Come ride with me, in five sections
I thought I would share some pics and video from our trail system that surrounds our barn. Known as one of the best places to ride in Eastern Canada with 300 square miles of trails in natural woodlands on protected, municipal and private land. Our surrounding land owners contribute to almost 60% of the trail network and we are forever grateful.
In the winter time we share the trails with x-country skiers (they have their own trails that intersect ours) and skidoos, and atv bikes and joggers/hikers all year long. The motorized vehicules have their own trails, but they intersect ours. And of course on private land, we might encounter anything from atvs, fat bikes, dog sleds, etc.
The network is split into five sections and Ive become familiar with all of them after riding on these trails for almost 30 years. Below is a picture of the trail map. Our barn is smack in the middle of section 2 and where I spend most of my time these days. Section 2 is known for its wide sandy winding trails and easy ravines with babbling brooks. It is a fantastic section for lots of trotting and cantering with great footing. Most of the equine traffic is concentrated here with several large (30+ horses each) barns adjacent to the trails. Its also the heart of hunter/jumper land, with lots of regular schooling and regional shows nearby.
Many of the sections, and particularly 1 and 4, grew significantly in housing density over the last 20 years and many of the trails had to be rerouted to accommodate the new residents. Originally these trails were used by the Hunt Club, with hounds and all, galloping freely through the fields and forests with loose hounds in pursuit of a fox. Now our challenges are more about multi-use, and helping riders despook their horses for the lawn mowers, barking dogs, backyard pools, and huge trampolines.
I will cover each of the sections in a separate post over the course of the summer. The idea is that this will be my motivation to go further despite losing my trail buddy this spring. With the trails of section 2 so closeby and scenic, it is sometimes difficult to get motivated for a longer trek. But with your help, and in the interest of sharing my slice of paradise with you, I will go the extra mile.
Happy trails!
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| Q wondering why we are stopping... |
In the winter time we share the trails with x-country skiers (they have their own trails that intersect ours) and skidoos, and atv bikes and joggers/hikers all year long. The motorized vehicules have their own trails, but they intersect ours. And of course on private land, we might encounter anything from atvs, fat bikes, dog sleds, etc.
The network is split into five sections and Ive become familiar with all of them after riding on these trails for almost 30 years. Below is a picture of the trail map. Our barn is smack in the middle of section 2 and where I spend most of my time these days. Section 2 is known for its wide sandy winding trails and easy ravines with babbling brooks. It is a fantastic section for lots of trotting and cantering with great footing. Most of the equine traffic is concentrated here with several large (30+ horses each) barns adjacent to the trails. Its also the heart of hunter/jumper land, with lots of regular schooling and regional shows nearby.
Many of the sections, and particularly 1 and 4, grew significantly in housing density over the last 20 years and many of the trails had to be rerouted to accommodate the new residents. Originally these trails were used by the Hunt Club, with hounds and all, galloping freely through the fields and forests with loose hounds in pursuit of a fox. Now our challenges are more about multi-use, and helping riders despook their horses for the lawn mowers, barking dogs, backyard pools, and huge trampolines.
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| The extensive trail network in five sections |
I will cover each of the sections in a separate post over the course of the summer. The idea is that this will be my motivation to go further despite losing my trail buddy this spring. With the trails of section 2 so closeby and scenic, it is sometimes difficult to get motivated for a longer trek. But with your help, and in the interest of sharing my slice of paradise with you, I will go the extra mile.
Happy trails!
What a fantastic area to live!
ReplyDeleteIm looking forward to more trail footage from your area!
DeleteI'm really interested to see East Canada, cuz I've only seen BC, and the West Edmonton Mall. Best Mall ever (fake wave pool! submarine ride, themed hotel rooms!).
ReplyDeleteBeen to Edmonton … but never made it out to the mall. What was the submarine ride about?
Delete