B.C. Horse Vacations

Itinerary & More Information

"God forbid that I should go to heaven where there are no horses."

photos by Diane C. Nicholson ( denoted by - X )

       

Location:   124 Pinewood Crescent, Princeton, B.C., Canada

     Princeton is located just 3 hours east of Vancouver, and 1 1/2 hours west of Kelowna. We are 28 km north east of Princeton, just off Hwy 40 (Princeton/Summerland Rd), at 124 Pinewood Crescent. If you are traveling along the southern B.C. Hwy 3, turn into the small town of Princeton at Bridge St. You will make an immediate right turn onto Hwy 5A (to Merritt). 2 km up the hill you will turn right onto Old Hedley Rd, and then again a quick left onto Princeton/Summerland Rd at the fork. You will stay on this road for exactly 28 km (18 miles). Just before a little wooden bridge is our road, Pinewood Crescent. Turn left, and as you approach the top of the hill, a left turn will take you into our facility.

Itinerary, 7 Day Ride:

    This ride is 7 days, 6 nights, with 1 day off mid-week from riding to relax and enjoy your B&B.

    We are currently working on an exciting new itinerary so please check back soon.

Itinerary, 5 Day Ride:

Before you arrive…

... the BCHV staff is busy preparing for your holiday. Questionnaires are evaluated, appropriate horses for your experience level are selected, trails planned out, menus are reviewed with your preferences in mind, and the tack is polished to gleaming.

    While the humans are busy working, the horses are enjoying days off, loafing about in their 100 acre pasture, so that they are bright eyed and well rested for your ride.

Day One:

    When you arrive at the BC Horse Vacations facility, there will be a chance to meet your hosts and spend a few minutes chatting over coffee, and to meet the horses. Your luggage will be organized and sent off to the first Inn. Then it’s riders up and off to see British Columbia from the perfect vantage, horseback.

   Siwash Valley has four creek crossings, each a welcome splash and a chance to water the horses. Why is crossing water on horseback always so much fun? Why do Al and Bo insist on giving everyone a soaker with their exuberant creek-play? Climb up through the pines on an old skidder trail, into the dappled coolness of the trees. Depending on time, you may skirt along the edge of a mountain to a gorgeous view (one advantage of being in the mountains, there’s always a view to ride to!) before heading back down to the valley floor for a welcome catered lunch near the creek. Lunches are leisurely and different each day; just when you’re feeling hungry, ride out of the forest to a find a table set under a tent gazebo, laden with any combination of soups or stews, salads, sandwiches, fruits, cheese, and always a decadent dessert.

     The afternoon ride takes you up and over Bear Hill, a long climb with rest stops for the horses, and opportunities to take a few photos along the way. The Jellicoe Station Inn www.jellicoestationinnresortbandb.com is awaiting your arrival at the end of this day. There will be time to shower and settle in before dinner. Les & Darleen are consummate hosts, their B&B style Inn built as a retreat, with an eye to nature and craftsmanship; the Inn is a work of art. After hearty meal, you may choose to stretch your legs and explore the area on foot, taking in views of Chain Lake. There is a games room with pool table or maybe it’s time for a sauna or soak in the hot tub. There are several decks and cozy seating areas for relaxing with a good book or conversation. Or simply enjoy the silence and watch night fall into the forest over Chain Lake.

X      X

Day Two:

     Breakfast is ready when you are, and it is a feast. Plates of toasted, buttered bagels, blueberry pancakes, a huge platter of omelettes, bowls of hand picked and home canned fruit, yogurt, cereals and sausage; Darleen’s breakfasts are legendary.

X

     After meeting with your guide you will head up the mountains again, this time through a lovely series of narrow riding trails through the pines and aspens. Today you will ride up the Ridge Trail, steep, breathtaking, and well worth the climb. Another unique part of the BC ecosystem, this area has a park-like feel and offers some of the most pleasant trails in the itinerary. Then ride up along winding trails to Behm’s Point, a rocky 360 degree mountain top vista, to enjoy your saddlebag lunch; from this vantage, one can see how sparsely populated the area really is, once you’ve climbed up from the valley floor. After lunch you continue on towards the Three Lakes Recreation area, dropping down to the valley floor once more to ride alongside both Link and Osprey lakes, including a well-decked wooden trestle a few feet above the waterline. At the end of the day, horses and riders will be picked up and trailered back to the Jellicoe Station Inn. There should be enough time to shower and relax before Darleen serves up another phenomenal meal.

     As these are full days of riding, it’s always recommended that riders dismount occasionally, leading their horses (on flat ground). This does wonders for tight riding muscles, and gives the animals a chance to loosen up, too. We like to take brief rest stops periodically throughout the day, just to keep those muscles, both human and equine, from becoming sore. Please let the guide know at any point, if you would like to step down for a few minutes rest. This is a vacation, not a test of endurance!

Day 2 is be the perfect evening to arrange for Essential Massage & Day Spa Services to come out and pamper you a little, or to partake in an indulgent five course wine tasting dinner.

Day Three:

     You and your guide will meet at a prearranged time, and another adventurous day of riding begins, this time between the Jellicoe Station Inn and the Bit Ranch, where you’ll spend your third night.

     You will visit a different section of the narrow riding paths explored the day before, twisting and winding through the trees on the Echo Trails and taking in the views on the Tunnel Trail for the morning, before sitting down to an excellent catered lunch. The afternoon takes you on a long downward trail back into the Siwash Creek crossings before connecting into the Trans-Canada Trail, with a breathtaking 350’ high (well decked) railroad trestle crossing, before working your way over to the Bit Ranch www.thebitranch.com, where Deb & Darryn have your rooms waiting and a lovely dinner planned. This B&B is newly renovated, airy and has the towering pine and aspen forest right at the doorstep. There is a hot tub to soak in, a fireplace to cozy up to and of course, a comfortable bed waits. After a hot shower and dinner, you may choose to explore some of the walking trails along the creek on the property, or unwind on the covered patio for the evening. Your luggage will be delivered before you arrive.

Day Four:

    Early morning at the Bit Ranch is a special time; take your coffee out onto the deck and spend some time breathing in the clean air and watching some of the local wild residents going about their day. The forest may reveal mule or white tail deer, creeping silently through the brush, and countless birds carry on exuberantly in the morning hours.

     The Bit Ranch also puts on a terrific breakfast. After your meal, it’s time to saddle up and take in another day ride and another gourmet saddlebag lunch. Today is Guide’s Choice. One option for the day is the Bit Ranch loop, with a couple of very steep sections of trail and fabulous views. One very short piece is affectionately named “The Fall Down Trail” having required a bit of rough chain sawing and trail by-passing as the original was too sheer for a person to stand up on. Don’t be intimidated – this is a really fun ride and the horses well prepared to take care of you – this is, after all, just another day at the office for “The Boyz”.

     The second option is quite possibly the best day of the itinerary – the Wildflower Route. Aptly named for the amazing array of wild sunflowers, lupine and other seasonal blooms, sections of this ride take you over open countryside with enormous views. It’s a wonderful ride all year round, but wildflowers have a short life span and June is generally most reliable.  Near the end of this ride is a short railway tunnel, blasted into the mountainside – there’s something remarkable about riding into the cool darkness, the sound of horse’s hooves reverberating off the black stonework. This ride involves trailering out and picking up the horses and riders at the end of the day, returning you to the Bit Ranch for dinner and another relaxing evening.

   X

Day Five:

    After breakfast you will mount up for the last day of riding. You will head out from the Bit Ranch, popping on and off the Trans-Canada Trail throughout the morning, with scenic excursions along beautiful old abandoned logging roads, and yet more climbs to reveal wonderful views. Because the footing on the TCT is so good, this is a great day for getting in some extra trotting and cantering.

    Your last day’s ride is about four hours. Early afternoon will see you riding into the BCHV facility for a farewell lunch in the garden gazebo and to say goodbye to new friends and loyal horses. You luggage will be waiting for you.

       X

Special Notes about the ride:

     The Cascades area is heavily forested and the animals have a vested interest in blending naturally into their surroundings, yet there is still plenty of wildlife viewing for the keen eye, – the little black bears seem to love this part of the world. Your guide, familiar with the local animals and their signs, will always stop and point out an unexpected observer. With deer, elk, moose, coyotes, many species of birds and even an occasional bear trundling along, you never know when an unexpected photo opportunity may arise.

       

    Over the course of your holiday you will have completed a huge, multi-day loop; exploring nearly the entire length of the beautiful and diverse 5Mile Valley. Having ridden up and down mountains, well into the backcountry and done more than a few loop de loops, you will have accrued quite an enormous number of miles over the five day vacation. It is remarkable to rest your horse on the edge of a mountain and look back over the wilderness to see how far you’ve really come.

To quote one of our guests:

    “We have both done a fair bit of riding and have horses in our family heritage but we have never truly experienced mountain riding until you took us out there, back there, up there, down there, in and outta there, under there and over there, thro’ there and across there on the Trans Canada Trail, rim trails, meadow trails, forest trails, creek trails, climbing trails, abandoned roads, trails that you and Damon had clearly punched yourselves plus trailering when needed.

    Somewhere in your literature I read, “We Take Riders Riding”.

    Do you ever!!!!!”

    We think that about sums it up!

Please note:

    This is a loosely structured ride. There will be plenty of opportunity to dismount and walk a little, take photographs, pick wild berries in season, and generally relax and recharge. The horses always appreciate a chance to browse and nibble while their riders stretch or rest. At BCHV, we believe in “balance in all things”. The rides can be athletic or sedate, depending on the guests’ wishes, and considering the well-being of the horses. The itinerary here is provided as a rough guide, not a set program, and the trails may vary with weather and accessibility.

    These rides are suitable for strong beginners to very experienced riders. We love to trot and canter, and get in a gallop when possible, but as the trails are rocky and mountainous, much of the riding each day is done at a comfortable trekking walk. The pace of the ride will be influenced by experience level of the guests, weather and terrain.

    BCHV highly recommends a little extra pampering

after a wonderful day of riding: Essential Massage and Day Spa Services, performed at the Inns by Pamella Lindley: Aromatherapy, Swedish Relaxation Massage, Facials, Pedicures, Hot Stone Massage, and more. A la carte or let Pamella design a package just for you. Price varies depending on service. To ensure availability please book your appointment early - one month in advance if possible is recommended as Pam’s reputation as a superb masseuse is growing! 250-295-7980 to book your own appointment or we will be happy to arrange it for you.

    BCHV also suggests an evening of wine tasting hosted by Jellicoe Station Inn with Similkameen Valley’s Orofino Vineyards and Winery www.orofinovineyards.com: A five course wine taster’s dinner or if you prefer, enjoy wine tasting before or after 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 are required.

Itinerary, 3 Day Ride:

    This ride takes you on many of the same trails as the 5 Day Ride. If you have read through the 5 day itinerary, the 3 day ride trails and accommodations are similar to days 1, 3 & 5.

Itinerary, Overnighter Ride:

    This ride takes you on many of the same trails as the 5 Day Ride. If you have read through the 5 day itinerary, the Overnighter ride trails and accommodations are similar to days 1 & 5.

 

Guests:

     We want to provide an intimate group experience. Therefore we will take out a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 6 people (exclusive rides also available). These are adult oriented rides, so the minimum age is 14.

     Our weight limit for riders is 210 lbs.

     We try to match our guests with like riding experience and styles. To make it fun for everyone an accurate assessment of your riding abilities will be helpful in planning your stay. It is also important to match the right horse to the right rider. You will be sent an extensive questionnaire; please take the time and fill it out and return it at your soonest possible convenience.

    These rides are suitable for strong beginners to very experienced riders. Rides include walk, trot and canter.  The trails are mountainous so the majority of the riding is done at a comfortable trekking walk, trotting and cantering where appropriate. The speed of the rides will be dictated by experience level, terrain and weather. Remember, we will be riding long distances so get those muscles tuned up or you will be hot-tubing more than riding!

    Even though our first priority is your safety, and the safety of our horses, we will ask you to sign a standard waiver form before heading out on the first day.

     All facilities, ours and the Inns are non-smoking.

     Please advise us of any dietary concerns or allergies.

     Please no pets.

     We are not licensed to serve alcoholic beverages; however, you are more than welcome to bring your own and we will make sure it arrives at your B&B with your luggage.

Outdoor wear:

    These are long rides so please wear what is comfortable. Most guests wear English style breeches/endurance tights or comfortable jeans. It is important to wear boots that you can walk in, with a low heel and ankle support. We suggest dressing in light layers as mountain temperatures fluctuate wildly. Generally, summers here are hot, (30 degrees + Celsius, 85 Fahrenheit, during the hot part of the day) yet it is not uncommon to have frost at night so even in August please bring some warmer clothes.

    We recommend bringing a hat and/or your helmet (helmets are available here for those who would like them), sunscreen, bug spray, and chaps or half chaps if you have them. Also, please bring some rain gear. Even though we are riding in western saddles, we are not following the western theme.

    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 will carry each day.

Horses:

    We are not stuck on one breed, but look for horses that are friendly, willing to work and sure-footed in the mountains. Our horses are Morgans, Paints, Quarter Horses, and mixtures there of. They are level headed, capable and very well taken care of. For comfort and security in the steep terrain, our tack is western.

To find out more about our horses visit Our Crew page.

Guides:

Your guides Ainsley & Damon - a tough day at the office.

       

     Your guides are experienced horse people, local residents with a great love of the area. They are CPR and emergency first aid certified.

Questions:

     Email us at info@bchorsevacations.com, we will be glad to respond.

Home    Inn to Inn Rides    Paint & Ride Retreat    Photo Gallery    More Photos    Photos 3    Our Crew    Dates & Prices    Articles    Comments    Epona Workshops    Links