Calgary’s landscape makes it easy to forget you’re in a major city once you’re on horseback. Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll find open fields, foothills, and quiet trails that feel worlds away from traffic and office towers. That’s why horseback riding in Calgary attract everyone from families looking for a weekend activity to adults easing back into riding after years away.
The places below were chosen for being active, accessible, and genuinely used by locals.
From lessons to trails at horseback riding in Calgary
Clip Clop is where many Calgarians get their first real experience around horses. Lessons move at an easy pace, starting with grooming and basic handling so riders feel comfortable before getting into the saddle. That slower introduction works well for families and adults who haven’t been around horses before.
The location near Bearspaw Road keeps it accessible from most parts of the city, which makes it popular for weekend plans. Parents often choose it because sessions feel organised without being rigid, especially for younger riders. For many families comparing horseback riding in Calgary, this convenience matters.
Among horseback riding in Calgary, Clip Clop is often treated as a starting point—somewhere people try first before deciding how far they want to take riding.
| WEBSITE | https://www.clip-clop.ca/ |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | Carousel Stables 254207 Bearspaw Rd. Calgary, AB. T3R 1G1 587-894-2567 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 587-894-2567/ clipclop@clipclop.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS |
Moose Hill Ranch Equestrian Centre is located southwest of Calgary, where open land becomes a defining part of the experience. Riders here often appreciate the extra space and quieter surroundings.
The slower pace suits people rebuilding confidence or those who simply want time on horseback without distractions. Fewer crowds make sessions feel more focused.
Within horseback riding in Calgary, Moose Hill Ranch is commonly chosen by riders who prioritise space and calm over convenience.
| WEBSITE | https://www.moosehillranch.com/ |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | 42186 Township Road #240, Calgary, AB, Canada, Alberta |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 403-818-2236/ |
| OPERATING HOURS |
For people browsing horseback riding in Calgary that feel rural without requiring a long drive, Bow Canyon is a smart choice.
Bow Canyon Equestrian sits just south of Calgary along Macleod Trail, where the surroundings quickly shift from suburban to open land. The setting alone makes it feel calmer than barns closer to the city centre.
Riders here include kids taking weekly lessons and adults fitting riding into busy schedules. The atmosphere is practical and relaxed, which helps people focus on learning rather than worrying about experience level.
| WEBSITE | https://www.bowcanyonequestrian.com/ |
|---|---|
| ADDRESS | 21825 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 403-461-9487/ bowcanyon@outlook.com |
| OPERATING HOURS |
Saddle Peak Trail Rides is a popular choice for people looking to experience open land and foothills without travelling too far from the city. Located near Cochrane, it’s one of the horseback riding in Calgary people choose when the views matter as much as the ride itself.
The trails pass through rolling hills and wide stretches of land, giving riders a real sense of Alberta’s landscape. For many locals comparing horseback riding in Calgary, the appeal here is how quickly the environment shifts from suburban roads to wide-open views.
Guided rides are kept relaxed and steady, which makes them approachable for beginners while still enjoyable for riders with some experience. Many people turn it into a half-day outing, pairing the ride with time spent in Cochrane before heading back into the city.
5. Boundary Ranch
Boundary Ranch is located west of Calgary, just outside Kananaskis Country, and is well known for its long-established trail riding programs. While it requires a bit more driving, many Calgarians still include it when researching horseback riding in Calgary that offer a true mountain and foothills experience.
Rides here take place on wide trails surrounded by forested terrain and open clearings, giving a very different feel compared to barns closer to the city. The pace is steady, with guides keeping groups comfortable and organised throughout the ride.
Boundary Ranch tends to attract people planning a full outdoor day rather than a quick visit. For those who want riding to feel like a proper escape rather than a short activity, it’s often part of that shortlist.
