| Discover Manitoba's best horseback riding terrain | | | | Makes a person wonder where this lifestyle has |
| in the unknown sand hills near Holland, Manitoba. | | | | gone and if our children and grandchildren will ever |
| No matter what level of rider you are, you can | | | | be able to experience the simplicity of life. |
| enjoy nature at it's best riding a good stead! | | | | Saddling up our mounts in the crisp fall air, with |
| There is something special to enjoy every season | | | | the sun shinning brightly promises for a beautiful |
| of the year. | | | | day of riding. The horses start out briskly, trotting |
| Springtime is a favorite, for life is starting to | | | | along at an easy pace. Here before us is fall at its |
| bloom again. The trails are partially covered with | | | | best. A riot of golds, yellows, greens, and reds fall |
| snow, ice and water. Here and there you see the | | | | before us along the path. The branches now |
| well beaten paths of the squirrels scurrying to and | | | | partially bare of their foliage makes it easier to |
| fro gathering there nuts from their special hiding | | | | see through the bush. We hear the grouse |
| spots. Deer paths criss cross back and forth over | | | | beating their wings and sure enough, there he is |
| the trails, making you wonder just where they go. | | | | standing on an old rotting log, strutting his stuff. |
| Not one to pass up an adventure, we strike out | | | | Wild turkey's are in the open, 17 of them and a |
| on one. At first the trail is fairly open going passed | | | | big old Tom with his tail feathers fanned out for |
| beautiful stands of spruce and the big knarled oak | | | | all of us to see. We are in luck today for at the |
| trees. Next we pass into a bush of willows and | | | | end of our ride, just nearing dusk we hear |
| poplar, ducking under branches and moving others | | | | something rustling through the bush. Quietly we |
| as we pass by. A big old poplar has fallen across | | | | wait at the edge of the trail to see what is going |
| the trail. There isn't much room to go around, so | | | | to emerge. Lo and behold comes before us a |
| up and over we go. The horses jumping it easily | | | | magnificent elk with a beautiful set of antlers. He's |
| and enjoying the diversion. There in the hollow of | | | | an older bull with his antlers reaching half way |
| an open field we see 5 deer beds. Near by you | | | | across his back. It's amazing how these animals |
| can see where they have been pawing at the | | | | can maneuver through the bush with these huge |
| tender roots. This must be a place they frequent | | | | antlers. |
| often for the willows and young poplar have been | | | | It's cold this morning, but we are bundled up in our |
| chewed upon. Wandering around in this beautiful | | | | winter gear and ready to ride. The horses are |
| and seemingly endless wilderness, it's nice to | | | | saddled and eager to go out on this frosty |
| know we have bush savvy guides. A person could | | | | morning. The team is harnessed and hitched to |
| easily get lost out here for every bush and tree | | | | the sleigh and the kids are piling onto the |
| looks the same. Here we are along the edge of a | | | | toboggans that are tied on behind. Puffs of cold |
| very steep sand bank. We are told the name of | | | | air blow from the horse's nostrils as we climb the |
| the place is called the Sand Slide. In a small hollow | | | | big hills in search of winter's beauty. The trees are |
| we sight the first signs of spring, the Manitoba | | | | covered in hoar frost and the silence is surreal. |
| Crocus. This little flower is amazing in its hardiness | | | | Not a speck of wind today and the snow sparkles |
| braving the snow and the cold. From pale blue to | | | | brightly in the sunshine. Everything is so bright and |
| mauve and white in various stages of growth it's | | | | beautiful it's like entering another time and place. |
| a beautiful sight to see. Further along the trail | | | | Squeals of laughter come from the children as |
| winding along the steep banks we see the beaver | | | | they fall on and off the toboggans. Up and down |
| dams and hear the gentle splash of water, alerting | | | | the hills we go following sheltered trails through |
| us to the thaw of the ponds. | | | | the forest. In the middle of nowhere we come |
| Oh summer time, those hot days and pesky | | | | upon a white cabin, smoke drifting lazily through |
| bugs. Mornings and evenings are the time to ride | | | | the chimney with promises of warmth and |
| in the summer. Get up with the birds and you | | | | refreshments. We tie up the horses and make |
| may get lucky and see the deer and elk drinking | | | | our way down into the hollow that also boasts a |
| from the river with the young ones frolicking near | | | | big outdoor fire pit with a roaring fire blazing |
| by. Riding out in the sand hills and watching the | | | | away. Out come the hot dogs and hot chocolate |
| sunset is awesome in the power of it's beauty. If | | | | and those that are cold or need mitts and felts |
| you are a bit of a romantic cowboy, this is the | | | | dried out mosey up to the cabin. Inside is a big |
| place to bring your gal! Sitting on the edge of a | | | | wood stove and the kids gather round with their |
| bank, basking in the light of a full moon and | | | | rosy red cheeks. Come and visit us to experience |
| listening to the coyotes sing is music to the ears. | | | | all this and more. |