AUGUST 2004 RECREATIONAL / TRAIL RIDING ISSUE
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AUGUST 2004 RECREATIONAL / TRAIL RIDING ISSUE |
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CONTENTS Trail Riding with Backcountry Horsemen
UPCOMING
ISSUES |
Trail Riding with Backcountry
Horsemen By Ken Carmichael Tension, pressure, anxiety. Everyone needs a form of release and people deal with these problems in a variety of ways. One sure fire way to find relief is to put that left foot in the stirrup and the second you hit the saddle the world changes. It seems that within seconds all the tightness melts away and we know we are now in the right place. Horses come in many sizes, shapes, colors and breeds but they all lead us to a great time no matter how we enjoy them. My personal favorite is trail riding. Many miles in the saddle, and some wet saddle blankets, brings many hours of enjoyment. The Spokane area provides many opportunities to trail ride on county, state, federal and private lands. Some of these areas are close enough for the short day ride, some for the weekend outing or to take the extended pack trip into the backcountry. Whatever your choice, the best way to see the country is from the back of a horse. One good way to enjoy riding, and to learn about new places to ride, is to join one of the area riding groups. The Inland Empire Chapter of Backcountry Horsemen has a mission to preserve and enhance the right of responsible horsemen to use horses and mules for recreation on public lands. We are one of over thirty chapters in Washington and are affiliated with the Backcountry Horsemen of America. We accomplish our mission by helping to build and maintain trails, being involved n the public decision making process and teaching, and practicing, “Leave No Trace”. Of course this work is mixed in with great trail rides and other activities. Membership in Backcountry Horsemen provides a library, Trail Guide, purchasing discounts and newsletters. Chapter activities include trail rides, monthly meetings that include educational programs, seminars, clinics, Christmas party, a variety of potlucks and trail work parties. There are also many opportunities to help accomplish our mission by participating on chapter committees as well as becoming involved in the public decision making process where it concerns the use of horses. If we are to continue having great places to ride and enjoy our horses we must take an active part in the pubic decision making process and volunteer our time to build and maintain the trails. We welcome everyone who believes in our mission to join Backcountry Horsemen. Our meetings are the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Wildlife Council Building, 6116 N. Market. We gather at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00 pm. For more information contact Ken at (509) 466-2225 or go to www.iebch.com.
Happy Trails
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