Saddle up!  Purcell Collegiate School (PCS) has partnered with Windover Ranch to launch Purcell Equine Academy (PEA), an equestrian opportunity that stands out for its flexibility and personalized approach.  It offers riders the chance to train and learn at Windover Ranch, located less than 15 minutes from our school.  Windover provides exceptional school horses, or you have the option to bring your own horse and board it at their facility as part of Windover’s board/train lesson program. This structure ensures that all riders, regardless of whether they have their own horse, can benefit from tailored instruction and top-notch facilities.

For over 20 years, Windover’s junior equine riding program has provided a safe and enjoyable learning environment, helping both riders and horses to grow and develop into skilled equestrians. Windover’s programs can accommodate new/novice, experienced, and competitive riders.  For new/novice riders, the programming starts at a foundational level, emphasizing the importance of building a true partnership between horse and rider, and building our riders confidence. Our curriculum focuses on horsemanship, horse husbandry, and the development of confident, capable riders.

Purcell Equine Academy enables students to learn  and test through the Equestrian Canada Rider Level Program. Our programming  provides education not only in riding, but also in stable management, horsemanship, and equestrian theory, with the aim of developing well-rounded equestrians. Students who wish to pursue their Equine Canada Rider Levels can do so through our program, and the credits earned may be applied towards high school graduation requirements.

There is currently one PCS international student (she is pictured in the first two photos above and the photo below) participating in a pilot version of our Equine Academy programming with five additional spaces available at discounted rates in second semester (February – June 2026).  Our year-long academy program launches in September 2026.

During the morning, Purcell Equine Academy students join their PCS classmates for regular classes like math, science, and English.  During the afternoon and on Fridays, their schedule for the pilot program beginning in February will look like this:

• Monday, 1:00 – 3:30 PM (coaching/riding and learning at Windover Ranch)
• Tuesday, 1:00 – 3:30 PM (coaching/riding and learning at Windover Ranch)
• Wednesday, 1:00 – 3:30 PM (coaching/riding and learning at Windover Ranch)
• Thursday, 1:00 – 3:30 PM (coaching/riding and learning at Windover Ranch)
• Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Equine Studies 10/11/12 in classroom)
• Saturday/Sunday: one activity, event, or trip per month (e.g. Spruce Meadows)

For more information, please email equine@purcellcollegiate.ca or send us a Direct Message through our Instagram account at @purcellequine.