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Student Testimonials
Dear COAGS,
While serving overseas the notion of the Rocky Mountains on horseback became an almost nightly topic of conversation within my platoon. Upon returning to the states, I contacted COAGS. Within 2 months
I arrived in Colorado and discovered that the Basic Course offered exactly what I was looking for.
A year later, upon graduation from the Advanced Backcountry Horsemanship Program, I feel that my horsemanship skills have increased 10 fold, and again I am returning home feeling rejuvenated. I received a firm handshake from Jeff, (and a hug from Theresa). They wished me well and I truly believe I am leaving here a richer man. The time spent here is something I will cherish forever, and the skills that I have developed have opened up lifetime worth of adventures in the backcountry that I fully intend to utilize.
I would (and will) recommend the Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School to my friends and family, as well as to anyone who has ever felt drawn to horses, to the mountains, or even to a relaxing escape to the outdoors.
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Sincerely,
James D. Graham
United States Navy Seal Security Services Consultant, G.S.S.I.
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Dear COAGS,
I could have gone to Hawaii or a dude ranch but I wanted something
real. COAGS is very real, yet seemed a magical place, and time was
suspended for the two weeks that Ken (my husband) and I were there. I
worried about our age and about "keeping up" with the other students and
so many other things. It took two years before I got up enough courage
to actually go to COAGS. I worried for nothing.
Words alone don't describe the beauty of the mountain scenery, the
kiss of the sun, wind, and brief rain showers on my face. The bluest
skies and whitest clouds, ever changing above the Aspens, evergreens and mountains, with a view that just went on for as far as the eye could see
and sending the imagination soaring, even beyond that. No painting or
picture could ever really capture the beauty of the high country with
the colorful wild flowers, scattered beneath the trees, among the
grasses of the hills and valleys. The rugged, majestic mountains seemed
to stand guard, all around the Gold Camp Ranch and COAGS.
The animal life was amazing. Down below the trail while hiking, our
class saw a very large and majestic elk, just lying down, resting among
the trees and rocks. There were rabbits, birds and chipmunks that
scurried everywhere, on chipmunk business. The horses and mules were
so big (not like on tv!) They scared me half to death at first, but I
actually miss "Casper" the black mule that I rode. They were beautiful
animals and I'm glad I have the pictures and memories of the rides and
scenery that they allowed us to enjoy. They were so warm and soft to
touch and had different personalities, just as people do.
I became fond of and appreciated all of my fellow students, in just
two short weeks and often wonder how they fared after I left. You,
Jeff, Theresa, Daniel and little Jordan were wonderful and I learned so
much from just watching all of you. Theresa was my hero. Each teacher
who came to teach us was special, each in their own way. All of the
people were somehow warmer and more open than people are in the cities
and suburbs. Our class, without discussing or planning it, began
helping and taking care of each other and to actually share chores we
didn't have to share. That's an amazing thing and something I've never
experienced before. We all were fed and ate like ranch hands. An amazing variety and amount of food at every meal and in between. The
kitchen was always open and food was always there for anyone who wanted
a snack. Even an apple for your horse was to be had.
Ken and I both found courage and self reliance at COAGS and thank
all of you for that. Next year we plan to ride the mules down the Grand
Canyon and go white water rafting. I can't wait! Thank you COAGS, for
a wonderful experience that I'll never forget. I'd urge everyone, young
and old, that has a thirst for a real life adventure to take the Basic
COAGS course. It isn't easy and that's what's so wonderful about it.
Last but not least, I had fun! The fun part surprised me and I loved
COAGS. Ken and I both are so very glad we went and will never forget
it. Those two weeks were pure magic.
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Best Wishes Always,
Linda & Ken Burgh
Plainfield, IL 60544
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Dear COAGS:
This is a letter from a MOM! My intention is to attempt to express
by appreciation for your wonderful facility, staff, and great outdoor experience
which my son enjoyed to the fullest. The teachings flow from his mouth while
he and his Dad talk for hours about hunting trips they are planning together.
If I could tell every parent the growth experience your school provides for
students and the wealth of knowledge which has to do with the real world, students
would be flocking to your school. If there was a chance that this experience
could be sampled by every person on this earth, our troubled society just might
have a breath of fresh air and a new outlook on what was of real value in this
world. Thank you for what you have made available to us, and the profes-sional
manor in which your school teaches direct to the soul.
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Sincerely,
Phyllis Dwyer
Chesterfield, IL
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My name is Annette Larue-Reynolds and I attended the Basic course
in May of '03. I had no idea how great the class would be. I learned so much
and found it to be VERY empowering as a woman. I will never again be afraid
of the wilderness. I can now confidently guide a group of people on a simple
trail ride or a week long camp-out. I can read and understand a map of the
wilderness, make a shelter, cook good food on an open fire, and perform basic
first aid.
The teachers at COAGS made sure I understood everything and I learned alot
from the other students as well. I never felt belittled for the silly questions
I asked, and in fact, got alot of extra help when needed.
The facilities were better than I hoped for and the food was great, and
I was a vegetarian when I arrived, but Theresa's cooking was so good I converted.
I own my own horse and thought I wouldn't like the ones they had , but
all the horses were excellent and I learned how to properly handle mules
as well as horses and mules in a large group. It is hard to get experience
handling animals in groups and it's very important to have that experience
when working on a ranch. I got a job on a 40 horse ranch the day I got home
because they knew I had gone to the school. I was even able to show the owner
of the ranch a thing or two (respectfully, of course).
Please let me know if you need any photos from the class...I have some
really good shots if needed!!! Hi to Theresa and Bandito, Dancer, and Beaudacious,
oh, and my favorite mule, Big Jake!!
I will attend COAGS again in '04 and will bring my new husband, cause he
doesn't like the fact that I may know more than him!!
Thanks for a life changing experience!! And, see you in September!!
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I love you guys!
Annette Larue-Reynolds
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Howdy Folks,
My Incredible Journey. That is how I would describe the COAGS experience.
The professional and dedicated owners and instructors made it all happen.
The many learnable skills and a different culture of life style can be guaranteed,
along with every turn, a "Kodak moment". Perhaps the best of the best is
the comradeship with the many new friends you meet.
I highly recommend this school, COAGS; an incredible journey for
any person who loves the outdoors, animals, and fine folks.
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Sincerely,
Jackie L. Farver
(Slippery)
'Semper Fi'
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| Pro Guide Program |
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| Fly Fishing Guide
Program |
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| Adv Horsemanship
Program |
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Our thoughts and prayers are
with our troops and their families during
this time of conflict.
Please go HERE to find a way to
help. |
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