Hi everyone!


I thought I should update everyone on the planning for my cross-Canada ride. Since the original conception of the ride, things have changed- A LOT!

I am no longer riding with my two best friends, but instead with experienced Longrider, Kimball Foord. Kimball and I are each riding for our own cause- him for Canada's wild horses, and myself for retiring racehorses. We are leaving from Ottawa on March 22nd, and plan to be in Calgary in time for the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede!

There will be our two riding horses, and one pack horse. Kimball's mount is actually a Canadian mustang, himself, named Bo. Once we leave the Stampede, we'll be heading up to Nordegg, to meet up with Ken McCleod, and see the wild herds first hand. After that- straight to Vancouver!

Last year, I was sent a link to the 150 trail, but I can't seem to find the article on the website now. I'd love to be able to find it, if anyone knows its whereabouts. I'm very excited to get started on this ride, and meet more of the amazing horse-folk Canada has. Thanks everyone, and have a great day!


Sincerely
Amanda

Hi Amanda.
The trails database on this site is being rebuilt so right now the 150 ride link is not here. But here is the info you need (Also see the attached Google Earth file)

To commemorate BC's 150th birthday the Happy Trails Chapter of BCHBC rode from the birthplace of BC to the historic Tulameen area. The ride commenced July 18th and reached Jacobsen Lake July 26th where an event to recognize the history and current recreational value use of this area was scheduled.
From the First Nations summer hunting grounds, pathways for the fur trade, fringe area of the Granite gold rush to the logging and recreational activity of today, this area exemplifies the diverse cultural and commercial value of BC's rugged back country. Our ride honored these pioneers of yesteryear.
Ft. Langley, on the banks of the Fraser River, was a marshalling area for the old Brigades that took supplies to the Hudson's Bay Forts located throughout the Pacific North West. Happy Trails riders followed the tradition of packing over the historic trails that the Brigades and early explorers used.
BC150 riders will left Ft. Langley and followed the Trans Canada Trail to the Coastal Range. There, historic trails were followed into the North Cascades. Trails that have been used since the mid 1800's such as the Hudson's Bay Brigade Trail, the Whatcom Trail, and the Dewdney Trail again resonated to the hooves of horses and pack mules as we relived the glory days of BC's inception.

Hi Amanda - glad to hear the Ride is still a go. One of my favorite lines is "blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape!" Sounds like you have been flexible already.
Let us know once you have your route figured out for BC and we can put you in touch with Chpaters and people that could help out. I am assuming that you would want to follow a lot of the Trans Canada Trail but there are places that it is not so horse friendly and there is an alternate route in most cases. Problem being sure that it is clear of windfall,debris and landslides!!! While the trails database is being rebuilt on the BCHBC site there is some info on the Horse Council BC site.

Thanks for the attachment- I've forwarded it to Kimball, since he's in charge of organizing the route!

He was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for the trip down, if we entered BC near Golden. I have a friend in Armstrong that is willing to help us out as well. She grew up riding in the mountains there, so I'm sure she must know someone from the BCHBC, especially since she recommended you to me

Anyone know of Sorrel Schoenberger, or Long Road Farms?

I really liked that line, Rose- I think I'll have to log that as one of my favorites!! I have learned to be very flexible over the years, so I'm never bent out of shape!


I'm also proud to announce that Hoffmans Horse Ration is sponsoring the feed for my horses!

I'm so happy to have the BCHBC supporting my efforts!

Amy - I don't know of any members in Golden. Sorry. But you might try contacting Dianna Jones of the Selkirk Saddle Club This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they have a website too. She may be able to help as they do a lot of trail riding. We stayed there twice (actually 4 times) on our way to Alberta and back.

Rose, thanks for the advice! I'll send Diana an email in the next day or two, and see what she can advise! Thank you again!!