Horseback Riding ... There are sections of the Thompson Shuswap region referred to as Ranchland Country. A countryside covered in hay fields and farm equipment, cattle guards and big red barns. A country of endless hectares and acres, miles of cross fencing and long gravel roads leading to farm houses.

The country trails and back country routes in the Thompson Shuswap region vary for horseback riders. Some horse trails lead to lakes, rivers, wetlands and estuaries while others may lead to viewpoints, waterfalls or valleys. All horseback riding adventures usually include fantastic birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Many communities in the Thompson Shuswap region have horseback riding guest ranches and lodges providing guided horseback riding tours of the countryside. Many guest ranches include accommodations, meals and lessons. There are even some horseback riding adventure lodges and guest ranches specializing in a particular activity like cattle drives.

Most horse enthusiasts who arrive in the region book with one of the local horseback riding tour companies. And then, there are those who arrive in the region, horse in tow, ready to explore a pre selected set of horse trails. All in all, in almost every community in the region, there are cowboy hats and western boots indicating you are in Ranchland Country.

Communities like Cache Creek, Merritt and Kamloops in the Thompson Shuswap region have a strong western influence creating a good selection of working and vacationing guest ranches and horseback riding adventures.

Some of the horse trails in the region to explore include the routes found around Roche Lake near Kamloops, Tunkwa Park near the community of Logan Lake and Lundbom Lake near Merritt, BC Canada. Be aware some trials are shared with hikers, atvs and mountain bikers.