Meet the Guide – John Rosica – CA Sierra Nevada Ride

This the second of an ongoing series to introduce you to our guides – those incredible folk that work hard to make your vacation the best week of your year. 

How long have you been running horse riding holidays?
Over 10 years now

And what was the background, history, reason for starting?
My love of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Wilderness Areas in the Sierras.  My love of Horses and Mules and the ability to take them onto remote backcountry trips and be able to carry enough gear and food to stay and enjoy the location in style.

How many guest horses do you have?
Our outfit has about 180-190 total Horses/Mules that are well trained to ride on the Granite and Trails of Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as transport the gear and personal equipment of the guests safely to and from some very remote locations only accessible by foot or horse/mule.

Describe your herd of horses in 5 words or less.
Tons of personality and good natured/trained.

What is the philosophy or ethos behind your horse riding experiences?
Safe, fun and gentle to the animals and they get to enjoy the destination as much as the guests because they get to run free in high open meadows with lush grass and plenty of running cool water.

What do you love most about your job guiding?
The time I get to spend showing the guests some absolutely AWESOME wilderness locations they might NEVER have the opportunity to see any other way and the opportunity to share it with my Horses and Mules and Dogs too.

What is the most challenging part?
One needs to be in shape to ride a horse on wilderness type trails both mentally and physically but also know that they can TRUST the animal to get them there safely and back.

Why should people sign up for this ride?
It is in many cases a once in a lifetime chance to ride a horse to places you never imagined you would go and stay over night and eat wonderful food in absolutely wonderful scenery.

A tip that every rider must know before signing up for this ride is……
Trust the horse and the mules, they do this all day long in the summer and they will lead you just fine don’t be scared of the terrain these animals are used to it, relax and enjoy the ride.

  Finish this sentence – Don’t leave home without …
Your camera

What has been the most memorable or significant moment of your guiding career?
Every time we leave on a trip riding horses sometimes all day to get there

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