Our History, Our Future - Ohio Horseman's Council Celebrates 50 Years

from 2022 Ohio Equestrian Directory

by ENSO Media, Inc.

Are Grazing Muzzles Safe?

Ohio Horseman’s Council Celebrates 50 Years!

by Mary Alice Kuhn

Fifty years ago, equine

visionaries from Warren County got together with state and local land managers to establish bridle trails on public land and improve show facilities. Word spread, and with each subsequent meeting held, more people with the vision of enjoying their horses in the outdoors participated from all over the state. In 1973, four trail rides were held with over 1,000 riders.

In 1974, OHC joined with the American Horse Council (AHC) to ensure OHC had a voice at a national level. Membership grew and OHC organized into county chapters, governed by a state OHC board of elected and appointed positions. Chapters were able to work with local land managers to enhance equine knowledge and advocate for trails that OHC volunteers would help build and maintain in order to enjoy the great outdoors.

Today, OHC members represent all breeds of equine, riding disciplines, and ages of riders. Some ride trails, some compete, and some drive. Members volunteer their time to show their passion for horse-related activities. While other states charge riding fees, you do not have to pay to ride Ohio’s trails, and your OHC membership fee provides its volunteers the opportunity to continue to build and preserve trails for all to enjoy, as well as fund events and activities that members support. At a state and national level, OHC continues its commitment to and engagement with AHC, and is a founding member of Ohio Trails Partnership (OTP), where all nonmotorized users collaborate as trail visionaries.

Partnering with other trail users and legislative leaders is just as important as having a partnership with your equine. Ohio Horseman’s Council is actively engaged in all parts of the political process by participating in numerous partnerships: • The Ohio

Legislative Trails Caucus (OLTC) – Started in 2017, was the first of its kind in the nation at the state level. This informal group of like-minded state legislators, from both parties and both chambers of the Ohio legislature, is co-chaired by Rep.

Catherine Ingram and

Sen. Steve Wilson. OLTC will work to advocate for all issues involving the development, maintenance, and preservation of all Ohio’s 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. • 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.

Tomorrow is in the hands of all equine visionaries.

For more information: ohconline.com

DISPLAY AD PROOF I N C.

ERIKA@ENSOMEDIAGROUP.COM • 440-668-2812

This proof is submitted to give you the opportunity to check for any possible errors and to make any necessary Pavilions • Arches corrections. Enso Media Group cannot be held responsible for errors appearing in the final printed piece Heavy Timber Trusses which are not brought to our attention at this time. Bridges • Posts • Beams