As the sun comes through the mountain peaks, and you hear the birds chirping you know it’s time for a stretch, have a yawn and get out of bed because the day awaits you.
First order of the day is visiting and feeding the gorgeous animals that we are fortunate enough to call ours here at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. 30 horses in total will need feeding before you can lumber up to the kitchen to grab your own grub. Toss down a few bales of hay to scatter around for them, all the while trying to have them not eat out of your arms! Hungry little buggers in the morning they are!
After finding out what the day will entail – maybe a ride up the Urses River on a full day outing? Maybe a morning ride to Guppy’s Cabin? All is told from the Cowboy himself, John Caton, at the morning guide meeting. As the morning progresses, the guests are met and briefed. Time to suit up!
On the hook of the coral are the trusty well-worn chaps that have been around the trail a few times. A good worn in blanket for the horse and a beautiful comfortable leather saddle are put into place and it’s time to ride.
We set off through the camp and head on up the trail. As the sun cascades through the trees, the horses are at peace. The thighs start to burn, but it’s that good kind of burn; that kind that feels like you have been in a saddle all day.
The horses want to run so we open ‘er up and let ‘er go! The wind is in the hair, the cheeks go rosy with the sun, the hooves pound the earth and the smile could light up a room! Everyone is out of breath and it’s time for a watering hole stop. When done, the journey home begins. The afternoon has worn on, and it’s time to get the guests home cause you know that the stomachs are itching for some of Chef Orr’s culinary delights and maybe a cool drink prepared by Sommelier, Tereza!
As camp draws closer and the trail dips into the distance, you breathe a sigh and smile and hope that maybe you will get to do it all again tomorrow!
