Saving Horse Riding Trails

Just saw this on TheHorse.com.

When the U.S. Forest Service began to make changes to the trail classification system that had been in place for nearly 100 years, Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) took notice. When they realized the huge impact it would have on horse users, they made every attempt to resolve the problem. Despite their efforts, they found in 2005 that litigation was their only choice.

Under the U.S. Forest Service's proposed plan, as much as 50% of the Wilderness trail system may not have ultimately accommodated pack and saddle stock. Because of BCHA's persistence, this trail use that has been an integral part of the history of the United States will still be available.

Read the full article here.

Pole Bending - Winlock

Pole Nights At Good Life Stables in Winlock…..sponsored by River Riders 4-H Club

Friday’s are…..Nov 21st, Dec 12th & 19th
Sign ups 6:00 pm, starts at 7pm
cost 15.00
Events : Poles, Keyrace, Bi-Wrangle & Figure 8
There will also be Jackpots at the end of each night for 1.00 each run.
We will have prizes for the reserve and hi point for each night. Placings to 5th place. 4 age devisions.
If you need more info please just let me know.
Thank Chanin & River Riders 4-H
Ken Archer - ksarcher@localnet.com

HCW Class this weekend - Mud & Manure

What better time to see mud & manure management practices in place, but in the middle of a winter storm event! Join HCW at TWO events this weekend.

1) MAPLE VALLEY WORKSHOP: Naturescaping on Horse Properties [SATURDAY 10 am to noon]

Join Alayne Blickle at her Maple Valley farm to see hedgerows and naturescaping in place. Winter is the perfect time to plan for the KCD Native Plant Sale, which begins in December.

Pick up tips & ideas on how native plants can help with:
· Mud management
· Dust screens
· Privacy barriers
· Wildlife enhancement
· Chemical use reduction
· Determining which plants grow in wet or dry conditions
· Putting native plants & animals to work for you on you horse property!

THIS Saturday, November 15th, 10 am to noon, Maple Valley, WA

Trail Work Party - Beacon Rock

From WTA news release:

Our work party will start at 8:30 am at the Equestrian Camp at Beacon Rock. From there we'll carpool to the Hardy Ridge Trailhead.

The road may be slippery as it has been regraded recently, but not graveled, so we'll need to carpool in as many 4WD vehicles as we can. Typically we work until 3:00.

On Saturday night we'll host a potluck dinner, campfire and camp out. All are invited to stay for dinner and camping.

Here is the direct link to sign up: http://old.wta. org/~wta/ cgi-bin.dev/ wtaweb.pl? 6+su+display+ 16740+ON

Pre-registration is not required, but is helpful for planning the amount of food to bring. (I think the Crew Lead, Henry, will be doing Spaghetti).

We'll be working both Saturday and Sunday; volunteers are welcome on either day or both.

We'll provide the tools and hardhats. Participants need to bring boots to work in, work gloves, long pants and a shirt with long sleeves, raingear, lunch (and a pack to carry their stuff in).

I'm happy to answer calls or emails if folks have questions.

Cheers, Ryan

Abandoned Horse Auction

It seems like there are horses in need everywhere right now. Just looking at Craigslist shows the sad state of the horse economy in our area.

But during this hard time, it's also an opportunity for us to open our hearts and minds and help some amazing horses have another shot at life.

Along those lines, I wanted to let everyone know about the horse auction on Saturday in Molalla.

Below is the Craigslist posting.

The Silent Auction for these abandon horses will be held from 1 to 3 pm just south of the 4 way junction outside of Molalla on hwy 213 towards Silverton. There will be yellow signs at Driveway.

There are purebred Arabains, pinto crosses and a quarter horse type. They range form 6 month (1) filly to (1) 24 yr old Quarter type mare. 2 geldings (1) purebred Arab Chestnut 6 years and (1) part arabain gelding 6 yrs old both in sadder shape. 1 18 yr purebred chestnut mare and 3= pinto, arab an arab cross at 2 to 3 yrs.

Please do not bring trailer as no room to park it.

Call Ellie at 503 637 3248 or email Ellie at wyndyacr@cascadeaccess.com.