By Natasha Netschay
The sun was already warm when I arrived early morning at Copper Cayuse Outfitters in Pemberton, the air carrying that crisp, mountain scent that only comes in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Horses stood in a corral nearby, strong, calm, and far larger than I had pictured in my mind. My stomach fluttered with nerves.
Our wrangler demonstrated how to guide a horse: signalling right or left, faster or slower, stop or go. The instructions were simple, but I felt anything but confident. Was I strong enough? Coordinated enough? When it came time to mount Captain, my horse for the two-hour trek, the height and power beneath me made my old back injuries top of mind.
We trotted out into a meadow, my anxiety still buzzing. But with every stride, the rhythm of Captain’s movement began to settle me. My breathing deepened. The wrangler’s calm tips kept me focused. By the time we reached the creek, the nervousness had given way to excitement. The clip-clop of Captain’s hooves on the river rocks, the splash of cool water on my legs, and the swish of the current on that hot day were pure therapy.
Follow the Leader
As we rode, our wrangler shared stories about how Indigenous peoples have long used the local plants, flowers, and trees for medicinal purposes, and why this valley is known for its famous naturally virus-free Pemberton potatoes.
By the time we returned to the trailhead, I was still carrying the feeling of the ride – calm, grounded, and more connected to the land than when I had started. Later, when I sat down with the owners to talk about Copper Cayuse Outfitters and their retreats, I realized that what I felt on Captain’s back was exactly what they hope every guest will take home.
“It’s the song of the river that’s been playing for millennia. It’s the forest, the fish, the birds. It’s everything we were before colonization, believing in nature, caring for it, and understanding how it takes care of us.”
That philosophy is at the heart of Copper Cayuse Outfitters’ expeditions and retreats. Nestled in the traditional unceded territory of the N’Quatqua and Líl̓’wat First Nations, a variety of rides and retreats invite people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature, with horses, and with each other. A special retreat dedicated to women includes sessions led by herbalists and practitioners.
“You can’t take it all in at once,” Eveyln Coggins, one of four owners, said. “Some people are drawn to the herbal medicine workshops, others to time with the horses, or just sitting by the river. It’s about finding the thing that restores you.”
For me, the restoration came in the meditative rhythm of the ride. Captain was massive and in control, yet his steady pace grounded me. Despite sitting high above the ground, I felt anchored and supported by him. Crossing the stream, I relied entirely on Captain’s sure-footedness. Later, when he stopped to graze, I realized I didn’t have the strength to pull him back immediately and had yet to learn the tricks to do so. Instead of resisting, I let him be.
The conversation turned to what’s next for Copper Cayuse Outfitters. Next year, a retreat for individuals affected by cancer will be offered, weaving in a theme of empowerment. “For women, and people living with or beyond cancer, there’s often a loss of agency,” Evelyn explained. “Here, at a retreat, you reclaim some of that, whether it’s deciding to ride for the first time or sharing your story in a supportive circle.”
Riding back toward the stables shy of noon, I felt lighter in body and in mind. Time on the trail had a way of clearing space for what mattered. Whether you come for a short ride, a women’s retreat, or a program for people living with or beyond cancer, the focus at Copper Cayuse Outfitters is the same: connection. Connection to the land, to the community, to the horses that carry you, and maybe most of all, to yourself.
Evelyn Coggins & Jan Kennett with one of the Copper Cayuse horses
Natasha Netschay runs a PR and Communications agency in Vancouver and teaches writing courses at SFU. She also writes wellness articles for travel, yoga and mental health media outlets.
Copper Cayuse Outfitters is a prominent partner with Wellness Travel BC. Learn more about the outstanding retreats and riding programs the provide to guests.
