A study done by the American Horse Council in 2010 to gather information about trail closures or attempted trail closures on federal public lands finds that in recent years a reduction of trails, trail heads and the closure of federal lands to horses and pack animals has been a growing concern for recreational riders around the country.
There is a clear feeling among recreational riders that access to trails historically open to equestrians is being lost. However, there is a lack of specific information regarding access issues on federal land including detailed examples, data on the scope of the problem, causes for this trend, etc.
In order for the horse community to combat this perceived loss of access the AHC determined that it was essential to gather information concerning this issue. This led the AHC to launch an effort beginning in 2009 to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands.
In 2010, the AHC received approximately 50 responses to the access survey from 9 different States including: North Carolina, California, Virginia, Colorado, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky, and Vermont.
Loss of trails for equestrian use fall primarily into several general categories of access issues.
- Loss of access due to a maintenance issue (maintenance related)
- Trails or areas where equestrian access has been restricted or a trail closed(restricted access)
- Several reports fall into an “other” category where the issue is not entirely clear or there is an issue but a trail or area has not actually been closed to equestrians
It is critical recreational riders continue to report their experiences and allow the AHC to construct a clear picture of the access issues facing equestrians around the country.
The AHC needs such information to work more effectively with both the federal land management agencies and Congress to address access issues facing equestrians.
It is very important the recreational riding community work to make sure the federal land management agencies have adequate funding to maintain trails and recreational facilities. This includes making sure Congress knows the importance of such funding to equestrians. All recreational riders should let their elected representatives know the importance of adequately funding the federal land management agencies recreational programs are to them.
It is also important individual equestrians engage and build relationships with their local land managers and work to educate them on issues important to equestrians. Local land managers often have a difficult job to do with limited resources and competing interests. Equestrians can help protect their recreational opportunities by being involved in public meetings and any planning processes early and often.
The AHC will continue to use the survey to collect information on access issues facing equestrians and urges individuals to report their experiences. Please visit https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php to report your personal experiences.