Beginner Horse Guide, Canada

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Canada’s breathtaking wilderness with our Basic Horse Guide Course.

This unique experience offers you the chance to immerse yourself in British Columbia's untouched nature while developing essential horse guiding skills. Over the course of seven or fourteen days, you'll learn to guide on horseback, explore remote landscapes, and gain outdoor survival knowledge.

As you journey through ancient forests, open meadows, and mountain valleys, you’ll not only enhance your horsemanship but also connect deeply with the wilderness. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll acquire crucial survival skills such as fire-making, shelter-building, and navigating through untamed terrain.

From mastering horse care and camp management to leading multi-day wilderness rides, this course will equip you with the confidence and skills to plan your own wilderness adventures or guide others through Canada’s wild backcountry.

Topics and activities of the Beginner Horse Guide Course

Throughout the course, you’ll engage in comprehensive training, starting with the fundamentals of horse husbandry and care, such as saddling, bridling, and hoof care. You'll also learn packing techniques and practice bareback riding.

As the days progress, you'll dive into essential outdoor skills like fire-making, food sourcing, and wilderness survival strategies, guided by experienced professionals. This blend of horse and outdoor knowledge prepares you for real-world adventure tourism, building your confidence to lead horseback trips in remote areas.

Arrival and orientation

Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you’ll spend the night at a nearby hotel or hostel. The following morning, a shuttle takes you to the ranch, located deep in southwest British Columbia’s wilderness. Once there, you’ll be introduced to your horse, receive an orientation on outdoor adventure tourism, and begin your journey into the world of horseback guiding.

Accommodation and board

During the first days of your training, you’ll stay on a picturesque guest ranch surrounded by 5,000 square kilometers of wilderness. Your accommodation includes cozy tents, and you’ll enjoy three meals daily prepared on-site. Midway through the course, you’ll set off on a pack trip, spending nights in rustic wilderness camps far off the tourist path, where you’ll sleep in canvas tents or mountain huts and prepare meals with your group.

Leisure time

While the focus of the course is on horse guide training, you’ll have some downtime in the evenings to unwind. Whether relaxing in the ranch’s garden or exploring the ranch library, you can reflect on the day's adventures and enjoy the serene setting of the Canadian wilderness.

The region of British Columbia

This course offers more than just training – it provides a chance to explore one of Canada’s most stunning regions. From snow-capped mountains to ancient forests and vast meadows, the landscapes you’ll ride through are truly awe-inspiring. Whether you’re navigating through wildflower-filled valleys or crossing open plains, each day will leave you with lasting memories of this remarkable Canadian wilderness.

For more details on this transformative experience, visit here.