Page 7 - AEF-AlbertaBits_Winter-2025

Trail Guide
West Bragg Creek
Winter Horse Trail
All
Weather
Rides
Exploring Bragg Creek
in the winter offers new
sights and sounds
By Caitlin Hart
AS A CHILL sets in and the ground freezes, many equestrians move their riding indoors
or give their horse a break until the spring. But winter trail riding can offer unique views
and a quieter experience, for those who don’t want to miss out on any trail-riding time.
Boundary Horse Trail at West Bragg Creek is one of the province’s stand out winter
equestrian trails. It has the best views for the area, and there are many wayfinding maps
to guide riders new to the trail. Equestrians love it for the interesting terrain, and horses
can take to the trail barefoot.
Riding in Bragg Creek isn’t only desirable for the views — chinooks can make
riding in the winter much more pleasant. Mac Makenny, owner of Homeplace Ranch in
Foothills County, has observed this phenomenon. After a couple days of chinook, riders
reach out to him looking to take a trail ride in the milder weather. It’s an opportunity to
see a new side of trail riding.
“Riding in the winter is different — the sounds are different, the horse moves
differently, you don’t feel his feet hit the ground. ” says Makenny. “It’s quiet.”
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