Gavin Selway - Owner

Gavin Selway founded Bearcat Stables in 1998. Shortly thereafter acquired permits from the US Forest Service to expand the company to what is now Indian Summer Outfitters LLC.

His passion for horses and the outdoors began when he was young living in England before immigrating to the United States in the mid 1970’s. Gavin moved to Colorado in 1993 where he began to work on a full time basis in the equine industry. He worked with such people as Willard Forman, who has been outfitting in the western U.S. since the 1950’s. Their work together included celebrity horse pack trips to Monument Valley and Brice Canyon, Utah, as well as weeklong wagon trains, and trips along the Colorado Trail. 

Gavin used his experience to build upon the current Vail to Aspen pack trips his company now offers, as well as maintain the quality day trips offered at Bearcat Stables on a daily basis. This type of “Hands On” work ethic is what has made the company thrive with a large percentage of repeat business year after year. Gavin prides himself on the care of the horses and the knowledgeable staff currently in place.

Leeds Butcher - Owner

Leeds Butcher has been a lifelong friend of founding owner Gavin Selway for almost 25 years. Leeds worked in sales and marketing in the Colorado area since 1993. He purchased 50% of the company in 2006 from Gavin's original partner. Leeds' primary responsibilities include sales and marketing as well as day to day operations at the stables.

Leeds, other than being a Scuba Diving Instructor and a Sommelier, brings years of knowledge and experience in the business world to better broaden the ideals of guest relations and customer satisfaction that people expect and deserve when visiting Bearcat Stables for their fun and entertainment. He has a deep passion for nature and animals which makes his part in the company a perfect complement to what Gavin envisioned when he began in 1998.

Audrey Robinson McRae's - Assistant Manager

My lifelong passion for horses started when I attended a horse camp for kids at age 6.  In 1998, I began my wrangling career teaching children to ride at Cordillera.  I have horses of my own and am in constant awe of their beauty and intelligence.  I have lived in the Vail Valley for 21 years and own a Real Estate & property management company.  I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to join Bear Cat Stables.  The staff and the horses here are of such high caliber that it is a pleasure to come to work each day.  Come ride with us!

Diane Haynes - Head Wrangler

I have had horses  most of my life, I started taking people in the back country 29 years ago. I never get tired of seeing the back country, to me its home. I have been doing the Vail to Aspen trips for over 15 years and love every minute  of the adventure. I live in eagle on a small horse ranch where we put up hay and have a few cows. I have 2 grown kids both who love the outdoors and spend a lot of time there doing a variety of things.

Becky Iglehart

I grew up and was raised on a Farm/Ranch in North Dakota. We farmed grain and raised beef cattle and horses. I've love to travel and have lived in 10 different states (I think I have some "gypsy" in me). I have been doing Back Country Guiding for the last 9 yrs in the Santa Ynez Mountains of California and the Colorado Rockies. I've been lucky to be able to make a living doing something I love! See you on the trail!

Marla Costanza

Hi, I'm Marla. Not only do I have 10 years of experience as a horseback riding guide, I also have a deep understanding and respect for our horses and the spectacular mountains they call home. Ride with us and I will give you a nature lesson, tell you about the history of the old homestead, or just help you and the kids learn to ride or brush up on your skills. See you on the trail!.

Mickey Fried

This has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life, and I have seen so many beautiful things from the backs of fine horses. The Vail to Aspen ride was one of the best adventures ever!  Nothing makes me happier than horses and being immersed in nature. 

Raina Gerard

I was born and raised in the Eagle Valley. I live on Gerard Brothers Ranch and have been involved with horses all my life. I am a former member of 4-H, rode for 10 years in the Freedom Riders Drill Team, and have participated in the Grand Entry in the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo. I was the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Queen in 2010. I am knowledgeable and experienced with horses, and on the land I grew up. I would love to share this with you.

Matt Sargent

I was fortunate enough to grow up in Vail exploring the majesty of this incredible area.  I've spent the past decade guiding rafts and jeeps in the summer months and working as a professional ski patrolman in the winters. Remember  "This is what we were meant to do, ride a fine horse into new country"
- Lonesome Dove

"Redneck" Schweer

I’m Todd “Redneck” Schweer. From ranch hand, to packing hunters in and out of the backcountry, to building fence, or leading pony rides for little ones; I do it all. I am the crew chief for Camelot Balloons, but love to come and help out at the stables when I can. There is nothing like an ice cold Pepsi and a horse. Don’t forget to ask me about “Big Foot”. I’ll tell ya!