Equestrians

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Icy Trails February 10, 2025: Christie Lake trails are closed to equestrians due to icy conditions.

January 28, 2025: Trails may be icy, especially in forested areas. Trail users and equestrians should use caution.

Horses & Equestrians

All trails in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area are open to equestrians. Seasonal closures will be in effect during the fall and winter months – the Rail Trail remains open year round to horses. Explore HCA on horseback and enjoy the areas in a whole different way. Horses are permitted in some HCA areas, and we ask that you familiarize yourself with the points below. HCA areas are closed on a seasonal basis due to ice and the spring thaw and during this time it will be posted on HCA’s website.

Where to go?

Horses are permitted on multi-use trails at Christie Lake, Dundas Valley and Westfield Heritage Village. Dundas Valley – Parking for horse trailers is available at the main Dundas Valley parking lot, located at 650 Governor’s Road. You’ll also be able to enjoy the new day-use corrals in the main parking lot.

HCA Membership and Equestrians

The HCA Membership Pass allows one vehicle and one horse entry to areas horses are permitted.

What can you expect?

Inexperienced trail users who may not know what to do around horses or users who are intimidated by large horses.

What is your responsibility?

Galloping on HCA trails is NOT permitted.
Manage your animals and don’t bring ‘green’ horses into HCA areas. Familiarize horses with expected trail encounters, such as; cyclists, dogs, strollers, etc.
Negotiate safe passes.
- Greet users early. Hikers and cyclists should yield to horses, but many trail-users can be intimidated by horses or don’t know what to do.
- Keep to the right of the trail. When passing others, always pass in a single file at a walk.
- Expect the unexpected. Small children, animals and the elderly can be unpredictable or frightened by horses.
Stay on trail at all times. Do not ride in mowed fields, into creek or stream beds or off designated trails.
Kick or otherwise remove manure from the trail.

Don’t miss the Annual Equestrian Campout taking place in the Dundas Valley every August!

Equestrians

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Horses & Equestrians

Where to go?

HCA Membership and Equestrians

What can you expect?

What is your responsibility?

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Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.