Natasha Netsky
When I arrived at Copper Cayuse Outfitters in Pemberton early in the morning, the sun was already very warm, and the air carried the fresh mountain fragrance that can only be found in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Parked in a nearby corral were several horses, strong, calm, and much larger than I expected. My stomach fluttered with nervousness.
Our wrangler demonstrates how to guide a horse: signal left or right, faster or slower, stop or go. The instructions were simple, but I wasn't at all confident. Am I strong enough? Is it coordinated enough? As I mounted my horse, Captain, for the two-hour trek, the height and power beneath me made me think first of my old back injury.
We trotted out onto a patch of grass, my anxiety still buzzing. But with each step, the rhythm of the captain's movements began to calm me down. My breathing deepened. The Wrangler's calm cues kept me focused. By the time we reached the creek, nervousness had been replaced by excitement. The pitter-patter of the captain's horse's hooves on the river rocks, the splash of the cool water on my legs, and the whoosh of the water on a hot day were pure therapy.
follow the leader
As we rode, our wranglers shared stories about how indigenous peoples have long used local plants, flowers, and trees for medicinal purposes, and why this valley is famous for its naturally virus-free Pemberton potatoes.
When we returned to the trailhead, I still carried the same feeling from the ride—calm, grounded, and more connected to the land than when I started. Later, when I sat down with the owners to talk about Copper Cayuse Outfitters and their resort, I realized that what I felt on the Captain's back was exactly what they wanted every guest to take home.
“This is the song of the river that has been played for thousands of years. This is the forest, the fish, the birds. This is what we had before colonization, trusting nature, caring for it, and understanding how it took care of us.”
This philosophy is at the heart of Copper Cayuse Outfitters adventures and retreats. Located on 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, horses, and each other. Special retreats just for women include sessions led by herbalists and practitioners.
“You can't take it all in at once,” said Eveyln Coggins, one of the four owners. “Some people are drawn to the herbal workshops, others to the horses, or just sitting by the river. It's about finding something that rejuvenates you.”
For me, recovery happens in the meditative rhythm of riding. The captain is big and controlled, but his steady pace keeps me grounded. Despite sitting so high above me, I felt anchored and supported by him. My crossing of the river was entirely dependent on the captain's steadiness. Later, when he stopped to eat grass, I found that I did not have the strength to pull him back immediately, and I had not learned the skills to pull him back. I didn't resist, I just let him let it be.
The conversation turned to what's next for Copper Cayuse Outfitters. Next year, a retreat will be held for cancer patients with the theme “Empowerment.” “For women and people living with cancer or beyond, there's often a loss of agency,” Evelyn explains. “Here, on a retreat, you can reconnect with some of your past feelings, whether that’s deciding to ride for the first time or sharing your story in a circle of support.”
As noon approached, I rode back to the stables, feeling physically and mentally lighter. Time on the road can make space for what matters. Whether you come for a short ride, a women's retreat, or a program for those living with or affected by cancer, the focus at Copper Cayuse Outfitters is the same: connection. A connection to the land, to the community, to the horses that carry you, and perhaps most importantly, to yourself.
Evelyn Coggins and Jan Kennett with a Copper Cayuse horse
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.
Copper Cayuse Outfitters is a valued partner of Wellness Travel BC. Learn more about They offer excellent retreat and ride programs to their guests.
