If you enjoy riding horseback in the back country areas around Barriere and the Lower North Thompson; if you are a beginner at trail riding, or an experienced trail rider interested in sharing your love of the outdoors, you might want to find out what the Back Country Horsemen of B.C. are all about.
Back Country Horsemen offer a friendly atmosphere that stresses safety, horsemanship skill training, trail riding, packing, trail building and maintenance.
Back Country Horsemen of BC is a Province-wide organization that provides an environment for equestrians who are interested in trail riding and the back country, a social, safe learning atmosphere where people of all ages and experience can enjoy trail riding and the wilderness experience. Through collaboration with individuals, government, business and other recreational users of public land they strive to preserve and enhance the use of public lands for all equestrians.
Some of the benefits include learning how to experience our beautiful B.C. trails by riding on safe, casual day rides or for the more adventurous, learn the necessary skills to enjoy packing on extended trips into the back country as did many when the Back Country Horsemen of BC held their yearly Rendezvous in Barriere in 2007 and 2008.
This organization is family-oriented. Youth are encouraged to learn and participate in the rides, education and fun social get togethers.
Back Country Horsemen participate in educational clinics, safe day and overnight rides, “trail days”, and the “Leave No Trace” program as well as the internationally recognized “Trail Rider Education Program” which focuses on safety and trail riding skills.
BC Back Country Horsemen are also a voice with provincial and municipal governing agencies dealing with matters of concern to all trail riders.
Their mission statement is to provide their members and others of the equine community an environment in which they can enjoy the backcountry using equines, and strengthen it through advocacy, education and the sharing of trail information.
Their vision; A growing and active society throughout British Columbia recognized as the voice for equine trails in B.C.
Within the Lower North Thompson there are currently five major trail systems offering hundreds of miles of trail in the area which include; Skull Mountain, Seven Sisters, Johnson Lake, Orchard Lake and Mayson Lake Trails.
Locally there has been keen interest from equestrians in setting up an ‘Extreme Trail Course’ at Fishtrap Horse Camp where people can safely work their horses, build confidence, attend clinics, and share common ideas and experiences.
Due to the amazing opportunities available for horseback riding in the area, and the considerable interest shown in forming a chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of BC in the Barriere and Lower North Thompson areas, a group of local horsemen and horsewomen are getting together to do just that.
If you are interested in joining this group you are encouraged to attend a meeting at the Barriere Employment Services office, on Thursday evening, Feb. 23, at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and find out more about forming a local chapter of this popular provincewide organization.
For further online information go to www.bchorsemen.org.