Taking the Reins During Motherhood to Stay in the Saddle

“Cowgirl Moms don’t have to give up riding when the wee one’s trot into their life!”

by Kayla Ross

There’s something magical about exploring trails close to home. Late October marks the tail end of fall colours in Ontario, and while the weather can be unpredictable, I had the chance to go on an unforgettable horseback trip with a group of women to Copeland Forest in Simcoe County.

It was a three-day adventure where we left the chaos of home behind and immersed ourselves in the wilderness, spending our days riding and our evenings unwinding together with our horses.

We stayed at The Fox Den at Half Ass Farm, just a short trailer ride from the trailhead. The

cozy, two-story building comfortably sleeps six and sits on Catherine’s family farm, overlooking rolling hills filled with horses, their donkeys (which I assume inspired the name!), and a ski hill in the distance. Planning was simple—we only had to worry about ourselves, our clothing, food, beverages, tack, horses, and hay. Everything else was provided, including cooking essentials, linens, Wi-Fi, firewood, and even activities.

The scenery was constantly changing. At times we rode through dense forest, with sunlight filtering through the last of the fall-coloured leaves. Other times, we emerged into open areas where we could see for miles and pick up a trot or lope. Our horses crossed bridges—both wide and narrow—along with train tracks and streams, all while learning to share the trails with hikers and bikers.

Riding through Ontario’s wilderness is a reminder of how peaceful and raw nature can be. The crunch of fallen leaves, the distant sounds of wildlife, and the variety of landscapes make it an experience unlike any other. Spending that time with our horses deepened our connection with them, and after long days of riding, it felt especially rewarding to care for the animals that carried us along the trails.

Back at the farm, we tested our skills on a small obstacle course, made dinner together, and gathered around the campfire, laughing about what the dads might be up to at home with the kids. There was something special about tending to our horses in the evening—feeding them, giving them water, and making sure they were comfortable for the night. We would sit around the fire, sharing drinks and stories while watching our horses and appreciating their unique personalities.

This trip wasn’t just about riding. It was about friendship, teamwork, and showing one another that motherhood doesn’t mean giving up the things we love. Our group included moms at many different stages of life—one with older kids, another with a six-month-old and a three-year-old (pumping between rides), myself with a toddler at home and another on the way, and one who hasn’t reached this stage yet but now knows it’s possible.

We supported each other through challenging parts of the trail and shared countless laughs along the way. It was a reminder that we don’t have to give up our passions—we simply learn how to carry them with us through every stage of life, because no matter where life takes us, there’s always a way to stay connected to our horses—and to ourselves.

To Ride Away:

The Copeland Forest is a 4,400-acre Resource Management Area in Simcoe County, Ontario. The wide and welcoming trails are perfect for horseback riding, with great footing and the smells, sights and sounds of the forest. For more information visit their website www.copelandfriends.ca