Sunday, January 31, 2010

South Carolina: County wants to encourage equestrian tourism, business

Pickenssentinel.com - Full Article

January 30,1020
by Jason Evans

PICKENS - County council and county officials want to encourage equestrian related projects, to help the county's economy ride tall in the saddle.

The horse industry contributes $14 million to Pickens County, said County Administrator J. Chappell Hurst.

"There’s over 2,700 horses in this county," he said.

The county hopes to benefit from a new initiative from the SC Department of Agriculture.

The "50 by 20" project aims "to increase the state's agricultural industry by $50 billion by 2020," Hurst said.

"Because of this program there are numerous grants and funding mechanisms that are available at this time," he said. "The idea is to add an agricultural component to the development of cross country, endurance and steeplechase courses. There's a lot of money out there."

More...

WSTF Tevis Education Ride

The WSTF Tevis Education Ride is scheduled for Friday, June 18 & Saturday, June 19, 2010.

RIDERS' LIST (we will post closer to ride date)

There are no restrictions on the number of riders that can enter this year. The cost will be $125.00, which includes camping at Foresthill, lunch and barbecue for rider, attendance at all lectures, and participation in all group activities. Trailers can be moved from Foresthill to the Auburn Overlook for a fee, and extra barbecue dinners will be available for $15.00. Bill Gore will be at the finish to sell photos of the day's ride. For any questions, please call Terryl Reed at (530) 852-2111 or (530) 346-8583 or Kathie Perry at (916) 663-3869.

The 3rd Western States Educational Ride on the historic Western States Trail will be held June 18th and 19th, 2010. The dates are a week before our sister event, the Western States Endurance Run, and five weeks prior to the annual Tevis Cup 100 Mile ride. The final thirty-two miles of the trail will be covered in groups seeded for speed and led by experienced Tevis Cup Riders.

The Friday night camp site for Saturday's ride will be at the Foresthill Mill site. On Saturday, riders will leave Foresthill and ride the Western States Trail to Auburn. Mock vet checks will be held at Francisco's (lunch), the Lower Quarry, and at Auburn at the finish.

Interesting and informative speakers are planned for Friday evening, along with check-in, a pot luck dinner, and group meetings. Lunch will be provided for the riders on Saturday. Riders will be grouped with experienced guides, who will be available to point out landmarks, share pacing tips, and answer questions along the way. The mock vet checks will be at the Western States 100 Mile ride vet stop locations, in an effort to simulate the actual ride day experiences. On Saturday, after the ride, there will be a round robin to discuss the day’s ride and answer questions. Finisher certificates will be awarded, and a delicious California barbecue will be a satisfying way to end the day.

Because this year's Educational Ride offers just one day of guided riding, participants are encouraged to come earlier or stay later to ride other trail sections on their own. Maps and advice from the local riders about ways to do this will be available. Also, nearby stabling arrangements can be made for horses for the extra days.

Although there are no qualification requirements for this 32 mile ride, it is expected that riders will bring well-conditioned horses with previous trail and group riding experience. Because each group will have a designated lead and final rider, horses that are not manageable in the middle of a small group of horses are not well-suited for this event. Although some shuffling of position within the groups will be allowed and normal excitement is expected, please do not enter a horse that will be a danger to others by being a kicker, by insisting on being in the lead, or by exhibiting other equine vices that are dangerous in the group situation. It is also expected that horses will be fitted with proven tack and accessories, including hoof protection that stays on securely. Riders will not be able to make stops for tack adjustments or hoof protection changes until the entire group is on a safe section of trail to do so. This is not the time to experiment with new gear because when one rider stops, forward motion for the entire group comes to a halt. Feed and water will be available at selected locations, and a veterinarian will be on-call for emergencies. Ultimately, however, riders will be responsible for the welfare of their horses and themselves. Juniors who will be old enough to ride Tevis on July 24th are welcome with an adult sponsor. Riders do not have to enter the 2010 Tevis Cup Ride to participate in the Educational Ride.

For more information, contact
Terryl Reed, 530-852-2111, 530-346-8583 or
Kathie Perry, 916-663-3869

or see Teviscup.org

Saturday, January 30, 2010

It Takes a Village to Field an Equestrian Team

Thehorse.com - Full Article

18 January 2010

As many sports enthusiasts in the US know, this country's athletes receive little government funding toward the costs of training and competing. Parents of up-and-coming performers have been known to take second mortgages on their homes in order to pay for Junior's training, and communities hold fund-raising events to help support their local stars.

That tried-and-true high-dollar fund-raiser, the benefit dinner, is a perennial favorite of those in equestrian sport. It's trotted out (if you'll pardon the expression) reliably in advance of every major international championships to which the US plans to send teams.

Today, elite equestrian fund-raising falls largely to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, the development arm of the United States Equestrian Federation. Headquartered at the venerable Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, NJ, the USET Foundation is still thought of by those of a certain age as simply the USET, the formerly stand-alone organization that fielded and funded (and to a certain extent trained) equestrian teams for international competition. Now it's a branch of the USEF, and its role is primarily to tap the wellspring of enthusiasts' pocketbooks.

More...

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Kevin Myers joins the EasyCare Inc. Management Team As Director of Marketing and Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010 - (Tucson, AZ)

EasyCare Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of the senior management team to include Kevin Myers as the Director of Marketing and Administration, effective March 1, 2010.

EasyCare hires Kevin Myers to lead all marketing activities of the organization and to oversee the customer service department. "Kevin is highly skilled in various areas relating to relationship management, team building and strategic planning." said President and CEO Garrett Ford. "We are very fortunate to add such a passionate and skilled individual to our team. Kevin will play a vital role in managing the marketing and publicity of our brands and accommodating the tremendous growth we are experiencing in the natural horse care industry nationally and internationally."

Mr. Myers joins EasyCare from Ballet Arizona where he has held the position of Executive Director since 2004. In that time, Ballet Arizona retired its accumulated debt; received a $6.5M bond issue from the City of Phoenix for new rehearsal and administration facilities; built a cash reserve of more than $900,000 and increased earned revenue by more than 20% per year for four years. As the administrative leader of Ballet Arizona, Kevin worked with a staff of 21 people in a complex business model that relies on revenue from ten fundraising, membership and earned revenue streams.

"I am very excited to join Garrett Ford and the EasyCare team." said Kevin Myers. "I have spent more than 20 years working in the non-profit management sector. Many people don't know that I have also been actively competing in wilderness endurance horse riding since 1994. EasyCare has unveiled a new equine product line-up that is changing the evolution of natural hoof care in ways we could not have anticipated. I'm very excited by the opportunity to be part of that."

"EasyCare will also soon be launching a new training platform that will allow the retail network to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the EasyCare products." said Garrett Ford of the new technology built by 3point5. "Trained retailers will be empowered to give the best guidance and advice to make the customer experience consistently successful."

What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare's hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Easyboot Glove, Easyboot Glue-On, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac's and EasySoaker.

Media Contact:

TARA KELLY
520-297-1900 x 2233
tkelly@easycareinc.com

In which an Endurance movie could be good, or really really bad...

Haiku Farm blog

Somebody (no, we don't have names yet) wants to make a feature film about endurance riding. The goal is to film on location here in the Pacific Northwest in July or August this summer. Production plans include setting up a ridecamp populated by local endurance riders and their horses, rigs and crews, and filming action in the vetcheck and on the trail.

So far, not bad news. Possibly even good news. The sport can always use good new recruits, and a movie might be a good way to "spread the gospel" about riding long distances on horseback.

I remember the huge influx of karate students at local martial arts academies in the 1980's, when this movie was released:

(Karate Kid)

At the time of this film, I was a karate student in an Okinawin-style dojo. We were swamped with new students...in fact, we had enough new people joining the school that we were able to afford a new roof for the building that year. New recruits can be a good thing!

[...more]

North American Anglo-Arabian Year End Award Winners

PHR.com

Release: January 27, 2010
Author: By Peggy Ingles

The North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association (NAAAHA) has announced the winners of its 2009 High Point Program for Anglo-Arabians that compete in working hunter, jumper, eventing, dressage, sport horse, conformation, endurance and competitive trail. All shows and rides, whether rated or unrated, counted towards these awards.

Hunter/Jumper
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera
Third: R Jay Bakaro/Allan Ehrlick

Dressage
Champion: Jamil/Mary Ann LaFerriere
Reserve: Little Traverse Bay/Samantha Gioia
Third: Hazen/Beth Coffey-Curle
Fourth: Ashen Gazi/Dawn Cozzolino

Sport Horse U/S
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Jamil/Mary Ann LaFerriere
Third: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera

Eventing
Champion: Snooze Alarm/Lauren Kieffer
Reserve: Nations Recount/Peter Atkins

Endurance/CTR
Champion: JBK Tara/T.J. Edwards
Reserve: Raemes Magician/Tom Paleczny
Third: SS Allsfairn War/Susan Young

Conformation
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Khemos Khopi/John Albright
Third: Mak My Day/Andrew Miller
Fourth: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera

Horse of the Year
One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty

Each champion and reserve champion will receive engraved trophy plates. All placings also receive a huge ribbon.

Anglo-Arabians are the third oldest breed in the world, having been bred in France as far back as the early 1800’s. The breed is comprised of a combination of Thoroughbred and Arabian blood, requiring no more than 75% Thoroughbred and no less than 25% Arabian to be registered. Anglo-Arabians are highly respected worldwide as exceptional athletes, especially in the Olympic disciplines, and are ranked third in the world in the sport of eventing.

You can visit NAAAHA's website at www.NAAAHA.com for more information, or call (410) 823-5579.

Monday, January 25, 2010

PNER: Convention of the unconventional

Horsebytes blog - Full Article

by Monica Bretherton

I saw a quote from UW geneticist Joshua Akey this morning, "The great problem of evolution is that it's a lot easier to break things than to make them better."

You could apply that to the design of horse gear, too.

So it takes real passion and commitment to develop a new product for the equestrian world, where you will not only have to buck that rule but to market a new idea in a culture steeped in tradition. Fortunately, there is a field where the quest for a competitive edge combined with a traditional disregard for appearances has created an ideal test market - endurance riders.

That's the theory I developed the Pacific Northwest Endurance Ride convention in Portland last Friday and Saturday, anyway. Maybe because long hours in the saddle give people time to think, or the accumulated aches and pains of humans and equines are a powerful motivator, it is almost a given that the vendors at were riders themselves. They either designed the products they offered or were power users -- and often top competitors -- in the field, willing to put their name behind what they sold.

More...

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Lady Long Rider up date

Teamcolorado.typepad.com - Full Story

01/22/2010

I have been thinking a lot about my friend Bernice Ende

Bernice was raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota, and riding has always been an integral part of her life. After pursuing a career in classical Ballet and teaching dance, Bernice moved to the northwest corner of Montana, to live in a cabin on the mountainside. She continued teaching ballet and gave riding lessons when dance classes were not in session.

Her retirement in 2003 brought not a lack of activity, but rather a change of focus. Drawn back to riding, Bernice felt the pull of the open road and adventure inherent in serous riding.

In 2005 she made her first long-distance ride on a Tennessee Walking Horse, a young gelding named Pride.

After her first year of riding, Bernice realized that Long Riding was an occupation she loved and longed to pursue.

More...


Extras Wanted

For our feature film "FIGURE OF EIGHT" we are looking for participants to be part of this production.

We are looking for Horse Endurance Riders with their Horses / Trailers and support groups .

Our Base camp is the center of the Race and provides for the atmosphere.

On the trail we need Riders and Horses to be extras and compete with our cast. A professional consultant will overlook the endurance race at all times. It will be authentic and true to the sport.

We are planning to shoot this feature film in July/August of 2010 in the Pacific Northwest.

Once the perfect location is chosen, the production of "FIGURE OF EIGHT" would like to invite you to participate in this production.

We provide the space for your rig and horses. Credit / food / make up and professional footage will be provided.

If you are interested , please be able to commit to at least a six day stay with your rig / horse / support group / and of course yourself.

Please provide pictures of your rig / horse / yourself and your support staff for consideration.

Event Organizers : The production needs your skills to organize such an event.

Contact: 100dingo@gmail.com

For more information see www.figureofeight.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

Get R Done 2010, MONK wins Best Conditioned 100 mile horse

A Horse Named Monk blog

Right to the point, inquiring minds want to know the results before the story, so the highlights first, story second. MONK and Lindsay came in 2nd, approx. 20 min or so behind team mate Heather Reynolds.

MONK looked great all day long and Lindsay kept to her game plan and kept us on track for WEG.. MONK won Best Condition, his 3rd or 4th in a row, depending on how you look at his double win at AERC champ ride. This was our last qualifying ride for the WEG and should put us very high on the National Training List.....we are currently 22nd, this ride we should maybe put Lindsay in top 5 or so....not supposed to matter as long as your on the list.

No more rides (FEI) until June when they do the selection ride in Bend Oregon.

You may or not know that when you do a FEI ride you are required to have a team of at least 3 riders. The team can be on any distance. They have a short meeting and express their goals for each and then talk about if they accomplished their goals. Our team was Heather and Jeremy Reynolds. Heather rode the 100 and Jeremy rode the 75..

This ride was held in Lucerne which is close to Ridgecrest, high desert just north of Red Rock canyon. I held my breath the whole weekend as the weather was perfect, no wind, little cloud cover, my theory was that if you said the word "wind out loud", we would be in for it. Crew had a nice warm truck, but no so for horse and rider. All riders started at the same time, all 3 divisions. All crewing was limited to the crew area which was designated. Only other crewing was at one water stop and one place right off of the main road. I think there were 5 loops in all.

Another perfect weekend. Crewing went well with only a couple of mistakes that made no difference. Lindsay trots all the way to the timer, she unhooks breast collar from top of the saddle, after she dismounts she unhooks snap on cinch and pulls bit. Susie takes MONK, I grab saddle and pull it while Steve starts pouring gallon jugs of water on MONK as we walk to the water trough led by Susie. Lindsay takes care of In-timer and then helps at the trough. I dump saddle and return with HR monitor belt and check HR. I help with the water jugs or sponge. Lindsay either pours more water or scrapes water off. If we have no horses in front, which is often the case we move at 64 (which has been the requirement at all FEI rides we have been to). You only get two chances to hit your target so you have to make it count.

[...more]

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Scottsdale Dynamite Dash Endurance Ride Elevator 50/75/100

January 19 2010

Are you looking for a challenging, yet fairly easy, 50 or 75 or 100-mile ride in the dead of winter?

Craving a ride under the full moonlight?

Wishing for a (possibly record) affordable 100-mile ride? (All distances are $100.)

You'll find all of those at the February 27 Scottsdale Dynamite Dash Endurance Ride 50/75/100 Elevator, which will take place north of Scottsdale, Arizona, from the Checker XII Ranch, on trails in the Tonto National Forest.

As an Elevator ride, If you're having such a good ride and you don't want it to end just yet, you can elevate up one distance at the completion of the ride you entered (you do give up he first completion when you continue on down the trail).

Ride manager Rusty Toth says, "The trail is fairly flat, and mostly easy footing, but still challenging: single-track, twisty, and double wide trails with almost no rock, some washes." Not to mention the views of the saguaro cactus desert and rugged mountains are extraordinary.

"We have an excellent head veterinarian, Robert Washington, from Idaho, and excellent prizes with sponsorships from Easycare, Farnam, and Endurance.net. Friday night's dinner will be prepared by L'Amore restaurant of Phoenix, owned by endurance riders Greg Rose and Kim Abbott."

Normal weather for the end of February is highs around 72, lows around 50. "Due to our recent rains, we will have grass growing and a stunning green desert!

"Don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses and camera!" Rusty advises.

Pre-registraion is obligatory, as the number of rigs is limited.

For more information, a video sample and photos of the trail, and entry form see http://sites.google.com/site/dynamitedash/.

She Rides, I Pay: Endurance

Chronofhorse.com - Full Article
January 18, 2010
By: Elizabeth Howell

Who's crazier? The endurance rider or runner?

Here in Vermont, there's an annual event I have volunteered at for several years. It caters to two groups of elite athletes. It's the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Race.

There are actually two races happening simultaneously: one for runners and one for riders.

I have only ever participated in two sports: horseback riding and running. This event is the most fascinating apex of the two. When you pull into the parking area (a huge field) there are tents, portable paddocks and horse trailers. The runners are as fascinated by the horses as the riders are by the runners. There is one thing these two groups have in common: no fear of porta-potties.

More...

Friday, January 15, 2010

Additional Endorsements of National Welfare Code of Practice

TheHorse.com
by: Press Release
January 15 2010

The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce the American Endurance Ride Conference, the American Paint Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association have recently endorsed the Welfare Code of Practice further broadening the industry support of a national code. The AHC drafted the Welfare Code of Practice, which outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport, and retirement of horses.

Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that indicate their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.

"The American Horse Council's Welfare Code of Practice demonstrates the equine industry's commitment to the welfare and safety of the horse," said Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “We wholeheartedly endorse these principles and encourage other equine organizations to do so as well."

In endorsing the code, Laura Hayes, Vice President of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and Chair of the AERC's Welfare of the Horse Committee said, "We are pleased to endorse this document as an extension of our commitment to the health, welfare and longevity of our equine partners."

"The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is and always has been committed to the humane and proper treatment of all horses," said Lex Smurthwaite, Executive Director. "By supporting and endorsing the Code of Practice, APHA's leadership has taken that commitment to an even higher standard. We are pleased that the American Horse Council has provided a vehicle for all associations to join together to see that the welfare of our horses continues to be our primary concern."

"The 20,000-member National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is proud to add our organization to the list of those in the horse industry that have adopted the AHC Welfare Code of Practice," said Lindy Burch. Burch is Past-President of the NCHA and currently serves as Chairperson of the NCHA Horse & Cattle Welfare Committee. "Adopting this policy and having our members abide by its standards is just one of the many ways the NCHA is proactively ensuring the welfare of our horses in cutting horse competition. We appreciate and respect the leadership exhibited by the AHC in formalizing this Code of Practice so that all disciplines can work together in this important initiative."

"We are pleased with the positive feedback and continued interest we have received from a broad spectrum of equine organizations since the Welfare Code of Practice was announced this past November," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "This latest round of endorsements further demonstrates to the public the industry’s unified commitment to the welfare and safety of horses, and we hope to build upon this momentum to bring in as many organizations as possible to further reinforce the industry's commitment to safety, health, care and welfare of all horses."

The AHC's Welfare Code of Practice has already been supported by the American Association of Equine Practitioner, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Code is not intended to replace or pre-empt those activities or any rules and regulations specific to a segment of the industry. Rather it is hoped that the endorsement of a broad, more generic Welfare Code of Practice by as many organizations as possible will be another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials and the horse community that the horse industry "Puts the Horse First."

To view the complete Welfare Code of Practice please visit the AHC website at: https://www.horsecouncil.org/newsroom.php.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Emmett Ross – Endurance’s Best Kept Secret

Centralequine.com - Full Article

January 11, 2010
By Diana De Rosa

This Man Truly Understands the Landscape of Endurance Riding

When I went to the very first World Equestrian Games held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990 one of my fondest memories was watching Becky Hart and her little Arabian, R.D. Gran Sultan, cross the finish line first. I think it was that victory that inspired me to one day do Endurance riding. That was a dream I never fulfilled but speaking with Emmett Ross gave me a vision of Endurance that I hadn’t expected.

Though I was not familiar with Emmett, I was expecting him to tell me about how he’d grown up in the saddle and worked with horses all his life. Instead I uncovered a man that has done numerous things, lived many places and has arrived at a point in his life where he is happy and content. Emmett's 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games title is Endurance Manager. He is undoubtedly the best person for the job because Emmett Ross has been involved in every aspect of this sport. He's competed in endurance competitions, managed events, bought and sold endurance horses, trained riders to win major events and won many titles himself. He understands the terrain of both the course the riders compete over and the landscape of the job.

More...

Friday, January 08, 2010

Get in on the Action: Ride like Hidalgo


Americancowboy.com - Full Article

Endurance Riding - Canutillo, TX
By Mark Bedor

"Endurance riding is on the increase in the U.S., is among the fastest-growing equestrian sports in Europe, and is the largest in the Middle East," says Tracy Webb, who operates the program.

"Sounds like the movie Hidalgo," I told her. "Well, the concept is the same, but you don't have to go to the Middle East to participate," she says. "Endurance riding is a rewarding opportunity to bond with an equine athlete and test your mental and physical strength" by participating in races of 25 to 100 miles.

Riders of all ability levels and ages attend training sessions, and then compete on the school's Arabians.

"Your age and skill level is not nearly as important as attitude," Webb says, as demonstrated by the performance of a 70-year-old lady who completed 110 miles over two days on her first endurance outing. The King of Malaysia is also a program graduate.

More...

Squak Mountain trail is a winter delight

BND.com - Full Article

Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2010
By LYNDA V. MAPES - The Seattle Times

SEATTLE - Between Issaquah Alps' Cougar and Tiger, Seattle's cabin-fever Rx is just waiting to be uncorked: Squak.

Squak Mountain that is, the lesser known, and delectably less-used option between the headliner mountains. Squak, just a half-hour from downtown Seattle, rewards the winter hiker or equestrian dying to get out.

Forget the summer crowds and sweat. It's the winter trails that soothe the soul, too long cooped up in the car, the office, the mall. On a recent frosty morning, the equestrian trails on the south side of the mountain beckoned with their solitude, and bracing refreshment.

Sword ferns and cedar boughs glowed green in the low slanting light of the winter sun. Horses' breath steamed in great white plumes as the animals ascended the trail, and the only sounds were of saddles creaking in the cold, and laughing conversation among the riders. For there is virtually no road noise here.

Easy even for rank beginners, the trail starting out from the Squak Mountain State Park trailhead winds up the mountain through cedars, firs and maples, and an understory lush with ferns.

Even serious, long-distance riders come here for quick refreshers when their schedule doesn't permit a longer trip, said Sue McClain, an endurance trail rider out on her horse for a deep breath of cold,

More...

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Mountain Region Convention

Mountain Region Convention - Feb 12-14 in Denver, Co
Information:
http://www.mrer.bravepages.com/MRER_Convention.htm

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

2009 Decade Teams

AERC announces the 2009 Decade Teams

Monday, January 04, 2010

Tevis Trail Maintenance Projects

Six trail maintenance projects have been scheduled on the Tevis trail for 2010:

* January 31
* February 28
* March 28
* April 25
* May 30
* June 11-12

They will be co-led by Bill Johnson (WSTF), Matt Lambert (WSER) and Mark Falcone (WSER)


Event #1:
Robie Point to Pointed Rocks

Date and Time:
Sunday, 1-31-10 -- 9:00AM

Meeting Place:
Confluence HW49 and Old Foresthill Rd. -- WS Trail Head

Directions:
Go To Auburn. Take Elm exit go South towards downtown. Left Lincoln/HW 49. Follow 4 miles to HW49 Bridge and the WS Trail Head.

For more information see http://www.teviscup.org/the_trail/the_trail_work_parties.html

or contact the WSTF Office at wstf@foothill.net

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Back Country Horsemen of America Receives Development Grant

December 23 2009

Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a Technical Assistance grant by the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) group of the National Park Service. It is anticipated that this grant will provide BCHA members with the tools to continue and to develop effective, long-term relationships with land managers of all levels of public lands (federal, state, local).

"BCHA is a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization," stated Terry Morrison, Chairman. "This grant will provide the technical expertise needed to develop programs so that members will have the information they need to respond quickly and successfully to issues related to recreation use on public land. It will be a tremendous benefit to us."

The RTCA program provides technical planning assistance to help local citizens to build and maintain trails and conserve open space. For this project, staff member Mary Hanson will work directly with BCHA to create an educational program so members will have the knowledge and skills to improve their local park and forest horse trails.

BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands. If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, or call 888-893-5161.

For more information about the RTCA program, contact Mary at 402-661-1554 or mary_hanson@nps.gov.

The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!

Contact: Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com