Chilcotin Holidays Wilderness & Nature

Horse care: Giving a shot to Meg

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 22:26:00 +0000

During my first week as an intern at the ranch, a majority of the staff member team left on a 5 day-horse pack trip to set up Spruce Lake Camp. A few of us stayed to take care of the ranch. I was pretty overwhelmed with everything that we had to do because all of it was new to me. I wasn’t used to having responsibilities such as giving information to clients or even horse care etc.

One day, a few horses came back to the ranch from the wild. They stayed there for a couple of days to eat green grass and enjoy the Mountain freedom. We soon realized that one of the horses, Meg, injured her leg and it looked pretty deep. The owner, Kevan, explained to me that for an injury like that, we need to give a shot of penicillin to the horse everyday for about a week and try to keep the wound as clean as possible so it can heal properly. I helped him to give her the first shot. I was wondering how she would react since she is known to have a strong personality and might kick when she’s not happy. But she did nothing of the sort! She was too focused on her bowl of oats to even notice that we were taking care of her!

Then, we had to clean the wound. As much as I expected the shot to be the worst part for Meg, it turns out cleaning the wound bothered her much more. We put salt water on the wound with a syringe so that the dust and bacteria wouldn’t infect her leg and then throw a handful of sugar to prevent anything else from going into the wound.

The next day, staff members came back from their trip and I had to give Meg her shot by myself. I was really scared at first because I only saw Kevan do it once, and it was really impressive. I wasn’t sure I could do that on my own. That’s why other, more experienced, staff members went through the procedure with me once again and reminded me of the details I need to pay attention to in order to do take care of Meg properly. I had to try again three times because her skin is so tough that I had to take a run-up to place the needle correctly! In the following days, I had to teach another staff member how to do it properly so we can all participate in Meg’s healing process and keep a close eye on it. It was really impressive for everyone to have a responsibility like this.

Coming to the ranch and having this experience, I learnt how to believe in my skills and how to share them with someone else. Every time you learn something at the ranch, you can share it with another person who will pass it on to others. You can apply this process to anything and everything, that way, you learn a lot, not only from your personal experiences, but also from others’. Before, I didn’t know much about horse care and how to deal with an injury like Meg’s, and never would I have imagined myself giving a shot to a horse or putting salt water, even less sugar, on it.

Doing this over and over again for a bit more than a week, Meg’s leg got better and better really quickly! After only a week and a half, the wound almost healed completely and hair was growing back! Thanks to that, she recovered and went back to the bush in no time!

Raphaëlle, 19

Tree-planting introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

In my third week as an intern at the ranch, the tree planters who were staying in the cabins, offered to give the staff an introduction to what they do every day. I’ve only ever lived in cities, not always the biggest ones but still, I’ve never lived as close to nature as at the ranch. I’ve always wanted to experience the peacefulness nature gives me on a longer period than just my two-week holidays.

In the evening, we went in the pasture with the tree planters and they started by showing us what gear they need everyday in order to be the most efficient. They wear big harnesses with three or four bags where they put saplings. They demonstrated how to plant a tree, which tools to use, how to manipulate them and how to know you did a great job... while answering our questions. At first, no one really knew even what to ask because it was a completely new experience, none of us knew anything about tree planting. They have to look for what kind of trees would be more likely to grow in this terrain and choose a specific location where its chances are high… There is much more reflection behind it than I thought, it’s not just about knowing the proper way to dig a hole and put the sapling in, it’s also about how nature will be able easily or not to help this sapling grow into a tree.

During their demonstration, we saw how to handle the shovel and how to recognize a mineral soil which is where you want to put your sapling so it gets all the nutrients it needs. They went through different scenarios of how your tree can not grow if you plant it wrong… After all the theoretical knowledge and the demonstrations, we had the opportunity to fully have a new experience by planting our own tree in the pasture. Each one after the other, we tried our best to do exactly how they showed us so that a big beautiful and healthy tree will be add to nature, but it’s definitely harder than it looks. I couldn’t get the shovel in the soil and then I ended up having a hole that was too deep! With their advices and insight, I finally managed to plant a tree successfully!

Having had this experience at the ranch gave me some insight as to what tree planting is all about. It brought me a feeling of accomplishment even though this contribution to nature is small. I learn more everyday here and I have new experiences that I never thought I would have.

Raphaëlle, 19

Late nigh equine vet care in the wilderness – or a story about the need to trust in your horse

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

In the city, the vet is usually only a phone call away, but it is totally different thing in the wilderness. The practicing vet for the Ranch is located in Vancouver and thereby a 6 hour drive away, nothing that is suitable for a treatment on short-term notice. The situation gets even more complicated when a horse gets sick in the mountains, because the territory is not accessible by vehicle but only by foot or horse.

Last summer, the worst-case scenario happened, and we got a late night call at the Ranch from one of our guides who had a sick horse in camp. Fortunately, it was one of the camps closer to the Ranch, because after some hours of observation, we decided that the horses needed medical treatment. The main issue is that the guide is all alone in making the final decision, because the only connection there exists with the Ranch is through radio or satellite phones. When the final decision was made, it was already around 8 in the evening and the Camp was a around a three hour ride from the Ranch. A friend of mine and me decided to meet the guide half way with the necessary medication and we quickly geared up the horses, packed our saddle bags with the meds, warm clothes, food and water. Fortunately, everyone works together at the Ranch in such emergency situations, so while others were saddling some of our fastest horses, we were able to pack our gear. We decided to take the slightly longer way, because it would allow us to stay in bigger trails where we would be able to ride in a fast pace.

In the forest, light is fading faster than in flat country, so vision was very limited. When operating with horses in the dark, it is not possible to use artificial light, as horses are less able to adjust to sudden changes in brightness and therefore use of head lamps is decreasing their ability to see in areas outside the light. The eyes of horses are very sensitive to weak light, so they are able to see fairly well at dusk and they actually have a superior night vision. Studies have proven that horses are capable of distinguishing between different shades of low light, including moonless nights and wooded areas. So, the inability to use artificial lights left us with one option: trust the horses to get us safely to our destination. Fortunately, all the horses at Chilcotin Holidays know the trails by heart and are able to navigate without guidance by the riders. After roughly two and a half hours of riding at the fastest possible tempo, we finally met the guide coming down from camp. The horse’s situation had fortunately already improved by walking, something usually happening when dealing with colic or other stomach related problems. However, we still treated the horse with the medicine we brought along and took it with us to the Ranch. We arrived back around midnight with three tired, but healthy horses and after a couple days of resting, they were all good to go again.

This story shows how different life is up in the wilderness and what kind of obstacles one can experience that are not common in the city. Living in the mountains requires to be able to think ahead of potential issues and think outside the box. Fortunately, those “adventures” do not happen very often, as the Cayouse Horses that are used by Chilcotin Holidays are rarely getting sick. All our guides, learn about equine vet care, both in general and in the wilderness, so that they are able to treat any diseases or assess whether further treatment through medicine is necessary.

Lea, Germany

A Bear of a Report

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 04:29:00 +0000

When I came here, I had very limited wilderness experience. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Guelph. I came to the ranch to learn more about wilderness. I lived in Southern Ontario where there isn’t a lot of wilderness. I felt stressed without access to nature.

On June 13th, two grizzly bear experts walked through Chilcotin Holiday ranch doors. A. Grant MacHutchon is a wildlife biologist based in Nelson and Jolene Patrick is the Community Prevention and Education personnel at Coast to Cascade Grizzly Bear Initiative; who is also a resident of D’arcy and a member of the N'Quatqua First Nations. They are conducting a survey on grizzly bear risks and encounters in the Lillooet and Chilcotin area for the Ministry of Forest, Land and Natural Resource Operation. In the previous weekend, they had a reception about grizzly bears and bear risks in Gold Bridge. They dropped in on us on that Tuesday morning to collect more data for their report. The visit consisted mostly of an in-depth discussion on our own experiences with the over 200 grizzly bears that live in surrounding mountain ranges. We also offered them our grizzly sighting and DNA data, for which we have been collecting for the past 15 years.

What I most got out of this discussion is the how important bear safety education is; not just for humans but grizzly bears too. In effect, a two-tier education program is needed to keep grizzlies and humans safe in bear country. Humans need to be educated about how to live with bears; bear safety in the wilderness, garbage disposal techniques, bear awareness, etc. The grizzly bears need to be educated that humans are dangerous and to avoid human habitation. Both experts agree that the most dangerous bears are those who becomes habituated to human presence and those who eat garbage. To avoid human-bear conflicts, both species needs to avoid each other and give each other needed space. One point of discussion we all agreed upon is that bear safety should be educated in the school system throughout British Columbia. Canada is famous for our wilderness. Our wilderness contains dangers those of us who live here and are capable of enjoying said wilderness should be aware of. Due to the increasing human encroachment into wilderness and number of eco-tourists in the area, we can’t afford to be ignorant of those dangers.

Jing, Canada

Riding orientation: learning how to do Western Horse Riding

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 04:24:00 +0000

Before I started my internship at Chilcotin Holidays I had very few experience with horseback riding. Maybe three or four times in my life I have been sitting on a horse so far. And I never felt really confident with managing the horse. Nevertheless, I always wanted to improve that and to really learn how to ride a horse.

As an intern at Chilcotin Holidays, it is part of your training to get a riding orientation in about your first week here. I was really looking forward to the possibility to learn western horse riding. When the day of my riding orientation finally started, the first thing I had to learn was how to saddle the horse. There are a lot of things to remember, so after just one time doing it you won’t know everything by heart. But that doesn’t matter, as you will for sure get more chances to train these skills.

Before getting on the horse, you will also get all the instructions about for example how to make turnings or how to behave in different situations that might occur when riding on the trail, like for example dealing with wasps, bears and bikers. That was very interesting and helps you to feel safe and prepared for your adventure.

And then I started the “real” riding orientation. That means, I got onto the horse and we went to the practice ground, which we call the Gymkhana here. There are some logs on the ground to go over and barrels to ride around. Thanks a lot to Teepee, my horse! He was very patient with me and even though he sometimes wanted to test me at the beginning (like trying to stop all the time), I felt really safe on him and quickly gained more confidence.

After some time at the Gymkhana and several little exercises, we went back and prepared more horses. As a part of the riding orientation, you also go on a short trail ride and in my case it was combined with bringing all the horses that were at the ranch up the mountain to graze. This was a real adventure that you barely have the opportunity to do back at home in Europe! First we rode up the normal road, but soon we got off this road onto a little trail. This trail was from time to time extremely narrow and steep. So, as being a beginner, I was really concentrated the whole time to not forget anything of the instructions I had before. But of course, I also enjoyed it a lot! And I realized why those instructions are so important, like for example why you have to grab the mane when you go up a really steep slope. You learn those things best in the field, when you really have to apply everything. I will never forget what I have learned out there on this trip. And again, I am really thankful to Teepee, who safely led me through the Canadian wilderness.

Before I came here, I didn’t expect me to make so much success in just one day of riding orientation and I didn’t expect this orientation to be such an adventure. But I really loved this day and I have discovered the fun of Western horse riding! Learning how much you can trust your horse and that it is actually not that difficult to manage a (well trained) horse are amazing experiences you can make at Chilcotin Holidays. And exploring the wilderness of British Columbia on horseback is just impressive!

Fabienne, Switzerland

More nature knowledge and less tools for a better wilderness experience

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 16:43:00 +0000

As staff of the ranch, I had the opportunity to attend this special wilderness experience, and without more reflections, I grasped it. You can read on the website here that if you want to learn knowledge that you do not have easily access in your modern society but human beings have for millennia, the survival instructors will teach you. Then, the willingness to learn would therefore guarantee your success. Learn this kind of skills that will open the wilderness up to you, but not only, because it will make you more confident and serene with your place in the biosphere and your relationship with nature. Skills and unique experience of nature that will allow you to replace any fancy equipment with knowledge and let you thrive rather than survive in the outdoors.

Bushcraft Experience will increase your comfort in wilderness settings. We learnt to create everything you need that you don’t think every day as a spoon and a bowl to eat as at home and even more comfy and original, so how to concretely use fire as a carving tool to your essentials three times a day. You have to forget the time, to live to the rhythm of the sun in the middle of the forest and to create your tools slowly, or you will do it wrong ! By adapting to your surroundings and using the materials that nature provides, you will learn to craft the items you need to live in harmony with nature, and at nature’s pace. The quote I will remind is ‘We can carry a ton of equipment or a ton of knowledge’, and carrying a ton of equipment will just used your body, particularly your back and wear your nerves out, whereas the ton of knowledge will just encourage your curiosity and develop your willingness to be in nature and to learn from experience.

Essential equipment can be a knife, an axe and a handsaw, so it’s not insurmountable, for a 14 years old person to a person any age you want with motivation, to carry it in a backpack. More personally, at the beginning of the course I wasn’t confident with using a knife like I didn’t know by what I should start to use a knife safely and what exactly you can achieve with a knife. For sure I have been particularly surprise of the extent of all the utilities of an eight-centimeter blade knife, and especially to quickly create my natural shelter for 2 persons with a huge, warm and comfortable bed. I assure you that after discovering and practicing the navigation into the wild with a map and compass, and without ; the animal tracking ; the wild edible and medicinal plants finding and preparing ; start your night fire with one of the lighting techniques you learned, you will need a good rest in your natural bed smelling the good scents of pine branches.

Anne-Lucie, 24 years old, France

Try until they fly

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

It has already been a week when I first arrived at the Chilcotin Holidays Ranch. Only a week, it feels so much longer. That is probably because of the long, productive days we have where so much happens. With everyday new things to learn and more opportunities to take on.

Before I explain this with my first fly-fishing experience let me tell about myself. My name is Jelle, 23 years old and from the Netherlands. For the last four years I studied Landscape Architecture at the Wageningen University and living the student life with friends, party’s and all the pros and cons that come with a student life.

I am a serious, dedicated student who is not afraid to take on some action or try new things. I am a responsible team player but at the same time I like to be on my own now and then. In my own surrounding, like in my student house or with my friends and family, I am a confident person where I can be relaxed and be myself. But to create such a comfort zone for me always takes some time, in the Netherlands we call it ‘watching-the-cat-out-of-the-tree’. This means that in new situations or with new people I first tend to step to the background and watch passively at how others act and respond and how I can match my behaviour with theirs. How I can follow others. And this I want to change, that’s why I am here. I want to be more confident. Because if I can be confident in any situation it does not matter if I am in or out my comfort zone, it would not even be necessary to create such a carefully designed comfort zone, which costs so much time and energy. So that’s why I took the challenge to travel to the unknown wilderness with people I don’t know and communicate in a language that is not mine. By doing this and pushing myself to do new things and be confident during them I want to change myself for the better.

One of the new things I did was coming on a fly-fishing trip with Philip and Vera. We drove to Pearson Pond and rowed to the middle of the lake. There was the first new experience: the view, the silence and the living animals around us. Such a different environment then I am used to. After a few hours we still had not caught anything. We could see the fish jumping around us but they just did not take our bait, very frustrating. But then, after changing the type of fly-bait for the fourth time we had it. In a short time we caught six fishes from what we kept five. That was enough for the Indian-dinner we planned for the evening and went back to the ranch.

This experience was a good example of the way things go at the ranch. Take a clear goal in mind and keep trying and changing your approach until you accomplished it. While doing so, stay confident in what you are doing. Because if you don’t believe in what you are doing works, then why should it?

Jelle, Netherlands

Winter Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

As soon as it started to snow in Canada I bought myself a used Snowboard. Someone else bought a new snowboard and wanted to get rid of his old snowboard so I jumped on that opportunity and my coworker was so kind to pick it up in Williams Lake for me. I also looked for the additional gear but apparently people with size 10 shoes won’t sell their snowboard boots.
Therefore, we had a snowboard on the ranch with no matching gear. But this wouldn’t stop us from using it. Knowing that I have some good hiking boots we gave it a try and surprisingly it worked out very good. Living in the wilderness, we don’t have access to proper ski lifts so you have to walk up on every hill you would like to drive down.
This got tiring very fast so we decided another approach. We took our old snowmobile and some rope which we found in one of the horse stables and we built our own mobile ski lift. Moreover, they ploughed the streets the day before and it snowed quite a bit during the night.
This set the perfect condition to do some snowboarding on the street and if you have ever driven on a small layer of snow on top of a prepared piste, then you know that this is one of the best things to experience on a snowboard. And doing that behind a snowmobile takes this experience to a whole new level.

Andreas, Switzerland

Ice fishing in Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 22:06:00 +0000

I never fished before, so I thought it would be a great idea to get a new experience and go on a small adventure. Ice fishing can't be that hard, so me and my coworker took our fishing rods and 2 ice drills and headed out to the solid frozen Mowson Pond. Little did we know that that ice fishing is a bit more than just drill a hole in the ice and put a hook down there.

Obviously, we didn't catch any fish at all and therefore we couldn't eat some grilled fish back at the ranch. After making some thoughts and a bit of improvisation we headed out again for a next try, still barley prepared but at least equipped with some bait and a go pro. Apparently the fish didn't really like our bait, but our go pro spotted something unusual and we took a closer look at it.

What we spotted was another fishing rod which a poor individual before us must have lost, when he tried to catch a fish as well. Since we trained our improvising skills before, we were able to get our first catch. But a fishing rod was not what we hoped for but at least it we now had a new rod to get even more fish.

After a few days and some education about ice fishing we headed out again. This time properly equipped with a new angling root and the proper bait. Since Mowson Pond didn't bring us some luck the last time, we headed out to Pearson Pond this time. Motivated to catch something this time we looked out for a good spot and started drilling.

An automated drill would be way to easy, so we did it the old way of course with pure man power. After digging our way through half a meter of ice we started fishing, again with no luck we will do more research and try again tomorrow.

Andreas, Switzerland

Swimming in strange waters - Personal Growth at Chilcotin Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

I never thought I'd end up here. 23 years old, recently graduated from university and now living on a ranch. I wanted a change from my daily routine and I knew I always wanted to explore more of Canada. As a Canadian with roots on the East coast, I never had ventured West of Ontario.

After leaving university I felt a bit stuck; working a job that gave me no fufillment, in a place that I had gotten used to.

Being here, at Chilcotin Holidays, has given me a new perspective on the way I view and handle situations. Before arriving here, I used to think days were short. If I did not think I'd be able to do something I'd just let another person do it, telling myself i'd learn eventually. Being here is like being scared of the water, not that you don't know how to swim, but always letting the uncertainty of the depth and of your abilities stopping you from going in. Here, you are pushed off into the deep end.

For the first couple of weeks I was constantly doubting myself. I was nervous around the horses, I was overwhelmed in the kitchen and I wasn't strong enough to move the sprinklers around. Don't even get me started on those sprinklers. Five weeks later im still uncertain about my ability to do things, but now i'm not hesitant to try.

“Survial is the ability to swim in strange water”. This place has taught me to swim in strange water. Coming to a place I have never been, with people I do not know and doing activities I have never done has made me grow as a person.

Rhea, Canada

Finding balance between interests, goals and purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

As I sat this night on the corral’s fence, in the quiet night, the only sound to my ears were the bells of my beloved horses walking in the dark, I raised my eyes to the sky. At first a few lights started to appear above me, scattered and shy to the human eyes. It’s only after a couple of minutes that quietly and slowly, more and more came populating the night.

I remember my years in the city, looking at the sky and seeing only the faded reflection of artificial lights like a dirty yellow cloud on a pure black. That is why I’m addicted to nature and wild remote landscape, because every time you take the time to look, nature provides wonders. You just have to take the time, what the rush of cities does not provide. As stars and the Milky Way are always here, they remind you what you’re missing because of extra-stuff: extra lights during days and night, extra water, food, people…

What more do you need when you find balance in your life? You just have to define your interests, be true with your goals and find a meaningful purpose for your life. What more do you need in your life to be fulfilled and die without regrets? Well my answer would be nothing. Happiness truly resides in small things, and as we know, happiness is only real when shared. As small as stars looks like from down here, if you keep waiting and watching, they will start to blink, and more will come to your eyes. Their magic will then do the rest, don’t waste your time searching, just lay down with your eyes open and watch these natural illuminations moving slowly above you; soon enough shooting stars cutting the sky in two will enlighten your night. The picnic table in front of the barn at the ranch is a great spot for that.

I spent more than four months at the ranch and during the first three, I spent more time in the bush than at the ranch. I feel more comfortable in the wilderness, surrounded by untouched nature and wildlife, where only nature’s laws apply, where your horses are your first priority, when time is only governed by the sun and moon cycles, and the only sounds to your ears is running water and animals, but in society nowadays, what was usual activity decades ago, is today only a week long activity for tourist who want to reconnect with what our society pushed away from us and destroyed. We’re all part of the problem today, and as more and more of the people recognize it, get more aware of it, and come to take our pack trip to experience and reconnect with nature and wild surrounding, we are still a bigger part of the problem than of the solution. I’m careful about what I eat and consume, what I buy and how it is produced, but for example I’m still wearing 100% cotton clothes sometimes. Do you know what’s involved in the production of one standard t-shirt? You need 2500 liters of water, against only 50 for a tee-shirt with recycled products. To produce that one shirt, you need to grow and cultivate cotton, put pesticides on it if not organic, then harvest it, clean it, make a string out of it, then a fabric, cut it, put it together. It’s not easy to change our habits all in once, but slowly we can change and contribute to make this dying world a better one for our next generation. Guiding people from around the world, and working at the ranch, being a part of conservation in the South Chilcotin Mountains makes my goals and main purpose in life shift towards something bigger and more meaningful than what I had in mind before coming here. Evolving in the wild shapes your mind in a peculiar way, especially when your primary colleagues that help you to survive in that environment are horses. You build a relation with them, they know the region and the trails more than you do, they feel danger before you, they can bring you home safe in the darkest night if needed, and your horses paired with your skills are the only thing you can trust into the wild. Relying on only these few things carve a feeling in your mind towards nature and wildlife that you can only feel by experiencing it yourself. That’s what I like the most in guiding people from all over the world and sharing with them my passion for the outdoors; but also my fears and anger about what we, as human, are doing to this amazing and breathing eco-system.

As I leave the ranch with a lot of new experiences, memories and personal achievement, my old purpose in life which was about changing the world in one way or the other is today more defined, conservation of our land and wildlife is one of the most important things we have to care for. One of our guests said a few days ago that he told his children that they can do whatever job they want as long as it is a technical job, because humanity will always need plumber, and carpenter etc, but not so much social oriented jobs. My personal opinion on that is, in a way I can agree with that in the short term, but in the long term, technical jobs won’t matter if there are no more animals on earth to feed us, and no ground on which to cultivate or walk, or pure air to breathe. Conservation of our mother earth is a priority, you can choose to act and do something positive, or just watch species getting extinct one after the other, glacier melting, humans starving, and fossil energy getting emptied. If you come at the ranch, I hope you’ll understand, while riding your horse and watching the wilderness around you, that we need to act if we want to continue enjoying it.

Christophe , France

Stewardship of the Chilcotin Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 21:52:00 +0000

There are many facets to the Chilcotin Mountains, which is a magical place with completely different landscape for each season. Within the Mountains, Chilcotin Holidays is surrounded by the myriad of nature that British Columbia has to offer. It is influenced by the ever-changing pockets that the mountains hold, caused by rain shadow. Every spring, the snow begins to melt, slowly receding up the mountains, and so the journey of the animals and nature begins. Life here is constantly on the move, governed by the season following the snow line and it becomes clear why the Chilcotin First Nations were known as “the people of the blue water” – the glaciers give the lakes throughout our territory an emerald turquoise color. The breathtaking landscape and biodiversity of the Chilcotin Mountains are a stirring spectacle which is exceptional even in comparison with Canada’s other natural wonders.

Conservation is more than a word to Chilcotin Holidays. It is the ranches roots, with everyone’s involvement in understanding the wildlife, culture and habitats within the ecology. All of nature is dependent upon one another and their well-being requires a dedicated, strategic plan of action among conservationists.

This is why Chilcotin Holidays is involved in conservation – it’s surrounded by nature and is part of the ecology. We, as humans, are responsible to make sure that the natural world is able to continue to flourish.

Read more on our website :)

An incredible ride in search of horses

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

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

Narnia

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

It was the middle of October when we journeyed from the Chilcotin Holidays Ranch up to Brett Camp for the pack trip. When we started at the bottom of the mountain it was a crisp Autumn morning, but by the time we arrived at the camp in the early afternoon it seemed like the middle of Winter. There was thick snow on the ground and icicles a meter long fringing the cabin, which itself looked like a Gingerbread House. The scene was like a fairytale, like Narnia, but it quickly became apparent that the beauty of nature here - like the witch in the C.S. Lewis series, hides a power and a cruelty that people cannot hope to control.

The biting cold and rugged landscape tested me constantly, both physically and mentally. Riding bareback was uncomfortable, and at some points terrifying, as sheer scree slopes dropped away into deep valleys of frozen creeks and scrubby trees.

I became painfully aware of my lack of skills in comparison to my companions, and frustrated by how long it took me to accomplish tasks that others seemed to manage with ease, but through all of it I carried on. I did, quite literally, get back on the horse - often only motivated by my own stubborn resolve to make as much out of this experience as I could - and for every time I kept going when in the past I would have stopped, I learned something.

There is more to me than I thought, and I have reserves of strength and ability that I had never imagined possible before. It wasn’t important that I could not be perfect at something new instantaneously, because with each hour that passed I was getting better, and that was what mattered to me.

In four days on a freezing cold and beautiful mountain I learned something that 23 years of my normal life had failed to. The world is not divided into things that I can do and things that I cannot do, it is dividing into things I can do, and things that I could do. And that is a lesson that I would gladly suffer through sores and bruises for.

Emma, UK

Learn more about the Ranch at our website

Unforgettable first time experience

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

„I'm not here for the horses, I'm here to learn about management“. I still have to smile about my naive approach when I hear me saying that sentence. I came to the ranch for my office related internship, not for the guiding job. After 7 weeks here, I had the opportunity to be an assistant guide on a pack trip for the first time. I didn't want to do it at first because I was afraid the job was too tough for me, so I tried to find somebody else to take my position. After a while I accepted the challenge with a very nervous feeling in my belly. Nervous in a good way, because deep inside me I came here to connect with nature and experience the beauty of British Columbia.

In my first weeks I didn't have the confidence to do anything that was required for guiding a pack trip. I was afraid to ride, even though I've been with horses since I was a little kid. Everything was just so different and overwhelming for me that I couldn't deal with it. On my first day ride in the mountains I even cried and promised myself: „I will never do this again!“ And there I was, welcoming a German family arriving at the ranch, ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

From the beginning on I felt that this family was a good match for a trip of this kind. The 4 kids where curious, excited and ready to go from day one. I connected with them very quick, which is important when you are together 24 hours a day and experience extreme situations together. Remembering their happy faces on the horses still gives me a warm feeling in my heart. Riding up into the mountains seemed to be so much easier than the last time, because I my thoughts were only wandering between taking care of the kids and enjoying the wonderful views the trail had to offer. Though it was a rough ride sometimes, the kids kept a great attitude, each of them in their own personal way. Arriving at Eldorado camp, they were still not tired and neither was I. I never felt I had so much energy, so we staked and hobbled the horses without struggling. In the evening we all sat together in the cozy cabin next to the warm stove, enjoying dinner and sharing the experiences of the day. It was the best evening I had in a long time, incomparable with anything else the busy city life has to offer.

The next day started at 5:00 AM with unstaking and looking for horses. It was a gift to me, as I got to ride through the lonely meadows, enjoying the silence of the morning. After having a classical camp breakfast, we rode off to the ridge trail. After climbing up around the ridges, we reached the mountain tops, which presented us a view I will never forget. After every minute of riding, we had a different view on the endless landscape of mountains. It for sure is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my entire life. Having lunch on top of the world made me feel unconditional love for the nature. Besides, I could see the families’ appreciation for the experiences they made together on this trip, which is worth more than any money someone could pay me.

I'm sure nobody wanted to go back home the next day, but riding the beautiful trail from Eldorado back to the ranch made it a little easier for everybody. Though we had to walk downhill a while on the way back, we managed to make it an enjoyable adventure for everyone. After taking care of the horses, we had a last dinner together at the ranch and certified each family member with individual speeches. Reviewing the stories and our experiences was quiet emotional for everyone, but also the perfect end of an amazing adventure.

I could write a book about my experiences on this trip, but you still couldn't imagine which impact it had on my life. The best decision I've ever made was overcoming my fears and joining this pack trip as an assistant guide, because now I feel more empowered, strong and confident than I ever did in my life. If you can be a guide in the wilderness of the Chilcotin Mountains, I'm sure you can handle any other challenge in life!

Fenja, Germany

Mountain man: A trip with no limits

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 09:00:00 +0000

While the ranch itself had been a truly unique and clarifying experience to me, I was enticed by the stories I heard from those who came back from their pack trips. The array of stories that detailed the arduous yet exhilarating experience of these said trips made me want to immediately go for it. By making it clear to the ranch staff I was eager to participate in such a trip I found myself enlisted for an upcoming trip to Brett Camp in the mountains. I was told I would be participating in a late season trip yet at the same time informed of the challenges I would face. Rather than deter me, I grasped the opportunity even more tightly! Here at the ranch I've seen that challenging oneself is an opportunity to develop so I knew this would be perfect.

I was tasked with collecting the listed supplies that would then be escorted up the mountain by horse to the camp. This itself was a significant responsibility, being entrusted with gathering the essential supplies for camp survival. Once I completed this task I soon found myself being driven towards my destination. I was on my way to the start of an adventure without fully knowing what to expect.

Upon my arrival I was left alone to saddle the horses. Having saddled a horse before I was confident I could do this without guidance. I was unfortunately proven wrong but rather than feel demoralised I instead understood how important it is to be fully acquainted with such procedures. Being prepared was my first lesson on my trip.

Afterwards, while my guide mounted his horse and the pack horse trailed behind I found myself taking the horse by the tail, told I was to walk up. I was initially surprised, knowing the journey would be quite a hike. However, being at the ranch embedded in my mind this approach: There are no limits. I can keep challenging myself and only continue to grow. Limits were not an option. While we made our ascent up the mountain path I was stunned by the surrounding forest as the early afternoon sunlight pierced through the trees. This alongside the sounds of nearby rivers echoing and the wind whistling over the mountainside filled me with a sense of wonder and amazement. I was an experienced hiker prior to my time at the ranch but this itself was unlike anything I'd done before.

Throughout the hike my body began to ache but I kept going, determined not to accept limits. This however was merely a preview of the psychical, mental and spiritual trials I would face on my pack trip.

Brett Camp is a cosy cabin quite literally alone in the mountains. Made entirely of logs and located in the middle of nowhere, I was even more eager to begin my mountain adventure. This small cabin would be my home for the next few days and without any of the "contemporary" essentials such as wifi or electricity. That fact alone compelled me to dive straight in. This was going to be a unique experience that took me straight out of my comfort zone. This made it a worthy challenge indeed.

After unloading and staking the horses I found myself fascinated by the scenery for the second time that day. However, this was beyond what I had experienced mere moments before. I was treated with a fantastic view of the nearby mountains and forests below, the snow covering their peaks while the evening light began to fade away. I have seen many incredible views in my travels but this was truly marvellous. I was here in the mountains in a small log cabin gazing at mountains. This alone made me grateful to be here, to be allowed to have such an experience. But I knew at the time that views were not the only thing that would amaze me on this pack trip.

After a pleasant night's sleep I awoke to prepare breakfast, illuminated only by the light of a gaslight. This combined with the fact I was cooking on a wood-burning stove made cooking breakfast an entirely different task. I was slightly unnerved at first, knowing how important breakfast would be and not wanting to ruin it. However, I worked with what I had and surprised myself. Breakfast was a success.

Once the guest was prepared to leave alongside 'Chilcotin Holiday's' two guides, I knew that I would be alone soon. Yes, I was to remain at the cabin in the middle of nowhere alone for two entire days. My survival was well and truly in my hands. I was both terrified and excited by this prospect, this would be one of the biggest challenges of my life. I knew this trip was going to be a challenge but this was truly something. But nevertheless, I was ready for it and determined to embrace the challenge! This was the adventure I came to Canada for.

Left with a list of duties including collecting wood and maintaining the cabin, my peers departed and I was truly alone. I stood outside in the snow for a few moments after that and reflected on the reality of my circumstances. Not a sound could be heard. Pure silence was all there was. Thick snow lay in every direction as did the trees and hillsides. This was remarkable indeed. I was going to survive this and experience something that to me was amazing.

Over the first few hours I immediately set to completing my assigned tasks, knowing from my time at the ranch how important it was to do so. Once this was done I then went to collect water. The water for the Camp comes from the nearby river, itself running through a clearing. While walking to the river I was again taken aback by the scenery and the almost chilling silence. This was amazing indeed. After I collected the water I returned to camp and found myself working to pass the time.

As time went on I interchanged between maintaining the cabin to exploring my surroundings. The air grew colder and the fire was dwindling. I was left instructions to ration the firewood so I knew I had to be cautious in how much wood I used. This also meant I was colder than I preferred to be, but again this was another challenge. This was not the modern and safe lifestyle I was accustomed to. This was a challenge and an adventure. I saw being cold as a way of knowing this: do something about it and work hard. This is what I was learning, that you make opportunities and it is all a matter of attitude. Taking my trusty knife and a bucket I found the dry spots underneath the trees and began to collect branches and twigs as firewood. I had to survive and that meant being resourceful. Challenge accepted and completed. By the evening as the daylight ebbed away I was warmer than I had been at midday. I had found a way and again passed by my limits.

For dinner, wishing to preserve the supplies for when the guests returned, I chose to instead opt for a simple cheese sandwich and granola bar. This may seem excessive and while not completely satisfying, it was all my body needed. Again, I was tested and had to adapt. Not even a whole day in and this experience was testing me in every aspect of my being. And I could not be more grateful for it. I saw that I was stronger than I knew and could genuinely feel a sense of pride as I grew as a person. Filled with this I retired for the night, slightly apprehensive but excited and far more confident about the next day.

The following day was a similar experience but that is not to dismiss it. On the contrary, it was an equally clarifying, fascinating and empowering experience. Completing my daily duties early again I left the cabin and ventured upwards by following the river. Snowfall during the night had deepened the snow and I was amazed at how deep it was. Being from the midlands of England it was far from anything I'd seen before. It was incredible but became insignificant compared to what I saw seconds later.

Once I came to my destination uphill I turned around and was left speechless and utterly awestruck. Beautiful does not even begin to describe the sight I was treated to. Before me was an array of mountains, their summits standing out clearly against the clear blue sky as clouds drifted over them. I found every detail of this snowy landscape a truly magnificent view. I was in an extraordinary place here at Brett Camp. I stood for what felt like hours entranced by the sight and felt an almost overwhelming sense of peace and awe. This was why I came to Canada. For adventure and to grow and develop as a person. Seeing this view, knowing I'd made it up here and was surviving this land confirmed to me I was right to come to Canada and Chilcotin Holidays.

Afterwards I again retired for the night after supper and survived the next day. But throughout my stay I did indeed feel a sense of loneliness and isolation, I was alone in the mountains after all. But rather than regret the experience, I was pleased to be there. This was an adventure and nothing would make me wish I had not done it.

When my colleagues and the guests returned we remained in the cabin for another night. The next day we finally departed the cabin and although I felt a sense of relief knowing I'd return to the ranch, I felt sad my adventure was seemingly over. How wrong I was. The return journey was no walk in the park. It was a tremendous challenge both physically and mentally for me, pushing me further in both fields than ever before.

Again I was to walk the trail and clung to the horse's tail all the way along. Further snowfall had made the snow thicker and every step for me was a challenge. While the horses, their riders atop them, ploughed through the snow I trudged through it. Slipping many times either by accident or from the growing numbness in legs I often thought inside my head I was insane for coming here. For the first time this trip I wondered if I'd made the right choice coming up here. However, rather than cry out or give in I instead recalled everything I had learnt and experienced: There are no limits. I had to keep going because I would truly evolve as a person if I did, I would accomplish something special to me. Despite falling many more times I never stayed down, motivated to keep going by my companions. During the hike through fields, up and downhill, across rivers and along steep mountainside paths, I was never told "no you can't". Instead I was constantly told "yes you can." This resonated in me and so I found myself accomplishing what I would have thought impossible for me mere months ago... I made it through the hike.

The descent down the mountain was amazing as I watched the wintery landscape transform into one much more suited to Autumn. At the base of the mountain and on the road again at last, I aided in packing away all the equipment and was soon in the back of a car returning to the ranch. My time and adventure in Brett Camp had come to an end.

I was so proud of myself, having made it back in such conditions and passing every test I came by. Despite the physical onslaught, the trek through snowfall and challenging environments, I had made it. It was true, there are no limits. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride. I had passed every challenge I came by and more. I had seen such incredible things and experienced things unlike anything I'd done before. But rather than jump for joy, not only because I was exhausted, I smiled to myself.

The people here at Chilcotin Holidays always encouraged me to grow and develop. Pushing me and never pulling. The result... I made it through the entire hike and became a mountain man. My lead guide told me my "mountain man name" was Grizz. This made me smile again. I never thought I'd be in such place.

My stay at the ranch has been a unique and powerful experience but the Brett Camp trip was the culmination of all I'd learnt here and more. Focus, conviction and determination, these are three words I live by and the ranch has truly allowed me to put them into practice. But Brett Camp and all it encompassed is what well and truly tested me in these three things and more. I am stronger and feel invincible, a result of never accepting limits and instead going onwards. I will take this lesson with me everywhere I go after the ranch. Brett Camp was an extraordinary experience and I encourage anyone who comes to the ranch to participate in a pack trip like my own.

It won't be easy, safe or simple, but it will undoubtedly an adventure.

Jacob, England

The Wilderness Stewardship Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 09:00:00 +0000

My initial intention in coming to the ranch was to work for and learn from the activities of the WSF. Although my stay ended up consisting of far more and varied pursuits, some of the greatest enjoyment and experience that I have gained from my time here has been my involvement with this incredible foundation.

The most striking difference that I have experienced working for WSF as opposed to the charities I have engaged with before, is that all of the fantastic and necessary work that we are doing directly impacts the environment and land that we are living as a part of. Researching into the projects that past interns have devoted months to accomplish, and being able to observe the positive consequences of that work in the environment directly surrounding me is an impassioning and humbling reality that I have not experienced before. The drive and motivation that this provides is unequalled.

The biggest lesson that being a part of the WSF has taught me is that there is never ‘nothing you can do’. Indeed, the saying that a small group of motivated people can change the world has never held more true to me, nor had such a cast-iron example provided for it, than witnessing and engaging in the work of the WSF. Using knowledge gleaned over years of observing and coming to understand the environment, the WSF alone has made a hugely positive impact on the local ecology, and furthermore has encouraged a huge response from others who have taken up the mantle of being a steward of the land.

Like small stones starting an avalanche, the work of countless interns, volunteers, and the directors have ensured that one small foundation has created a trend of wilderness stewardship that should ensure that the Bridge River Valley ecology and environment not only survives, but thrives well into the future. And I hope that my contribution can help this beautiful land continue to flourish.

Emma, UK

Learn more about Wilderness Stewardship Foundation here :)

The Chicken, the egg or responsibility, what came first?

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Of all my duties here at the ranch, one that embodies the lessons of responsibility I have learnt is the chickens. Initially I thought that this was a lesser task, a menial duty that had little impact on the ranch. However, I was quickly proven wrong and realized how much of a commitment it is to caring for the chickens here.

Each morning I needed to investigate the coop and check on the chickens, which alone became a daily responsibility. Alongside this I was to provide the chickens their food and water supply each morning without fail. This was something I could not neglect as it would cost the chickens greatly. This may seem an exaggeration but it is undoubtedly a test of responsibility. Should I have ever forgot to feed them or provide water, this would show a lack of responsibility on my part. One mistake would have major repercussions on the health of the chickens and so by making this a daily responsibility I came to see how important it is to always follow through with such things.

It was entirely down to me to then let the chickens out each morning during the warm season and provide food to them. I was to constantly count them and ensure all chickens were safe, each and every one.

Once the night came I was expected to have the chickens all inside the coop by a certain time with an adequate food and water supply. This involved ensuring all chickens were accounted for, none could be neglected. I could not ignore even one, that would have been an incomplete job and so a failure of my personal responsibilities.

The aforementioned duties were highlighted even more so once the winter season began to set in. With the temperatures falling this meant I had to ensure the water supply would not freeze and that the coop maintained a warm temperature for the chickens. This would not fulfill itself and was again my personal responsibility, should I have done nothing, the chickens would have no water and very likely freeze to death. Caring for the chickens was not to be taken lightly and with the changing circumstances due to winter, I saw how responsibility meant being able do adapt, to find alternatives whilst never neglecting your job. A combination of the cold and chickens taught me that. How inspiringly peculiar.

As well as the chickens themselves, I also had the daily duty of collecting eggs and occasionally maintaining the cleanliness of the coop. These together show that caring for chickens is no basic task. It is a compilation of duties and responsibilities, each and every one a test of my own personal commitment to my job. Should I neglect even one it would have a notable impact. I was not asked or reminded to carry out these duties, that responsibility was my own and I knew it.

By taking onboard all these duties I saw through the chickens how important it is to be committed to all aspects of your job. One neglectful act will have consequences.

And so, and with thanks to the chickens of Chilcotin Holidays, I have an understanding of true responsibility. It seems responsibility comes before the chicken and the egg.

Jacob - England UK

Lear more about our Ranch at our website

Get independant and grow more self-confident

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000

My name is Job and I am a 26 year old male who lives nearby Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

I have studied computer science for my bachelor and after that I got my master ICT in Business and worked as a product owner in a big IT company for a year. It is a nice job but I just wanted to do something totally different instead of being stuck behind a desk the whole day. This is when I decided to get out of my comfort zone and to start a new adventure in Canada. Besides that, it would be the perfect opportunity for me to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

After all the initial preparation I arrived at the Chilcotin Holidays ranch in the beginning of August. From that moment on I learned a lot of new skills and had some great experiences. Before I came here, I did not have any experience with horses so the first few days were quite challenging because everything was new for me. Nevertheless, I was able to adapt and learned a lot of new skills such as western horse riding, shoeing and packing. These skills enabled me to become an assistant guide on a pack trip which was definitely the highlights of my stay here. Other things I learned around here where how to operate a chainsaw, horse logging, tractor operation, general maintenance, working with horses, ranch hand, baking, housekeeping, cleaning, cooking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Another important part of my stay was the conservation work I did for the Wilderness Stewardship Foundation (WSF), during my time here I worked on several projects and visited a stakeholder meeting in Lillooet which was very interesting.

In order to be able to learn all these things in a couple of weeks you need to be in a special environment and that was certainly applicable to this place. All the people I met here were nice, friendly and willing to share their knowledge and skills with you which is quite amazing when you think about it. On the other hand it is inspiring to see that everyone is here for its own reasons and has some specific goals and interests they want to work on during their time here. Despite that, this never affected the overall vibe and willingness to get things done together and to let the guests enjoy their stay here.

All the experiences I had here did not only result in new skills but also enabled me to learn a lot about myself. Sometimes you are confronted with your fears or shortcomings and here you have no other option than to deal with it and make it happen. I realized that my fear of failure was stopping me from doing a lot of cool things and that it does not matter if you fail as long as you learn something from it. Besides that, my self-confidence has grown around here and I became more independent because I know that I can make it on my own at the other side of the world.

Despite the fact that changing things in your life always have to start from within there are some factors around here that definitely stimulate this process. These are the small community you live in with the other staff members and the wilderness environment that surrounds you. By living closely together with other staff members you can actually see the changes other people go through and how they develop as a person from close by. This is fulfilling and encouraging at the same time because it keeps you motivated to work on your own goals and interests every single day. The wilderness environment also contributes to your personal growth and independence because out here there is not much more than yourself you can rely on. It has thought me that the law of nature is leading and where you come from of what you have done before does not matter at all.

At the end of my time here I can finally say that I now have a better direction for the rest of my life. I have not reached the point in my life where I want to work behind a desk for 40 years and settle in by buying my own place in the Netherlands.

This adventure thought me that I first want to travel more and experience completely different environments because this makes me happier than I have ever been before. Hopefully someday the time will come that I am comfortable with settling in and maybe that time will never come at all and that is also fine. It really is a cliché but - keep following your own dreams and do not let anyone or anything push you in a situation you are not satisfied with. After all, the worst that can happen is failure.

Job, Netherland

Fenja's leaving story

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 08:30:00 +0000

My name is Fenja, I am 24 years old and have my roots in Germany. In the meantime though, my heart got stuck in a different place, and that’s right here, in the breathtaking South Chilcotin Mountains. After finishing my apprenticeship for Graphic Design, I looked for something more challenging, something meaningful. Looking for ranch work in the northern US, I ended up finding Chilcotin Holidays online. I read about their Philosophy, their environmental engagement and work ethic and I had an good feeling to apply for a 6 months internship. Fortunately I got a quick reply; with a load of paperwork to fill out. It took me a while to fill out the two questionnaires, but already then I had to be true to myself and reflect on me, which is an important part of personal development. I booked my flight for the 12th of July and was more than ready for a change in my life!

My arrival at the ranch brought many challenges for me. I had to give a hand right away with sorting in the groceries, not having a clue what to do, overwhelmed by all the new impressions. Everyone of the team welcomed me warm hearted and I felt integrated in the group quickly. Generally speaking, we had a great team spirit!

Continuing my first day, I had to do a lot of paperwork again, but as I realized I do it for me, and only for me, I worked my way through. Then, the real challenge began. I had to sleep in a tent for the first time of my life. Without my cozy pillows and fluffy blankets. Without my personal items (as my luggage got lost for almost a week), friends and my private space. I wasn’t used to sharing my shower with 18 other people. Eating in a big group, without deciding what exactly I want to eat was a tough one too. And then the work. Second day, being in the kitchen and cooking for 30 people. I was almost as nervous as I was when writing my final exams. Being responsible for something “big´” like this was what I was afraid of. Responsibility was a word of fear for me. It continued with moving the sprinklers (I was afraid all the grass would be dried out after I was in Ranch Hand), cleaning the rooms, and then working in the office and managing enquiries and bookings. I was glad I had a lovely team that was pacient and gave me room for mistakes. I was so afraid to do something wrong at first, I dreamed about enquires at night. Here I learned that success comes from experience and experience comes from failure. It’s okay to make mistakes, but it’s important to learn your lesson and do it different the next time. And if you failed because of a mistake in a procedure, you improve it to pass on your experience to future staff. I experienced quiet a few failures, but there is a lot I gained from it and most importantly, I am not afraid of it anymore.

During my first two weeks at the ranch I wanted to go back home. Everything felt like climbing a mountain without getting anywhere. I didn’t see my progress or development, I just felt stupid knowing nothing about how life at the ranch works. Now I know that this is a process everyone goes through. Only when you’re willing to learn, are mentally ready and keep on working your way through all the challenges, you will succeed and suddenly everything seems to be easy. To quote Kevan: “ You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink” means there are countless opportunities given at the ranch, all you have to do is to take initiative and jump on them. If I wouldn’t have wanted to take responsibilities, I would have never ended up as the office and kitchen manager during my stay. These positions were a big step for me, as I was responsible for managing our bookings from enquiries to contracts and payments. If I messed up the inventory and grocery order, we wouldn’t have been able to cook for us and our guests. If I didn’t check the schedules, people wouldn’t have been picked up in Vancouver or arrived in an undone room. Now, I’m paying attention to details and big picture aspects more than ever, which I can not only apply to my work duties, but also to manage my private life.

Talking about big steps, my biggest fear was that I would “have” to guide one day. With our Multi-Day Pack trips that we offer, we need experienced and reliable guides that lead our guests in the wilderness of the South Chilcotin Mountains. I was so focused on improving my office management skills, that I didn’t want to get distracted by anything else. I knew deep in my heart, once I started seeing the incredible beauty of my surrounding from the top of the mountains, I would get addicted. And so shall it be. After preparing myself by learning all the knots, safety rules, correct saddling and packing, I was ready for my first Pack Trip as assistant Guide. I was determined to do a good job and my guests, an amazing German family of 6, made it easy with their passion and participation in our program. I enjoyed every minute of this trip, from helping the kids bonding with their horses, taking care of them on the journey in the mountains, to sharing breathtaking 360 degree views on top of the world with them. Seeing this paradise of untouched nature felt like heaven. I developed a strong desire to protect this beauty and ever since, I found my purpose in nature and wildlife conservation. My studies in Germany will shift from Business Management to Environmental and Sustainability Management.

Next to these great experiences, I was given the opportunities to shoot a gun, drive a tractor, I saw a Grizzly mum with her 3 cubs, spotted Marmots and Bighorn Sheep, visited a traditional first nation “pow wow”, learned how to start a fire, ran a chainsaw, experienced that fresh creek water is the best thing on earth and managed to vet horses in critical situations.

These days it’s time for me to leave the ranch for jumping into my next adventure: Volunteering on an Eco Guest Ranch in Mexico, learning about their conservation efforts, self-sustainable existence, natural horse training and communicating all these things to visiting guests. I am determined to pass on the knowledge and experiences I gained the last months to have a positive impact on the planet we live on. One person alone might not be able to change the world, but starting by yourself you can be an inspiration for everybody else.

I’m leaving the ranch with a feeling of accomplishment and desire to realize my dreams. One day, I will have my own self-sustainable ranch with adopted Mustangs and Burros, given the new purpose of helping people to find theirs, maybe in making this world a better place.

For now, I keep working towards my goals and look forward to return to the ranch for another season next year.

Fenja, 24, Germany

Learn more about the Ranch at our website

A taste of freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 20:18:00 +0000

Have you ever dreamt of being free, that your body entirely feels that sense of freedom with no limits? I have dreamt of this and now I can say I know what it's like for real. It's awesome. When I'm riding, it's like I was entering a new world, a world where my thoughts are the only limits. Right now I'm writing these words from my saddle, looking at the most beautiful landscapes up in Eldorado. All I can here is my own breathing, my horse steps and the water running down the valley. This is not only a great feeling, being closer to nature gives me a sense of accomplishment. Wilderness can be scary, thinking of all the wild running free but now that I understand my environment better I know I'm safe. Wolves, bears and cougars are watching me and sometimes I wish I could see them more, but I am the guest here and my respect is to leave them alone. Whenever I get to see one I know it's a gift and I appreciate it as it is.

This is probably my last trip here, I look around trying to picture it for ever and make sure I never forget this adventure. I don't know how much this will impact my life but I have a feeling it will in many ways. I've always trusted my gut instincts and this proves once again I should keep listening to myself. Being free is a gift, it's something people are still fighting for in some countries today but I discovered it is also a set of mind. I could be safe and stay at the same place, with the people I love but instead I go away pushing my limits, creating new comfort zones and challenging myself more and more. Society gives me the freedom to come here but my mind actually puts in into reality. I have quit smoking since I am at the ranch and I think I have found a new addiction: freedom!

- Celina, France

City life to the wilderness

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:13:00 +0000

A change from city life to the wildness. Why make the change?

Going from the city life; 9 to 5 jobs, 24 hours shops, comfort and routine to the wildness. Giant mountains that make you feel as big as an ant, unpredictability from nature herself, independence on living your life. So why make the switch?

People say I must be crazy to exchange my city life to the wildness. Is it really that crazy to do what humans have been doing for millions of years? Since beginning of time humans have been living in the wildness and using nature to retain their presences and gaining control of their lives.

For me to be in the wildness away from the city life, social media, the robotic nature of society is a cleansing on one’s soul. A true reflection into who you really are, through only this peaceful and tranquil atmosphere can you truly reflect within and discover who you really are as a person. Living in the wildness isn’t easy it breaks you down physically and mentally but from this point forward you become to discover your true identity. Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly you find your true colours and abilities.

For me I wanted a test, a challenge, a sense of belonging within this beautiful world. Living in the wildness has given more control on who I am. I don’t wash away within the grey payments in the city life. I have embraced the unknown and the predictability of nature with my new self confidence and belief exploring what hurdles are thrown at me by nature.

Simon, UK

Reaching the top of the world

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 20:11:00 +0000

Being surrounded by nature and wildlife is the best way to learn more about yourself and your goals and purpose in life. Here you have the time to think about you and what you want to do, who you want to be, and what you want to accomplish in life. We all have dreams deep inside, we think it's just a fantasy and it's not something which is going to happen.

One day at lunch, we had this discussion about how we have an impact on one another and what we want to do after for having an impact on people. And at this moment, you can tell the difference between the new staff members who just arrived and the other ones who are here for a few months now. I could see myself a few months ago in the speech of some new staff: "I don't have goals.", "I don't think that I have an impact on people."

I think when people come here they are a little lost in their lives, in their wishes and don't really know where they want to go and what they want to do. It was my state of mind at the beginning. I always did what was expected of me, and chose to come to Chilcotin Holidays, far away from my comfort zone was one of my first choices for me and not to please someone else. I did it for myself.

All the activities, rides or hikes we are doing here are a challenge for each of us every day, all of that is providing me the chance to think a lot about what I want to do, who I want to be and how I want to contribute to the development of the world. A lot of self-reflection! I started to think out of the boxes I put myself in, and started to take down all the barriers I had in my mind. I focused on what I like and what I want to do later in the future and though that nothing is impossible. If you really want something, if you want to reach your goals you have to make everything possible for that. Everything is possible, you just have to believe in you and your abilities.

Now my future is clearer in my mind and I know that the first obstacle on your way to your purpose is yourself. Just trust in you and do everything in life that makes you happy and confident.

The Ranch, the environment here and all these amazing people are a part of the self-reflection process I have been through. Without these people, without their support the things wouldn't be the same for me and I think I would not have evolved as I did if I didn't make the choice to come here.

- Cynthia, France

A survivor - Castle story

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 20:06:00 +0000

My name is C. I know the place very well and make sure everyone follow the rules. I'm a leader but not a big bully one like W and B. I like to lead by example and sometimes I have to step back to let other very competent leaders in the front. Usually, people like me for the way I look but I don't like it when all the attention is focused on me. Of course no one around understands it because they like to be in the light and are jealous of me. But if they knew where I came from, what I have been through to be where I am now maybe they wouldn't like to be in my shoes. I'm a survivor. I wear my scars proudly, they are a part of me and remind me of my successes. Failing was not the problem getting back up on my feet was. I wouldn't trust anyone or be on my own, too afraid to get hurt again. But in the end I was well looked after, after some time I was able to trust myself and people again. I am grateful for all the humans around me at the time who made sure my leg would heel properly and got me the injection I needed (even though I hate needles!). Today my staking accident is behind, I still think about it sometimes but I know it makes me stronger and probably a better leader, because I look after my horses, even after Willy and Billy. Especially at night, up in the meadows when most of us are staked and that our lovely humans are not too close. My name is Castle. I am a Chilcotin mountain cayuse horse.

- Celina, France

The River Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Chilcotin Holidays) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 18:00:00 +0000

After a couple of days at the ranch I got more comfortable around the horses and it was time for my first ride. I was quite excited about it because I had only ride a horse once in my life before and that was so long ago that I could hardly remember it. First of all, we needed to pick a horse for me and saddle it. I had seen the saddling process a few times before but it really requires some practice to master it so I did it together with some other interns.

After the horses were saddled and everything was double checked we were ready to go and I hopped on my horse Scout. I do not know why but I immediately trusted the horse and felt safe on top of it so that was a good start. After riding down the driveway we practised steering the horse and throttling to experience how it felt when you ride a bit faster than walking pace. Together with the info we got at our riding orientation we were ready for the ride and so we began. The River ride starts downhill so after a few moments you already have a nice view which makes you realize again in what a beautiful and special environment you are in. When arriving downhill you move on to the actual horse trail and from that point on the amazement started.

The 'obstacles' that these horses pass along there way are quite diverse but it does not seem to bother them at all. They hop over logs, stones, little creeks, go up- and downhill without any form of resistance. I had never realized that horses were able to cross such 'obstacles' so that was truly an eye opener for me. It also increases the trust and admiration for the horses because overcoming these 'obstacles' helps you to truly understand their capabilities. When we came back to the ranch after two hours it was time to unsaddle the horses and put them back in the corral.

Looking at the horses for a moment I could not wait to ride again.

- Job, Netherlands