Nico survived his 1st backcountry trip

At the end of July, I decided to train Nico, my Canadian gelding , to his first 4 days packing trip into Jasper National Park.

we climbed 3500 ft in 4 hours. Never this little 14.3hh horse showed fatigue. Some guest were impressed by his sure footing on the rocky trail that brings us to our lodge, Shovel Pass Lodge.

Next day, more training for Nico, we go out on top of the Maligne Range on the famous Skyline Trail  riding above tree line, 7000 ft,Suddenly, a  thunder storm came in the valley, no time to hide we kept going, rode in deep sand and faced strong wind and even some hale. What a beginning for my horse......He just did amazing, I was so proud of him.

At night we turned them loose with bell to graze, Nico never had a bell in his neck  before, he did not even notice the loud noise, too busy to go free in the meadow to eat grass.

here are a few pictures of our unforgettable trip!