Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch

Ontarios 2008 Wilderness Guide Graduates

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:44:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce the graduates from our 2008 2 week wilderness guide course. Students received in-depth training as a professional wilderness guide. Subjects included basic and advanced horsemanship skills, packing skills, survival skills, horseshoeing, and underwent an intense 3 night field camp with minimal supplies. Graduates will now move on to there jobs to begin there dream career at postings all over Canada. Congratulations on a job well done!!!!!

Ontario's first Guide School Graduates

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:12:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce Ontario's first graduates from this years Angling Guide Training Program. Students received an in-depth view and training of the Angling Guide industry and as a career. Graduates are now armed with the skills to obtain a position in the industry and perform there roles as a professional confidently. For more information on taking one of our courses or hiring our graduates contact www.guideschool.ca or call (705)642-6465

Wyndy River Guide School 2008 Course Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Wyndy River Guide School is now accepting registrations for the upcoming 2008 courses starting in June 2008. Space is limited this year and students are accepted on a first come first serve basis. For more information call Wyndy River Guide School at 705-642-6465 or visit us on our web site at www.guideschool.ca for more information.

Choose one of the following:

2 week wilderness guide course (Horse based)
1 Week guide outfitter (Big Game)
1 Week Angling Guide

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch
Wyndy River Guide School
Po Box 250
Swastika, Ontario, Canada
705-642-6465
info@guideschool.ca
www.guideschool.ca
www.wyndyriver.com
www.cedarridgelodge.ca

New additon for Wyndy Rivers horseback rides in Ontario Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:25:00 +0000

We are pleased to welcome "Wyndy" to the Wyndy River herd of horses. Wyndy is a 12 year old gelding ans has a very pleasing character. You will often find her close to you trying to lick you. Be careful cause he likes to lick your face and can startle you if your not expecting it. Wyndy is a true jem in the rough and she will bring pleasure to the riders who get to take her on the trail. Wyndy River conducts extensive searches to find the right horses for our program. We have been waiting three years to acquire Wyndy and we are very pleased that Wyndy River Expeditions and Guest Ranch is her new home.

For the best in Horseback Riding in Ontario, Canada call:

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch

PO Box 250

Swastika, Ontario, Canada

705-642-6465

horseback@wyndyriver.com

http://www.wyndyriver.com/

In Loving Memory..Wyndy River's Best Horse "Rosie"

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:01:00 +0000

It is with great sadness that I announce that "Rosie" has moved on to the big pasture in the sky. "Rosie" passed on yesterday January 18, 2008 at the age of 25. It appears to be a heart related fatality. She will be sadly missed by her boyfriend "Cash", her owner, the staff at Wyndy River Guest Ranch and all the guests that have had the true priviledge to ride on the best horse that there ever ever was. Anyone that has ridden her would agree.

I now pay tribute to Rosie with this blog where it will be here forever and she wil never be forgotten. We welcome any comments.....

Tim Millward

Owner

Wyndy River Guest Ranch

http://www.wyndyriver.com/

(705)642-6465

Parelli's Don Halladay Coming to Wyndy River!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:03:00 +0000

We are very pleased to annonce that Don Halladay, 3star instructor from the Parelli organization is coming to Wyndy River July 29, 30th and 31st, 2007. Don comes from British Columbia and will be instructing a 3 day clinic here ay Wyndy River Stables. We are accepting 10 participants and only 4 spots are left. Spectators are invited for a small fee. Please find details below. More information can be found at www.donhalladay.com or www.parelli.com.

The final costs worked out to be the following:

Costs for 3 day (9:00am to 4pm daily) Don Halliday Clinic:
$580.00 + $34 (GST) = $614.00 per participant.

Audit Spectator fee: $20.00 first day, $20.00 second day $10.00 third day or buy a 3 day pass for $40.00.

Horseboard Fee:
None
In order to save costs I am not charging anyone to leave there horse here in a box stall for the three days. All I ask is that you bring your own grain. I will supply the hay and water.

Please contact us asap if you plan on attending. (705)642-6465

Wyndy River Guest Ranch

www.wyndyriver.com

PRESS RELEASE: Wyndy River Launches Northern Ontario Guide School

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:50:00 +0000

Press Release: January 24, 2007
Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch launched Ontario's first ever Wilderness Guide School with the intent of training individuals for careers in the outdoor adventure tourism industry. Wyndy River has partnered with several resorts in Ontario and across Canada to provide employment for individuals seeking a career in this exciting and diverse industry. Details of the program are below.

Wyndy River
Northern Ontario Guide School

Introduction

Wyndy River Wilderness Guide Training Programs were designed for individuals considering a career as a professional guide in the outdoor adventure tourism industry. There is a high demand for skilled professional wilderness guides in Ontario and the western provinces of Canada. Our Wilderness Training Programs provide students with the necessary skills to gain employment in this exciting and rewarding industry. Our programs are modular in nature which allow the student to master the basics before moving on to more advanced subjects. Students can elect to take the horseback option that allows them to begin a career guiding with horses or they can elect the non-horse option courses that specialize in being a Professional Fishing Guide.

Certificates are awarded upon completion. The programs prepare participants for entry-level positions within the guide outfitting industry, adventure tourism, guest ranches, fishing lodges and riding stables. Upon completion, graduates receive a listing of Job Opportunities with other operators throughout Ontario, western Canada and with Wyndy River Expeditions & Cedar Ridge Lodge. Our Programs begin in the spring so graduates who choose to work in the industry can put in a full season.

All-inclusive programs include meals, accommodation, horses, instructors and equipment. Accommodation is a combination of lodge rooms, ranch tent cabins and wilderness outpost camp(s).

Background

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch is situated in beautiful Northeastern Ontario surrounded by lakes, rivers and streams. The Canadian Shield offers some of the most spectacular and challenging training grounds in Ontario. Elevations up to 1800 feet offer ideal grounds for wilderness riding and developing riding skills on uneven terrain. The training facilities are first class combining both locations into our program modules. Wyndy River Stables is a modern training facility offering a large indoor arena, round pen, outdoor arena and classroom. Our second facility is a full functioning fishing lodge complete with a modern marine fleet, accommodations, dinning hall & training equipment. Species of fish in the area include Walleye, Northern Pike, Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Small mouth Bass, Whitefish & Sturgeon. Wildlife includes black bear, Canadian moose, whitetail deer, lynx, bobcat, timber wolf, fox & other small game.

Curriculum

1 or 2 Week Wilderness Guide Course (Horse Based) (Level 1 & 2 Guide)

The overall objective of these training programs is to provide the basic working knowledge and practical skills required by a professional guide. The first week is based at our training facility learning theory and practical and the second week is conducted from our wilderness outpost camps putting into practice everything that was learned from the first week. It includes many aspects of guide outfitting and adventure tourism such as horse handling, shoeing, packing, horse care, camp preparation, wilderness skills and operational procedures. The programs prepare participants for entry-level positions within the guide outfitting industry, adventure tourism, guest ranches, fishing lodges and riding stables. The program also designed for individual’s intent on starting his or her own adventure tourism or guide outfitting business.

Subjects:
BAH 101 Basic Horsemanship
VET 101Backcountry Vet Care
BAH 201 Intermediate Horsemanship
CAN 101 Canoeing Basics
OCR 101 Outfitter/Client Relations
ORN 101 Orienteering & Navigation
GPS 101 Global Positioning Systems
HOS 101 Horse Shoeing Basics
HOP 101 Horse Packing
WIL 101 Wildlife Identification
WIS 101 Wilderness Survival
OCC 101 Outdoors Camp Cooking
REM 101 Remote Operations

1 Week Advanced Wilderness Guide Course (Horse Based) (Level 3 Guide)

This course is the second level of training intended for those interested in guiding high-end adventure tourism trips. The program objective is to provide the skills and knowledge required of a guide during higher levels of adventures such as Black Bear Viewing. There is strong emphasis on wildlife identification, habits and seasonal patterns, staff and trip management, regulations, and bear and moose safety. There is also advanced training on awareness and safety in regards to bears and wolves. Prerequisite: 1 or 2 week Wilderness Guide Training or the equivalent in both horse and wilderness experience.

Subjects:
BAH 301 Advanced Horsemanship
WIS 201 Wilderness Survival II
NHM 101 Natural Horsemanship
ORN 201 Orienteering & Navigation II
OCR 201 Outfitter/Client Relations II
HOS 201 Horse Shoeing Basics II
GPS 201 Global Positioning Systems II
WIL 201 Wildlife Identification II

1 Week Guide Outfitter Training (Level 4 Guide)

This course is the second level of training intended for those interested in guiding as a Licensed Assistant Guide for a Licensed Guide Outfitter. Training includes wildlife identification, habits, equipment and regulations associated with guide outfitting. Prerequisite: 1 or 2 week Wilderness Guide Training or the equivalent in horse, wilderness and assistant guide experience. This course is held at our fishing lodge exclusively.

Subjects:
OUT 101 Outfitter Fundamentals Basic
WIS 201 Wilderness Survival II
OUT 201 Outfitter Fundamentals II
ORN 201 Orienteering & Navigation II
OCR 201 Outfitter/Client Relations II
FIR 101 Basic Firearms & Ballistics
GPS 201 Global Positioning Systems II
WIL 202 Wildlife Identification III
NRL 101 Natural Resources Law

1 Week Angling Guide Course (Level 1 Guide)

This training program is intended for those wishing to specialize in guided fishing on interior lakes and rivers. The course covers all aspects of fishing including fish habitat, identification, equipment, resort operations & fishing regulations. This course is held at our fishing lodge exclusively.

Subjects:
NRL 101 Natural Resources Law
WIS 101 Wilderness Survival
LMO 101 Lodge Marine Operations
ORN 101 Orienteering & Navigation
OCR 101 Outfitter/Client Relations
OCC 101 Outdoors Camp Cooking
GPS 101 Global Positioning Systems
WIL 101 Wildlife Identification
LAG 101 Lodge Angling Guide
LAG 201 Advanced Angling Guide
RMO 101 Resort Maintenance Operations
CAN 101 Canoeing Basics

Courses & Rates:

Two week Wilderness Guide Course (Horse based) $2,495.00

One week Wilderness Guide Course (Horse based) $1,495.00

One Week Advanced Wilderness Guide Course (Horse Based) $1,495.00

One week Angling Guide Course (Professional Fishing Guide) $1,495.00

One Week Guide Outfitter Training (Big Game Hunting) $1,495.00

2007 Course Dates:

Two week Wilderness Guide Course (Horse Based)
May 5 to May 18

One week Wilderness Guide Course (Horse Based)
June 23 to June 30

One Week Advanced Wilderness Guide Course (Horse Based)
Offered in 2008

One week Angling Guide Course
May 20 to May 27

One Week Guide Outfitter Training
June 16 to June 22

More information is soon to follow on our web site.

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch
www.wyndyriver.com

A Stud Has Been Found

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:36:00 +0000

Its offical. Immaculate conception may be real but unfortunately not here this time. It has been determined without any doubt that the Jazz came in contact sometime during April/May with a Palimino pony, 14HH, built very stocky, weighing in at @900 lbs and at the age of 25. The stud was a very good horse and was used for breeding. The intent was not to mate with Jazz but he did sneak out one night and was found in her corral that moring by the previous owner. This will be a great horse!!

A Nice Surprise!

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:46:00 +0000

This morning was one of those mornings that will never be forgotten and will be a story that I'm sure will be told for many years to come. I was doing my usual morning chores watering the horses, going from stall to stall. As I approached Jazz's stall and began watering I looked in to see how she was doing and noticed that there were "2" horses. I paused........stared at this little creature wondering............ what on earth............ is this a prank someone is playing.....why is there a new born foal in the stall with Jazz..........Jazz wasn't pregnant????.....where did this foal come from? I noticed in the corner the reminants of the birth and decided that it must have come from Jazz. In a state of confusion, I walked over and radioed the others to come to the stable asap. There response of course was the same. Between 10:30 last night and this morning, Jazz gave birth to a beautiful baby filly, palimino in colour. I have heard of immaculate conception but never figured out how it could possibly work. We are working with the previous owners to determine the paternal side and they swear Jazz had no contact with a stud prior to coming to our place. Immacualte conception..........??????

Getting Itchy for Some Serious Outback Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 04:35:00 +0000

Well its 9 degrees and pouring rain here right now. The roads have turned into a skating rink and we have about 2-3 inches of snow left. Lets put it this way, what we normally experience this time of year is 3-4 feet of snow on the ground and -30 to -45 degree highs. Not complaining but I have a feeling we are going to get hammered any day now. Well we are ready with the snowblower on the tractor when it comes. Hope everyone had a great new year and your all excited to be back at work. Right???

Well dont fret, summer is coming soon and its time to make those summer holiday reservations with Wyndy River right now. That will make you feel better knowing you are booked on an adventure of a life time in just a few short months. We have reservations starting steady now and you shouldn't wait to much longer to get the date and package of your choice if your interested.

A few more pictures of this past season.

Merry Christmas!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 04:18:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from all of us at Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch. Santa arrives in about a half hour with our new team of draft belgians for our sleigh rides. Well thats what I am hoping for. Not sure how he will fit them in the back of his sleigh but thats what I asked for. We'll see whats under the tree in the morning.

Memories from our Sylvia Lake Pack Camp 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:59:00 +0000

One of the highlights of our packages is our Sylvia Lake pack Camp. Tucked away and nestled on the shores of Sylvia Lake one can expect to feel immersed in nature in its finest form. One of the most photographed shots by far are the magnificent sunsets over the lake. A few guests intersted in photography were amazed at the sunsets as well as the rise & fall of the moon over the lake. The stars blanket the sky with such clarity that can only be found in the North. On occasion the norhtern lights would appear and amaze everyone with there vibrant colours and dancing antics.

Other highlights that top the chart are the blazing camp fires that seem to draw people together in the evening to share some life of lifes moments, tell a few jokes and sometimes just say nothing and enjoy the peace and tranquility that surrounds them. Of course the marshmellows and even some interesting melt in your mouth creations that our senior guide Kate puts together that includes chocolate & bannanas. Can't tell anymore or the secret will be out. You will just have to come and experience for yourself.

Mornings were just as fun waking up to the mist on the lake and having the Sylvia Lake family of loons sing to you as you as you lie in bed and smell the fresh coffee and the sweet smell of bacon lofting from the kitchen tent.

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch

Wyndy River Expands!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:52:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce that a new offsite winter location has been purchased. This location will be used as our training facility, stables, pasture, offices and winter residence. Our herd now has 80 acres of pasture with grazing fields for that much needed spring grass & hay with 9 large corrals. A large 11,000 square foot indoor lighted riding arena, 100'X200' olympic size outdoor sand ring & round pen will be used for training year round. This move will also allow the company to move into the "Summer Kids Horse
Camp" market, host specialized "horse clinics" attracting top names from all over the world and a few other projects that will be announced in the near future.

This expansion was needed to accommodate our increasing herd size and our shrinking corral area located at the lake & trail head. This location is conveniently located 20 minutes from the lodge and trail head and fits very well with the overall expansion plan of the company providing a "first class horseback wilderness experience" and "world class equine training facility".

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch
Wyndy River Stables

An Amazing Year

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:14:00 +0000

Well, we sure didn't get around to updating this on a regular basis as originally thought. We had an amazing response this season and found a major shortage in time this season to take a few minutes and update but now that the season has closed we have too much time so you can expect regular updates from here on in. We receive regular emails from our guests wanting to now how there favourite horse is doing and what we have on the go so you can all sit back and enjoy regular updates to satisfy that Wyndy River craving all winter long. We have a ton of pictures and new developments that we are going to share with you that I know will keep busy reading through the winter blues.

I want to personally thank all our guests that allowed us to share your vacation with you this season. It was really nice to get to know everyone on a personal basis and we all feel we have made some very good friends. It was nice to see that we were able to meet and in many cases exceed your expectations on our expeditions. It provided me with great joy and a deep level of satisfaction to watch the smiles and laughter that many of you shared with us. On many occasions a tear was shed by you as you packed your belongings and prepared to return to your regular routines and I can tell you honestly it was very hard to hold back the tears as we shook hands and hugged and watched you drive away.

Anyways, enough sappy stuff. Here are a couple of shots of some downright fun and a sneak peak at some Belgian/Paint cross foals we picked up this year.

Take Care and again Thank You!!

Tim Millward
President
Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 22:23:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce that two of our guides just completed there advanced level 4 Mountain Riding Guide Certification. This is the highest level of certification one can acheive in the Canadian Rockies. The training was performed above the tree line at a height of 9,000 feet and included mountain passes, snow packs, ice crossings and mudslides. Congratulations Adam & Tim on a job well done!! We have included a few photos.

Sunny & Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 20:46:00 +0000

Another beautiful day in North. Noticed an Osprey flying over today as well as butterflies and bumble bees. The frost is finally pushing through and the lake is beginning to open up. One of the horses today decided to untie the side gate and go for a stroll bringing 6 others with him. Sunny is pictured here saying hi to you all wanting to know when your coming up to see him. A few mares in heat are making things interesting keeping the geldings busy. Still a bit of snow lying around refusing to beleive its time to go but thats going to end quickly with the weather we have had. Our August is filling up nicely with a few openings left. July's trips are loading and we have a few more openings available that month. September's fall colour trips are starting to gain interest with several trips planned for this year. Don't wait too long if you have a particular date in mind. Give us a call now to see what we have available.

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch

A splendid week

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 19:07:00 +0000

It is a nice 70 degrees today. In fact its been that all week. Very unusual. The good news is the snow is almost gone. About 4 inches of ice left on the lake but it is melting very fast. I give it 4 more days of this and it will be gone. Three weeks ahead of the last two years. My

boat is waiting for launch and to go after those fierce
spring time Northerns. The Walleye are moving into the creeks for spawning and you can watch them at night with a flash light. You can understand why the season is closed now for them. You can pratically walk across the creek on them if you wanted too. We saw our first eagle today soaring over the lake and the grouse are thumping there chest everywhere. Moose & bear are a common sight daily. The geese are flying over on there way to there summer home along the James Bay Coastline. The horses are adjusting well to the new temperatures and the ground is starting to dry up nicely. Looking forward to heading to Leaf Rapids, Saddle River and the Copper Creek camps this week to inspect and make any adjustments after a long winter under snow. The creeks and rivers are swollen this time of year and we have to make alternative routes for safety. Can't wait for the first of the year camp fire under the blanket of stars listening to the owls and loons.

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch

Spring is in the air.

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 18:45:00 +0000

With the the spring thaw well under way, the staff at Wyndy River Expeditions and Guest Ranch are busy preparing for your stay. Still piles of snow around gathered during the winter and the ground is starting to release its frost and turning things a bit muddy. The horses are shedding their winter coats and starting to look like horses rather than Muskox. We have been riding for awhile now and it sure is beautiful this time of year. The animals of the forest are starting to show themselves as they awake from their deep winter slumber. Bears & moose are seen daily this time of year as they forage for food and come to the roads to lick the road salt that was applied all winter. Two vehicle accidents were reported yesterday with moose just up the road from us. The snowshoe rabbits are turning from snow white to brown allowing the lynx a better opportuninty to spot them.

Wyny River Expeditions & Guest Ranch

First Official Posting

noreply@blogger.com (Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch) — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 03:10:00 +0000

Welcome to the first official posting from Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch. We will keep you up to date on on certain events, weather, trail conditions, our horses and just about anything we feel we would like to talk about. We are very excited for the upcoming year with the launch of our pack trip expeditions, backcountry lodge rides, and our breakfast & dinner rides. The area up here is absolutely beautiful in the summer season as well as the winter season. We want to thank all of you who are coming up this year and look forward to sharing this magnificent land & sharing our experience with you when you arrive.

Thank You

Wyndy River Expeditions & Guest Ranch