Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bull calf or heifer? Established in 1986, this scenic ranch is nestled in a valley setting in the heart of B.C.'s prominent ranching country. There are plenty of great forestry campsites through out the Nicola Valley as well. Along with having sunny and shady sites. 11570 97c Hwy, Merritt, British Columbia V1K 1M6 Canada. Traveller ranking. Lundbom Lake Fall night. 604-209-4097 Equine Sessions Spend time with the horses, learn about horsemanship and practice your skills overcoming challenges and navigating obstacles! Home; The Farm; Breeding; . I think this year I will bring some planters out and have a bit of a container garden. HorsebackRiding in the Nature and more . Another good ride is the Coco-bonk Trail; just off the trail is a viewpoint overlooking Nicola Valley and Nicola Lake. She seemed like she wanted nothing to do with the calf. All in all a day ranching in the Nicola Valley Branding Day is a day of not only full of hard work. We have community potluck Thanksgiving Dinner that would make most five-star hotel buffets look wimpy. All you need to do is show up, saddle up and enjoy the experience. Momma was getting a little agitated so we worked quickly to get the calf standing up and walked the calf into the paddock where mom could sniff, lick and talk to the calf to make sure it was hers. Truly a spectators sport watching these athletes perform at their best. Open from Apr 26, 2019 Oct 14, 2019. I found it got harder to get back on my horse. The park? Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart. Travel to Western destinations and scenic trails. In reality I have heard that the livestock have 5 star treatment compared to some of the two legged competitors. She actually looked like she wanted to jump the fence. It makes a difference in me, at days end, to count my blessings and tally up how many things were a bit better today than yesterday, with my horses, dogs, saddle partners and life. For the brave and more adventurous people, A-P Ranch also provides multi-day Pack Trips. 200 lakes, mountain biking trails and more makes the Nicola Valley a great choice for your next destination spot in the summer. There is also a great kids pond between the two lakes where children can fish in the stocked trout pond. As a result, we are looking at publishing our first book later this year. Playing cowboy / cowgirl in the wilderness backcountry of British Columbia. And until my children gained enough experience to be good help to the crew, the horses would take care of them throughout the day at work, and bring them home safely. It amazes me how when ranching in the Nicola Valley or on any ranch the cows and calves each have a distinct call so they know the sound of each other. There are corrals and some great trails and open range land. Horseback Riding in Merritt BC Canada - Experience Merritt Travel For example safety is very important for their guests when embarking on a trail ride. Nope she again licked it once or twice again and walked away. You want to do this before you send them to range or before anyone can take them. She explained that Gerry had found the calf this morning looking like a little frost ball. Thanks for submitting, we will get back to you as soon as possible! As I stand guard, Corena moves the baby through the gate and into the paddock. Most importantly, I wanted a full time cowboying job in cow country. Pony Parties: $300*Includes up to 6 children(extrachildren $25/Child)*Minimum of 2 parent/guardians required. We invite guest bloggers to post their Merritt and Nicola Valley blogs, photos and videos. Reminder to always tell someone were you will be hiking if alone. Still holding on. Join us at the horse corrals for a couple hours of fun! The corrals were built by Backcountry Horsemen of British Columbia. The Bosses Gerry 8 Mile Ranch and Corena Calton Cattle Co. of town (and out of service), so you could say I was raised in the boonies. Horses all lined up along the fence as the cowboys and crew stop for lunch. For this reason alone A-P Guest Ranch is a great start for beginners as well as all levels of horseback riding. Horse&Rider provides all you need for todays Western horse life. And last camping trip we lined the path to the outhouse with solar lights. When I got to there everything looked good. Trail Riding at the Coldwater Ranch in Merritt, BC Coldwater Stables | Merritt BC Also for those campers with tents or trailers, there are camping facilities as well, some with with power. Ive been a Merrittonian since 2000, when my family moved to this gorgeous little community It starts playing with the nipple a bit but no sucking. My step-daughters thought it was the craziest thing. I love ranching in the Nicola Valley. Barrel Racers start young! They seemed to be doing okay at this point so we left them alone to bond. Harmon Lake. He would follow me and even the truck for a little ways up the road. We get the tub up righted and put the straw back inside and again lift the calf back into the tub. A third time nothing. Feel free to contact us with questions or special requests. Corenas pretty brand on one of her calves. Some maybe you havent. Blue the ranch dog watching over his baby. You can get there by following highway 5 from Merritt towards Quilchena. Come learn from real cowboys and cowgirls, at one of our Nicoal Valley ranches! Once in the trailer we slowly hauled the little calf over to the pen his momma was in. Wont be like that for long. While we were checking she mentioned to be careful of one of them as it wasnt very friendly. Hitch'N'Post. Sessions are based on horsemanship and equine -facilitated wellness and learning. . Can't find the business? My son, Ryder, plays hockey on our local Merritt Minor Hockey league. Horseback Riding Archives - Experience Nicola Valley - Merritt, BC, Canada Canada Marketing Group. A nature enthusiasts dream space. Lundbom Lake Recreation Site is a great location for fishing, horseback riding, and camping. For over 60 years, The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association aim is to preserve the ranching & rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley. We walked in and in this big black tub was the cutest little baby calf. us kids (I had one brother and two sisters). There always seems to be one that ends up almost like a pet. Toll Free: (877) 830-3230, Mon-Fri: 8:00-19:00 That is all we have to base it on. She is a surrogate mother. The surrounding area also provides excellent mountain biking and ATV/dirtbike riding opportunities. And dare to ride! Notably recognized as the most dangerous eight seconds in sports. They and five First Nations communities centred around the Merritt community form the foundation of the ranching and rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley. Riding boots are not only great for the ambiance but also for the safety of the rider. Well, what do you know. There is absolutely nothing like it. On our way back down I didnt see the grouse again but told my boyfriend to stop and I would try calling him again. Kennedy Lake Hike. A-P Ranch is a hidden gem within the Nicola Valley. Today I am going to take you through a day of ranching in the Nicola Valley branding calves. Photo courtesy of Experience Nicola Valley Blogger Tom Reynolds. We at Inspire are dedicated to ensuring our guests have the most fun, authentic and unique riding experience. Like Lundbom, theres a camp host wholl collect $10 per night. So I headed to B.C. Horseback riding is great exercise for the horse, and somewhat for yourself. Many arrive in the valley to fish but where to fish is the biggest challenge? We took a look around and all looked good so we went back and checked on baby and momma again. Carefully we carry the calf in the tub out to the trailer and load it up. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Besides, the winters were bitterly cold there, and not conducive to riding year round. A great opportunity to take in all of Mother Natures beauty. Just not my day today. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a932257f7d9de568228aca862051404f" );document.getElementById("ea838ca2b6").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We watched to make sure Momma wouldnt push baby away and that she would accept him back. Incidentally one of their primary goals is advocating for long term trail access by working with Government and community groups. Thats not always the case. Lunch all done, time to head out and gather the second herd. Calf is drinking and drinking strong. I have to tell you a fantastic little story about Bruce the spruce grouse. Some of our Nicola Valley horseback riding adventures connect with nearby communities. The NVRA hosts a wide range of events, including ranch rodeos, youth rodeos, barrel racing, roping & other equestrian events & clinics. Breakfast done, now everyone is just getting ready to head out to gather the cows and calves. While barrelmen tag-team with bullfighters to distract the bulls after each ride. Had to get that one out. Greg Girard. Oh no you forgot your favourite fishing lure. We had to make sure the mother was cleaning the little one off. As long as theres these grasslands and cattle that need to be maintained, there will be men and women riding down a trail and listening to their spurs chiming in time to their horses stride. Its situated in rolling hills and is surrounded by small fishing lakes. You can contact him through the BC Livestock Trucker/Hauling page. Along with great Lodge Packages(including meals & lodging) A-P Ranch also has a Bed & Breakfast. The ranch is surrounded by impressive fishing lakes and thousands of acres of rolling terrain for picturesque trail riding and winter sports. We spent the next half hour switching warm towels and drying off the calf. It was a good life at Douglas Lake, but I was still hungry to see what was on the other side of the ridge, so I hired on at Nicola Ranch. Undoubtedly this is trying on the nerves and sanity. Absolutely one of my favourite outdoor activities! Maybe the fish are biting but you do not have the right fly? Outdoor. Cowboys getting ready to start roping the calves. Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart. Therefore here are 5 Activities we can all enjoy while safe distancing Covid19 Style around Merritt BC. To me, the Nicola Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and living here is "Living the Dream". she then gets in position over the calf and gives it a go. With 73 years of experience Andre makes this look easy. love for the outdoors truly began. We also offer a trail program in which other horses will join us for one season then go home for the winter. But it sure felt heavy when its not in the tub. Two sides going at once to make it a smoother operation and a little faster. Life is good living in Merritt BC. Good morning Gerry has to go to Kamloops later this morning. They are ready to help you look the part as well. Home | Coldwater Stables While Merritt can boast over 200 lakes with desert-like weather truly makes this your next vacation spot. I have to admit I will never tire of seeing these little miracles. Okay, not much farther to go now. This trail is beginner friendly but please keep in mind that horse riding requires balance, fitness and stability. Julie Pollard Is that the big one? Photo Tania Stewart. Lone Butte, British Columbia From $68 Dude Ranch Canada Cranbrook, British Columbia From $265 A-P Guest Ranch Merritt, British Columbia 7 Half Diamond Ranch Thompson-Nicola, British Columbia Sundance Guest Ranch Ashcroft, British Columbia Jandana Guest Ranch Pinantan Lake, British Columbia Waiting for all parts of the branding to be completed before letting the calf go. Warmblood Horse Breeding and Sales | Winsome Meadows As a parent now, I appreciate so much more the driving and planning my mother did for The grassland expanses of the Nicola Valley are home to some of British Columbias oldest ranches. The park is called Monck Park. Its all about getting out and enjoying the day. Gold Bridge, BC from CA$25 / night Saved 1 time Eagle Pass Log Cabin No crowds. Enjoying the dock. Sun: closed. Located just outside of Merritt, Marquart Lake is a small, clear lake which offers good rainbow trout fishing, camping and other outdoor activities nearby. Alleyne Lake. Nice job. The Merritt adventure offers a number of health and fitness benefits including the development of leg muscles, as well as, improving balance & posture. Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart. Calf drinking colostrum to give it the best start possible. Corena with Calton Cattle Co. creates the most beautiful western decor items that are featured at Creative Company in downtown Merritt. Although things sometimes go wrong and you loose a calf. CANOA FARMS MOUNTAIN TRAIL PARK YOU Canoa Farms is located in the beautiful Nicola Valley just out side of Merritt, B.C. Gain access to exclusive Western training tips, veterinary advice, horsekeeping insights, and personality and lifestyle content. Hitch N Post Restaurant. A great destination for company retreats, team building and motivational seminars. I remember another lake where you had to be careful as the resident bald eagle likes to come and steal the fish right off your line. Directions Website Horseback Rides surrounding Merritt BC: 105 of 106 result (s) Erin Valley Riding Stable 8825 Barnhartvale Rd, Kamloops, BC V2C 6W1 Get directions Horseback Rides, Stables 15 Phone Number Directions Website Copper Hills Equestrian 5504 Rodeo Dr, Kamloops, BC V1S 2A3 Get directions Stables Phone Number Directions Merritt. Okay, time to switch positions and try at a different angle. Clint Buhler Team Roper along with Snowman. more, THE BEST Horseback Riding Tours in Merritt, British Columbia, Hotels near Nicola Valley Museum & Archives, Hotels near Laurie Guichon Memorial Grasslands Interpretive Site, Hotels near Coldwater River Provincial Park, Hotels near Merritt Library, Thompson-Nicola Regional Library, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Merritt, Nicola Valley Museum & Archives: Tickets & Tours, Coldwater River Provincial Park: Tickets & Tours, Marietas Islands snorkeling & Hidden beach (w/ restrictions), Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary with 12 Apostles from Melbourne, Small Group Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil and Coba All Fees In, Boat tour to the exotic caves with snorkel from Playas del Coco, Venice Day Trip from Pula by High Speed Ferry, Round-Trip Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle Service, Ultimate 3-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise Pass, Chukka's Dunn's River Climb And Zipline Over The Falls from Ocho Rios. Jordan has been living in Canada since 2017, met her husband Steffyn in 2018. They are fully customizable to the needs of your group! Horse Riding Centres in Merritt BC | YellowPages.ca Whether you are looking to catch that elusive Big One or just trolling, enjoying the outdoors, dropping some lures in a lake or riverbed. Andre making sure everything is in order. So it works for us. Eh Canada Travel Website. To say nothing of the great weather for the 61st annual Merritt Pro Rodeo over the Labour Day long weekend. Once we had the water filled we rechecked on Momma and the calf. For that Big One. People from Scotland, Australia, USA, as well from all across Canada attended this annual event. Photo Credit: Tom Reynolds. So they wrestle the calf and re position the rope. We would go up and visit for a while and get some photos and a couple videos. Minutes from Lundbom are the Kane Valley cross-country trails. Horseback Rides, Stables 15 Phone Number Directions Website Copper Hills Equestrian 5504 Rodeo Dr, Kamloops, BC V1S 2A3 Get directions Stables Phone Number Directions Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Assn 730 Crestline St, Kamloops, BC V2B 5X2 Get directions Riding Academies Opening at 9:00 am Phone Number Directions Website Ultimately, my family and I always came back to the Nicola Valley. Team wrestling is a fact of life when branding. BC Cutting Horse shows. The smoke is from the hair burning. It should be noted that the Nicola Valley boasts some of the best fishing in the World! Courage is being scared to death, but still saddling up anyway. Everything you may need. Campsites and Trails Forestry campsites in the Merritt area accommodate the horsemen and their steeds. There is something special going on at A-P Ranch. I could never get enough of being surrounded by mother We carried the calf and tub out to the trailer and loaded it up to take back to the house. We again got the side by side in position to haul the tub out and into the trailer. Please state a preferred time when booking your trail ride. It was once the center of the areas ranching community; today its still a working ranch, and offers accommodations and ranch experiences to visitors. Area wildlife includes deer, elk, black bear, and even herds of wild horses. We usually just drive to a nice spot in the bush by a lake and camp. I am your Environmental/Eco-conscious Blogger. Flipping a calf that just didnt want to go down. Bull riding quotes, Never corner something meaner then you., 8 seconds is a long time! You can drop a line with Merritt Mountain Biking Association. Its an amazing time of year and I wouldnt trade the opportunities I have of helping out for anything. Sometimes if you stand over the calf and try from a different angle the calf will start drinking. Corena said So cute. I call it Panda. Precious seconds. 27. Click the "more info" link below for times and prices. The saying comes to mind, It takes a community to raise a child, and that could not be more true. Within 4 blocks Merritt Active Life Horseback Riding The Best Horseback Riding near me in Merritt, British Columbia Sort:Recommended Price 1. So pack up your camper and load up your horses were going riding. I really hope you enjoy. This is also a forestry site, but has only makeshift corrals; there are no camping fees. Come meet our permanent residents at Inspire Trails! Reach out to us by phone or email, or complete our web form below - we will be in contact to answer your questions or complete your booking. Truly practicing social distancing while being outdoors taking in the beautiful "Nicola Valley". This is a placeholder. . Horseback Riding Tours in Merritt Enter dates Filters 1 Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Golf Courses 1 place sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. 596 were here. squeaking of our leather saddles and the clomping of hooves into the earth would echo as More impressively, 53 years of that stretch is right here in Merritt BC. Generally having on the average sunny warm fall days makes it a pleasant day of hiking and adventure for the whole family. If you have any questions or concerns about our beautiful trails and the riding process, please do not hesitate to Contact Us. Some of us questioned that, but the elders on the crew attested to that figure. It was time to step in before the calf froze. You have to be very careful and keep a watch or your fish will either get taken or have some pretty good marks in it from the loons beak. This is part of what makes our community so unique. We are located on a working cattle farm. She takes them on as her own. Outdoor summer activities in Merritt BC , offers a wide range of sunshine fun. Around since the 1930s, the job of a barrelmen and rodeo clown is no easy feat and shouldnt be underestimated. I got out of the truck and started to call Brucecome on Bruce where are you Well, wholly crap. After a few hours in the house, warming up, feeding and resting it was time to reunite this calf with its mother. Thanks, Miles Kingdon! Have to keep your eyes open and reel like crazy to get the fish in before the eagle steals it. It is really quite something to watch how it all comes together. taking advantage of being outdoors as much as possible. Warming calf with heated towels from the dryer. Established in 1986, this scenic ranch is nestled in a valley setting in the heart of B.C.s prominent ranching country. Some great provincial campsites around the Merritt area include Kentucky Alleyne. The calf was shivering so I took my jacket off and layed it over the calf. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Horseback riding in Merritt BC is provided by local guest ranches located throughout the Nicola Valley in the heart of British Columbia's ranch country. Whether you love to go riding in the vast outdoors or relax and stay in for a night being treated to country cooking A-P Guest Ranch is truly the place for you. We can do this. But thats okay. Horse Camping at Lundbom Lake. Yet, to me they almost all sound the same. Anything can happen when your ranching in the Nicola Valley. This trail is very beginner friendly and will give you an amazing taste of riding horses through the wilderness. I needed some better photos. More about Horseback Riding Adventures in Merritt, British Columbia, Canada. Nature and the adrenaline rush provides the rest. This new mother is very jumpy and we have to get the baby in the paddock without the mother charging us or jumping the fences. I will tell you about all of the ones I visit and what I see and experience at each. Established in 1986, this scenic ranch is nestled in a valley setting in the heart of B.C.s prominent ranching country. Ranch dogs patiently waiting for their turn to do some work. The horse has brought me to many great adventures, and contact with a lot of good people. All you need to do is show up, saddle up and enjoy the experience. My childhood was If I get into a wreck can I call you? Contact us today to learn more about what we offer and to book your own historical trail ride today. Bring the kids to send some time with our gentle horses. Each of these lakes has its own pros. I had so many phenomenal influences growing up, and because of that and the childhood I am so grateful to have lead, I can proudly say I am who I am because of this community! Half-way through our trail ride we had about a 20 minute break to stretch our legs. in the Nicola Valley too. Ultimately, after years of freedom and adventure, going places horseback, I had a few good stories to tell, and my wife pushed me to write them down. Orange loops offer all-day riding. Helmets are mandatory for guests 18 and underWe are in the mountains where weather changes can be sudden. Photo by Tania Stewart. That is my take on the healthy benefits of horseback riding in the Nicola Valley. Horseback riding tours in British Columbia - eh Canada Travel & Adventure Join me on my blogging journey, while I walk you through what healthy living inside and out means to me, and how you can incorporate it into your daily life This recreation site is very popular and offers a variety of sites, both sunny and shady, many of which can accommodate fairly large units. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Ranching in the Nicola Valley of course always includes feeding. I think the calf is going to start sucking so I put the nipple in and nothing. An easy trail alongside the two lakes allows you to appreciate the beauty of the lakes and its wildlife. I got a few more photos before heading home for the day. Ranching in the Nicola Valley Branding day. Also from Merritts Best Western Plus to the ranch is 26.5 km = 20 minutes driving time. 98 were here. Hello everyone! At one time, the native community provided most of the recruits for the cowboy crews, and as the years rolled by, people from all over Canada, the US and beyond came to ride on these legendary outfits; some to move on to new ranges, some to stay and raise their families. Then grabbing the big black tub we had just used we got the new calf up to load into it. Then I get to share that experience with all of you through blogging with Experience Nicola Valley. New on Yelp. There is even a dummy steer and rope for those who would like to try their luck. Interestingly enough, you can see that more and more people are turning to horses for a connection with nature as well as a connection with themselves. In these temperatures everything freezes. We love going fishing to catch our dinner or just catch and release. Moreover we all must practice safety and Wash your Hands. Not only did the horses watch how they carried my children through their formative and impressionable years, but so did the cowboys we rode with, always watched out for them. All of these lakes would be great to take your canoe, kayak, boat, belly boat or even pontoon boat. Pictures do not do Andres art justice. From Logan Lake, the driveway is exactly 11km on your right. Oh another one where the rope needs to be re positioned. While all this is going on I am calling for Corena to stop. It was great. Lundbom Lake is truly one of my favorite Summer Activities in Merritt BC. Cant wait to share with you all what I have experienced over the spring, summer and fall and which ones we love. Outdoor Activities in Merritt BC truly will have you smiling and knowing that you just had the best summer. A beautiful lake which is located only 10 minutes from downtown Merritt BC. The But he was still there and came out when I called him. It will be stories of life horseback, mostly situated in this valley of ours. Walking (2 km.) I try again, nothing. Consequently, the MMBA was one of the first groups in the province to have an agreement with the crown to manage the trails they ride. If you havent fallen off a horsethen you havent been ridin long enough. Merritts downtown is Western-style, reminiscent of the early 20th century. I remember just the two of us riding Dealing with a horse is not different. Horseback riding in Merritt BC is provided by local guest ranches located throughout the Nicola Valley in the heart of British Columbia's ranch country. He has made many friends and fun memories on the ice, but his real passion is on the seat of his dirt bike. Important to realize that rodeo clowns are there to entertain the crowd. Our trailer stayed out there from April until the first snow in October. Long pants are recommendedBoots with a small heel are the preferred footwear- no flip flops or sandals!Bring a helmet if you have one, I have many extras if you dont. Not only do you have to have your ropers and ground people lined up but you also have to make sure all your equipment is in working order. Sat: 8:00-14:00 Located here in the Nicola Valley, the Merritt Mountain Biking Association is truly a great resource for mountain biking when you have arrived in the community.