Stidwell Bridle Trail set to be revamped after the approval of implementation plan

The future of the Stidwell Bridle Trail is in community hands with the City of Albany helping keep the nearly 25-year-old trail an asset for current and future generations of horse riders.

The Robinson Precinct and Stidwell Bridle Trail Implementation Plan is a community partnership project between the Friends of the Stidwell Bridle Trail and the City of Albany to improve the safety, quality, and sustainability of the Stidwell Bridle Trail for equestrian use.

Following on from the Tredwell Study that was noted by the City of Albany Council in July 2022, the recently approved Implementation Plan (December 2022) includes a range of short to long-term actions to assist with achieving the vision in the study.

A recent trail audit from the FSBT identified 14 priority projects for trail upgrades.

The City of Albany has committed $20,000 in additional funding this financial year to support the plan’s priority projects.

The new partnership between the FSBT and the City of Albany plans to reinvigorate the bridle trail and improve the trail experience for users of the Stidwell Bridle Trail.

Officially opened in 1999, the bridle trail is named after the late Mike Stidwell who championed recreation and trail development in Albany.

The FSBT is forming an incorporated association this financial year to assist the City of Albany with managing the equestrian trail and surrounding focus area.

The Friends of the Stidwell Bridle Trail Facebook page is available to anyone wishing to stay in contact, hear the latest news or find out how to be involved.

Stidwell Bridle Trail acting chair Samantha Stevens said she was thrilled with the announcement.

“Having ridden the trail for many years. I am absolutely delighted to see this plan and project start to come to fruition,” she said. “It has been a grassroots campaign, with many hours dedicated to it from volunteer committee members.

“We are grateful for the generous investment and support from the City of Albany council and staff. We know that the community will benefit from the plan and these improvements for many years to come.”