EAST VALLEY BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN
Keeping trails open for everyone!
PLEASE PAY AND THEN FILL OUT AN APPLICATION AND A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT TO BE A MEMBER!
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Mission of this organization shall be:
• To perpetuate the commonsense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country
and wilderness.
• To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.
• To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and
management of said resource.
• To educate,
The Mission of this organization shall be:
• To perpetuate the commonsense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country
and wilderness.
• To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.
• To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and
management of said resource.
• To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the back-country
resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage.
• To foster and encourage the formation of new state Back Country Horsemen’s
organizations.
What We Do
Our Mission
Our Mission
We...
• Maintain selected Forest Service trails on public lands.
• Hold monthly meetings for chapter business with educational programs of interest to horsemen.
• Promote low impact Leave No Trace principles on the trail, through presentations and Facebook reminders.
• Offer members the quarterly publication of the Back Country Horsemen
We...
• Maintain selected Forest Service trails on public lands.
• Hold monthly meetings for chapter business with educational programs of interest to horsemen.
• Promote low impact Leave No Trace principles on the trail, through presentations and Facebook reminders.
• Offer members the quarterly publication of the Back Country Horsemen of America.
• Partner with other public land user groups to promote responsible use of our shared resources.
• Host an EVBCH Facebook site which shares news about trail recons, work projects, trail conditions, educational events, social events, etc. available to MEMBERS ONLY.
Our History
Our Mission
Our History
BCHA formation took place in Montana’s Flathead Valley in January of 1973 by Ken Ausk, Dulane Fulton, Dennis Swift, and Roland Cheek. They used their specialized knowledge of stock and the back country to bring about changes and modifications to the restrictive stock management by public officials. They began by participating in agency m
BCHA formation took place in Montana’s Flathead Valley in January of 1973 by Ken Ausk, Dulane Fulton, Dennis Swift, and Roland Cheek. They used their specialized knowledge of stock and the back country to bring about changes and modifications to the restrictive stock management by public officials. They began by participating in agency meetings about land use planning and regulations. Thus, the organization became a strong voice for responsible equestrian use and continued access in our back country. These four men and their supporters never dreamed that they would become the initial developers of programs like Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace for stock. By 2020 there are 32 states with 204 active BCHA chapters consisting of roughly 13,000 members who are dedicated to keeping trails open for all on our public lands. Our chapters work closely with trail partners and local land management agencies to clear and maintain trails.
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Trails and Packing
Our Trails Committee organizes reconnaissance, trail maintenance and work party rides, and also, coordinates social rides with the Membership Committee.
Membership
Find out about the benefits of membership and how to join or renew, either online, or by downloading the forms.
Education
The Education Committee plans the programs for the monthly General Membership Meetings. F From Leave No Trace to CPR, we have plenty of information to share.
Social Activities
Social rides, campfires, music and dancing, potlucks and more. We are looking forward to a 2025-2026 season full of fun social activities that follow CDC guidelines for everyone's safety.
Fundraising & Special Events
EVBCH has a strong Fundraising and Special Events Committee that works hard to build community relationships and support the Chapter's mission and goals.