Iowa: Debate Continues Over Horse Trails On Conservation Board Land

KiwaRadio.com - full article

November 19 2020

O’Brien County, Iowa (OCBTC) — The debate about adding bridle trails to county land continued at the November meeting of the O’Brien County Conservation Board.

Patty Vollink was the first speaker to address the board. She described a tour she had taken with Brian Schimmer, Darwin Dau, Claude Struve and Carolyn Bootsma of the trails around the Prairie Heritage Center in October. She said, “All of us were in awe of the beauty of the area and impressed with the well maintained trails.” In addition they had marked a trail through the timber at the suggestion of Brian Schimmer saying it would be a good horse trail. She shared with those present at the meeting pictures of the area and a map of the proposed trail. During her presentation she said, “We have met with resistance to our request to allow horses on the trails of O’Brien County Conservation land. There is a concern that ATV riders will be the next special interest group that will request access to the trails.” Currently ATVs are not allowed on the trails of neighboring counties due to the disruption to the wildlife in the area and damage they cause to the trails...

Read more here:
https://kiwaradio.com/local-news/debate-continues-over-horse-trails-on-conservation-board-land/

Recreational Horse Trails in Rural and Wildland Areas: Design, Construction, and Maintenance

AmericanTrails.org

By Dr. Gene Wood

American Trails Magazine editor, Stuart Macdonald, reviews Dr. Wood's equestrian trail book.

All trails interests can learn from equestrian trail book.

The author states that the purpose of the book is to guide land managers and equestrian trail users in design, construction, and maintenance of horse trails in a manner that harmonizes with the surrounding ecosystem and landscape values. The three goals for trails are to be safe for users, ecologically sound, and economically sustainable.

This theme of creating sustainable trails that are sensitive to the environment and habitats through which they pass runs throughout the book. In the opening chapter the author acknowledges that "Among nonmotorized uses of trails, recreational horse use if the most frequently criticized for ecosystem damage." His goal is for trail planners and activists to become proficient in natural ecosystem components and processes. To this end the first chapter is not about trail planning, or design, but about soils, watersheds, and habitats...

Read more here:
https://www.americantrails.org/resources/recreational-horse-trails-in-rural-and-wildland-areas-design-construction-and-maintenance

Alabama: Local BCHA chapter hosts popular television series

Gadsdenmessenger.com - Full Article

November 12, 2020
By Katie Bohannon, News Editor

The Back Country Horsemen of America McClellan Chapter is taking its mission to television screens across the country. With a collection of tranquil horse trails in the heart of Anniston, the chapter is celebrating its efforts with a grand event to showcase the magic of Camp McClellan.

The “Best of America by Horseback” television show airs on RFD-TV, hosted by Tom Seay who travels throughout the United States to showcase trail riding locations and the people behind them. From November 13 through 15, Seay and his crew will explore Camp McClellan Horse Trails and the capture its beauty on film.

When people come to Camp McClellan, especially out of state, they turn to local businesses and restaurants for their needs. Roach emphasized that while Seay’s program will promote the horse trails, the event will garner publicity beyond Camp McClellan, emerging as a wonderful opportunity to boost tourism for the area...

Read more here:
https://gadsdenmessenger.com/2020/11/12/local-bcha-chapter-hosts-popular-television-series/

Ohio: One man's dream leads to thriving Lawrence County business

Herald-Dispatch.com - Full Article

Lawrence Herald
November 6 2020

PEDRO, Ohio — One man’s dream to create a family equestrian destination in Lawrence County came to successful fruition, and the dreamer credits support from family, friends, the community, and state and local leaders.

U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, dropped in at Elkins Creek Horse Camp last week to observe the success he helped create with his support and actions, according to a news release from owners Rick and Jill McCleese. Johnson spoke with the couple about the economics of Southeastern Ohio and their thriving equestrian business. The three of them saddled their horses and rode.

In 2008, Rick McCleese invested his life savings to build his dream of a safe, family-oriented campground for equestrians and their horses. In 2009, Rick met his wife Jill, and his dream became their dream. With a shared passion for horses, they began working to increase safe, scenic, and sustainable trails and to promote recreation and tourism in the local Tri-State area, Dean State Forest and Wayne National Forest.

“Twelve years later, long hours of hard work, and over-coming tornado damage, flooded roads and government regulations, Elkins Creek Horse Camp has become known has an oasis of peace and contentment,” Jill McCleese said. “A great place to get away from the pressures of work and whirlwind of everyday living. The camp has access to 100 miles of trails showcasing the glory of God’s nature...”

Read more here:
https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/ohio_news/one-mans-dream-leads-to-thriving-lawrence-county-business/article_0676a2d7-9deb-5bea-bde4-7ce09bcc68de.html