Meet at the barn.
Arrive fifteen minutes before your ride — time to sign the waiver, meet your horse, and get fitted to your saddle.
Trail rides
Ride along the Nanaimo River.
Saddle up at the barn and head out through pasture and forest to the river. The trail is quiet, the horses are calm, and you'll set the pace.
$125 per rider for a one-hour ride. Rides run year-round.
What the ride is like
From the barn, into the trees, down to the river.
Simmons trail rides are unhurried. You'll meet your horse, get comfortable, and head out on the trail with a guide who knows every stretch of it.
Out onto the trail.
The route winds through shaded forest and open pasture before heading down toward the river. Quiet, scenic, and mostly flat.
Along the river.
A good stretch of the trail runs right alongside the Nanaimo River. It's the prettiest part of the ride, and the bit most people remember.
Back to the barn.
Your guide keeps an easy pace the whole way. You'll be back in plenty of time for whatever comes next.
The horses
Meet the trail string.
Our trail horses are the most patient, people-loving crew on the ranch. They know the trail by heart, they're gentle with new riders, and most of them have been at Simmons for years.
Brandee breeds and trains horses on the property, and the ones that go out on trail are the ones she trusts most with guests. A good trail horse is made, not born — and these ones are very much made.
Some days they wade right into the river; some days they don't want to. Whether you go in depends on the horse you're on as much as the water level. Trust them — they know the trail.
Good to know
Come as you are — we'll handle the horse.
A few small things that make the ride better. If you forget something, we usually have a spare.
Long pants and closed-toe shoes. Boots with a small heel if you have them.
Sunscreen, water, a phone in a zip pocket.
Helmets are supplied.
First-time riders are welcome — we'll match you with a patient horse.
Request a ride
Pick a date, pick a time, send your request.
When you submit, your email app opens with everything filled in — just hit send. We'll reply with confirmation, directions, what to bring, and the name of the horse you're riding.
“My daughter had a blast on a birthday trail ride down to the river! Always a great time.”
Trouble with the form? Call +1 250-951-6676 and we'll get you booked.
Request a ride
Pick a date, pick a time, send your request.
Request a ride
Pick a date, pick a time — we'll have your horse ready.
Send your request through the form and we'll reply by email to confirm. Then we'll see you at the barn.