On May 17-19, against a backdrop of mountain vistas and sprawling meadows, the Princeton Exhibition Grounds hosted riders and their equines for BCHBC’S annual Rendezvous. This year’s theme, History & Horses, transformed the event into a vibrant tapestry – a testament to the enduring bond between humans and horses in wilderness exploration. The 2025 Rendezvous masterfully balanced education, competition, and camaraderie. Organizers curated an immersive experience where every gallop, clinic, and campfire tale honoured our equestrian heritage.
Flag bearers at the Opening Ceremonies.
Trail Adventures:
Riders explored Princeton’s pristine backcountry through guided group or self guided rides, traversing historic gold-rush paths, the Trans Canada Trail and the Kettle Valley Railway. For those with no horse, a virtual ride in Mongolia was hosted by Amelie.
Clinics:
– Saddle Fitting Biomechanics: Dana Johnson demonstrated how proper tack alignment enhances performance and prevents injury.
– Wilderness Packing Prep: Backcountry veterans shared techniques for balancing loads and securing gear on multi-day expeditions.
– Horse Training: Marion Weisskopff showed how groundwork strategies bridge communication gaps, emphasizing trust over dominance.
– Exploring biomechanics and how the mind body connection can help horse owners address common problems – taught by Stephanie Antonick.
– Ron Stolp & Kelly Allen from Canoa Farms presented and mentored on their Mountain Trail Course. The best way to prepare your horse for backcountry trails.
– Princeton Ground Search and Rescue wandered the grounds on foot and horseback answering questions. They are one of the only horseback units in BC.
– Boasting Barn to see what trail projects our chapters are up to.
Competitions: Ignited friendly rivalry with uniquely Western challenges…
– Encampment Challenge: Chapters competed to build the most functional, historically accurate camp, efficient kitchens, and harmonious horse setups. The event tested teamwork and backcountry ingenuity.
Rose and Guy taste testing the Bannock.
– Bannock Baking Contest: Dutch ovens and fry pans sizzled as cooks vied for the title of “Best Trail Bread”, judged on crust, flavor, and authenticity. Winner was audience chosen and taste tested.
– Cowboy Poetry: renowned cowboy poet, Bruce Rolph, mentored aspiring wordsmiths, culminating in a recital where odes to mustangs and mountain sunsets captivated the crowd.
Patrick Thomas bribing Judges Lonnie and Bruce Rolph.
– Mule Bingo, Find the Missing Herd and Junior events each day.
Unforgettable Highlights:
– Grand Meals and Communal feasts, 50/50 winners.
– AGM: Members charted BCHBC’s future, advocating trail conservation and youth outreach.
– Outstanding Project Award went to the Robson Valley Chapter: McIntosh Equine Campsite and Belle Mountain Trail network. Read all about it in next months Saddle Up!
– Volunteer of the Year Award went to Verna Houghtaling of the Prince George Omineca Chapter.
– Live and Silent Auctions: a spirited live auction, plus a silent auction with more than one hundred donated items, raised critical funds to support trail maintenance and other BCHBC initiatives.
– Wagon Rides: not only for fun but an opportunity to train your horse to not be afraid should you meet one on the trail!
Joyce Marchand and her beautiful team of drafts.
– Two musical nights and dancing with the Mountain Union Band.
As dusk fell on Sunday, organizers announced the 2026 Rendezvous will gallop north to 100 Mile House, a region famed for its Cariboo Trail history. A “Next Gen” committee is already planning.
Rendezvous ’25 wasn’t merely an event; it was a living archive of equestrian culture. Every moment honoured how horses shaped the West. We ride the same trails our ancestors did. Here, history isn’t in books—it’s in our stirrups, our stories, and the sweat on our saddles!
Final Tally of Triumphs: 200 Attendees/140 horses/18 Clinics/ 7 Trail Routes! Funds raised will be used for trail preservation and other BCHBC initiatives. Without all our amazing Valuable Volunteers, sponsors and donators, this event would not have happened…THANK YOU!!
Written by Eric Becker and Rose Schroeder
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