Big West Quarter Horses

For the past 30 years Carol Black has dedicated her life to the breeding of some of North America’s finest AQHA horses with bloodlines that can be traced back to the very foundation of the American Quarter Horse.

The arrival of 2012 brings with it change and new horizons for Big West Adventures as over 100 of Carol’s finest AQHA horses become part of the Big West family and enter into an in depth and extensive training program.

Horses ranging from 8 months to 5 years old have been introduced to our herd, many of which have had limited human contact, yet despite the limited contact the large majority of our new horses show an eager and willingness, accepting and enjoying all aspects of our socialization with them.

Understanding the importance of a solid background, we immediately began to desensitize our weanlings by adding several obstacles to their weaning pens.

Overhead flags, rubber tires, vertical flag tunnels and overhead noise makers quickly helped the youngsters gain a new confidence level and once we began to single out each of them for halter training and handling, an impressive change to the overall temperament of the contemporary group could be seen.

The joys of learning each young horse’s personality adds an excitement to the challenges of taking on so many young horses, each days close bringing with it fond memories of the day’s positive events.

The foundation of a solid and trustworthy horse starts on the ground, and our colts and fillies are subject to a wide variety of physical and mental challenges each day, learning to accept even the most frightening of encounters with a level mind and minimal physical reaction.

Flags, tarps, wooden walk bridges, logs, creeks, mud and brushy trails are all used as part of our training program, each animal learning to accept these obstacles first while under lead, and then while under both pack and riding saddle. We will not sell a horse unless we know for a fact it’s ready for anything.

The art of true Horsemanship is an incredible thing to encounter and even more interesting and exhilarating to witness when a human being possesses the ability to understand and communicate with a horse without speaking one word.

The softest and most subtle of movements, the gentle touch and understanding eye of a Natural Horseman is truly a pleasure to watch, and the amazing progress that can be made with an untrained horse, the connection that can be witnessed between the two beings is truly remarkable.

For over 30 years I have worked with dozens of different Horseman, all experts in their own ranks, yet I have never truly had the pleasure of witnessing someone as gifted with horses as Jessy Eickmeier.

In order to follow her dream of furthering her skills and natural abilities with horses, Jessy singlehandedly moved herself and her two horses across Canada during the late fall of 2011, arriving in Alberta in early November when at once she began working with Carol Black and her large herd of AQHA horses.

Big West Adventures Inc. is now very proud to welcome Jessy Eickmeier to our training team where Jessy will be acting as not only our head colt trainer, but as a full partner in all our future ventures.

Jessy’s dedication and unsurpassed abilities with untrained colts is a much needed addition to our program, now bringing our combined experience of working with horses to over 40 years.

With 2012 bringing many changes to our horizons we are extremely excited to begin working with our new herd of horses, and have been making many preparations for the fast approaching spring training season.

Not only will Jessy be working with our own horses, she will also be offering her skills to outside horse owners who are experiencing difficulties with their own animals. Jessy’s soft and understanding mannerism with the troubled mind of an abused or misunderstood equine truly is something rare and beautiful to observe, and the outcome for both the horse and owner is always very promising.

As part of our extensive training program, Jess and I have decided to take on international students for a two week colt starting tutorial.

During the two weeks students are closely instructed in how to start an unhandled colt. Students are given careful instruction in how to properly catch, halter, train to lead, desensitize, saddle and even eventually ride the colt of their choosing.

Our first student, Mr. Andy Kuenzle showed so much natural ability with his AQHA colt, “Charlie”, that less than one week into the program we suggested he stay for as long as he like, becoming a resident trainer working with Jess in her colt starting program.

Teaching that a solid foundation is the key to a reliable and trustworthy horse, we began Andy and Charlie learning to accept and understand the importance of becoming used to tarps, flags, noise makers and overhead flags.

Jess’s soft approach, easy and calm voice helped teach both Andy and his colt to trust and accept each other’s presence and within three days of instruction in the starting pen, both Charlie and Andy were enjoying each other’s company and Andy had developed enough trust with Charlie that he was able to mount him and ride him around the pen without mishap.

BIG WEST ADVENTURES

Big West Adventures email us today bigwestadventures@gmail.com

The overwhelming pace of today’s business world consumes not only our time, it consumes our lives as well and before we realize it we’re too old to enjoy all those things we dreamt of doing.

Our routine and our focus become entirely directed towards a successful business career and our lives pass by without notice, without adventure.

It is our intention here at Big West Adventures to help change the pace for you by making available some of the most breath taking wilderness adventures possible.

We live in a land of diversity and contrast, from the flat grain lands of the East to the Great Divide in the heart of the Rocky Mountains to the West, from the great Boreal Forests of the distant North to the rolling Foothills in the South Alberta’s incredible landscape is second to none.

Escape the confines of the towering city around you and come explore Alberta’s vast and incredible wilderness with us on a personalized and professionally guided adventure.

Experience the silent and inner joy of watching a small herd of nursing cow elk as they care for their calves. Feel the thrills of crawling slowly over a ridge top on your belly while you stalk a band of bighorn rams with your camera in hand. Watch in awe as you witness a mountain goat climb effortlessly through his lofty domain high in his alpine hide away.

The adventures and experiences we will share with you will create memories you will treasure the rest of your life.

Let us help you develop a deep appreciation for Alberta’s wilderness all the while learning the habits and traditional ranges of the resident wildlife as we travel together.

It is not our intention at Big West Adventures to operate a large scale commercial trail ride outfit whose main concern is the number of riders it can push through. It is our mission not to cater to the masses but to offer a truly memorable wilderness experience to those who are seeking a more personal and enjoyable adventure.

MAY & JUNE

The spring months of May and June find Alberta’s ungulate species giving birth to their young. This is in an incredible time in the mountains to witness and photograph some spectacular scenes.

Rocky Mountain Elk, Mountain Goat, Big Horn Sheep, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer and Shiras Moose offer an wide variety of observation and photography opportunities while the diversity of their spring range allows for some breath taking hiking and lower elevation horseback adventures to be had.

During the spring adventure season it is not uncommon while in the field to discover the shed antlers from the Mule Deer, White Tail Deer, Rocky Mountain Elk and Shiras Moose. These unique trophies are an added bonus to the already exciting adventure and certainly make an interesting home decoration and conversation piece.

JULY & AUGUST

The summer months are the only time that the majority of Alberta’s Rocky Mountain wilderness areas are safely accessible by hiking and horseback and believe it, there is plenty to see and experience.

High Alpine lakes, Ancient Glaciers and long mountain valleys, all to be explored while in the company of an experienced and very knowledgeable wilderness guide while on the back of a trusted horse or during one of our horse assisted hiking adventures.

With the worries of back country travel minimized in the presence of your guide, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your incredible back country adventure, soaking in the thrills of such a breath taking experience.

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

As the days grow shorter and the shadows longer, the Rocky Mountains begin their colourful transformation into the snow covered silence of winter.

The alpine aspens and the high mountain Lyle’s Larch turn the mountain sides and valley depths into a cascading adventure land of gold, red and bronze. The crisp morning air and the frost covered shadows that seem to linger in the dark timbered valleys. The high Northern slopes that lose touch with the warmth of the summer sun as the days continue to grow shorter.

The echo of the bull elk’s challenge echo’s through the valley as he too feels the coming change. It is a spectacular time to witness the back country, a time to listen, to watch. It is a time to remember.

DECEMBER

The month of December brings with it the time of the lasting snows, freezing temperatures and ice covered lakes. It brings with it the time of the cougar.

With the expert use of a small pack of traditional Mountain Lion Hounds we locate, track and photograph the Mountain Lions of Alberta’s foothills and Rocky Mountains.

Our unique and exciting Mountain Lion Photography adventures not only offer an extremely rare opportunity to witness and photograph such an elusive and intriguing animal but they also assist in the documentation of cougar locations and movements.

By helping to create an extensive record of the Mountain Lion and its frequent movement our excursions are a way to contribute to the management of such an incredible species.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY

The increasing snow levels in the high country have now succeeded in pushing the large majority of Alberta’s ungulate populations into their winter ranges, many of whom can be observed and photographed in large and undisturbed numbers.

The increasing snows of midwinter also provide an excellent environment for wilderness snowshoeing, a wonderful and traditional way to spend a day in the snow.

Exploring the valley bottoms and winter ranges while enjoying some great exercise and a fire side lunch certainly beats a slow and mundane day in front of the television.

Escape the winter blues and enjoy a fully guided winter adventure.

MARCH

As winter begins to see its icy grip loosen and the sun once again begins to overtake the long nights, this is the time we concentrate on the Timber Wolf.

The long winter months have seen the Timber Wolf travel far in the search for food. Their mournful howl can be heard in a large portion of the Foothills and the Boreal Forests of the North as they travel the frozen river ways in their constant hunt for prey.

Experience the incredible thrill as you listen to a pack of wolves howling to each other as they work their way down a wilderness valley towards you.

Enjoy the intensity as the pack excitedly answers the skilful and eerie howl of your wilderness guide, drawing ever closer to your hidden position with each howl.

APRIL & MAY

The arrival of the warm air of spring has now caused the high alpine snows to loosen their grip on the mountain peaks and the back country fills with the ominous rumble of the deadly avalanches that claim even the strongest of those who choose to venture forth.
We leave Mother Nature to herself during this time of the year so her creeks and rivers may rise and fall, swelling their banks while the high country peaks shed themselves of their snowy winter coats

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE ADVENTURE!! email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Horseback riding with "Big West Adventures"

HORSEBACK RIDING IN ALBERTA WITH “BIG WEST ADVENTURES”

Sit, hang on and shut-up. This seems to be the general attitude for most of Alberta’s horseback riding facilities.

More often than not someone from, or visiting Calgary Alberta who wants to spend some relaxing time with, on or around horses must either tolerate riding around in a large circle while stuck in the confines of an arena of some fashion or they are stuffed into a line- up of people they don’t know and shuffled off for a bump and grind one hour ride.

At “Big West Adventures” horseback riding is just a small part of your experience. Get to know the animal you will be riding. Learn to properly groom and handle your trusted mount. Take the time to stand in the presence of the mighty horse and feel his comforting soul reach out and touch yours.

We’re not in the “sit, hang-on and shut-up business” at “Big West Adventures”, we’re in the experience business and to us, every minute spent with a horse is time very well spent.

The connection between horse and rider is a very important part of our Adventure Program at “Big West” and we strongly encourage you to spend as much time as you wish with your horse.

“Big West Adventures” is NOT in the hourly ride business which would force us to work behind the confines of a regimented schedule. We spend a day with our clients, teaching, enjoying and creating memories that will last a life time.

The sound of the wind, the smell of the wild flowers and pines, the sound of horse’s hooves, the warmth in your heart. At “Big West Adventures” those are just some of the feelings you’ll experience while you enjoy your horseback ride into some of Alberta’s most spectacular country.

Take pride in your new found knowledge of horseback riding and horses. Feel confident in telling your friends how you learned to take a proper seat on the back of a horse, how you now know how to navigate a wilderness trail while feeling the strength of a sure footed horse beneath you.

With hundreds of miles of wilderness trails to ride in Alberta your first experience with “Big West Adventures” will certainly not be your last.

“TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE” with “Big West Adventures”

We’re only a “click” away   email us: bigwestadventures@gmail.com  

Written By: Ron Arnett
"A man from the wilderness"

TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE WITH BIG WEST ADVENTURES

 

Tired of the taste of exhaust in the back of your throat?

Tired of rubbing elbows with people you don’t know while riding the C-Train to work?

Feel like the walls of your office are closing in on you?

Take a ride on the wild side with “Big West Adventures”; Alberta’s most dedicated four season adventure company.

“Big West Adventures” offers fully guided customized wilderness adventures, whether it’s an afternoon hike along the High Wood River or a full day horseback adventure into the incredible foothills or mountains South of Calgary your adventure with “Big West Adventures” will be one you’ll remember for years to come.

So many of today’s tourist oriented companies care not for the quality of experience they give their clients, they care only for the money they make while expending as little effort as possible.

“Big West Adventures” is dedicated to making your wilderness experience the very best it can be by making it educational, exciting and personal.

By accommodating a limited number of guests during each of our wilderness excursions “Big West Adventures” maintains a very personal approach, working to give each guest the utmost attention and care.

We’re in business because of you.

We want to share our extensive knowledge of the wilderness with you.

We strive to ensure that each adventure is just that, an adventure we were fortunate enough to experience with you.

At the end of the day you’ll leave satisfied and with a deeper appreciation for Alberta’s vast wilderness and the wildlife that lives there in abundance.

Life is an adventure; let “Big West Adventures” share a truly exciting and unique wilderness adventure with you every time you need a change of pace.

Take a ride on the wild side with “Big West Adventures”; you’ll just keep coming back for more.

email us at bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Escape into the Wilderness

Escape into the Wilderness

When is the last time you sat on a ridge top and listened to the sound of the wind whisper through the trees?

When was it you last sat mesmerized by the slow dance of a campfire’s flames?

Can you recall the last time you heard the strike of a horse’s shod foot as he carried you across a creek high in the mountains?

The smells, the sounds and the sights of a wilderness adventure will linger forever within the confines of your mind, giving you escape from the hectic pace of a busy life when you most need it.

No ringing phone. No buzzing text messages. No emails demanding your attention. Only the sound of the wind, the smell of the pines, the warmth of a Southern slope’s afternoon sun. Peace and serenity. Escape.

With “Big West Adventures” you can experience Mother Nature’s touch without the hurried pace of a generic tourist trap. We cater not to the masses but to you, to your personal needs and desires. Striving to ensure you leave with only the fondest memories possible.

Share with us the ultimate in wilderness adventures. Whether it be from the back of a horse, a fully guided hiking adventure or a trek through Winter’s wonderland on a set of snowshoes “Big West Adventures” will create for you memories that will make you smile for years to come.

“Big West Adventures”…..we’re only a “click” away….. bigwestadventures@gmail.com

THE MIGHTY HORSE

In the beginning the Creator made the heavens, the earth and all the creatures within, he stopped on the seventh day taking rest, taking time to cast a backwards glance over his work. With a wrinkled brow he came to the realization that he had made some mistakes in creating mankind and it became obvious that man would require assistance while on his journey through life.

The great Creator gathered unto him all the creatures of the earth and in a kind and gentle voice he explained that man would be in need of assistance as he traveled on his journey through life. Choosing to allow the creatures to decide amongst themselves as to whether or not they wished to help man on his journey the creator stood in silence as the animals pondered his request.

It was the dog that first stepped forth with a wet grin and a wagging tail, looking up into the kind and gentle eyes of his creator the dog said, “It will be I that helps man throughout his journey, I will walk beside him as he travels down life’s road, keeping him company and giving him protection when danger is near.” The Creator smiled, reaching down to softly stroke the dog’s head he said, “Man shall consider you his friend and companion from this day forth, I am pleased.”

When the Creator lifted his gaze from the dog’s smiling face his eyes met the steady gaze of the mighty horse. The horse said in a strong and majestic voice, “You shall walk beside us my tiny friend, walk beside us as I carry man through this world. I shall carry the burdens of man upon my back. I shall pull behind me the weight of his laden carts and plough, leaning into the struggles of man’s life as if they were my own. I shall sacrifice the freedom that I was bestowed in order to help man conquer the difficulties he must face. When man is troubled or unhappy, all he must do is look deeply into my eyes, to feel the warm embrace of my magical spirit and I shall help him feel strength within.”

The Creator’s eyes flooded with warm tears as he listened to the mighty horse and when the steed’s voice fell silent, the Creator place his hand gently upon the horse’s neck and turned to all the Creatures gathered before him. “I have witnessed this mighty being display courage and fortitude, showing a pure and kindred soul, let it be known amongst you that from this day forth the mighty horse shall hold a sacred place deep within my heart.”

Written by

Ron Arnett

"A Man from the Wilderness

email us at    bigwestadventures@gmail.com

A Mother's Love

                                                                 “A Mother’s Love”

 The Southern slopes were now turning green with their early season foliage, the creeks were swelling their banks and the mountains echoed with the thundering sounds of the last of the great spring avalanches.

Spring was in the air and the excitement of new beginnings was everywhere.

The glacier lilies were slowly starting to push their way to the surface, the willow and alder bushes were working to produce their new buds and the sun was gathering strength each morning as it climbed the peaks, casting it’s welcome warmth into the dark shadows of the long winter past.

It was there, high on the southern slopes of the great mountain that she, a four year old black bear sow, chose to introduce her new cubs to the world.

She had given birth deep within the confines of her winter’s den, one, a small brown boar and the other, a tiny black female. She had spent the weeks prior to the  spring thaws deep inside the dark and musky surroundings of the den, nursing the tiny cubs, holding them against the warmth of her breast, feeling the instinctive bond of love grow with each moment that passed. Every time one of the cubs would stir, struggling to regain its hold on one of her nipples, she would feel something stir inside her, warmth and love for her tiny child, a love only a mother can feel.  

Instinct had told her when the time was right for her to leave the den the first time, and, leaving the two now puppy sized cubs alone in the darkness, she broke open the entrance with a strong push, stumbling into the fresh air and warming sunshine. She was hesitant to travel more than a few hundred meters from the den yet her exploration was enough to tell her that there was enough growth amongst the fresh foliage to support her growing hunger.

The winter months had been long, and supporting her own bodily needs and the growth of her two nursing youngsters had depleted her stores of fat and inner proteins. She needed to feed now and the cubs needed the fresh air and sunlight to help them along with the amazing speed at which they grew.

When she returned to the den she could see the tiny tracks of her boar cub at the entrance, knowing he had now tasted the freshness of the outdoors, tasted the freedoms that awaited him and his tiny sister beyond the confines of the den. An excitement stirred within her as she crawled into the den and a desire to show her children their new world began to burn inside her.

 More than a week passed, finding the young mother leaving the den more frequently, traveling further from the steadily growing cubs each time she ventured forth. Each time she returned she could see the evidence that now both of her youngsters were leaving the safety of the den and once she had returned to find them engaged in a wrestling match several meters from the entrance. The time was now upon her to take the pair of inquisitive youngsters on their first full day’s outing, time to show them the amazing world that surrounded them.

As the days grew slowly longer and the sun steadily warmer, the young mother found herself leading her joyous little cubs further and further from the safety of the den, further into the excitement of their new world. She watched carefully over the growing youngsters as she fed in the warmth of the spring, ever watching, feeling protective warmth grow within her as the days passed and the cubs grew, a mother’s love.

The young boar cub was beginning to gain a confidence in his surroundings and was soon testing his mother’s patience with disobedience and solo adventures, one of which found him hanging in an alder tree with no idea of how to get down. His bawling soon brought his mother to the rescue and after several encouraging grunts he released his frantic grip on the suspended limb, tumbling from his perch to the ground below with a thump.

His little sister was much more reluctant to leave the safety of mother’s side, rarely venturing more than a few meters away from her watchful mother. She did however, spend considerable time watching her brother get himself into all sorts of predicaments, almost enjoying, with a little sister’s contempt, when mother would swat him off his feet for becoming too frustrating or getting underfoot and disrupting the task at hand.  

The days grew longer, the spring snows subsided and the growth of the fresh clover in the valley bottoms soon drew the young family down from the safety of the high country, down into the depths of the valley, closer to the ugly brown lines carved into the earth, the access roads pushed into the heart of the wilderness by the timber companies.

Rich clover thrived along the edges of the mountain road and its sweet aroma attracted several of the valley’s resident bears, both grizzly and blacks to the lush and tasty feed. The young mother soon found herself feeding on the soft shoots that had sprouted along a shady road way, leading her young family slowly into the depths of an unfamiliar valley, leading them away from the safety and seclusion of the high mountain slopes.

The cubs were resting, nestled underneath the safety of a huge spruce tree and it’s drooping limbs, cuddled together in the warmth of the afternoon shadows while their mother fed quietly and alone along the edge of an aging  road way. Suddenly her head came erect, her senses sharpened, a distant and strange rumble in the valley depths had broken the silence, an unfamiliar sound that scared and worried her. She tested the wind with her keen nose, listened to the strange sound as it drew nearer, turning towards the shadows along the creek were she had left the cubs with a fear growing inside her. She hurried towards the cubs when suddenly a horrible burning pain slammed into her side, a cry of pain and anguish burst from her as she thrashed in agony, trying desperately to reach her babies, to protect.

 The rifle awakened the cubs with a horrible start and they listened in fear as the awful thunder echoed again through the valley.

The pain stricken moan that escaped their young, loving and protecting mother caused panic in the tiny siblings, and they listened in horror as the echoing thunder was followed by strange and horrific yells a hoops from some strange and evil being.

They waited, trembling in fear, waited for their mother to come to their side, coming to protect them, to save them, to love them. They waited, waited alone until the starvation claimed them both in the dark and ominous shadows of the valley depths.

They waited, waited as dozens of young cubs wait every spring, waiting for their murdered mothers to return, never understanding as they grow weaker and weaker from the starvation and pain that claims their tiny lives.

Written by:

Ron Arnett

 “A man from the wilderness”

email us at    bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Alberta's "Big West Guide & Wrangler School"

Since the days of Lewis and Clark there has been the need for Wilderness Guides. Men who lived in the furthest outreaches of the civilized world, men who had learned the way of the wild, men who stood a head above the rest when it came to overcoming the hardships of mountain travel.

As time passed and civilization pushed its way further into what was once considered wilderness, there still was found the need for those men who knew the ways of the wild.

The wealthy men of the world found much pleasure in the pursuit of the great creatures of the wild yet they lacked the basic skills of wilderness survival and soon found themselves dependant on the skilled woodsman of the day. Thus, the dawn of the Big Game Guide and the Guiding Industry.

For decades Wilderness Guides have led clients into the mountains in search of adventure and the possibility of harvesting a big game trophy yet now in the 21 century this way of life has become in danger of extinction.

The lack of recruitment, the dwindling supply of those adventuresome young men wishing to live the life of a Wilderness Guide has indeed become the most ominous threat to a once stable way of life.

Non-hunting adventure seekers have now, in many regions, taken the place of the once steady stream of Big Game Hunters yet the serious lack of qualified Wilderness Guides sees even this industry in peril.

So many of Western Canada’s back country operators now rely on seasonal employees from around the globe to work as Back Country Guides and Horse Wranglers in order to continue to stay in operation. This is without doubt a double edged sword as many of those now employed as Wilderness Guides are nothing more than tourists’ themselves, sometimes knowing no more than those they lead.

Without proper education in Horsemanship and Wilderness travel today’s Guides and Wranglers are not only placing themselves at great risk, but those they are entrusted to accompany as well.

The “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” has been developed in order to help educate those who wish to seek employment in Western Canada’s hunting and non-hunting guiding industry. There is a high demand for trained Wilderness Guides and Horse Wranglers. There is a need for the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” both here in Alberta and in Western Canada.

With over four hundred back country operators in Western Canada there is a great demand for a steady supply of qualified help, without a proper means of education the industry will most certainly always be under staffed.

Become a valuable employee to the hundreds of back country operators in Alberta and Western Canada by becoming a graduate of the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School”, a life of adventure and reward is waiting for you.

Study the art of wilderness horse packing while you’re learning how to handle a string of sturdy pack horses. Learn to master the art of tying the single and double diamond hitch, the basket hitch and the barrel loop. Show up at your new job as a Wilderness Guide or Horse Wrangler and be proud in your ability to handle yourself in even the most difficult of back country situations.

It is here at the “Big West Guide & Wrangler School” you can enjoy the challenges of learning the dying art wilderness survival and back country horsemanship from men who have spent decades mastering their skills.

A life of adventure and excitement awaits you; we’re just a “click” away….

email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Alberta’s “Big West Guide & Wrangler School”…..

Customize your Adventure with "Big West Adventures"

Customize Your Adventure

Why become just another person in a saddle?

Why be just another faceless client who doesn’t really matter?

When you share in one of “Big West Adventures” wilderness excursions you are not just another client, you are the reason why we are there.

So many of today’s tourist oriented companies show little care in how the client views their experience, they care only in catering to the masses in hopes of generating more money.

We at “Big West Adventures” are concerned first and foremost with making your wilderness experience the ultimate back country adventure, catering to your desires and expectations, not the bus load of people in line behind you.

Whether it is a horseback adventure, a hiking excursion or a winter outing on snowshoes we pride ourselves in making your wilderness experience one you will remember fondly for years to come.

Join “Big West Adventures” and share in the excitement of a personalized wilderness experience.   email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

Life as a guide

As I look back over the past 30 years of my life, years spent living the life of a wilderness guide and horseman, I search the depths of my soul for regrets and I find none.

My life in the mountains has been anything but easy. Broken bones, hardships and friends lost to an unforgiving wilderness yet I would not for one second change my course if I were given the power to do so. My life has been solid, unforgiving and real.

I have experienced the death of three of my fellow mountain men, men with whom I shared many a fire, men I called friend. I dealt with the loss of seventeen good horses over the years, good friends and companions each and every one yet it was the life we chose, it was the way we wanted it to be.

Snow storms and high water floods, grizzly bears, upside down horses and broken bones. We were men of a different breed, hard and calloused men who shared the hardships and laughter of a life few could understand. Men of the mountains.

I watch now as today’s youth, young women and men cease to exist as soon as their I-Phone loses service. Pants down around their butt cheeks, hats on sideways and faces decorated with such a variety of jewellery that they look like they stumbled and fell face first into their grandfather’s tackle box.

Adventure is a day trip to the mall where they stand in small herds of unknowing and unwilling souls who seem to lack any direction in life what so ever.

What will become of the way of life we the men of the mountains once shared? Who will dare to step foot off the ash fault and lead the few into the depths of Mother Nature’s bosom?

Horses, high country, rocky trails and river depths, who will know the ways of the wild if someone does not teach them, who will become the mountain men of today?

The double diamond, crow’s foot hitch and the barrel loop, only a handful of men even know what these things are any more and even fewer men have stayed in practice with the art of wilderness horse packing.

It wasn’t but a week ago I witnessed a group of gents bungee strap a lop-sided buddle of crap onto an unimpressed horse. I was amazed when I heard one of them use the phrase “Horse Packer” as they worked together to stretch the bungee strap an extra foot.

The world seems to be filling up with those who like to call themselves hunters yet I cannot actually remember seeing a recent photo of an elk on a pack horse, I have however seen the ridiculous display of three men abreast trying to drag a bull elk out of the bush with their poor unconditioned horses who were near collapse.

There will always be those who want to experience a true wilderness adventure, whether it be during a big game hunt or a family outing and there will always be the need for those who hold the knowledge and skills required to safely lead them through the difficulties of mountain travel. It is with this in mind the “Big West Guide and Wrangler School” was founded.

Let us not see our way of life as true mountain men and wilderness guides die, let us teach the youth of today the old ways, the way of the horse, the way of life in the back country.

Written by:

Ron Arnett
“A man from the wilderness”

email: bigwestadventures@gmail.com

High Country Places

A man from the mountains and high country places where blue ribbon glaciers hang like time’s ancient veils.

Dark timbered basins and age hidden trails winding down through the valleys to where the South wind prevails.

The creak of my saddle, a cool breeze in my face, solemnly thankful to ride alone in this place.

A land long forgotten by today’s modern race, hidden from the hustle of life’s hasty pace.

Clear mountain spillways and soft singing brooks, nothing to fear from the world’s guiltless crooks.

High soaring Eagles and free roaming bears, living life’s wonders without debt laden cares.

A land without faces, empty and cold, no place for the timid, the weak nor the old.

A place seldom traveled by the empty at heart, those missing life’s lessons, deaf to the music of a Wapiti’s challenging cry.

I walk amongst you in your buildings of steel, a land without faces where a smile is surreal.

A place far to busy for a youngster to know, the warmth of a home life,  of a kitchen’s welcome glow.

A land without faces, filled with store fronts and greed, passing by the homeless and needy without the slightest of heed.

A land without faces, of multitude races, a land without hope, near the end of its rope.

Jammed city places, traffic that races, sirens wail, the wrong go to jail, gangs on street corners and over worked coroners, in your land without faces where life quickens by.

You pass each other with a cold hollow eye, never as much as a halfhearted “Hi”.

I walk amongst you as you search for your gold; you’re missing life’s treasures, forgetting the old.

With a deep rooted sadness, a life without gladness, you stumble down life’s rocky trail, destine to end up weak, timid and frail.

What of life’s lessons, the forgiveness of transgressions, the joy of helping those in need, the light hearted feelings of forgotten greed.

Your world without faces of small cubical places, has lost it’s Lustrous glaze, as I find myself bewildered on your streets of a tangled maze.

A door held wide for some oncoming folks, “Yes ma‘am“, “No sir”, “Ma’am if you please”, you cast a sideways glance like I’ve a contagious disease.

Dark and weathered under this black Stetson hat, subject of your glances, pointed fingers and whispered chat. 

I am but a mystery, something odd and untold, dressed like an outcast, from the land of the old.

High topped boots, long riding coat, bright colored kerchief, weathered hat brim, cold piercing eyes from the shadows there in.

I find it now a burden to want to remain any longer in your world of fear and pain, for I long to return to my high country places, to a rough and unforgiving “land without faces.”

Written By;
Ron Arnett

"A man from the Wilderness"