If you are a horse rider and want to experience some horse culture away from home, the Athabasca Region has some great choices! From rodeo and barrel racing events to indoor riding to rugged Boreal trails, there are equestrian activities for all skills and interests. So get on your horse and explore the Athabasca Region!
The Athabasca Region’s proximity to Edmonton, Fort McMurray and surrounding rural municipalities means less time on the road and in the trailer and more time doing what you love! From Edmonton, our equestrian amenities are between 1.5 & 2.5 hours away. From Fort McMurray about 3 – 3.5 hours away.
Share your horse adventures on social with #VisitTheAthabascaRegion & #LiveLifeOutside
Athabasca Agricultural Society
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Arena photos courtesy of Athabasca District Agricultural Society
The Athabasca District Agricultural Society was officially organized in 1949. since then it has been an important organization in improving rural life and representing agriculture in the Region.
“Our volunteer presence in this community has been long active. Our objective of a Society is to encourage improvement in agriculture, and in the quality of life of persons living in an agriculture community by developing programs, services and facilities based on the needs of the agriculture community.”
The Athabasca Ag Society manages the Athabasca Agri-plex, located just north of town on Hwy 813. The Agriplex boasts a heated indoor riding arena, an area for clinics and livestock shows, an outdoor riding area, and an event hall.
You don’t have to be a Member to use the riding arenas. You can book drop-in riding and rentals for your events on their website. Please find out more on their Booking or Rentals webpage.
The Athabasca Ag Society also hosts its own events, including workshops, Gymkhana, practices and more. Check out their Events page for upcoming events.
Visit their website for more information.
Boyle Agricultural Society
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The Boyle Ag Society manages the Boyle Rodeo Grounds just east of Boyle. The Rodeo grounds have an outdoor riding ring, bleachers, and a hall.
Over May, they host the “Spring Fling”, a barrel racing jackpot event. At the end of July, they host the “Hell on Hooves” Jackpot Rodeo which features barrel racing, bronc and steer riding and more.
They have rough stock practice events and host open-riding days. You can learn more on their Facebook page.
Text +1 780-689-6568 for more information and to enquire about bookings.
Trails
White Earth Valley
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White Earth Natural Area provides a Boreal riding experience with the comfort of a campground nearby in Long Lake Provincial Park. It is located about 110 km north of Edmonton on Highway 831, which is accessible from Highway 63 North. It’s about 20 km south of the village of Boyle, where you can stock up on supplies. It is also accessible from the south where there is a small staging area.
The White Earth Trail is 17 km long. The path winds through a wide variety of rich habitats, where an abundance of diverse plants and wildlife thrive. It’s accessible from adjacent Long Lake Provincial Park during operating season (May to October), with parking at the trailhead. The trail can also be accessed year-round from Township Road 621 at the southern end of the Natural Area. – Alberta Parks
The White Earth Valley NA is adjacent to thousands of hectares of undisturbed Boreal forest which promotes great habitat for many Boreal species, including bears and wolves. Use caution around wildlife and be bear-smart.
The trail is rated for equestrian use, but there are no horse facilities. Please inquire with the Park about camping with horses. Call 780-675-8213.
Visit the Alberta Parks website for more information.
Poacher’s Landing
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To the north-east of Athabasca, along the banks of the Athabasca River, is Poacher’s Landing Provincial Recreation Area.
“Poachers Landing Campsite is located in Poacher’s Landing Provincial Recreation Area, located 25 km east of Athabasca on Hwy. 55, then 20 km north on Range Rd. 195A, and 1km east to access road. This riverside campground had plenty of trails for equestrians and ATV users to enjoy, with access to adjacent La Biche River Wildland Provincial Park. For registered campers, a small equestrian staging area is available with hitching rails and a corral for overnight stays for horses.”
Poachers Landing has 6 unserviced, first-come, first-serve campsites, a cook shed, a playground and access to the Athabasca River.
Visit their website for more information.
Peace River Trail
Part of the Trans Canada Trail includes the Peace River Wilderness trail that runs from just north of Athabasca to northeast of Smith, AB.
The trail follows the Athabasca River through some old-growth Boreal forest. Expect wildlife like bears, wolves, moose, deer, and other Boreal species. It is approximately 60 km from trailhead to trailhead. Permitted uses include hiking, cross-country skiing, bicycles, horses, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles.
The southern trailhead is approximately 30 km north of the Town of Athabasca. There is some parking at each trailhead, and there are three unserviced campsites along the route. Please pack out all garbage and stay on the marked trail. Be bear-smart along this trail.
Conditions vary on the trail, there are gravel sections and there is high OHV use. Please use caution. There are no equestrian amenities along the trail.
Visit their website for more information.
Hubert Lake Wilderness Area
The Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park is about an hour southwest of Athabasca and about 2 hours northwest of Edmonton. The Hubert Lake WPP offers kilometres of trails through a central mixed-wood boreal landscape. The Athabasca River is on the west border and the Pembina River is on the east.
Hubert Lake Wildland Park consists of a sand dune complex and numerous small lakes and wetlands. Jack pine is the dominant tree species on the dunes. Itervening depressions support black spruce and larch, with open fens in wetter areas. The park is an important nesting area for great blue herons and sandhill cranes. A small caribou herd wanders in and out of the park.
Backcountry camping is allowed, with two unofficial sites on the map. This trail system is designated as multi-use, but trail conditions vary. There is OHV use on this trail system, please use caution. There are no equestrian amenities in this wilderness area.
Trail Rides
Leaning Tree Trail Rides
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Photos courtesy of Leaning Tree Trail Rides | Photo Credit: Amara Dirks/Amara Dirks Photography
If you don’t have your own horses, but would still like to experience trail riding, Leaning Tree Trail Rides has you covered! This family-owned and operated business offers trail rides in a gorgeous setting!
“Are you looking for an adventure? The perfect date? Dreamt of riding a horse? Looking for the perfect outdoor activity?
We have the perfect, intimate setting just for you! Come spend a part of your day with us – book your spot now!
Welcome to Leaning Tree Trail Rides. Come join us at our home with our beautiful animals. We promise you will leave with a smile!”
All rides are by appointment only, please no drop-ins. You can also get professional-quality photos of your experience!
Visit their website to book your rides and learn more!
Whether you hit the wilderness trail, race around some barrels or experience your first horse ride, we’d love to see your pictures! Share on social media with the hashtag #VisitTheAthabascaRegion!
