Before
coming to Chilcotin Holidays I had never ridden a horse or saddled
one. This is how Chilcotin Holidays changed that and allowed me to
experience something entirely new. By participating in various horse
rides, I was treated to some of the beautiful scenery this part of
the world has to show. Riding for the first time was truly a stand
out experience for me here.
I
had never ridden horses before coming to the ranch, it was one of the
many new experiences for me having stayed at the ranch. While I was
slightly nervous and uncertain I would adapt to riding a horse, let
alone successfully saddle one, I was very eager to try it. It had
been one of the reasons I came to Chilcotin Holidays, to be around
and ride horses. Now was the time at last.
My
first time riding a horse was a truly memorable experience and one I
am guaranteed to never forget. It is common to say you never forget
your first, but this itself was truly a standout of those 'firsts'.
The feeling of being atop a horse, wearing my Stetson proudly as I
rode was nothing short of fantastic. The connection between me and my
first horse, Duke, was a moving experience as I directed him through
the trees on my first ride.
The
route we took was alongside the river, passing through the trees and
over the rivers. The scenery I was treated to was itself amazing.
Seeing and exploring such a tranquil and undisturbed part of the
world from atop a horse was a remarkable experience and something I
will never forget. The wind rushing past me as I rode through the
woodland and made my way back to the ranch was fantastic and I
dismounted my horse with great reluctance. I was excited to do so
again and here at Chilcotin Holidays that was a guarantee.
My
future rides were around the areas of Beaver Pond and the riverside
again, both proving the same beautiful scenery and a unique
experience. Each time my confidence in riding and saddling my horse
grew. I was feeling like a true rider and enjoyed each and every
opportunity to ride.
The
last time I rode was undoubtedly the finest ride. The previous night
I was asked with another intern if we would assist in a search for
the remaining horses. These horses needed to be collected and sent
away for Winter. While I knew this was a highly important task, I was
delighted I could blend responsibility and enjoyment together.
We
departed at sunrise, meaning I was able to see the stunning sunrise
over the mountains as the day began. Once the horses were saddled and
ready, the three of us set out immediately. Taking the road towards
Beaver Pond gave a terrific view of the early morning scenery. The
feeling of riding while seeing the area 'awaken' was incredible.
We
rode through the trees, clearings, across rivers as the morning sun
rose and shone through the trees. This definitely sounds almost
poetic and hyperbolic but it is in fact the truth. Never have I had
such an experience. Riding a horse throughout all of it made it all
the more amazing an experience. Despite not finding any horses, I
felt fulfilled having been on such a picturesque ride through
beautiful scenery. This proved to me I was right to come to Chilcotin
Holidays. Somewhere I could not only develop and grow as a person
through hard work, but also be rewarded with experiences such as the
horse rides I went on. A worthwhile and memorable experience indeed.
Jacob,
UK
