The Cliffs at Kispiox River | Activities | Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Trail riding is one of the most popular activities at the Cliffs and there are over 30 kilometers of well groomed trails, meadows, river canyons, mountains and hills to ride on.  The Allen family have been involved in the horse industry for generations, and have put together a remarkable string of quiet, reliable and people friendly horses.  From beginners to seasoned trail riders, the perfect horse will be selected for each rider.  Riding lessons are held in the arena for those who need to gain some confidence before heading out on a trail.  Each trail ride is designed to accommodate the rider and the skill level he/she feels comfortable with.  A lunch stop along the way at Beartail Cabin gives the rider a chance to relax and enjoy lunch, looking out over the Kispiox River.  It's common to see a herd of horses galloping across the river meadows in the distance.  Wildlife is abundant, including black bear, eagles, coyotes, loons, deer and lynx.  Not so common to see, but tracks of their passing are grizzly bears and moose.

There is no finer way to see a beautiful countryside than from the back of a horse.

The MANE characters:

Princess: This 16.1 hand, 1500 lb black mare is one of the top horses in the string.  Princess is royally bred! Her Father was Simon, one of the world's top bucking horse sires and her mother was Charlie's Angel.  Princess didn't inherit the genes to buck, and she's been a mountain and trail horse since she was four years old.  She loves the water, and is especially great in the river.  A strong swimmer, sure footed and level headed, she's a favourite amongst kids and seniors.  Princess is a crowd favourite at rodeos where she's used as the judge's flag horse.  She has also starred in many parades, proudly carrying Queens and Princesses on her back.

Smokey:  This gentle grey giant came from Kawdy Outfitters who operates just south of the Yukon border.  Nearly six feet tall at the withers, Smokey at first intimidates people with his size.  One of the gentlest horses in the string, Smokey has also been in many parades, carrying riders as young as two years old.  Smokey has been over some of the most remote mountains in British Columbia, has had encounters with bears, moose, caribou, wolves and coyotes.  He's always sensible and loves to be pampered.

Wrangler:  A 14.2 hand sorrel Quarter Horse gelding from Alberta. When he first got to the ranch, he was afraid of trees, as he'd never seen too many where he came from.  He's adjusted quite well over the last few years to the rugged terrain and forests of the Kispiox Valley. Wrangler is very quiet, dependable and is a favourite with smaller kids.  He loves to hang around people, and we have to keep the doors shut when he's around, as he'll walk right in.  He once climbed the spiral staircase in the barn to the loft.  He loves attention, and adores oats.

Tiny:  This little mare also came from Kawdy Outfitters.  She's brown, steady, dependable and there's no nonsense about her.  Tiny is the mother to some of the best mountain horses in all of the North country.  Retired from being a brood mare, she loves taking people on trail rides.  Tiny is one of our best 'dude' horses.  She never gets excited which makes her a star in our stable!

Sparky: The most talented horse on the ranch, Sparky is retired from competition.  He's won well over a 100 buckles, trophies, awards of all kinds and has earned a lot of money for his riders in both rodeo competition and horse shows. He's won many times in barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, all gymkhana events, cowhide race, western pleasure, working cow horse, trail horse, and much more.  Sparky has been featured in many Grand Entries, Parades and used as a 'demonstration' horse at schools.  He's great in the mountains, good in the river and loves to be fussed over.

Tippy: Tippy came to us from our steelhead fishing guide, Brian Sterritt.  This little sorrel Quarter Horse mare is an ideal kid's horse.  Quiet, sensible and willing, Tippy is great on the trails, river crossings and arena. She's a sure footed little horse and has won the hearts of many of our riders.

Scones: This beautiful little Quarter Horse buckskin gelding wasn't always so pretty.  He was bought at a sale, and guaranteed by a horse trainer who knew the family who had owned him.  Hit by tough times, Scones was 'skin & bones' thus his name. Since our purchase, he has put on a few 100 pounds! He's a great trail horse, dependable and loves people.

Buck:  This line backed buckskin horse resembles a muscled charger used by jousters.  Buck is big, strong, and is a phenomenal mountain horse.  Buck is ridden by the more experienced riders.