Our History, Our Future Ohio Horseman’s Council Celebrates 50 Years!
the opportunity to continue to build and preserve trails ifty years ago, equine for all to enjoy, as well as visionaries from fund events and activities Warren County got together that members support. At a with state and local land state and national level, OHC managers to establish bridle continues its commitment to trails on public land and and engagement with AHC, improve show facilities. and is a founding member Word spread, and with each of Ohio Trails Partnership subsequent meeting held, (OTP), where all nonmore people with the vision motorized users collaborate of enjoying their horses in as trail visionaries. the outdoors participated Partnering with other from all over the state. In trail users and legislative 1973, four trail rides were leaders is just as important held with over 1,000 riders. as having a partnership In 1974, OHC joined with with your equine. the American Horse Council Ohio Horseman’s (AHC) to ensure OHC had Council is a voice at a national level. actively Membership grew and engaged in OHC organized into county all parts of chapters, governed by a the political state OHC board of elected process by and appointed positions. participating Chapters were able to work in numerous with local land managers to partnerships: enhance equine knowledge • The Ohio and advocate for trails that Legislative Trails Caucus OHC volunteers would help (OLTC) – Started in 2017, build and maintain in order was the first of its kind to enjoy the great outdoors. in the nation at the state Today, OHC members level. This informal group represent all breeds of equine, of like-minded state riding disciplines, and ages of legislators, from both riders. Some ride trails, some parties and both chambers compete, and some drive. of the Ohio legislature, Members volunteer their is co-chaired by Rep. time to show their passion Catherine Ingram and for horse-related activities. Sen. Steve Wilson. OLTC While other states charge will work to advocate riding fees, you do not have for all issues involving to pay to ride Ohio’s trails, the development, and your OHC membership maintenance, and fee provides its volunteers preservation of all Ohio’s by Mary Alice Kuhn
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non-motorized trails. Ohio Horseman’s Council is one of several trail user’s groups who joined immediately, knowing there is a need for a coordinated effort at the state level to develop and maintain Ohio’s trails system. There are an additional 47 bi-partisan members from both the Ohio House and Senate along with trail user groups such as Buckeye Trail Association, Railsto-Trails, and Ohio Mountain Bike Alliance, as well as land managers representing US Forest Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and National Park Service. • Trails Vision Plan – Ohio Department of Natural Resources embarked on a project to develop a 5-year trails plan of which OHC played an active role on the Trails Advisory Committee, providing guidance as the plan was written, covering all trail systems throughout the state. OHC members were able to provide input into the plan, covering issues, concerns, and desires for equine trails and camping in Ohio.
Tomorrow is in the hands of all equine visionaries. • Coalition of State Horse Councils (CSHC), affiliated with American Horse Council, the CSHC is a long-standing committee that makes recommendations to the American Horse Council regarding the position of respective state horse councils on pending federal legislation/ regulations. American Horse Council advocates for the social, economic, and legislative interests of the United States equine industry. Tomorrow is in the hands of all equine visionaries, whether you enjoy riding trails, competing, participating in parades, or just the company of your equine companion. The future is determined by your involvement with your respective local government, land managers, and community. For more information: ohconline.com
