Frequently Asked Questions

Can we have our wedding photos taken with a horse?

Whitemud Equine Learning Centre provides a unique backdrop to any photograph.  Sessions may include the use of a lesson horse for either mounted or unmounted shots.  Choose from wedding photography, family portraits, graduation pictures, retirement films or any moment you’d like to capture.

Photo bookings include:

• Use of the Keillor Cabin and grounds
• No other photography party will be booked concurrently, but the arena and stable will remain open for lessons and other programs
• Staff available to ensure your photography session with the horse runs smoothly
• Bookings available during public hours (8am – 9:30pm)
• Maximum capacity of 20 people

$100 per session (includes use of a horse and handler)

Any photography session must be pre-arranged and reserved through the Office.  Insurance waivers must be completed prior to session.  Reservation is confirmed upon payment.  Please call 780-435-3597 for reservations or more information.

Can we rent a horse and go for a trail ride in the river valley?

The short answer is no.  Whitemud Equine does not rent horses for casual riding because they are too busy working in our lesson and therapeutic riding programs.

Although horses are allowed on some multi-use trails in Edmonton's river valley, lobbying by runners and cyclists have compelled the City to bring in rules that make it difficult.  For instance, in order to ride on the trails, people are required to put bum bags on their horses to collect manure.  Unfortunately, these bags are difficult to obtain and hard to use.  The alternative is to pick up and haul out the manure.

What kind of horse riding lessons do you offer?

Whitemud Equine Learning Centre teaches recreational horse riding from beginners to advanced including walk, trot, canter and jumping.  We teach children and adults from those who love horses to those who have never been near a horse.  Students may ride in a small group class or in private lessons.

Our lessons are predominantly English riding although Western can be provided on request.

Do you offer sleigh rides or wagon rides?

Whitemud Equine Learning Centre does not have a team or wagon available for rides.  However, for school field trips we can make arrangements with a local contractor to bring his team and wagon on site.

What is the difference between English and Western riding?

Western and English riding are two different riding and training techniques which have more similarities than they do differences. Both involve controlling a horse in a variety of environments, and require a high level of cooperation between horse and rider to accomplish an assortment of tasks.

The roots of Western riding lie in the American West, when cowboys trained horses specifically for use on large ranches. They also adapted special tack to support their work. Western tack involves a much larger saddle, which distributes the weight of the rider across the horse's back, making it easier for the horse to work a long day. The saddle is also built to be comfortable, as a cowboy may spend many hours in it. The stirrups of a Western saddle are traditionally worn longer, and the saddle has a large forward horn to drape a roping lariat from. The Western bit is also different than the Eastern bit, designed to help the rider control his or her horse.

In Western riding, the rider uses his or her weight to communicate commands to the horse, in combination with neck reining. Typically, the reins in Western riding are held in one hand, allowing the rider to use his or her other hand for ranch tasks such as roping cattle. Because the rider cannot pull separately on the reins like an English rider, the reins are gently laid across the neck to indicate the need to move or turn. Western riders may also use spurs or quirts to help control their horses.

English riding evolved in Europe, which has a long tradition of equestrian pursuits, particularly in the military. Most English riding disciplines can be tied to the training regimens used for military horses. In English riding, the tack is smaller and much more formal. The lightweight English saddle is built to maximize contact between horse and rider, and English riders also rely on their reins much more than Western riders. In English riding, the legs are used to provide cues, but so are the reins, which are held separately in each hand. Most English riders also carry a riding crop to provide further cues to their horses, and also tend to dress more formally when they are in competition.

Because of the different end purposes of Western and English training, the two disciplines compete in different events. Common Western riding events include roping, barrel racing, Western pleasure, and trail, while English riding competitions include dressage, jumping, eventing, and an assortment of hunter classes. Some equestrian sports, such as endurance riding, welcome horses trained in both disciplines.

When is the indoor arena available for boarder riding?

The indoor arena is available to boarders whenever group lessons and therapeutic riding programs are not in session.  Check the arena schedule here for exact days and times.

Indoor Arena Schedule February (96.38 kB)

Indoor Arena Schedule March (96.38 kB)