The trails operated by the Drayton Valley Horse Club have new signage in place, reflecting their growing popularity.
Susan O’Connor, the treasurer of the club, says that the club and the trails are becoming better known in the province, especially around the city of Edmonton.
She says the reason is that the trails are easily accessible. Otherwise, she says people would normally go to the mountains for trail riding.
Having signs up to indicate where the trails are make it easier for tourists to find them.
“We were fielding a lot of calls over the years from people asking how to find them,” says O’Connor.
During the pandemic, the trails became even more popular because it was a nearby outdoor activity. While the club had to postpone their regular fundraisers, the trails were put to good use.
She also gives credit to Hayley Feschuk, one of the members of the club, who has worked hard to increase the club’s social media presence.
“The youngsters of the world are on social media, and she has done a huge amount of putting our social media presence out there,” says O’Connor.
O’Connor says the club puts on several fundraisers throughout the year. This year they are participating in the Alberta Trail Riders Association fundraiser for the Be Brave Ranch in May. They will also have their annual fundraiser for patient comfort items at the cancer clinic in Drayton Valley.
O’Connor says the club started in 1991 with the goal of creating trails for people to use for horseback riding in the area. She says they do a poker run every fall, with the funds going toward maintaining the 60 km of trails.
“Obviously, they require maintenance. There’s wood bridges, and beavers do their number, so we’re always clearing the trails,” she says.
The trails also have a camping area that can be accessed from Range Road 91. O’Connor says there are no services, only outhouses, but it’s a place where people can bring their trailers down and camp for a couple of days if they want to.
“On the weekends when we have a function, it probably has anywhere from 70 to 100 riders and their assorted trucks and trailers,” she says.
Their next project is to work with the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Council to put a campground at the south end of the park. It will be accessed off of range road 80 and will hopefully extend their trails.
“We’re just getting going on that,” says O’Connor.
She says the trails are great for beginners to learn on as well as for people looking to train a beginner horse. However, anyone is allowed to use the trails for hiking as well.
O’Connor says the annual general meeting will be held on April 4 at the Violet Grove Hall, and she hopes anyone who’s interested in the club will attend. “We’re always looking for more volunteers,” she says.
Anyone who can’t attend but still wants to join can visit www.draytonvalleyhorseclub.com to sign up.
