Calgary is a major tourist attraction. It is also a destination for many cowboys who compete in The Stampede. This rodeo takes over when it comes to town. Downtown Calgary which locals refer to as “Cowtown'' shuts down during The Stampede so everyone can enjoy the festivities, making it known to many as the “Heart of the West.” For 10 days in July the town is home to what they call the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Calgary was also home to the 1988 Olympic Games. There are about 1.3 million people living in Calgary and is a major urban centre and is one of Canada's wealthiest cities.

Horseback riding is very popular among many living in Canada. There are riding schools and places to take lessons around every turn. Each facility offers something different so there are a variety of choices and places to check out when looking for the perfect place to ride. So take a look at these stables and schools offering horseback riding lessons in Calgary!

Horseback Riding Academy’s, Schools, and Lessons in Calgary

Tyrell Riding Academy

Tyrell Riding Academy offers English and Western riding lessons. You can take private or group lessons and lessons are available for riders of all skill levels from beginner to competitive. The instructors at Tyrell Academy are all NCCP/EC Certified Western Riding Instructors. Summer Camps are also available for those who are not able to take lessons all year around. The facility offers a large heated indoor arena and paddock, stall, and pasture board and horses are fed three times per day. This is a perfect place to start taking lessons and they offer a riding curriculum ideal for youngsters starting at age five. Take a trip out to see the facility and meet the horses and instructors and enjoy learning to care and ride for horses.

Wildflower Riding Club

Wildflower Riding Club is located 10 minutes away from both Calgary & Cochrane. Wildflower offers a unique riding program, offering lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. The instructors not only teach you the skills needed to become a successful horseback rider, but also how to excel in life. They encourage students to create strong relationships with their horses as well as other students.

If you own a horse or plan to become a horse owner, Wildflower also offers full service pasture/paddock boarding. They strive on making the farm a place that feels like home, and enjoy the barn family atmosphere, because this is not just the place where you keep your horse. Wildflower also believes all horses and their owners should get the same outstanding service and care, therefore they only have one rate, and it is the same for everyone. You can ride year round at Wildflower in their large indoor riding arena, covered round pen, or in the outdoor arena with cross country jumps.

Winters can be cold but you will be cozy with the heated tack room and grooming stalls, and in event your horse becomes injured they have heated barn stalls to help aid in a speedy recovery. Wildflower Riding Club will be your second home and you will enjoy every minute you spend with your horse at this lovely facility.

Blazing Hearts Ranch

Blazing Hearts Ranch offers a variety of different options for those who want to take riding lessons. Instruction beginner to advanced riders and they also offer coaching for those who wish to compete, but it is not mandatory to do so. Blazing Hearts is also one of the few facilities that offer lessons to very young students.

Most barns will not accept children until they are 8 years of age or older, but the one of the head instructors is highly skilled at working with children that are under 8. Blazing Hearts specializes in high-end, competitive show jumping and the facility specializes in training top show hunters and jumpers.

Although this was the main focus for the facility, all disciplines are welcome and the Ranch encourages the growth of horse and rider regardless of riding discipline or skill level. You are able to ride year around in the comfort of their large heated indoor riding arena, or you can ride in one of the three outdoor riding rings. Riders of all ages enjoy the safe and clean environment at Blazing Hearts and it is conveniently located in the South Calgary/Okotoks area.

Calgary has a huge selection of riding schools, riding academies, and places to take riding lessons. Other facilities worth checking out would be Diamond Willow Stable, High Country Equestrian Center, Alborak Stable & Riding School. Find the best option for yourself to ride and enjoy the ride in Calgary, which is one of the the richest locations in Canada for horseback riding!