UPDATE: Repair Done on Pony Creek Trail
UPDATE: The sinkhole on Pony Creek Trail has been repaired! Happy Trails!
Previously, HHA wrote:
Riders should avoid Pony Creek Trail at this time due to a significant sink hole at the west end of the bridge. This sinkhole opens right down to the creek.
HHA has notified the City of Maple Ridge about this hazard, and crews will be attending to it very soon.
Membership Renewal Time!
The start of a new year means it’s HHA Membership renewal time!
Please join/renew and show your support for your local equestrian trail stewards.
Haney Horsemen work to enhance, maintain, improve and preserve the municipal Equestrian Trail Network in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, for the enjoyment of equestrians and hikers alike.
Trail User Etiquette and Ethics
Among the challenges facing the outdoor recreation community is learning to share the trail safely with other users, and respecting the trail and the natural environment.
HHA is thankful to Outdoor Recreation Council of BC for publishing its Trail User’s Code of Ethics brochure to inform the public about some of the steps we each can take to address these issues when we are out enjoying the trails.
Published by the Outdoor Recreation Council (2017), this brochure is reproduced below with permission. Visit Outdoor Recreation Council of BC’s website for additional resources.
Halloween Spooky Horse Photo Contest
Know Your Trails Ride at Allco Park
Horsemans Park Update
HHA volunteers have repaired the damaged bridge obstacle and, in response to HHA’s safety concerns, the City of Maple Ridge will be installing a “Horse Crossing” sign at the river crossing there. The City has also agreed to place a “Horse Trail” sign at the trailhead on 128th Avenue, for the connector trail to 224th Street. This is a very important connector that enables equestrians to avoid riding the bridge on 224th Street
2021 Allco Campouts for HHA Members
Yes indeed! Dust off that camping gear and get ready to camp with your horse! We have booked two sets of dates at Allco Park horse campground!
Our first event is on July 24-26, 2021. Fees are $8.00 per person per night. At these reasonable rates, a couple can camp with their horses for the weekend for just $32.00!
Earliest arrival at the Allco camp site is Friday afternoon on July 24; departure is on Sunday, July 26.
Riders must be Haney Horsemen members to join this campout. A non-riding significant other of a participating HHA member is permitted; contact Lynn for specifics on this.
Click this link to join HHA.
HHA requires a $20 deposit to hold your spot, e-transfered to Lynn Byer.
Limited number of spots available, so please contact Lynn asap to book your horse camping weekend!
Our second campout event will be on September 10-12, 2021. It’s not too early to contact Lynn if you wish to participate at that event.
NOTICE: Construction affecting West Shoesmith @ 232 Street
Currently, there is redevelopment happening to the property immediately adjacent to the West Shoesmith trailhead at 232nd Street and also the section of trail before the switchbacks down to the North Alouette River.
According to City of Maple Ridge Parks staff, this section of trail will be re-built as part of the development, and also eventually extended north to connect to the other trails north of 136th ave, on the east side of 232nd Street.
The contractor has agreed to the City’s request to keep this section of West Shoesmith trail open as much as possible while construction is underway. They will need to close the trail temporarily during the workday a few times during the next few weeks; at those times, they will post signage of the temporary closure. They will re-establishing the trail at the end of each workday to allow for public access.
NOTICE: High Water Conditions on South Alouette River
Starting now until June 14, 2021, BC Hydro will be conducting a sockeye smolt outmigration study on the South Alouette River and, as part of the study, they will be increasing the flows from Alouette Dam to the South Alouette River.
Typical flows of 3 cubic meters per second will be increased to an average of 10 cubic meters per second during this time. Maximum flows from the dam could be up to about 15 cubic meters per second. Actual flows will depend on inflows and reservoir levels.
Equestrians need to use extra caution when active around the river or when considering crossing the river, since water levels can rise and fluctuate without warning.
IT’S OPEN! Horseman’s Park Trail Obstacle Course
Thanks to the Equestrian Trails Fund grant provided by Horse Council BC and the collaboration of the City of Maple Ridge with HHA, the Haney Horsemen are thrilled to share the news that our Horseman’s Park Trail Obstacle Course project is now complete and OPEN for recreational use by all equestrians!
Special thanks to Nancy Spratt of Horse Council BC and, from the City of Maple Ridge: Valoree Richmond, Erin Gorby, Colin Priddle, Aaron Billard, Chad Neufeld and super trail builder Alex Torres.
Thanks also to course designer Dave Hodgens, bridge builder Logan Duke-Bodnarchuk (from Rooster Carpentry Inc.), and the amazing volunteer installation crew: Kirsten Call, Kim Hofmarks, Gayle Heuring, Deb Murray, and Dianne Stoesz.
The Horseman’s Park Trail Obstacle Course was built using reclaimed logs from Allco Park. The obstacles can help teach inexperienced horses and/or riders how to handle logs, bridges and tricky terrain in a safe and familiar environment, in preparation for riding out on our Maple Ridge trail network.
ELBOW
Practise going forwards and backwards through the logs.
PLATFORM
Pop up onto it; see if your horse will turn around on the platform. It’s not as easy as it looks!
BRIDGE
Teach your horse to go on to it slowly and go off of it slowly. Time for your horse to trust you, that the bridge is “okay”!
STEPOVERS
Teach your horse to pick up his feet and be careful stepping over all the logs. Keep a loose rein to let your horse pick his way through. Time to trust your horse!
Training Tip: If your horse is new to obstacles, hop off and guide (not lead) him over the obstacles, in-hand, at first. Let your horse sniff and check out the obstacles. Then hop back on and try again under saddle.
Have fun! Haney Horsemen wish you happy and safe trails always!