WHO WE ARE

Backcountry Horsemen is an active organization providing members many and varied ways of participating in equestrian and social activities.  Each of us has different interests and expectations.  However, if you are interested in horses and trail riding then Backcountry Horsemen has something to offer you.  We encourage everyone to participate in the way, and at the level, in which they are comfortable.

 Trail Rides

Backcountry Horsemen hosts scheduled trail rides for members and their guests.  These vary in length from a single day to a long weekend.  They occur on nearby public lands and are lead by chapter members.  Some include potluck dinners, training opportunities and an opportunity to experience new riding areas.  Some rides are in areas for the less experienced riders and horses while other rides are more suitable for experienced riders and horses that want to explore more difficult terrain and travel further.  In addition, members get together in small groups for spontaneous rides as the opportunities arise.  Some members get together in smaller groups for longer backcountry pack trips.  Click Here for the Events Calendar.

Work Parties

As part of our strategic goal to provide a valuable volunteer force, Backcountry Horsemen work with public and private land managers to provide multi-use trail heads and trails.  Our chapter provides tools, equipment and livestock, as well as the volunteer labor, for the construction and maintenance of these facilities.  In addition, members provide technical assistance for their design and placement.  This increases our value to the land managers, improves our relationship with them and helps to insure that facilities are safe and suitable for equestrian use.  Everyone is invited to participate in work parties because they require all skill levels and abilities.  People participate in areas of lopping tree limbs, shoveling dirt, holding horses, carrying tools, marking trails, chainsaw operation and moving logs and other debris from the trail.  Some projects include use of horses while some do not.  In addition to the work accomplished, our work parties provide a good time and a feeling of contribution to keeping trails open to equestrians.  Click Here for the Events Calendar.

 Monthly Chapter Meetings

The monthly chapter meetings provide an opportunity for members and guests to gather in an informal atmosphere.  Some meetings include planned social events, such as a potluck, but all of them provide an opportunity for members to exchange information and get to know other people with the common interest in trail riding.  Chapter business is conducted and an educational program in presented.  Trail rides, work parties and other chapter activities are discussed.  It is one, of several methods, used to keep members informed about public issues that affect their ability to use horses on public land.  Meetings are held at the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council Building, 6116 N. Market in Spokane on the 4th Tuesday of each month except December, social 6:30 P.M., meeting 7:00 P.M.

 Education

Membership meetings and seminars have informative and entertaining programs that add to your trail riding enjoyment.  There are periodic seminars and workshops emphasizing the Leave No Trace (LNT) education program.  This provides essential information about how to tread lightly on the land so we may retain our rights to use horses and mules on public land.  The chapter provides displays and seminars, including a programmed slide presentation, to other groups and at public events.  Click Here for Leave No Trace information.

Poker Ride

The annual poker ride is a chapter event in which the general public is invited to participate.  It takes place the second Saturday of May each year on the BLM land at Fishtrap Lake west of Spokane.  Participants ride a well-marked trail as they compete for the best poker hand at predetermined stops.  Those with the best, and worst, poker hands win gift certificates.  Several door prizes are also available.  Many chapter members assist on several committees to help make this one of the best poker rides in the area.  Income from the poker ride helps support the chapter’s Leave No Trace (LNT) education program and work parties.  Registration forms are available at local feed and tack stores and on this website.  Click Here for Poker Ride information.

State Park Maps

Inland Empire Backcountry Horsemen developed and produced multi-use trail maps for Riverside and Mt. Spokane State Parks.  These maps are valuable to hikers, bikers and horsemen using the trails in these parks.  The maps are available at the parks and through many recreational retail outlets.  They are available to members at chapter meetings at a membership prices.  Click Here for maps information.

 Chapter Library

The chapter library provides a wide assortment of trail and horse related information.   Click Here for more library information.

 Trail Guide

The Trail Guide was published as a benefit to the members.  This guide provides information about approximately 30 trailheads and trails, and how to contact land managers and obtain maps in our area.  The Trail Guide is maintained on this website.  Click Here for more information about the Trail Guide.

 Purchasing Discounts

Inland Empire Backcountry Horsemen chapter members receive purchasing discounts at

Aslin Finch stores when presenting proof of membership. 

Newsletters

Chapter, state and national newsletters keep us abreast of local and national activities that affect our ability to use horses on public land.  They also provide information about local Backcountry Horsemen rides, work parties, seminars, meetings, social events, educational information and legislative issues pertaining to horsemen.  Click Here to access the newsletters.

Social

The chapter has a Christmas party, potlucks, rides, meetings and other opportunities to meet and enjoy the company of the best people on earth – horsemen.

Preserving Equestrian Rights

The purpose of the Inland Empire Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington is to preserve and enhance the right to use horses and mules for recreation on public lands.  Our Vision is to develop and keep trails open for responsible recreational use.  We have several  objects to achieve our Goals.  These Objectives include:

• To unite equestrians to achieve  the mission and goals of Backcountry Horsemen.

• To encourage citizen  involvement in political & governmental laws affecting public lands.

• To be proactive in interpretation & implementation by local land managers of regulatory policies regarding equine use  on public lands.

• To educate & inform land  users & managers about the etiquette, impact , & historical use of recreational lands.

• To recruit, introduce, & educate interested horsemen to the use, safety, & enjoyment of trails & the backcountry.

• To be a proactive volunteer in building & maintaining trails.

• To provide social activities for equestrians

• To support BCHW & BCHA.

Statewide Activities

The Backcountry Horsemen of Washington sponsors several statewide activities for members.  These include an annual rendezvous, convention and various rides.  The rendezvous provides an opportunity to participate in packing competition, view demonstrations and seminars on a variety of equestrian activities, visit with vendors and other horsemen and generally have a good time.   The convention is the annual opportunity for members to participate in the business of the state organization. The rendezvous and convention are held at the same time each spring.  The location and date vary each year and are announced well in advance. 

 For a Membership Application Form. Click Here

To link to our contact page where you may call a member. Click Here