Pioneer Outfitters Survival & Guide Training

Pioneer Outfitters has been training its own 

guides for over 60 years. 

"It has been brought to my attention on numerous occasions over the last few years both through my own experience as a Master Guide Outfitter and by other Guide Outfitters, friends and associates that it has been increasingly difficult to find reliable Assistant Guides that are qualified to actually guide in the field; to be competent and responsible with the client and loyal to his or her outfitter. " ... Master Guide Terry Overly

...And so. We say "good bye, good luck and we'll miss you" to Ike this morning. Ike is on his way back home to be with his family as they gather to be with his Grandmother, who is failing. It was Ike's first time being so far from any and all of his family. He said to me, "I guess I'm just not ready to be away". We all here at Pioneer Outfitters will miss Ike's smile and wit, his strong back and thoughtful nature. All of our prayers are with Ike's Grandmother and for her recovery. People touch our lives, no matter if they are passing through or part of it for a long while. We hope for the best for Ike and where ever his plans may take him.

Life Tends To Keep Moving, With Or Without Us

Pro-Team Guide Spencer Ireys

Dar and Extreme Pro-Team Guide Wade Hays

Our "newbies" are settling in, life is moving right along. Ruger and Ike, are both like a deep breath, after holding it for a long-long time.As trainees come into our lives, there are a few important aspects to getting them ready for what is coming. The first is, during the initial settling in and being observed while life goes on and by, chores are being seen to; is this newbie here to get a guide license or become a professional guide? As (an if) he is aiming towards and has inside him what it takes to be a professional guide, is he (or she!) a possible candidate for the Extreme Pro Team Guides?

Master Guide Terry Overly

Bella, Amber-Lee with Trainee "Ike"

 

These are things I also have to take into account as I am observing, speaking with and training. Our newbies, ok, ok, our trainees, are put through the so-called wringer, are putting in long, exhausting days and this all leads up to and from, what that individual has inside him.

During our winters firewood, water and keeping up with the range horses are our priorities. When an individual isn't paying close attention, the details, the beauty and the reason ,we are where we are, doing what we do becomes lost in the day to day, day after day. The work is intense, the pay back isn't monetarily, and being isolated brings an intensively close look of our inner selves. Do you like what you see? Can you admit your short comings, failures? Are you ready to improve them? Are you capable of asking for help? Are you willing to accept help? Are you playing jokes on your trainer?! Are you having fun?

Ruger, ready for lunch!! (not a photo op!)

What about the bigger picture? Do any of you listen to Coast to Coast, the radio station talk show? Am I supposed to be prepared for the earth switching poles? How, exactly, does one go about being prepared for this? I am, honestly speaking (and thinking), more concerned as to why and how the two horses Ruger and Ike delivers back to the feeding area 3 or 4 times a day, are determined to keep coming back to the barn!

The vast space undisturbed by progress and the rush of tomorrow. The indescribable beauty and natural rawness. Surrounded only by the ragged peaks of the mountains to give you a safe, peaceful feeling. The horses with their ancient knowledge of humans. 

There is no place in the world like Chisana. I have stood in places that fill you with so much understanding, ridden through the great gift of this pure untouched wilderness, fought against hurts, grief, depression, abuse and was brought back to life in this place, by this land, and by the horses I depend on and whom depend on me, this special place. Personal discovery, tapping our potential, finding our courage is a  constant battle somedays. Being still isn’t even an option in so many of our lives. 

Checking the horses, for instance in the winter.  It has to be part of your daily routine, +20 above or -50 below, it has to be done every day. 

Belle

Ruger

At -20, -30, 

-40, -50 degrees, it is not a happy thought to undo all your head gear, to listen for horses bells. The bells help us locate them, when they aren't in sight, but are within hearing. As with our newest horses, they aren't quite sure that the old horses are right about that "free food" rumor- so we have to go show them, that first it's us. Second- yes, we always have feed to give them, in a recognizable feed sack. Then, lead them back to the group that they were hangin' with before that scary-noisy monster came up the trail.