On April 19, 2011 the American Horse Council released its 2010 Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land. The 2010 report is intended to provide a brief overview of the responses the AHC received from equestrians to its ongoing access survey in 2010.
This effort was prompted by a growing concern among recreational riders around the country that they were seeing a reduction in the number of trails and trail heads open to equestrians on federal land.
In March, 2010 the AHC released its first report on equestrian access, the 2009 Report
Equestrian Access on Federal Land, which can be viewed on the AHC website.
The 2009 report has been used successfully by the AHC to inform members of Congress, federal land mangers and other recreational users of the issues some equestrians have experienced.
“The 2009 report was a great success and has been used by the AHC to inform members of Congress, federal land mangers and other recreational users of the issues some equestrians have experienced,” said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans use horses and pack stock to enjoy America’s great outdoors each year. However, it is an experience that cannot be enjoyed without access to public land, trail systems, and trailheads.
“The AHC uses these reports to illustrate some of the challenges facing recreational riders,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.” “Our federal land mangers work hard and there are many great recreational opportunities on federal land. However, the equestrian community needs to be vigilant concerning any loss of access to federal land.”
The AHC plans to continue its effort to collect information regarding equestrian access. The AHC encourages all recreational riders to report their experiences to the AHC using this electronic form.
Its good that horses can use or have access to these public lands, or trails.
just a few comments in my opinion, this is assuming that trails being closed to the equines, and open to motorized atv’s…..it’s sad that motorized atv’s have dominated the trails……the horse is the 1st and ultimate atv not to mention transportion!!! they should have 1st dibs! and the motorized atv’s should have to be the ones who get permission, to use trails, from those with equines!!
Hooray for more trails !
great!!
Thank you!
Wonderful.