The clip clopping sound of horse hooves trotting around Invermere’s streets will be heard this summer, after Invermere council voted during its most recent council meeting to allow horse-drawn wagon rides in town twice a month.
Council members received a request, during their Tuesday, May 10th meeting, from A Bar Z Mountain Adventures owner Brent DuBois to operate horse-pulled wagon rides for the public within the downtown two days a month from July through August as well as during special events, circling from 7th Avenue down to Kinsmen Beach and back.
“My team is two elderly ladies — Franny and Cathy — that are beautiful bomb-proof draft mares,” wrote DuBois, outlining that his businesses currently already offers one-hour to seven-day horse rides throughout the valley, at Fairmont Hot Springs, at Panorama Mountain Resort, and in the backcountry.
“Last season we were able to supply more than 3,400 valley visitors with a horse experience,” he wrote.
Rides will be on a 12-person wagon and will cost $20 per person, with kids under six years old riding for free. Pick up and drop off will be at Avenue (formerly Tiffany’s Thredz) clothing store on 7th Avenue and the Kinsman Beach concession stand. The ride will take roughly 20 minutes each way.
“I believe it will add a much-needed attraction and character to downtown,” wrote DuBois.
The wagon will have a slow-moving vehicle sign, reflectors on all four corners and a flashing light. Franny and Cathy will be outfitted with manure bags that will be emptied into horse trailers and removed daily.
“It’s a nice, old-fashioned horse wagon,” Invermere planner Rory Hromadnik told council during the meeting, adding that by the time horse feed, transport and insurance is factored in, DuBois won’t make a huge profit and “it’s truly just a community promotion.”
Council voted unanimously to approve the horse-drawn wagon rides, not just during July and August, but from May 12th to September 30th.
