MAY 1996 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 5/1/96; 10:00:00 AM.

No Horses Allowed?

No matter what your horse interests are, the cuts in funding for maintenance of public lands will affect us all. Millions of people enjoy using public lands for recreation. What will you do when you see the lands posted with signs saying No Horses Allowed? Don't think it can't happen here. The rapid growth in our area means people that enjoy the great outdoors. Next the trails start to deteriorate from overuse and neglect. In places of dense population the hikers greatly outnumber the equestrians. Then the land managers have to restrict use, and guess who have the greatest say in who gets to use the trails? The majority of users of course.

There is an organization dedicated to working to keeping the public lands open to the use of horses and mules. They are called the Back Country Horsemen (BCH). They do this by working with the land managers, by having work parties to build and maintain trails, and other needed facilities. The BCH also has a comprehensive program to educate people in the correct way to enjoy the outdoors without damaging the environment. They are also involved in legislation, and with thousands of members, have had an impact on decisions. They have a variety of activities including rides, clinics, potlucks, work parties, rendezvous, and meetings.

If you enjoy horses and would like to learn more about the Back Country Horsemen you are welcome to attend the meetings and get acquainted. For more information on the Inland Empire Back Country Horsemen Chapter please call 509-244-3459 or 509-238-4802.