The Setting
Private Land (250-1000 acres)
Siwash Lake is located on a high plateau in the foothills of the Marble Mountains and this private estate encompasses over 300 acres.
The heart of it is where the home ranch is located, set amid wild hay meadows overlooking the serene Siwash Lake.
Our 10,000+ acres of guiding territory is uninhabited and surrounds the home ranch. It features open rangeland, river canyons, secluded lakes and two wilderness rivers.
Over eight years ago, a wildfire transformed much of our old-growth fir forests into patches of silver sentinels, now carpeted with pink fireweed blossoms so tall they brush your stirrups!
Swathes of vibrant young aspen groves showcase nature's resiliency, while golden grasslands roll gently amidst it all.
This landscape is unique, striking, soul-stirring and beautiful. Here in the rugged wilds of British Columbia's heartland, you’ll experience some of the best horseback riding in North America!
Public Land (10,000-20,000 acres)
Our Riding
Scheduled rides
Guests head down to the barn at 10am each morning to groom and saddle their horses. They spend the first morning in a full orientation session, learning about their horse and the skills required to get the most out of their equine experience at Siwash.
Unscheduled rides
Guests can choose how much riding and what type they want to do each day, whether it be an hour working on new skills in the arena, or a two-hour ride with some loping before lunch – we cater to the individual.
Guided rides
No nose-to-tail! We take guests in their own family groups, or in the case of couples, either on their own together or paired with another couple of similar ability, to all our favourite places on the range.
Unguided rides
After a few rides with the owner, guests with proven ability and route-finding skills have the privilege of riding on their own without a guide or other guests when staying for seven nights or more.
Program rides
All-day rides down to a river for a campfire picnic with swimming and fishing; or to a high mountain bluff for an exquisite view, or an epic seven-hour trip through a canyon to breathtaking waterfalls.
Riding Freedom
Ride with your own private guide (two to six in a party); join with other like-minded guests (maximum six in a group); or those with proven ability may ride on your own without a guide or other guests, following orientation and some discovery rides with the owner.
The duration, route and pace of each ride is tailored to guest preferences.
Good to know
We coach one-on-one to ensure that all guests learn to take their riding to a new level, from complete novice through to expert.
Weight limit for riding
225-250 lbs
Riding considerations
no riding experience needed, We recommend a good level of physical fitness, We offer accessible riding programs for riders with varying needs, We consider height and athletic ability as well as a guest's weight
Hours in the saddle
Guests ride as little or as much as they please. Typical rides can last from one hour to all day.
Why our riding stands out
- Siwash Lake's signature equine experience, 'SiwashSynergy', is an immersive program that takes riders through a step-by-step engaging orientation, covering everything from grooming and groundwork, to saddling and riding.
We'll help you build confidence, skills and understanding, and guests are matched with their own personal horse for the duration of their stay.
- Ride happy, healthy and responsive horses through the wilds of BC with no nose-to-tail.
Explore a variety of terrain and over 100 miles of wilderness trails with your own private guide and no other guests other than those in your party.
Ride duration and pace is adjusted for you personally, with half-day or full-day rides available throughout your stay.
- Private guides offer extensive one-on-one coaching for beginner through advanced levels.
They are professionals who are passionate about helping foster the magical bond between horses and humans, while interpreting the local history, culture and ecology of our wilderness paradise.
Sample Riding Itinerary
Day 1 of SiwashSynergy™
- Meet your horse
- Orientation on groundwork, grooming, saddling and riding
- Two-hour guided morning ride
~LUNCH~
- Three-hour guided afternoon ride
- Unsaddle and groom your horse
Day 2 of SiwashSynergy™
- Groom and saddle your horse
- Two-hour canyon ride
~LUNCH~
- Three-hour ridge ride
- Unsaddle and groom your horse
Day 3 of SiwashSynergy™
- Groom and saddle your horse
- One-hour arena session consisting of lessons, games, western rodeo/gymkhana lessons or casual riding.
~LUNCH~
- Relax at ranch
- Water sports on Siwash Lake
- Hiking/biking/running
Day 4 of SiwashSynergy™ — ALL DAY TRIP
- Groom and saddle your horse
- Ride to a river
~LUNCH at river~
- Tubing, swimming, fishing and relaxing at the river
- Ride back to Siwash
- Unsaddle and groom your horse
Day 5 of SiwashSynergy™
- Groom and saddle your horse
- Two-hour ride through flats, meadows and lakes
~LUNCH~
- Three-hour ride of your choice
- Unsaddle and groom your horse
Riding Lessons
Individual private lessons by request.
Details
lessons come with package, basic riding lessons, advanced horsemanship lessons
Given by
wrangler, horse trainer, ranch owner or manager
Location
on the trail, in the arena
Wildlife Safaris
Black bear viewing is daily in June and September. From June through to September guests may see deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, porcupines, cougars, owls, eagles and various species of other birds.
When
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Frequency
Daily
Arena Work
Type
outdoor arena
Activities
roping from the ground, barrels, pole bending, gymkhana