Vermont's nonprofit's mission to save rare horse breed

WCAX.com - Full Story

Posted: Jul 29, 2013
By Judy Simpson

JOHNSON, Vt. -
The Center for America's First Horse in Johnson is home to the largest and most diverse group of Colonial Spanish horses in the eastern United States. The rare breed is 500 years old and famous for their endurance and gentle manners. These horses are descendants of the horses brought to the New World by the conquistadors and were used by various Indian tribes. These horses are part of our history.

"What is left of this breed is only about 3,000 horses and the majority of them are out west. They have been the forgotten breed," said Stephanie Lockhart of the Center for America's First Horse.

There are 18 Colonial Spanish horses on the 70-acre farm. Some were rescued. It is the largest herd in the eastern United States. They are used for lessons and other programs run by the center to educate people not only about the rare breed, but about horses in general...

Read more here:
http://www.wcax.com/story/22960859/vt-nonprofits-mission-to-save-rare-breed-of-horse

Mycotoxin Feed Contamination Poses Health Risks for Horses

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Karen E. Davison, PhD
Jul 24, 2013

Most feed tags include a statement cautioning against offering moldy feed or hay to horses. Owners might suspect mold when they see white, blue, or greenish powdery substances in hay or feed; black spots on hay; or simply by detecting a musty smell in damp, heavy hay. It is crucial to notice mold and avoid feeding molded feedstuffs because the fungus itself—or organisms it produces—have the potential to cause illness and even death in horses.

So what exactly is mold? Mold is a type of fungus, and the number of different molds is estimated in the hundreds of thousands of species. Some molds are harmless; others are useful and even edible. For instance, blue cheese is made by adding a particular Penicillium mold culture to cheese, while another Penicillium species is used to produce antibiotics. And in Asia the mold Aspergillus oryzae has been used for many centuries to ferment a soybean and wheat mixture to make soy sauce or to break down the starch in rice to make sake and other distilled beverages. So why is moldy hay or feed harmful to horses?...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32236/mycotoxin-feed-contamination-poses-health-risks-for-horses?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=nutrition&utm_campaign=07-29-2013

Horse Hoof Trimmings - A Suitable Dog Treat?

Equimed.com - Full Article

Submitted by Deb M. Eldredge, DVM on Fri, 06/14/2013

Almost every barn has dogs around. They may be "mascots" of the boarding barn, farm dogs, or dogs who come by when their owners stop to ride their horses. For many dogs, a high point in their day at the barn is being able to snag some hoof trimmings after a visit by the farrier.
Hoof trimming

Are hoof trimmings safe for your dog or dangerous? In truth, both answers are possible.

Horse hoof walls are made of special skin or epithelial cells that are keratinized. Keratin is a main component of hair, horns, and antlers, as well as hooves in cows, horses, etc. Theoretically, keratinized structures are digestible, though many a cat owner who has cleaned up hairballs would argue that!

When freshly cut, hoof trimmings and hoof shavings are flexible and somewhat soft. As the tissue dries, it becomes very hard and stiff, however. It is the drier, harder hoof trimmings that can present the most trouble...

Read more here:
http://equimed.com/health-centers/hoof-care/articles/horse-hoof-trimmings-a-suitable-dog-treat

New Wintec Pro Endurance Saddle Selected as Official Endurance Saddle of the Arabian Horse Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2013
 
Contact: Stacey Wigmore
(732) 650-0025 x201; stacey.wigmore@weatherbeetausa.com
High-resolution photos available on request.
 
EDISON, NJ—The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) has selected the new Wintec Pro Endurance Saddle as its Official Endurance Saddle.
 
To celebrate the designation, Wintec, the world’s number-one synthetic saddle brand, is donating five Wintec Pro Endurance Saddles to be given as prizes at the American Horse Association Distance Nationals, October 24–28, 2013, in Chandlerville, Illinois.
 
“We are thrilled to have Wintec as a sponsor and to be able to share its top-quality products with AHA members. Wintec has been the leader in producing high-quality synthetic saddles for years. We appreciate the company’s commitment to helping us provide superior awards to our endurance and distance riders,” said Bill Harless, Senior Director of Marketing and Sales for AHA.
 
The cutting-edge design of the new Wintec Pro Endurance Saddle is made to stand up to the high demands and rigors of endurance riding. It features innovations that ensure unprecedented comfort for both horse and rider as well as being weatherproof and offering hassle free maintenance.
 
 “AHA has long supported the Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses in all disciplines, and we are thrilled to establish a relationship with such a well-recognized association,” said Ron Bates, Managing Director, Wintec Saddles. “It is vital that our partners genuinely believe in our saddles and working alongside organizations of AHA’s stature is key in our pursuit to deliver saddles with real performance benefits for both horse and rider.”
 
For the rider, Wintec’s revolutionary FlexiContourbloc® offers customized support and exceptional security in the saddle, while the roomy seat allows for position changes during long rides. An adjustable ergonomic stirrup bar enables closer contact, maximizes comfort and allows for better balance in the saddle.
 
The lightweight saddle weighs just over 12 pounds and has a large bearing area to ensure rider weight distribution over a greater surface area. It comes with the CAIR® Cushion System that adapts to the horse’s working muscles, provides even weight distribution and eliminates pressure points. The EASY-CHANGE® Fit-Solution allows the saddle to be able to be fitted to a wide range of horses, and the adjustable Y-girthing system greatly improves saddle stability.
 
To find out more information on the Wintec Pro Endurance Saddles or to see the entire line of Wintec saddles, visit www.wintec-saddles.com.

West Nile: First Equine Cases Reported in 2013

Thehorse.com

By Edited Press Release
Jul 17, 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) remains a threat to horses. But with the right vaccine and preventive measures, horse owners can help protect their horses against this life-threatening disease.

West Nile encephalomyelitis is an inflammation of the central nervous system that is caused by an infection with WNV. It is transmitted by mosquitoes—which feed on infected birds or other animals—to horses, humans, and other mammals.

Horses in (http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32089/grimes-co-texas-horse-tests-positive-for-wnv) Texas and Ohio have tested positive for WNV, the first equine cases reported in the United States this year. In 2012, when 690 cases were reported nationwide, only eight states (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and West Virginia) had no reports of equine WNV.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to help protect horses against West Nile and other encephalic or mosquito-borne diseases, such as Eastern equine encephalomyelitis and Western equine encephalomyelitis. Already this year, 14 cases of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis have been reported in Florida and Georgia.

In conjunction with vaccination, use good techniques for managing mosquitoes. This includes:

Destroying any mosquito breeding habitats by removing all potential sources of stagnant water; and
Cleaning and emptying any water-holding container, such as water buckets, water troughs and plastic containers, on a weekly basis.

Remember that WNV does not always prompt signs of illness. Horses that become clinically ill from the virus can suffer a loss of appetite and depression due to an infection of the central nervous system. Other clinical signs can include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, ataxia (incoordination), aimless wandering, walking in circles, hyperexcitability or coma. Horse owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they notice signs or symptoms of WNV infection in their horses, especially ones exhibiting neurologic signs. The case fatality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of WNV infection is about 33%.

No matter the location, horses are at risk. By providing proper vaccination and helping to manage mosquito populations, horse owners can do their part to help prevent WNV infections.

Choosing a Feed for Endurance Horses

Equinews.com - Full Article

Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 5, 2013

Endurance horses typically train and compete over long distances, and their nutritional needs reflect the demands of this type of exercise. Selecting a feed for an endurance horse should be based on energy sources, protein level, and other aspects of formulation.

The energy content of the feed is probably the most important factor. Energy should be available from a combination of sources. Fortification with processed starch in the form of cracked corn, rolled barley, or crimped oats should be the basis of the feed. Addition of energy in the form of vegetable oil or a quality animal fat product is the next step. Finished grain concentrates for endurance horses should contain between 7 and 10% fat. With the many benefits that fiber has both for energy production and for maintenance of proper digestive function, inclusion of additional fiber is justified. Adding any one or a combination of the super fibers (beet pulp, soybean hulls, almond hulls, or oat hulls) at a rate of 10 to 40% is beneficial...

Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/choosing-feed-endurance-horses

Adequan Availability Update

Dressage-news.com

The manufacturer of Adequan estimates the United States Federal Drug Administration will inspect the plant in New York that makes the product in late summer but production may not be resumed for several months.

The New York production plant, the only manfacturing facility of Adequan in the world, has been closed for renovations ordered by the FDA and supplies are most likely exhausted, said Allyn Mann, director of Luitpold Animal Health that manufactures the polysulfated glycosaminoglycan for horses and dogs.

Supplies of Adequan were interrupted by the “significant renovations and upgrades to meet enhanced quality standards” ordered by the FDA, the company said.

“These renovations required cessation of manufacturing and affected Luitpold’s ability to release product. This has resulted in shortages in the marketplace.

“Manufacturing cannot resume until the renovations are completed and approved by the FDA.

“Our regulatory group estimates it (renovations) will happen late summer,” Allyn Mann said. “There will be some dialogue with FDA after the inspection which could take several weeks or as long as several months depending on how it goes.

“Once we get clearance, product will ship immediately.”

Adequan IM and IA are the only polysulfated glycosaminoglycan approved by the FDA for the treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness in horses. Adequan Canine is the only polysulfated glycosaminoglycan approved by the FDA for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints.

Physical Exam of the Horse Hoof

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Erica Larson, News Editor
Jul 21, 2013

Abnormal hoof conformation has become so very common that many horse owners and veterinarians have become "numb" to it. So says Debra Taylor, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. But taking some time to become familiar with the healthy hoof can sharpen their ability to readily identify problems that could be contributing to lameness.

During a presentation at the 2013 Western Veterinary Conference, held earlier this year in Las Vegas, Nev., Taylor reviewed healthy hoof conformation characteristics and described some common and potentially function-affecting abnormalities practitioners should watch for during a hoof examination...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32225/physical-exam-of-the-horse-hoof?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=lameness&utm_campaign=07-24-2013

AHC ACTION ALERT! Senate Amendment Threatens Recreational Trails Program

Horsecouncil.org

Submitted by admin on Wed, 07/24/2013 - 15:34

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is planning to offer an amendment (S. Amdt1742) to the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations act (S.1243) that would strip all funding from the Recreational Trail Program (RTP).

The Paul amendment would transfer all funding from the Transportation Alternatives Program to pay for bridge repairs. RTP is part of the Transportation Alternatives Program and would lose all its funding in FY 2014 if this amendment passes and the bill becomes law.

The American Horse Council urges all recreational riders and trail users to call their Senators and ask them to vote no on Senate Amendment 1742 to the 2014 Transportation Appropriations bill (S. 1243) .

Since its inception RTP has provided money for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for all recreational trail users. It is funded with a portion of the gas taxes paid into the Highway Trust Fund by recreational off-highway vehicle users.

You can reach your Senators by calling the Congressional switchboard at (202) 225-3121. Ask for your Senators’ office.

A vote on this amendment is possible in the near future so it is important that trail user act now.

Rattlesnake Bite Vaccine

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Lyndi L. Gilliam, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD
Jul 08, 2013

Question: I have questions about a vaccine for snakebites: My own veterinarian has not mentioned this but my neighbor’s vet recommended that they vaccinate their horses against rattlesnake venom. Last summer six horses in two-mile radius of our farm sustained snakebites, and I am trying to anticipate the upcoming season. I was told by my neighbors the vaccine is a series of three injections, and often horses develop a temporary swelling or irritation at the injection site. Can you tell me more about this vaccine? Is it effective against all rattlesnake species in the United States? Is a horse that previously has been bitten by a rattlesnake more or less likely to have a severe reaction if bitten again?

Betty Fey, via e-mail

Answer: There is, indeed, a rattlesnake vaccine labeled for horses.

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32025/rattlesnake-bite-vaccine?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=07-09-2013

Tevis Research Evaluates Horses' Blood Chloride Levels

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Marsha Hayes
Jul 16, 2013

During the 2012 Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride, Langdon Fielding, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, of Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, in California, and head Tevis veterinarian Greg Fellers, DVM, oversaw a research project aimed at improving veterinarians' ability to quickly and accurately identify horses in danger of metabolic failure. And the team is back again this year to further that research.

A preliminary analysis of data taken last year from approximately 176 horses at the 36-mile checkpoint, Robinson Flat, showed that lower chloride values in the blood were associated with a horse’s failure to complete the event...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32203/tevis-research-evaluates-horses-blood-chloride-levels

"Building Your Trail Right the First Time!"

When you construct or reroute a trail, you are putting a structure on the landscape that will be there, in good or bad condition, for 100 years or more in most places. So why not do it right?  

A part of the American Trails Advancing Trails Webinar Series, "Building Your Trail Right the First Time," brought to you by another trail expert on sustainability, will teach you how to design and layout a sustainable trail when you are constructing or maintaining your trail system.
 
You will learn how to place a trail on the landscape so that it is consistent with the natural environment so that it will be aesthetically pleasing, meet user needs, and require minimal maintenance in the future.
 
You will also learn how to lay out a trail or re-route it in a sustainable manner. After this webinar, you will have the tools to:
• Understand the influences of water on trail alignments
• Understand the use of control points in trail layout
• Learn how to determine sustainable grade
• Learn how to determine grades between control points
The webinar is geared primarily towards beginning to intermediate level trailbuilders.

Presenter: John Favro, a professional trail consultant, is the Owner of Trails Guy and the newly elected Chair of the American Trails Board. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service after a 35 year career. Read John's article in a previous issue of the American Trails Magazine, "Sustainable Trails: doing it right the first time."

Learn more here:
http://www.americantrails.org/resources/trailbuilding/webinar-favro-sustainable-trails.html

Digesting Different Hay Forms

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Kristen M. Janicki, MS, PAS
Jun 18, 2013

Many horse owners have their hay-buying ritual down to a science. But from time to time, owners might find themselves rethinking their ritual, possibly due to drought, floods, or other factors that limit the forage supply in their area.

Fortunately, bales aren't the only hay option. Owners might need to "think outside the bale" and pursue a different form of forage for their charges. Here’s some information about different hay forms owners can consider...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32068/digesting-different-hay-forms?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=nutrition&utm_campaign=06-24-2013

Report: Inadequate Trail Resources Threaten Public Access

Thehorse.com

By Edited Press Release
Jun 30, 2013



The National Forest System contains the largest network of trails in the world but lacks the resources and staff to keep up with growing recreation demands, according to the first government study on the topic in nearly 25 years. And two national public lands groups who requested the study—one of which is a trail riding group—say the results spell out the need for improved investments for the forest service trail system, including more reliable funding and a more systematic approach to organizing volunteers.

According to the study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a non-partisan government research wing, forest service trails are receiving more use than ever even as the maintenance and reconstruction backlog ballooned to $524 million in 2012. That figure has increased by more than half since 1989, the last time the GAO analyzed the national forest trail system.

While more people than ever are heading into national forests, only one quarter of all trails are maintained to standard. According to the report, this backlog prevents public access, poses dangers to public safety, and degrades clean water.

The Wilderness Society and Back Country Horsemen of America originally requested the study from several Congress members including Rep. Mark Simpson of Idaho, Rep. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, and Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia. The groups say the report’s findings present cause for concern but are not an insurmountable challenge.

According to The Wilderness Society, the most straight-forward solution is more reliable trail funding to better match the benefit recreation provides back to the public and economy.

National forests receive over 165 million visitors each year but only about $80 million each year is dedicated to maintaining the trails these visitors use. That works out to less than $0.50 of on-the-ground dollars per visitor.

“Trails contribute over $80 billion each year to the outdoor recreation industry but they receive a paltry investment in return,” said Paul Spitler, The Wilderness Society's director of wilderness campaigns. “In this era of budget-constraints, additional funding for trail maintenance may be difficult to acquire but it’s incredibly important. At the same time we need to investigate other creative solutions to help supplement limited funds and stretch every dollar further,” he said.

Volunteers are the biggest free resource available to help tackle the problem, according to the Back Country Horsemen of America, one of the largest volunteer-based trail organizations in the country.

“We’ve seen first-hand how partnerships with the forest service brings people together and can leverage more resources more effectively, “said Jim McGarvey, chairman of the Back Country Horsemen. “Congress and the forest service should encourage the use of more creative partnerships whenever possible to get more out of every dollar, empower our volunteer networks, and ensure existing resources are used more efficiently.

“Our trails won’t take care of themselves, so collaboration and leveraging resources and volunteer power is the name of the game now,” continued McGarvey. “Until we can get more dedicated trail dollars from Congress, these partnerships represent our best path forward.”

Back Country Horsemen of America Gives Youth a Leg Up on Tomorrow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2013
 
Contact: Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161
 
Back Country Horsemen of America Gives Youth a Leg Up on Tomorrow
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
 
Across the nation, Back Country Horsemen of America leads the campaign of saving trails for horse use. They cherish America’s equestrian heritage and seek to preserve our right to ride horses on public lands for many generations to come. The next generation is here with us now; children of all ages who are fascinated with horses, love the outdoors, and are eager to learn new skills.
 
Back Country Horsemen love to share their knowledge, expertise, and experience, especially with young folk. For that reason, BCH groups from coast to coast look for innovative ways to work with kids. These projects also fulfill BCHA’s mission to teach common sense use and enjoyment of horses in our back country and wilderness.
 
Putting Experience to Work
 
Sixteen-year-old Tyson Poulsen Bird, a member of the Eagle Rock Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho with his parents, demonstrates the strong work ethic prevalent in most Back Country Horsemen. For 12 years, Tyson has been as involved with the chapter’s activities as his age would allow.
 
Tyson loves the wilderness and enjoys working alongside the adults, trimming brush, moving logs (almost as big as he is), nailing bridges together, and posting trail signs. Tyson enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. He respects the outdoors and promotes Leave No Trace principles. He is also an avid Eagle Scout.
 
When it came time for Tyson to choose an Eagle Scout project, he consulted Dave Woodcock, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest Service Director. Dave suggested constructing a much-needed bog bridge in Tie Canyon by Swan Valley, Idaho. Over the next few months, Tyson and Dave formulated a plan for a 62 inch wide, 37 foot long bridge. They decided how much lumber and which tools would be needed, and how many people and the number hours would be required to accomplish the job.
 
Despite a hot work day, 26 people drove up to 60 miles to participate in Tyson’s project. Not only was the bridge construction completed in one day instead of the projected two days, three people from Tyson’s work party also cleared brush from the trail and repaired another bog bridge. Tyson said he was humbled by all the effort and support that was given him by his friends, family, and the Eagle Rock Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho.
 
Learning New Skills
 
Every year, several members of Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead, a chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Montana, teach a one-day packing clinic to a group of students at Flathead High School in Kalispell, Montana.
 
Instructors begin in the Voc-Ag workshop with an overview of the qualities that make a good trail horse and a good packhorse, and the equipment necessary for packing. They explain the various requirements the US Forest Service has put into place, such as bear resistant food storage containers and protecting trees from horse damage. The safety portion of the clinic covers handling horses, lead ropes, sheaths on crosscut saws, and more.
 
The high school students also learn how to pack a load and distribute weight evenly on the packhorse, as well as how to manage high lines and the various knots needed when packing in the wilderness. Outside, the students work with seasoned trail horses, fitting them with saddles and packs. Instructors demonstrate ways to pack odd-shaped loads on the horses, such as an elk or lumber.
 
The Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead Chapter instructors recently visited with a few past students, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn these specialized skills. Past students have gone on to become members of trail crews, wranglers for a local outfitter, and even smoke jumpers.
 
Back Country Horsemen of Tomorrow
 
The youth who participate in these educational opportunities experience a wide variety of benefits. They learn sound judgment, self-sufficiency, methods of doing things in a consistent manner, thoughtfulness of their surroundings, and an appreciation for animals and wild lands. Working together with other children on these projects promotes an aptitude for leadership, problem solving, cooperation, and the fulfillment of learning a new skill.
 
Planting the seeds of these qualities in today’s children promotes those qualities in tomorrow’s adults, giving them a leg up in every area of life. The kids also take with them a new respect for the value of America’s wilderness lands and our tradition of enjoying them by horseback. When today’s generation is gone, these youngsters will continue the fight to preserve our right to ride on public lands. 
 
About Back Country Horsemen of America
 
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at-large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
 
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!

Gov. Report: Public Access Threatened by Inadequate Trail Resources

Wilderness Society and Back Country Horsemen say 21st century trail investments should match value of recreation
 
Contacts:
Paul Spitler, The Wilderness Society (202) 360-1912,
Jim McGarvey, Back Country Horsemen of America (706) 669-1015.
 
WASHINGTON (June 27, 2013) –  The National Forest System contains the largest network of trails in the world but lacks the resources and staff to keep up with growing recreation demands according to the first government study on the topic in nearly twenty-five years.
 
Two national public lands groups who requested the study say the results clearly spell out the need for improved investments for the Forest Service trail system, including more reliable funding and a more systematic approach to organizing volunteers.
 
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a non-partisan government research wing, Forest Service trails are receiving more use than ever even as the maintenance and reconstruction backlog ballooned to $524 million in 2012.  That figure has increased by more than half since 1989, the last time the GAO analyzed the National Forest trail system.
 
While more people than ever are heading into National Forests in pursuit of exercise, relaxation, and adventure, only one quarter of all trails are maintained to standard. According to the report, this backlog prevents public access, poses dangers to public safety, and degrades clean water.
 
The Wilderness Society and Back Country Horsemen of America originally requested the study from several prominent members of Congress including Rep. Simpson of Idaho, Rep. Lummis of Wyoming, and Rep. Moran of Virginia. The groups say the report’s findings present cause for concern but are not an insurmountable challenge.
 
According to The Wilderness Society, the most straight-forward solution is more reliable trail funding to better match the benefit recreation provides back to the public and economy.
 
National Forests receive over 165 million visitors each year but only about $80 million each year is dedicated to maintaining the trails these visitors use. That works out to be less than 50 cents of on-the-ground dollars per visitor. 
 
“Trails contribute over $80 billion each year to the outdoor recreation industry but they receive a paltry investment in return,” said Paul Spitler, Director of Wilderness Campaigns.  “In this era of budget-constraints, additional funding for trail maintenance may be difficult to acquire but it’s incredibly important. At the same time we need to investigate other creative solutions to help supplement limited funds and stretch every dollar further,” he said.
 
Volunteers are the biggest free resource available to help tackle the problem according to the Back Country Horsemen of America, one of the largest volunteer-based trail organizations in the country. 
 
“We’ve seen first-hand how partnerships with the Forest Service brings people together and can leverage more resources more effectively, “said Jim McGarvey, chairman of the Back Country Horsemen.  “Congress and the Forest Service should encourage the use of more creative partnerships whenever possible to get more out of every dollar, empower our volunteer networks, and ensure existing resources are used more efficiently.”
 
A shining example of volunteer power is found in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia, where the Forest Service convened a collaborative trails program and leveraged volunteer contributions to the equivalent of twenty-one full time employees in 2010.
 
“Our trails won’t take care of themselves, so collaboration and leveraging resources and volunteer power is the name of the game now,” said McGarvey. “Until we can get more dedicated trail dollars from Congress, these partnerships represent our best path forward.”