Hamilton, Shawn Articles

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The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a highly successful rural Western riding getaway nestled near the small town of Shell, Wyoming, an hour east of the Cody airport, and east of Yellowstone National Park at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Outside of their regular season, which runs from April to October, owners Peter De Cabooter and his wife Marijn host an annual winter ride where, by invitation only, repeat guests come to enjoy the ranch during its quieter time. Peter, Marijn, their son Victor, and other various staff members join the loyal patrons on rides, pre-dinner drinks at the bar, and scrumptious meals in the dining area of the main lodge.

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Autumn is one of the most vibrant and beautiful seasons, and it’s also my favorite time to go horseback riding. With the bugs gone, the air crisp, and the horses feeling fresh and ready to go, it’s the perfect opportunity for a memorable trail ride. There’s nothing quite cantering through the woods while the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall leaves rush by. Living in Ontario, we’re known for our stunning autumn landscapes, but a short trip across the border to Vermont reveals the rolling hills of the Green Mountains, offering an equally breathtaking sight.

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As a photojournalist specializing in horseback riding vacations, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing incredible opportunities that I will always cherish. Through my work, I've had the chance to explore hidden corners of the world that most tourists never see and connect with fascinating people from across the globe who share a passion for horses. In my view, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in a new culture than from the saddle of a native horse, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of a place.

Yukon horse packing trip

Out the plane window the sun casts a golden glow on the mountains below as the clouds of pink and purple fade to black. My dream of experiencing the wilderness of Canada’s Yukon on horseback is finally coming true. Landing in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon since 1953, I drag my bags across the street to the hotel to settle in for the night.

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Autumn in Ontario is my favourite time of year, when Mother Nature paints the trees spectacular arrays of reds, yellows, and oranges, and rural roadsides are bordered with the brightly coloured seasonal decor. Algonquin Provincial Park, in Ontario’s southeastern region, is a popular spot to take it all in.

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On a perfect blue-sky day in the Kananaskis region of the Canadian Rockies, the views are nothing short of breathtaking in every direction. But my attention is fixed on the path ahead as I work to stay balanced in the saddle while my horse carefully navigates the rocky ridge along the mountainside. Reaching into my bag, I cautiously pull out my camera to capture a few shots. In that moment, I notice our guide, Dewy, fully immersed in the adventure, wearing an unmistakable grin beneath his ten-gallon hat and bushy mustache. Each day, he pushes his clients just beyond their comfort zones, creating memorable, thrilling experiences.

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Holidays on Horseback - In India one can view the countryside through the heart-shaped ears of the Marwari horse. In Mongolia a small, strong Mongol horse will carry you through the desert lands. And the short, hardy Icelandic horse will smoothly tölt you along the rugged trails of Iceland.

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On any riding vacation, whether it’s camping or glamping, there are a few essentials that I always bring along.

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How guest ranches and riding resorts have survived and thrived during the pandemic - It’s been almost a year now since we began dealing with the repercussions of the global pandemic, and we’re not yet anywhere near “business as usual.” No aspect of the horse industry remains untouched. Although some businesses were agile enough to adapt fairly quickly, the livelihood of a guest ranch owner or an outfitter depends on vacationers coming to their location to experience a day or a week in the saddle. Horses cannot simply be parked; they need to be cared for, and wages need to be paid.

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Disconnecting from the digital world and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature—this is the essence of The Land of the Long White Cloud Ride with Wild Women Expeditions. This 10-day horseback riding adventure, hosted by Adventure Horse Trekking New Zealand on the South Island, invites you to fully embrace your surroundings. As you navigate narrow trails that hug the mountainside, with crystal-clear Lake Hawea below, you quickly develop a deep trust in your horse. The rush of everyday life fades away, replaced by the serene companionship of fellow riders, whether you're enjoying lunch by a peaceful brook or singing around the fire in a herders' hut.

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Along with my travel mates Ali and Heather, I leave the Calgary airport in our rental car, stock up with snacks and refreshments, and head to The Grandview Stage Inn just outside of Rocky Mountain House, AB, where we bed in for the night. The next morning, we start off for the Cutoff Creek Staging area in the Bighorn Backcountry. The herd of wild horses grazing in a small clearing at the side of the road is so complacent with our presence that the foals remain lying down as we snap photos. Upon arrival, we spot a group of women gathered in the staging area, their gear laid out on the grass. Introductions reveal that our fellow riders are from Manitoba, Winnipeg, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, and as far as Australia and New Zealand. Most are new to Wild Deuce Outfitters, and a few are repeat visitors like me, although it was eight years ago.

My favourite aspects of a riding vacation anywhere in the world are experiencing the spectacular scenery of a new country from the back of a native horse, and glimpsing the true culture and everyday life of the local people. The Wild Andes Expedition Ride with host Gabriel Espinosa of Hacienda La Alegria, which I found through Unicorn Trails, offered a close-up view of life in the mountains at all elevations in the Ecuadorian Andes.

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Arriving at the ranch with my husband, Joe, in complete darkness, we were greeted at the gate by Dave Leishman, ranch owner and manager, and led to the cabin which would be our home for the coming week. After unloading the car I sat on the deck admiring the stars and taking in the sound of horses grazing in a nearby field. The log cabin was brand new, featuring wooden furniture and an extremely comfy bed. Drifting off to sleep, I wondered what the ranch would look like in daylight.

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The words Finally a Horse Back Ride in Cuba jumped out at me when searching through the Unicorn Trails website. The Tabaqueros Ride going right through Valle Viñales, my favourite part of the island, sparked visions of oxen-powered carts, tobacco fields, and memories of watching the sun burn off the mist in the valley of limestone mounds. Having lived in Cuba for just over two years in the mid-1990s, I had a strong desire to revisit the country to see how it had changed.