Trips in Ontario and tips on riding
4. Wyndy River Expeditions and Guest Ranch
There's no need to be out West to have an authentic trail-riding experience. Located in the foothills of northeastern Ontario, near Kirkland Lake, Wyndy River Expeditions and Guest Ranch offers several backcountry horse pack trips, including nights out in tents or more modern amenities at Cedar Ridge Lodge. You might be tempted to dismount from your horse to pick wild blueberries or wildflowers as you meander along the trails of the boreal forest and over creeks and streams and alongside surrounding lakes. When you're not riding you can spend time trying to catch a walleye or big northern pike in the main lake, or participate in a guided eco-tour wildlife photo safari. Moose, loons, timber wolves and eagles could cross your path on your journey.
Visit www.wyndyriver.com.
5. Captiva Farms
About 30 minutes northwest of Ottawa, in the Gatineau Hills, Captiva Farms offers 2,000 acres and 40 km of picturesque countryside trails. Once a horse-breeding farm, this riding stable on the Laurentian Shield sells horses and offers a 7-day ranch vacation, camping by the lake, mountain adventure pack trips and moonlight horseback rides. Ride scenic trails to Vinny's Lake and cast your rod for speckled trout and perch. Pitch your tent by the lake or stay in one of the guest bedrooms in the main ranch house. Following an afternoon of bonding with your horse, why not try your hand at playing horseshoe toss, relax in the whirlpool and sauna or simply sit out under the stars and dream?
Visit www.captivafarms.com.
There's no need to be out West to have an authentic trail-riding experience. Located in the foothills of northeastern Ontario, near Kirkland Lake, Wyndy River Expeditions and Guest Ranch offers several backcountry horse pack trips, including nights out in tents or more modern amenities at Cedar Ridge Lodge. You might be tempted to dismount from your horse to pick wild blueberries or wildflowers as you meander along the trails of the boreal forest and over creeks and streams and alongside surrounding lakes. When you're not riding you can spend time trying to catch a walleye or big northern pike in the main lake, or participate in a guided eco-tour wildlife photo safari. Moose, loons, timber wolves and eagles could cross your path on your journey.
Visit www.wyndyriver.com.
5. Captiva Farms
About 30 minutes northwest of Ottawa, in the Gatineau Hills, Captiva Farms offers 2,000 acres and 40 km of picturesque countryside trails. Once a horse-breeding farm, this riding stable on the Laurentian Shield sells horses and offers a 7-day ranch vacation, camping by the lake, mountain adventure pack trips and moonlight horseback rides. Ride scenic trails to Vinny's Lake and cast your rod for speckled trout and perch. Pitch your tent by the lake or stay in one of the guest bedrooms in the main ranch house. Following an afternoon of bonding with your horse, why not try your hand at playing horseshoe toss, relax in the whirlpool and sauna or simply sit out under the stars and dream?
Visit www.captivafarms.com.
Tips for the anxious rider
If you're motivated to book a ranch retreat but are gun-shy about riding a horse, fear not. Malcolm Anderson, executive director of The Cowboy Trail Tourist Association in Alberta, has some simple tips for nervous riders.
1. Trust your horse -- "They just know their place. Horses are really good about that. They know. And what we have to do is understand that they know," explains Anderson.
2. Communicate with your guide -- Be honest about your riding ability when talking to your guide. Horses have a personality too, and are matched with humans based on compatibility.
3. Communicate with your horse -- Listen carefully to your guide when he/she explains the riding instructions, such as how and when to pull on the reins, and what to do should an unexpected situation arise.
4. Be a positive thinker -- A horse can intuitively sense negative energy or fear.
5. Wear proper clothing -- Layering is best, with a sun hat, sun lotion, and riding boots with a heel to hold you in the stirrup.
So, like they say in the cowboy Westerns, happy trails!
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If you're motivated to book a ranch retreat but are gun-shy about riding a horse, fear not. Malcolm Anderson, executive director of The Cowboy Trail Tourist Association in Alberta, has some simple tips for nervous riders.
1. Trust your horse -- "They just know their place. Horses are really good about that. They know. And what we have to do is understand that they know," explains Anderson.
2. Communicate with your guide -- Be honest about your riding ability when talking to your guide. Horses have a personality too, and are matched with humans based on compatibility.
3. Communicate with your horse -- Listen carefully to your guide when he/she explains the riding instructions, such as how and when to pull on the reins, and what to do should an unexpected situation arise.
4. Be a positive thinker -- A horse can intuitively sense negative energy or fear.
5. Wear proper clothing -- Layering is best, with a sun hat, sun lotion, and riding boots with a heel to hold you in the stirrup.
So, like they say in the cowboy Westerns, happy trails!
Page 2 of 2
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