Bow Canyon Equestrian

Had two daughters ride there for a combined 5 years of riding experience. My first concern was safety at the barn. There was a lack of adequate first aid gear at the facility. On one occasion a rider was injured when I was there, no ice packs could be located. Injuries are no doubt part of this sport, so first aid kits should be readily available and staff/riders should know where to find them.Second concern was the training staff turnover. We experienced frequent turnover in coaching staff, each with a disruption in our schedule and continuity of instruction. Training program was at the whim of the trainer each time.Billing, we frequently needed to keep track of lesson changes to correct the billing administrator so we weren’t overcharged.Communication was the icing on the cake. Or lack thereof. The staff used group text as (last minute) communication and frequently forgot to update us on lesson changes or horse changes. Scheduling was a disaster and very one sided to the barn staff (you need to be flexible to them but they don’t return it).Forget the pony camp unless you want your kid to be left in the care of a 14 year old. My kids were uneasy about the trainers leaving them for long periods “unattended” by any adults. They were bored and unchallenged.Shows were poorly organized if we were able to get in at all.Bottom line, this is not a well run facility and the owner doesn’t care about your kid/customer experience or loyalty. Over the years the quality of our experience at Bow Canyon continued to deteriorate. Worst part yet, after years of loyalty we expressed our concerns to the owner and she gave us an ultimatum to get out or put up with it.

Our daughter has been training at Bow Canyon Equestrian for the past twelve years! Our daughter has ridden both school horses as well as her own, taking lessons, camps, clinics and attended numerous shows. First of all, the school horses were all fantastic and matched perfectly with their riders skill level, lessons are very well organized and the coaching is amazing. Secondly, our own horses are treated and cared for very well and communication with us from the owner and barn staff is great. If there is ever an issue, your concern is listened to and looked after accordingly.Our daughter has been given the best coaching and opportunities to improve her riding and jumping skills over the years which has made her the rider she is today. She now helps school ponies for the younger riders, as well as pony camp under the guidance of the trainers. I have never once been to the barn during pony camp where the young riders are not have fun!We have never had any concerns as to the safety at the barn or during lessons. First aid kit, icepacks for both horse and rider are available and the care from trainers is amazing. Our daughter has had a few spills (as per the sport) and has always received the best care possible.If your child is interested in learning how to ride and jump, Bow Canyon is definitely one of the best facilities in the Calgary area.

This is a review from a current BCE barn mom to a future BCE barn mom (and/or dad). In one simple sentence - we came for the horses, we stay because of Julie.It is Julie’s leadership and passion for horses and the sport that have attracted a team of highly skilled coaches, hardworking staff and a small community of incredible families that truly value each other.I am a mom of 3 daughters, each with their own unique strengths and challenges, all involved in a variety of competitive sports, including show jumping with BCE.We have met many coaches, instructors and sports staff over the years. Some we will remember their names for a few years, most we will not.The same will not be said about the BCE coaches. Julie, Chantelle, Devan and Isis have reached permanent celebrity status is our home. My girls are individually valued for their achievements and successes, but more importantly, dusted off when they stumble and confidently encouraged and inspired to do it all over again. What is being taught goes way beyond how to ride a horse. Brene brown would be proud of these women, they dare greatly and my girls are taught the same.As a parent, this is what I want for my kids. Does this small business experience speed bumps? of course it does. Is BCE accountable and responsible? absoultely. I highly recommend BCE.

Just pass it, looks good and professional. Hope it has the ride class for kids. Next time, I would try to ask

I can’t say enough good words about Bow Canyon and the amazing staff and barn family that exists here. My daughter started riding lessons in June 2020, and I started shortly after her. It has truly changed our lives. The coaches here have created an environment which fosters amazing growth and independence while keeping the safety and well-being of horses and riders a top priority. I am always in awe at their horse sense, and how they know when to jump on or lunge a fresh horse before a kid gets on, or when a horse is lame, or the equipment being used on the horse is not working! They are amazing problem solvers, and in this sport where your largest participant doesn’t speak English, their ongoing input into these matters is invaluable!The Coaches here have instilled such confidence (and joy) in my little girl that it often brings tears to my eyes! Not to mention myself, who loved horses as a little girl, but never had the chance to ride. I am fulfilling my childhood dream beyond what I ever imagined, and I love that the coaches have also instilled so much confidence in me to reach new goals at a time in my life that I thought new tricks were in my past!The opportunities that exist here at Bow Canyon are beyond what I ever dreamed we would have. We ended up buying our 1st horse within a year, and my daughter was able to join the Team at a handful of shows this past summer, ending the season doing 2 ft Hunter Classes (just 1 year after starting lessons here). All of these things, I would never have imagined taking on, without the incredible support, guidance and confidence from Julie and her Team. They are all quick to respond and help with any questions we have, or lending equipment or whatever we need to keep us going and safe. While I was a bit nervous to jump into owning our own horse so quickly, I have had no regrets, and am so glad we didn’t hesitate to get on with the amazing adventures we’ve had! And although we made the decision to buy, it was not necessary, as they do provide plenty of opportunity to many amazing riders at the barn that are excelling on lesson or lease horses / ponies!I could go on and on, but all in all, I am so grateful every day for the opportunity that Julie and the Bow Canyon Team have provided to my daughter and myself. So many incredible role models here (in the coaches, staff, and other riders) for my daughter to grow up with. I’ve never seen so many strong, independent and smart women all happily doing something they absolutely LOVE to do!

Love everything about this barn ❤️❤️ my horse has the best care, the property is very well maintained and the trainers are wonderful. Highly recommend. Love being a part of this barn family.