June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
View a larger image on flickr.com
If you’re looking to get away
from it all for a little while – and doing so on horseback – Triple J Ranch
just north of Quesnel is the right place for you.
Upon our arrival we were
greeted by Martin, the owner and our guide for the afternoon. After saddling up
we set out for a small waterfall on Ahbau Creek, passing through forest and
over wide-open meadows on our way. The trek took about an hour each way, and
the stop at the waterfalls was a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs and
enjoy the scenery.
On a side note, wildlife is abundant in the area, and the
chances of seeing bears or deer are quite good. While our ride lasted about two
hours, visitors at Triple J Ranch have the opportunity to customize their rides
to both their skills and endurance levels – from leisurely one-hour rides to
rides lasting multiple days.
Triple J Ranch also offers special events such as
a wagon train to historic Barkerville. Add to that gentle, well-trained horses
and a group of hosts that really go out of their way to make your experience
special, and you’ve got yourself a great “Cowboy Experience”!!
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Are you afraid of horses? Do you feel like you need a handlebar or seatbelt in order to feel even remotely comfortable atop these beautiful animals? If you answered yes to either of these two questions, you and I have something in common. So when I first heard I was going to Triple J Ranch near Quesnel, BC, I was nervous and a little frightened. It had been 10 years since I had been "in control" of a horse, and I remember almost being ridden into a barbed wire fence. Needless to say, I had fears of the same or worse.
Through our guide Martin's safety talk, my fears increased, and I wondered if I had done the right thing in choosing not to wear a helmet. Then I was introduced to my horse, Jeopardy. He was a glorious animal, and while he was a little intimidating, he calmly allowed me to throw my leg over his saddle and climb up.
Those first couple of minutes were terrifying, as Jeopardy would shift and move his head to keep the bugs off, but before long, everyone was saddled up, and the ride could begin. Soon after we started, I decided to see how well Jeopardy would respond, and gently turned him to the other side of the trail. He turned his head as gently as I pulled, and with relative ease we were on the other side of the trail. All of a sudden I was feeling much more comfortable.
Martin led us through a large open field into a narrow trail which took us to our rest stop near some small falls and an old wolves' den. After stretching our knees and viewing the falls, we were back on our way to complete the circuit back to the ranch. All of the horses were very well-trained and not one of us (all inexperienced riders) had any difficulties, and left our horses behind feeling satisfied with the entire experience.
If you're coming through Prince George and heading south, ask us about the Triple J Ranch. You won't regret it!
Happy trails!