT onto Princeton/Summerland Rd at the fork.
Stay on this road for exactly 28 km (18 miles).
Just before a little wooden bridge is Pinewood Crescent - turn LEFT.
As you approach the top of the hill, a LEFT turn will takes you into the BCHV facility.
When you book you will be emailed (or mailed) easy written directions from whichever centre you’re traveling from.
*There is a quick way to travel from Kelowna which includes about 1 hour on gravel road – the most direct route.
What can you expect from the riding?
These holidays have been developed with horse lovers in mind. The trails are varied, mountainous, occasionally challenging, and always fun. Because each day involves climbing rocky mountain paths, the horses have all developed a good, brisk trekking walk. Horse people love to pick up the pace, so routes are planned so you also get the good fun of a trot and canter. The best memories come from the combination, a little play time, moving out on willing horses, and quietly enjoying a slower pace, to reflect, relax, drink in the scenery or just enjoy those free flowing conversations that arise on horseback.
Guests - more info:
Group size minimum - 1 and maximum - 6
If you have a larger group (6+) interested in booking together, we may be able to accommodate you on a Lodge Ride; please enquire to see what can be arranged.
These are adult oriented rides, so the minimum age is 14.
If you have a younger child who is an experienced rider (ongoing lessons or has their own horse), and is up to riding 6-hour days, then children as young as 12 are welcome.
Weight limit for riders is 210 lbs.
All guests are asked to sign a standard waiver form before heading out on the first day.
Experience level:
These rides are suitable for novice to very experienced (advanced) riders. Standard definitions of riding skills are broken down as follows:
Beginner: A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces but does not ride regularly.
Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for up to 5 or more hours per day.
Advanced: All of the above plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handling a lively horse in open or steep country.
Beginners Please Note:
Beginner riders are of course welcome IF they book as part of a group (2 or more people) of more experienced friends or family. For safety reasons, we’ll ride to the level of the least experienced rider.
Packing suggestions/what to bring:
These are long rides so please wear what’s most comfortable. Even though the saddles are western (for safety and comfort in the mountains) we’re not following a western theme.
Dress in light layers - mountain temperatures can fluctuate wildly. Generally, summers are hot, (30 degrees + Celsius, 85 Fahrenheit) yet it’s not uncommon to have frost at night so even in August please bring some warmer clothes.
Most guests wear English style breeches or comfortable jeans.
Boots you can walk in, with a low heel and ankle support
Chaps or half chaps if you have them
A hat and/or your helmet (helmets are available here)
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Rain gear
Comfy stuff for after the ride
Swim Suit for the hot tub
Each rider is provided with a pommel pack for the duration of their ride, to bring along anything they might want during the day, and all the saddles have tie strings to secure an extra jacket or rain gear.
Because the rides are long, with many hours of climbing, please out of consideration for the horses take weight into account when planning what you’ll carry each day.
Essential Massage and Day Spa Services: Pamella Lindley
Highly recommended – Pam’s “Kick-Butt” massage for riders. Using a variety of massage techniques - your muscles will melt! Performed after your ride at the Inns.
Other Mobile Services available include: Aromatherapy Swedish Relaxation Massage, Hot Stones Massage, Lymph Drainage Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki
Price varies depending on service. (Please check out Pam’s website to see current prices and for more information about treatment benefits.)
www.massagebypamella.com or call (250) 295-7980
Pam has a reputation as a superb masseuse – and she’s in demand from Vancouver throughout the Interior of BC! Please book your appointment early – we recommend booking your massage directly through Pam when you book your ride (or at least one month in advance) or we’ll be happy to arrange it for you. Massage services are not included in the riding package price; please plan on paying for services directly.
Wine Tasting:
BCHV recommends an evening of wine tasting hosted by Jellicoe Station Inn with Similkameen Valley’s Orofino Vineyards and Winery. Indulge in a five course wine taster’s dinner on the patio overlooking Chain Lake. Please book early as the Orofino wines sell out early in the year. A minimum of 4 people is required. www.orofinovineyards.com
Been awhile since you’ve been in the saddle?
If it’s been awhile since you’ve been on a horse, some guests have found it helpful to find a local riding place for a lesson or two before their vacation. Yes, it is a bit like riding a bicycle – it will all come back! Before you start the first day you’ll have a chance to check out your horse in the arena and get a few pointers before hitting the mountains.
And…the questionnaire:
We try to match our guests with like riding experience. To make it fun for everyone an accurate assessment of your riding abilities is helpful. It’s also important to match the right horse to the right rider, and note any food allergies. You’ll be sent an extensive questionnaire; please take the time and fill it out and return it at your earliest possible convenience.
Please advise us of any dietary concerns or allergies.
BCHV has proven to be a safe, fun and inviting destination for women (and men) traveling alone.
Occasionally it ends up with no other guests joining a one-person ride; the same excellent service and trails are provided whether to one person or a full group.
We’re happy to answer any questions you can think of to feel completely comfortable with your vacation choice. Please ask for references and/or feel free to call the Princeton Chamber of Commerce at 250 295-3103.
Wildlife:
The Cascades area is heavily forested and the animals have a vested interest in blending into their surroundings, yet there’s still plenty of wildlife viewing for the keen eye. The little black bears seem to love this part of the world. With deer, elk, moose, coyotes, many species of birds and an occasional bear trundling along, you never know what you might see out there.
General but still important:
All facilities are non-smoking indoors.
Please no pets.
The Inns are not licensed to serve alcoholic beverages; however, you’re more than welcome to bring your own and we’ll make sure it arrives at your B&B with your luggage.
The Guides:
Ainsley and Damon Beauchamp are the owners, guides and day-to-day workers; they’re experienced horse people, knowledgeable and have a great love of the area. They’re CPR and first aid certified.
Ainsley’s background includes tourism – her first job was driving teams of draft horses on site-seeing tours around the parks and city streets of Victoria. Since then she’s worked at riding stables, managed an equestrian center and taught riding lessons before pursuing the dream of owning/operating a world class vacation destination.
Damon’s background is in business and Information Technology (thus explaining the big website!). Even though he grew up in Texas, he rode his first horse 20+ years ago at the age of 34. Since then, he hasn’t looked back and seems to have found himself with a fairly large herd of adoring horses… that look to him as the hay delivery guy. Damon’s remarkable bush sense and trail building skills are the reason you get so much variety in riding on your vacation.
Your guides Ainsley & Damon - a tough day at the office.
Questions?
Email info@bchorsevacations.ca or call (250) 295-7432, we'd love to hear from you!
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