Back Country Horsemen of America highly values our wild lands and our right to enjoy them by horseback. Protecting the wilderness from unnecessary damage is imperative to keeping it pristine. But that creates unique challenges that can prevent proper maintenance of trails, bridges, shelters, and other amenities that allow us to recreate there. US Forest Service wilderness regulations prohibit the … Read More

The winner of the 2014 Double Diamond Award is the Beartooth Back Country Horsemen (BBCH)  of Montana. The Beartooth Back Country Horsemen of Montana (BBCH) members  won the the award for their efforts by spearheading the largest coalition of volunteers and government ever to open the Ernie Strum Trail––a trail to Lily Pad and Crater Lakes in Montana. Here is the full paper presented at the … Read More

The folks at Back Country Horsemen of America feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful country, and are dedicated to protecting our right to travel this stunning landscape by horseback, as our ancestors did. An important part of that goal is the down and dirty labor required to re-open trails and access roads after storms of rain, snow, … Read More

The United States Forest Service manages 158,000 miles of trails that provide a wide array of recreational opportunities and access to America’s National Forests. These trails provide world class opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. National Forest trails provide opportunities for all Americans to enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Further, … Read More

Back Country Horsemen of California Takes the Lead in Leave No Trace Stock Use Education As they preserve our right to ride horses on public lands, Back Country Horsemen of America also embrace and promote responsible recreation. The seven Leave No Trace principles are practical guidelines to help all users make better choices to minimize the impact of their presence … Read More

The tradition of traveling long distance through wild lands by horseback is older than our country itself. Back Country Horsemen of America cherishes that heritage and protects our right to carry on that legacy. The participation of younger folks who hold the same passion ensures that the tradition will thrive long into our country’s future. Back Country Horsemen of America … Read More

Pictured are Ken Ausk, Founder of BCHA, Reggie Chapple, NPS Chief of Partnerships, your Chairman Jim McGarvey, Phyllis Ausk, Founding Member of BCHA, and Alan Hill, Past Chairman BCHA and Executive Committee Member BCHA’s Chairman Jim McGarvey signs a 5-year general agreement with the National Park Service last month in Washington DC. The agreement encourages national parks throughout the nation … Read More

Left to right: Brenda Cecil, President of Mammoth Cave BCH Sarah Craighead, Superintendent of Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Ginny Grulke, President of KY BCH On October 15, 2014, Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent Sarah Craighead signed an agreement with representatives of the Mammoth Cave Backcountry Horsemen, as a way to improve maintenance of the park’s horse trails. “Our agreement with … Read More