by Falon Phillips
Moosehill Ranch, established in 1888, has opened its doors to a new venture. Owned by Alan and Mary Young, this ranch is now a high class boarding stable. As it has been for the past one hundred years, the land is still used as a working cattle ranch.
However, after suffering through drought, BSE, and numerous other hits that only the cattle industry can offer, the Young family decided to generate a new source of income from the ranch. Keeping their interest in horses alive, this beautiful stable and arena was created.
Moosehill Ranch is situated in an idyllic spot. The peaceful setting immediately dispenses of all of the hostility and stress that the city can create. Surrounded by beautiful spruce trees, both horses and boarders can immediately relax and forget about the troubles in their lives.
One of the many stunning views is from the quaint log cabin that houses the Young family as it looks over a serene pasture of well-tended horses. Just 20 minutes from Calgary on the outskirts of Bragg Creek, this stable has all of the amenities one could want from a facility.
The brand new barn has the capacity to hold 23 horses. Every indoor horse has an individual paddock for turn-outs during the day, and there are also pastures of 25 to acres each for this purpose. Up to 50 horses can be kept in the outside pastures at one time and mares and geldings are separated so there is no fighting in the herd.
The barn also features a return air system, which allows every horse in the barn to have access to the exact air quality they need.
Other perks include in-floor heating, rubber flooring in the stalls, a wash rack, several tack rooms, and a lounge area for the guests to use. Every boarder is also given access to a locker for their own tack storage.
The main building houses an indoor heated arena off the barn. The arena is 200 ft x 84 ft and features sand footing. This arena is available for lessons, training, and any events that happen during the week.
In order to accommodate the boarders who have their horses outside, a separate barn with an outside riding ring is available. This ring is 80 ft x 120 ft and can be used whenever the indoor arena is busy. All outside paddocks are comprised of sturdy pipe fencing.
Linda Fitzpatrick has joined the Moosehill Ranch as a certified instructor and full-time trainer. She will be responsible for the lessons during the week, while also training horses for clients and training young students for competition.
Located on the Elbow River, these 600 acres of land are a goldmine for anyone wanting to board on the west side of Calgary. The Young family will accept anyone into their midst, with no preference between English or Western riders.
For more information about lessons, training, boarding, and the multitude of events happening throughout the year, Alan or Mary Young can be reached at (403) 242-9209.
