Rock Creek Trails Update

Just a quick note on the trail conditions at Rock Creek.

I rode there this weekend and ventured out the Tarbell Trail in search of Hidden Falls (exiting at the back of the campground). We didn't make it to the falls (must have missed a trail point) but we did travel for a long distance on the Tarbell Trail which was in great condition. There were a few sloppy spots, but nothing that made the trail impassable.

There was quite a bit of fresh rock and drainage that has been put in. Thanks to whomever is working so hard to maintain these trails!

We also went up the opposite side of the Tarbell Trail, across the road and through the clear cut. That trail was also in great condition. We didn't travel quite as far on that one but what we did ride, we didn't find any issues.

It did look though that the Bells Mountain trail is closed? Does anyone have any information on that? I've got a couple emails out and will update everyone when/if I find out more.

Happy trails!

Packing Clinic in April - Spokane

Yes, I know, this event is a ways away both in time and travel distance. However, I thought it sounded fun and thought I'd post for all of you that have an interest in packing but might not have had the opportunity to learn much about it.

For those of you that may have missed it in the Trailhead News, Inland Empire Chapter will be holding a hands on Packing Clinic the 25th of April here in Spokane. This is a hands on clinic, not a demo, so you will need to bring gloves, lunch and a good attitude. The clinic will be held in an indoor arena, it may be cold but the rain should not bother us.

Subjects to be covered will be proper saddle fitting (pack and riding) mantying, basket hitch, california box hitch, top packing, boxes, horse containment and equine first aid plus much more. For those of you just starting or may have an
interest this is a good starting point.

We are also tentatively scheduling an overnight pack trip in Riverside state park in June for those that attend the packing clinic. Here is how that will work, you arrive at the trail head around 8 am, load your horses and go for a one to two hour ride in a loop and arrive back at the trail head, where you will camp. Around noon other who wish to trailhead camp will arrive and will hold a camping with horses
clinic. The packers may not go to their trucks except for hay and can only use equipment they have on their horses, they may share and borrow from each other, but should we have an emergency we are right down town Spokane. There will be outriders and experienced people riding with you to assist you and then assist you it setting up camp once you get back to the trail head. Everyone attending must agree to stay overnight. No coming for just the day.

Anyone interested may email me or call me at 509-283-4250.

Don Dyer
IEBCH

Stub Stewart State Park

I'm staring out my window right now so thankful that this weekend is going to be nice and there's an end in sight to this rainy weather.

Warmer weather inspires me to look for new trails and this one looks like fun!

I've not been to it, but after watching the video (below), I'm hooked! I can't wait to saddle up and head out.

Has anyone been there? If so, let us know what you thought!

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_255.php

Vital Stats:
Park open year round.

Map:


View Larger Map

Video below is borrowed from the state park site.

Happy viewing and see ya'll on the trail!

Horses for Clean Water Events

Most of these events happen pretty far North of those of us in Clark County, however, I think the classes might be worth checking out regardless of distance. All of us want to know how to manage our property better and make a better life for our horses.

PRESTON, WA
Wednesday, April 15th
CLASS: Creating Your Own Horse Property
Thinking of moving your horse home to save on costs? Want to make improvements to your horse property so it’s more chore efficient? Would you like to build an outdoor arena but don’t know if permitting is necessary? In this class Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water will cover considerations for siting and laying out a barn and horse facilities, as well as chore efficiency considerations. Learn when you need a county permit and how to go through that process. Talk with King County Rural Permit Coordinator, Joelyn Higgins, who can answer your permitting questions on building and zoning issues, including property setback requirements and grading for arenas. Join HCW to learn things now that will help you set up your horse property to be chore efficient and more enjoyable later on. Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 – 9pm, FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.

RENTON, WA
Saturday, April 18th
WORKSHOP: Caring for Your Horse & His Home
Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses? Would you like to learn about shelters requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join Alayne Blickle for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse & handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition & feeding, vet & farrier care, and pasture, manure & mud management.
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Saturday, April 18th, 9am to 4:30pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.

RENTON, WA
Wednesdays, April 22nd to May 6th
CLASS SERIES: Green Horsekeeping: Mud, Manure & Pasture Management for Horses
Tired of seeing your horses slosh around in mud? Wondering what to do with all the flies and manure behind the barn? Are you new to horsekeeping on small acreage? Then join Horses for Clean Water for Green Horsekeeping! There are many great ways to banish mud on horse properties. Learn about French drains, footing options, geotextile fabrics & other great ideas for managing horse paddocks. Find out how to compost horse manure, see different compost bin designs and get tips for reducing stall waste in the barn. Study basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, weed control, fencing options & small farm equipment. Learn how to make your horse property chore-efficient, horse healthy, more productive during the growing season and a healthy place for the environment!
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Wednesday evenings, April 22nd to May 6th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.

MAPLE VALLEY, WA
Saturday, April 25th, 9am – 5pm
CLINIC: Natural Ways to Manage Horses & Horse Properties
Barb Apple & Alayne Blickle team up to bring you hands-on help & information towards a holistic approach to managing your horse and horse property. Build confidence with your horse and strengthen your horsemanship by understanding horse behavior with the Northwest’s own Natural Horsemanship Clinician, Barb Apple. The morning session will be groundwork with your horse to help you understand your horse and build your partnership together. For the afternoon, join Alayne Blickle to tour her eco-friendly farm. Get tips and ideas on ways to set up and manage horse properties that are good for you, your horses and the environment. Learn about mud-free paddocks, composting horse manure, pasture management with less chemicals – and more GREEN horsekeeping! Horse & rider participants, $195, limited to 10 participants. Auditors, $35.
For more on Barb: http://www.barbapple.com/.
More on Alayne: http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com/
For more clinic pricing, stalling, registration details, guest horses or overnight accommodations contact mailto:Alayne@horsesforcleanwater.com or 425-432-6116.

ISSAQUAH, WA
Saturday, May 2nd
WORKSHOP: Spring into Pasture Management & Equine Nutrition
Learn how pasture management and horse health weave into managing horse pastures. Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water will cover pasture management and how it relates to horse health. Learn basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, managing small grazing areas, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. We will also discuss what constitutes a “lush” pasture & how to manage horses & grazing so a horse doesn’t become fat. Harris Statema, a feeds expert from LMF Feeds, will speak on the horse’s digestive system and understanding forage and nutrition. Learn how sugar levels in your hay or pasture affect your horse’s health as well as carbohydrate intolerance in horses. Find out about hay probes and how to use them. Learn how you can borrow (for free!) the KCD hay probe to take samples of your hay. Meet resource staff from the King Conservation District who can suggest options for pasture management problems, soil testing, liming and other recommendations. Start the grazing season out right by learning how you can make your pastures become more productive & your horses healthier! Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Education Center, Issaquah, WA. Saturday, May 2nd, 9 am – noon. FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.

PRESTON, WA
Tuesday, May 12th
CLASS: Holistic Approach to Manure Management
Learn the latest on manure management and horse heath. Hear from equine veterinarian Dr. Hank Greenwald and Horses for Clean Water’s Alayne Blickle about a holistic approach to parasite control and manure management. Learn how to compost horse manure, see the latest & greatest on bin designs. Find out about off-site options for dealing with stall waste and view the latest techniques for reducing stall waste in the barn. Then hear about parasite control, resistance to dewormers, use/overuse of dewormers and techniques to target parasite control. Learn what “natural” options are out there and how you can safely cut back on your deworming program. Save money, keep your horse healthy AND keep the environment healthy, too!
Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Tuesday, May 12th, 6:30 pm – 9 pm. FREE! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.

For more information on any of these programs, please contact Alayne Renee Blickle Program Director Horses for Clean Water http://www.blogger.com/www.horsesforcleanwater.com 425-432-6116

Rain & Snow Delay Opening of Capitol Forest

The information below is from a DNR press release issued last night. For the full release, check out their site.

ORV and horseback riders and campers longing to get out and play in Capitol Forest this April will have to wait another month. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which manages the forest, has permanently changed the opening date to May 1.

The decision to move the date back one month came about last year as a result of discussions with representatives from user groups in the area and feedback from the recreating public. This new season brings Capitol Forest’s season in line with the Yacolt Burn Start Forest season, which was changed five years ago at the suggestion of user groups.

“We know from the Yacolt Burn season change that there will be an immediate positive impact on the protection of natural resources,” said Brian Poehlein, a recreation manager with DNR’s Pacific Cascade Region.

DNR staff also expect the season change will reduce the amount of maintenance needed on the trail systems in Capitol Forest by keeping traffic off saturated soils during the typically rainy month of April. This, too, was a lesson learned from Yacolt Burn.

The new season open and closure dates had unanimous support from the user group representatives. The closing date was moved back one month to December, which still offers seven months of outdoor recreation opportunities for ORV users, horse riders, and campers. Trails in Capitol Forest are open all year for non-motorized use, except for horses.

For more information about recreation in Capitol Forest, contact Brian Poehlein at 360-575-5021 or brian.poehlein@dnr.wa.gov.