The Recreation Division of Equine Canada, through its Recreation Council, is responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of all EC program services and activities relating to non-competitive enjoyment of horses. This includes:

• The recommendation of national standards for public riding stables
• Providing education programs for the public
• Providing Learn To Ride programs for the public
• Recommending safety guidelines for riding stables and riding programs
• Advocating for access to public lands and National Parks
• Recommending standards and guidelines for trail expansion and preservation

The Division is composed of provincial equestrian federations and national recreation organizations.  The Council is made up of a maximum of two representatives from each provincial equestrian federation and a maximum of two representatives from national recreation organizations, admitted to membership in Equine Canada by the Board of Directors.  The Council meets bi-monthly oversees the above-listed activities, including National Horse Week, held in the first week of June each year.

As of our 2010 study, there are nearly a million horses across Canada owned by some 220,000 people and that represents a significant investment both individually and collectively.  Recreationally, they are involved in a myriad of activities, from organized clubs and trail associations, to equestrian tourism, driving for pleasure, local fairs, gymkhanas – just name your riding or driving pleasure and people are out having fun with their horses!

We encourage you to share your ideas and questions with us as we work with our provincial partners to bring you best practices in horse and stable management, as well as recreational and learning opportunities for you and your horse.  We will keep you abreast of our advocacy work on equestrian trail developments across the nation, as well as emerging equestrian tourism opportunities.