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The Stidwell Bridle Trails consist of three clearly signposted loops that start at the Albany Equestrian Centre and travel through parts of Robinson Estate. They are designated bridle trails along quiet bush tracks and over sand hills covered with coastal heath. Marked sections of the Stidwell Bridle Trails are inaccessible to recreational motorbikes and 4WD’s, ensuring safety for non-vehicle users of the Trail.
The Robinson Loop is classified as EASY - Basic level of riding skill and fitness required. Inexperienced riders will need a trained and experienced horse.
A long section of this trail follows the alignment of the Robinson Drain which can become boggy and overgrown during winter, and can present as a hazard due to the proximity of wildlife and livestock (in drain and adjoining paddocks) and the steep drop-off between the trail edge and the drain. This section should be considered a risk for nervous horses and inexperienced riders. The alternative route is to ride along the road surface of Robinson Road to the intersection at Racecourse Road, noting that this section of road has narrow tree-lined verges and horses will need to cope with passing vehicles and cyclists.
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Float and vehicle parking is available at the trailhead.
It is recommended to take drinking water for riders. Water is available at the Albany Equestrian Centre and at the picnic shelter at the summit of Werrilup Hill.
Because of the risk of accident and injury that could occur if dogs and horses physically interact (ie. dogs barking, chasing or lunging at horses; or horses striking out at dogs), dogs must be kept on a lead at all times within the vicinity of the Bridle Trail.
Depending on pace, up to an hour
7.5km
Relatively flat trail, with some steeper sections along Robinson Road
No fees apply
420km from Perth, the trail head is located at the Albany Equestrian Centre, on Roberts Road in Robinson.
October through to May. The Robinson Drain section can be wet and boggy during winter and early Spring (June-September)
Class 2
Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).
Easy
Typically easy trail with formed surface, gentle hills, minimal obstacles and clear directional signage. Gates, step-overs, bollards and shallow ford crossings with low- speed water flow may be present. Recommended for those with a basic level of riding skill and fitness. Inexperienced riders will need a trained and experienced horse.
Basic level of riding skill and fitness required. Inexperienced riders will need a trained and experienced horse. Pedestrians must yield to horses. All dogs must be on a lead.
The trail is generally flat, no steeper than 1:10 (10% or 5.7 deg) with a stable surface typically comprising grass and sand tracks, with deeper sand along the Roberts Road verge.
Stirrup clearance is typically at least 1500mm wide, and the trail ceiling is cleared to min. 3000mm in height. There may be temporary trail obstructions (trees overhanging or across trail) after storm/high wind events on sections of the trail lined closely by trees (along Robinson Road verge). Multiple sections of the Robinson Loop interface with fencing to private property which can be in variable condition. Multiple sections of the Robinson Loop interface with fencing to private property which can be in variable condition.
Group H - Equestrian Trails (Equestrian and Horse Trekking trails)
Robinson Drain presents as a hazard due to of the boggy terrain (during winter months June-September), proximity of wildlife and livestock (in drain and adjoining paddocks) and the steep drop-off between the trail edge and the drain. This section should be considered a risk for nervous horses and inexperienced riders. The alternative route is to ride along the road surface of Robinson Road to the access trail at Racecourse Road, noting that this section of road has narrow tree-lined verges and horses will need to cope with passing vehicles and cyclists.Â
Long grass can conceal trip hazards (uneven ground, rabbit diggings) as well as snakes, particularly in late spring and summer.
No motorbikes or vehicles
Riders are encouraged to ride in small groups (safety in numbers), to tell other people of their plans, including their planned route, estimated arrival time and contingency plans in case of late arrival.
Trail users are encouraged to use other technology such as tracking apps and First Responder Apps to allow friends/family to track their location and for emergency services to be able to locate them in the case of an emergency.Â
Pedestrians and cyclists sharing the trail are encouraged to call out and alert horse riders of their presence and then yield to horses when requested by riders.
Pedestrians and vehicles shall pass horses "slow and wide" reducing risk of accident or injury if horses 'shy' or react suddenly.
Albany Equestrian Centre is the trail head for the Stidwell Bridle Trail. The AEC has allocated float and vehicle parking, horse yards, horse water, hose down bay, manure pits, mounting blocks and roundyard for use by equestrians. Overnight camping to be arranged directly with AEC.
The Albany Equestrian Centre has limited wheelchair access. The clubrooms (where toilets are situated) have an accessible ramp from the gravel carpark. There are no designated disabled toilets.
14°C
Feels like 14°C
Max 23°C
Min 10°C
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