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๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฏ: ๐ผ ๐๐๐๐ง ๐ค๐ ๐๐๐จ๐๐ก๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ข๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐๐ฝ๐พ๐
by Hillary L
Everywhere I go, I see different groups, chapters, volunteer organizations, all struggling to get the help they need. It's a familiar storyโone of passionate individuals dedicating their time and energy to causes that truly matter. These organizations are the backbone of our communities, working tirelessly to make a positive impact. Yet, they often face an uphill battle when it comes to gathering members and securing the necessary resources, both in terms of manpower and finances.
The challenges are many, and the reasons diverse. Sometimes, it's the magnitude of the task at hand that seems to deter potential volunteers. Other times, it's the financial aspect that proves to be a hurdle. These organizations rely on the goodwill and generosity of those who believe in their missions. Yet, in a world bustling with responsibilities, it can be a struggle to find individuals willing and able to contribute both time and resources.
In the midst of these challenges, I find solace in the remarkable progress of our very own Rocky Mountain Back Country Horsemen chapter. This year, we've witnessed a surge of grassroots support that has breathed new life into our mission. Each new member who joined has not only lent a helping hand on our trail-clearing work rides but has also offered fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and true dedication. It's heartening to see the camaraderie that has developed, from members providing essential sustenance to work crews, meeting them out on the trail with snacks and hydration, to individuals stepping up to serve on our board for the upcoming year.
This surge of enthusiasm and involvement is a testament to the strength of our community and the shared commitment we hold for the preservation and enjoyment of America's backcountry and wilderness. Together, we're not only overcoming the challenges that often plague volunteer organizations, but we're thriving, reinvigorated by the influx of passionate individuals who believe in our cause. With this newfound momentum, I have no doubt that we'll continue to make significant strides in the years to come.
To our long-time members, I extend a heartfelt invitation to consider how you might further engage with RMBCH. Your wisdom, experience, and passion are invaluable resources that can propel us even further toward our shared goals. Whether it's leading a ride to your favorite trail, offering your insights at a general meeting, or simply reaching out to a friend and sharing the incredible work we do, every contribution matters. Your continued dedication is what has sustained us, and your expanded involvement will undoubtedly drive us to new heights. Remember, it's not about doing it allโit's about doing what you can, when you can, if you can.
For those who haven't yet taken the plunge into our community, I encourage you to explore the fulfilling journey that awaits you as a member of RMBCH. Join us in preserving the commonsense use of horses in America's backcountry and wilderness. Together, we're not only safeguarding our trails, but we're fostering a vibrant, inclusive community that values the unique bond between humans and horses. So, if you're looking to make a positive impact in a way that resonates with your passion for the outdoors and equestrian pursuits, consider joining us. Together, we'll continue to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Oct 11 - The world by Horse.ย Mongolia and Kyrgizstan packing trip presentation by Peter van der Gugten
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECORDING Video recording is now available - Did you know Peter buys the horses from locals when he arrives in each country? He packs ultra-light (50lbs per horse). His trips are 500 to over 1,000 miles long. The World by Horse presentation was amazing and filled with information! Thank you so much Peter van der Gugten for sharing your beautiful presentation of the various packing trips across the world. Thank you to Peter van der Gugten for his amazing presentation on his horse trips to Europe, Mongolia and Kyrgizstan. ย The pictures are PHENOMENAL.ย ย A hour long presentation by Peter including a question and answer session at the end about packing and travel logistics.
Sep 14 - RMBCH does great work on local accessibility ramps!
Sep 14 - RMBCH does great work on local accessibility ramps!
Wow what a difference! Thank you to all RMBCH members who came to clear the accessibility ramp and mounting block at Hidden Mesa open space near Franktown. We appreciate you pulling and chopping weeds. It looks fantastic and is ready to be used again. We are always excited to help maintain trails for all. That's what is so great about trail work. You don't need a special group to help your neighbors and fellow riders. Look around for what you can do wherever you ride.ย
๐๐๐ญ'๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ค $@%* - ๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐?
We all know it's a hot topic. Horse apples aren't toxic but besides being part of the Leave No Trace principles and sharing trails with all users, there are other considerations.
1. Trailer Parking - Don't empty trailer manure at riding spots. Don't toss trailer manure into the woods, fields, parking lots and don't pile it around the base of trees.
2. Grass parking lot - It depends: is it a wildlife area? Is it a high altitude or tundra camp area? Is it a protected area or a place where the environment is very delicate with a short growing season (like most of our back-country trails in Colorado). In those instances, pack out large piles and disperse what is left. Horse piles can kill everything underneath for many years to come, within just a few days. In places where it's lush grass or less impactful, consider dispersing it instead. Either way - for parking lots of any kind don't leave horse piles!
3- State Wildlife area parking / Forest Service / BLM: SWA areas in CO are required to pack out your trailer and parking area manure. So although not technically required in Forest Service or BLM parking areas, it is definitely a good rule to follow.
4. Free camping areas on state land (Forest Service / BLM) - Ever heard the phrase 'Your mom doesn't live here' ? Clean up after yourself in these repeat areas for equines. If there for a full day or more in corrals or highlines, remove when possible. When not possible boot the poop in stationary areas like a corral or highline. Leaving Forest Service corrals and camping areas with manure attracts files for the next group and frequently has to be removed by someone else. Leaving piles of poo OR HAY can rot and kill the flora underneath. It can do lasting damage especially in higher elevations.
5. Gravel or dirt parking lot - pick up as best you can and pack the manure back into the trailer.
6. Paved parking lots โ don't leave on pavement. Pack it out in your trailer.
7. If Manure bins are provided, always use them. Manure bins at day use areas are not as common as they are at equestrian campgrounds.
8. Trailheads โ These are places used by multiple horses which makes it different than the trail. More importantly when someone arrives at a parking lot and sees waste or steps out of their vehicle around horse manure, they associate that with all equines on the trails.
Not every condition is the same! This is just a rule of thumb guide as equine trail ambassadors.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
๐ฃ๐บ ๐๐ช๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ณ๐บ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ Aug 23
Our second in a three-part series, Brighten the Sangres welcomed several new riders to the Westcliffe area for some adventurous riding and camaraderie. Many have been interested in joining us for a while, and finally found the courage to come see what we are all about. Of course, this weekend is meant to be a time to beautify our gorgeous trails, and help the Forest Service (FS) to clear deadfall and other trail obstacles. Our goals for this year include increasing the amount of volunteer hours the chapter records in the wilderness (we logged nearly 2,000 hours last year!), so we made sure to get out there with our reliable Silky Saws. I brought my new seven inch blade to try out, and it could still cut through some of the smaller downed trees despite its small size.
Luckily, we also had the help of Trails For All, a grassroots hiking crew out of Westcliffe that has been out working since springtime. We had small riding teams at our โAssess the Sangresโ event in June to get the ball rolling, so many of the trails were open to ride several weeks earlier than last year. We explored Macey Lake trail on Friday, Lakes of the Clouds on Saturday, and Crystal Falls on Sunday. Each day had nearly perfect weather, and every non-equine trail user we met was complimentary of our noble steeds and extremely considerate of the needs of equines.
Macey Lake is an amazing trail ride that only gets technical and challenging in the last mile to the first lake... but truly it goes from a casual high elevation stroll to a seriously difficult trek for both horse and rider. This year, the trail after Copperstain Cliffs (about 5 miles in) has some new unique obstacles that are very very complex. For example, we sent the GPS location of a massive rootball to the FS, letting them know that even small horses struggle to squeeze themselves through this little spot! It is rideable, but much safer if you get down and lead your horse from one side to the other. Just make good decisions if you choose to attempt this trail in August, as it will test you and your equineโs skills and partnership.
Going up Swift Creek to see Lakes of the Clouds shaved over a mile off the ride on Saturday, and has some lovely scenery as well as a nice drinking spot as you cross the creek toward the top. This way will save you some time, but it is a steep and rocky road for an unconditioned horse. Unfortunately, it looks as though several upper segments of LOTC trail has seen some fluctuation due to landslide rocks loosening and shifting, causing some areas to be demanding on large horses who may have to scramble over loose rocks while making tight switchback turns. It is recommended if your equine is new to this type of riding, to give them a chance to attempt it without a rider the first time. Our little group came across all kinds of hikers and campers heading for the lakes, even a group of โflatlandersโ with a cat that made the trip as well! Unsurprisingly, the feline was disinterested in meeting our horses and just wanted to watch all of the trout jumping for food in the lake.
To end the weekend, we headed to Grape Creek Trailhead to see Crystal Falls. It is a bit of a long drive on a bumpy dirt road, but it has a ton of parking space, as well as one large corral. Crystal Falls was a nice and easy ride along the southernmost part of the Rainbow Trail. A straightforward jaunt on a mostly smooth and sandy two-track trail, where we only came across one group of ATVs. We met them at a point in the trail that was impossible for them to pull over and make way for horses, but they cut their engines and politely let us pass close to them without issue. Once there, you can tie your horse to a nearby tree and hike a few hundred feet in to see the falls. I suspect that hikers actually climb an adjacent vertical โpathโ to get to the top of the waterfall... definitely not for me!
After each ride this weekend, members gathered in the WMVSC to share funny stories, swap delicious recipes, and formulate new plans to ride together. All in all, a wonderful weekend with new and old friends of RMBCH. We hope to see you at the last event of the series, Celebrate the Sangres, on the weekend of September 22nd.
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July 10 - ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
-๐๐ฆ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ก
Years ago, when I was first introduced to Rocky Mountain Back Country Horsemen, I was just looking for a horse to ride and local places to explore. I had no idea just how much I would learn from this group of horse-crazy, back country obsessed volunteers.
My first equine camping experience in the fall of 2019 was overwhelming, to say the least. A friend and I loaded up our horses, hay, grain, blankets, and just about anything we could think of that the animals might possibly need. I am not kidding when I tell you that we were full to the max for a three-day weekend of camping at Booger Red. Buckets, hay bags, water, banamine, bute, electrolytes, sleeping bags, extra socks, ropes, bacon and eggs, Benadryl, you name it, we brought it.
Without any real equine camping experience, we just didnโt know what we would need and we didnโt want to be without something important. Even with all of this stuff, we still didnโt have everything we needed... turns out if you are going to highline your horses, you need swivel clips at each end of the lead rope so your horse doesnโt choke itself from walking in circles! Luckily, more seasoned RMBCH members were prepared to loan their spares.
When I tell you that camping with horses has a steep learning curve, I am not exaggerating. There are so many things we didnโt even consider until we were out there setting up camp... like where were we going to set up the highline? It worked out that we had a couple trailers we could line up and scramble to string a line between (first photo) for the horses to happily eat, drink, and sleep together.
After a nice long day ride, we got everyone tied up, fed and watered, and climbed into the camper to get a good nightโs sleep... or so we hoped. Of course the wind picked up on that chilly October night, meaning we had to get up and quickly throw blankets on the horses. Next time, we promised ourselves we would check the overnight weather, and align the trailers so they would be a better wind break for the mares. Back to bed... until we felt aโฆ โtugโ on the camper...? Yes, at 2AM, my โstarvingโ horse was out of hay and decided it would be a worthwhile effort to try to drag herself to the other horsesโ hay. So back out to the highline, tossing her some extra hay, and finally back to bed for the night. Next time, I promised myself Iโd be sure to overfeed her so I could stay in my warm sleeping bag for the entire night!
Fast forward four years, and Iโve come a long way in how I camp with my horses, learning by doing, learning by messing up and trying again, and learning from others more experienced than me. One of the best things I did was to plan ahead with a detailed camping checklist (inspired by TrailMeister). Rather than bringing โeverything but the kitchen sink,โ I have a list of the exact things I need for myself, my horses, and my dogs (if they join). For a disorganized brain like mine, this has been a game-changer in terms of streamlining the "load n go" process. I also purchased duplicate items such as toothbrush, phone charger, sunblock, lip balm, so I donโt have to remember to grab them from home every time... I have a little travel bag with all of those necessities ready to go.
Nowadays, I always bring a couple different ways to contain my horses in case there arenโt any corrals. Remember, if you plan to highline, hobble, or use electric fence, be sure your horses are well trained to safely and respectfully use any of these methods of containment (you'll see in the third photo that my horses enjoy their electric fence space the best). When we are out at a โboondockingโ (dry camping) site, I have to be completely self-contained so I have acquired a lot of stuff that allows me to do that. Several important things I can't do without include a portable battery jump, lots of solar-charging lights/power banks, a hundred gallon soft water tank, a quality Silky saw, and my Zoleo satellite communicator.
Yes, it still can be overwhelming at times, but the wilderness I have been privileged to see on horseback more than makes up for the long days of driving, setting up camp, and bug bites. I got myself a swanky zero-gravity camp chair to relax in after a long day ride, so itโs all good baby.
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