The Setting
Private Land (250-1000 acres)
Go horseback riding through a magical post-wildfire ecosystem and let nature amaze you with its regeneration. Traverse through ebony hued forests bejeweled by wilderness lakes whilst incandescent fuchsia fireweed brushes your stirrups. The landscape is unique, striking, touching, and beautiful. Here in BC, you’ll experience some of the best horseback riding known to man.
Public Land (more than 50k acres)
While exploring this remote corner of the world ontop your trusty tour guide, experience a plethora of landscapes such as flats & meadows, lakes, ridges, canyons, and forests.
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.
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 7 hour trip through a canyon to breathtaking waterfalls.
Riding Freedom
Ride with your own private guide (2-6 in a party); join with other like-minded guests (maximum 6 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
250-300 lbs
Riding considerations
no riding experience needed, We recommend a good level of physical fitness, 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
- Ride happy, healthy and responsive horses through the wilds of BC with no nose-to-tail; guided by professionals whom are passionate about interpreting the local history, culture, terrain, flora and fauna.
- Guests are matched with their own personal horse for the duration of their stay. Siwash's signature equine experience, SiwashSynergy™, takes riders through a step-by-step engaging orientation, covering everything from grooming and groundwork to saddling and riding.
- Private guides offer plenty of one-on-one coaching for beginner through advanced levels, and Siwash gives guests the freedom to ride unguided for those with proven ability.
Sample Riding Itinerary
Day 1 of SiwashSynergy™
- Meet your horse
- Orientation on groundwork, grooming, saddling, and riding
- 2 hour guided morning ride
~LUNCH~
- 3 hour guided afternoon ride
- Unsaddle & groom your horse
Day 2 of SiwashSynergy™
- Groom & saddle your horse
- 2 hour Canyon Ride
~LUNCH~
- 3 hour Ridge Ride
- Unsaddle & groom your horse
Day 3 of SiwashSynergy™
- Groom & saddle your horse
- 1 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 & saddle your horse
- Ride to a river
~LUNCH at River~
- Tubing, swimming, fishing, and relaxing at the river
- Ride back to Siwash
- Unsaddle & groom your horse
Day 5 of SiwashSynergy™
- Groom & saddle your horse
- 2 hour ride through flats, meadows, and lakes
~LUNCH~
- 3 hour ride of your choice
- Unsaddle & groom your horse
Riding Lessons
Individual private lessons by request.
Details
lessons come with package, basic riding lessons, advanced horsemanship lessons
Given by
wrangler, 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