The Back Country Horsemen of B.C.
‘Riding with this team of volunteers who do such great things is an honour’
While horses and mules are not as crucial to our lifestyle and existence as they once were, there is a volunteer group that still considers them pretty important. It’s called the Back Country Horsemen Society of BC. In 1988 one of the founding members, Jim Mccrae, completed a five-month solo ride from Mexico back to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. When he needed assistance, there always seemed to be a Back Country Horsemen of America member or group to help out.
From that seed, an idea grew when a few people from the Fraser Valley (including Jim) attended a ride and drive down in Washington State—put on by, you guessed it, Back Country Horsemen of Washington. Around that campfire, eight people decided to form the first Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of BC (BCHBC). Back in beautiful B.C., the initial meeting in 1989 was held at a kitchen table and on June 11, 1991, the group became an official society.
The growth of BCHBC can be compared to a morning sunrise! It all starts with a hint of light, an idea. The idea grows stronger, takes on different shades, until the light is bright all over. Well, as of 2020, BCHBC has 21 chapters, one in every major geographical zone of the province. Membership totals 750-plus, ages 8 to 80.
We are a small group of volunteers that do great things! BCHBC’S focus is in support and representation of recreational trail riders. Chapters work with other recreational groups, government agencies and the general public to promote local trails for riding, trail safety, ethics, awareness and understanding about trail and backcountry use. BCHBC has long been a strong supporter and proponent for not only registering and maintaining existing trails and trailheads, but also for planning and building new ones where feasible. Educational opportunities are provided, addressing safety, care of the horse and the environment as well as first aid, survival and navigation, just to name a few other activities. Chapters invite speakers to regu
lar meetings, host clinics, join in parades, organize work bees and hold fun events often geared to the whole family. The constitution of the society says it all:
BCHBC Pledges to: 1.
Work together with recreational groups, government agencies and the general public to promote awareness and understanding for a cooperative wilderness experience.
2. Build new trails, trailheads and other facilities.
3. Maintain and preserve existing trails, wilderness or urban.
4. Promote educational programs in safety, courtesy and environmental awareness.
5. Preserve access for Canadians to use horses and mules (equines) on public lands.
Back Country Horsemen dedicate their efforts on horse trails and especially love the historic trails. A reminder that all horse trails are also hiking trails and some are also used by mountain bikers and motorized recreationists. One such trail is the 160-year-old Dewdney Trail, which starts in Hope, B.C. and goes all the way to Fort Steele in Cranbrook near the B.c./alta. border. It was built in 1860 and completed in 1865 as a route from the coast to the interior to keep resources (like fur and gold) from ending up in the United States. Today, a lot of time, effort and funding go into keeping it open for use. Slides, washouts, windfall, weeds, culverts and bridges all need maintenance. In the backcountry of B.C. this can be difficult and costly. Here is where horses and mules are invaluable. They get people, tools and resources into the more inaccessible parts of the trail.
Another type of project that BCHBC Chapters like to embrace is the building of equestrian campsites. One such was built this year in the Kane Valley Recreation Site near Merritt, B.C. With 13 campsites, 26 corrals and miles of interconnecting trails, it is near perfect for those who like to camp and ride with their equines. Seven chapters partnered with Recreation Sites and Trails BC to complete the project. Funding came from BCHBC chapters, Horse Council BC and the Endurance Riders of BC, plus donations from partnering businesses.
BCHBC clocks their volunteer hours. In 2019 the hours totalled a value of $71,789.58. From incorporation to date BCHBC has provided in excess of $1.7 million in volunteer time and efforts alone, in projects throughout the province. In addition, we receive funding from our own membership, Horse Council BC, other equine organizations, government grants and donations from the general public.
Our volunteers are incredible and never fail. Because of that, one of our mantras is “many hands make for light work.” ■
For more information, drop in for a visit at www.bchorsemen.org