Winding Fences Farm.

Family-run Muskoka equestrian farm offering guided trail rides, ground-based horse experiences, and pasture boarding

01 — About

The brief.

Winding Fences Farm is a family-run equestrian operation near Utterson (Windermere) in Ontario's Muskoka region, operating since 2001. The farm pairs walking trail rides through its meadows and forests with ground-based horse encounters for those who prefer not to ride. Its Complete Horse Experience combines a ground lesson, grooming, saddling, a safety orientation, and a guided trail ride, while the Hug a Horse program lets visitors meet the herd, brush a horse, and practice ground handling year-round. Traditional Trail Rides require a signed liability waiver and helmet fitting. Beyond riding, the farm offers monthly pasture board with automatic waterers, heated winter water, round pens, and on-property trails. Seasonal trail riding pauses over winter and resumes in May 2026.

02 — Programs

4. ways in.

01
Traditional Trail Ride
For: Adults and older childrenWhen: May–August (evenings/weekends May–June; weekdays added July–August)
A 50-minute walking-only trail ride that begins with an orientation lesson after guests sign a liability waiver and are fitted with a helmet, then follows the farm's trails through meadows and forest.
$85 per person
02
Complete Horse Experience
For: Adults and older childrenWhen: Weekends and by appointment (riding season)
A 120–140 minute session combining a ground lesson, bonding and grooming, saddling, a safety orientation, a guided trail ride through meadows and forests, and hand-grazing afterward.
$120 per person + HST
03
Hug a Horse
For: All ages (non-riding)When: Year-round, including winter
A roughly 45-minute ground-based experience in which visitors meet the herd, choose a horse, pet and brush it, practice ground handling, and take a short walk. Weather-appropriate clothing and hiking boots are recommended.
$40 per person + HST
04
Pasture Board
For: Horse ownersWhen: Year-round
Monthly pasture boarding with horses turned out in large pastures with automatic waterers in summer and run-in shelters with heated automatic water in winter. Includes use of open fields for riding, two round pens, and on-property plus nearby trails.