Copper Cayuse Outfitters

Meet the Owners of Copper Cayuse Outfitters

Copper Cayuse Outfitters was born from the shared passion of Dudley Kennett and Don Coggins for horses and British Columbia’s breathtaking wilderness. With decades of experience in the saddle and backcountry travel, their expertise shines through every adventure they create.

Two women in cowboy hats and outdoor jackets smiling, standing inside a wooden gazebo decorated with hanging flower arrangements and a table with vases of wildflowers.
An older man with a gray beard wearing a cowboy hat and a plaid shirt, smiling as he pets a spotted horse.

Dudley Kennett
Born and raised in British Columbia, Dudley grew up mastering horseback cattle ranching and logging with draft horses in the Okanagan. His love for the backcountry was further honed with Fred Shields, a seasoned mountain guide from Seton Portage. Dudley turned his passion into a profession in 1986, launching Whistler's Blackcomb Trail Rides, which he continues to operate today in Pemberton as CCO.

An older man with a beard smiling, wearing a light denim shirt with rolled-up sleeves, standing outdoors next to a wooden post, with mobile phones in his shirt pocket and a watch on his wrist.

Don Coggins
Don’s love for horses began on his uncle’s farm in Nova Scotia, where he learned to ride and care for them. After high school, he sailed for two years, served in the military, and later transitioned to a corporate career. In 1992, he moved to Whistler and founded Chidaq Consulting Ltd. His passion for horses led him to Copper Cayuse Outfitters, where he shares BC’s stunning landscapes with others.

Jan Kennett & Evelyn Coggins
Businesswomen in their own right, and community advocates, Jan and Evelyn are the leaders and hosts of the annual Women’s Wellness Retreat that brings women from all walks of life together for time to connect out in the backcountry with horses, each other and a variety of facilitators.

Building a Sustainable Partnership with N'Quatqua

At Copper Cayuse Outfitters, we deeply value our long-standing relationship with the N'Quatqua First Nation and their support of our operations on their traditional lands. Together, we’re working to strengthen our partnership by aligning with N'Quatqua’s Vision, Values, and Mission to create sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit the community.

This collaboration focuses on developing guided horseback operations that honor N'Quatqua’s rich horse culture and heritage. By revitalizing these traditions, we aim to offer visitors meaningful experiences while fostering a deeper connection to the land.

We are excited to continue this journey with N'Quatqua, building a partnership that creates lasting, positive impacts for the community and preserves the natural beauty of their traditional lands for generations to come.

A person wearing a bear costume or mask with a forest background.
A scenic mountain landscape with a brown horse carrying a saddle and gear, and three people sitting on a large rock taking photos in the background, surrounded by greenery and trees, under a partly cloudy sky.
A rushing mountain river flowing through a forested area with rocks and fallen trees.
Two women in a mountain landscape, one wearing a sun hat and bending over with hands together, the other sitting on a rock, smiling, with trees and mountains in the background.

Ready to experience backcountry BC by horseback?