Category: Recreation & Trail Riders
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Volunteering
You don’t have to ride or drive to participate! Much of the horse industry relies on volunteers. These valuable people organize shows, clinics, and other events, drive friends and relatives to horsey activities, help children learn, and advocate for equestrian users. Fortunately, there are many great reasons to volunteer. They include: If you’d like to…
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Trail Supporter Fund
The AEF Trail Supporter Fund (TSF) assists with construction and/or maintenance of specific projects that benefit equestrian users. Every year, groups and non-profit organizations can apply for funding for projects that fit into at least one of the following categories: equestrian trails, trailheads, horse camping sites, or trail safety. All projects must be in Alberta…
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Trail Safety & Etiquette
Trail riding can be one of the most fun and exciting equestrian activities, but it is important to understand and practice safe trail riding. The AEF has put together a series of videos based on best practices and recommendations from experienced trail riders that will help keep you and your mount safe, knowledgeable, and comfortable…
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Trail Advocacy
The AEF’s mission is to support Alberta’s equine community, so our role when it comes to Trail Riding and Recreation is to educate and advocate, not regulate. As such, we have an active volunteer recreation task force that advocates on behalf of equestrians for continued horse access to public trails and lands. The task force…
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Horse Camping & Backcountry Riding
Sleeping under a blanket of stars after riding through the wilderness like an intrepid explorer is something not many people get to experience. It is a great way to escape the chaos of city life and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or for a full week, traversing the backcountry…
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Economic Impact Study
Abstract This study shows the equine community’s significant impacts across the province, demonstrating the great importance of this diverse and wide-reaching sector. Findings help determine the best way to enhance and grow the equine community. They inform decisions in many areas including agriculture, sport, recreation, and government, and help identify future trends and drivers of…
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Driving
Driving, when applied to horses, ponies, mules, or donkeys, is a broad term for hitching equines to a wagon, carriage, cart, sleigh, or other horse-drawn vehicle by means of a harness and working them in this way. It encompasses a wide range of activities from pleasure driving to harness racing, to farm work, horse shows,…
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Recreation & Trail Riders – Health Benefits
Recreation and participation-based activities include trail riding, horse camping, backcountry riding, driving, advocacy, volunteering, and just enjoying horses in general. There are also huge health benefits of participating in equine activities. The Benefits of Getting Involved Participating in equestrian related activities is fun and has numerous physical and mental health benefits. Riders build strength throughout…