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S. 2283, The Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Land Act (2800 comments ↓)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
S. 2283 would preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public land administered by the National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service on which there is a historical tradition of the use of pack and saddle stock animals.
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Visitor Comments
Cindy Young
November 13, 2007, 7:05am (report abuse)I vote YES, please do not take away our tradion and right to ride. on public lands. Thanks You!
Dan A. Padgett
November 13, 2007, 7:09am (report abuse)As a lifelong equine admirer I am very much supportive of keeping public lands available for use by equestrians. Trail riding is a very rewarding and educational experience for both rider and animal and a very important opportunity to expose the next generation fo our heritage. Please maintain our access. We will do our part to maintain the trails.
Ellen Stara
November 13, 2007, 9:25am (report abuse)Traveling on horseback is the only way many Americans are able to experience the wonders of our public lands, especially those wild and scenic places that would otherwise be inaccessible because of distance and physical limitations. The spiritual and cultural relationship between man and horse discovering our natural world together is a long heritage that must be preserved for future generations. Please vote YES to saving an important American tradition.
Ken Carpenter
November 13, 2007, 2:55pm (report abuse)It is a shame that we must protect recreational trail use and trail user groups from land managers but that is exactly what we must do. Closing of existing trails without public comment or holding public comment periods in such a way as to hide them from trail user groups is not acceptable.
Most trail user groups are more than willing to work in partnership with land managers to create the best recreational experience possible and to conserve the land and enviroment for future generations.
Jane Newton
November 13, 2007, 7:40pm (report abuse)We need to preserve all horse trails that are currently open and try to get more trails available for horsemen and women. Horse people need to gather together and speak up!!! Horses are a part of our history, and should remain as such. All public land should be opened to horseback riders!
Sandra Adams
November 14, 2007, 8:22am (report abuse)When will it stop? We have more and more traditional rights being taken away everyday. I want my grandkids to experience and know the old ways. It is so sad that the major of children right not can not and do not experience any exposure to even livestock. Please do not take away our right to experience and appreciate God's beauty in it simplest form on horseback in our National forest.
Dee Jones
November 14, 2007, 8:56pm (report abuse)Equine does no more damage to the Forest than wild hogs,ect or the use of the forest by our armed service and or hunters.
If any animal or man is placed in a confined area they will do damage.
This is being proven already today.
Every equine person I know is concerned,willing,and respectful of the forest. Closing trails is not the answer. If all public lands are used we will not have this problem. More than ever in todays world the forest is our only place of sanity left. Please do not take that away.
Carol Martel
November 14, 2007, 9:03pm (report abuse)The joy of horseback riding in our beautiful national forests is as important to thousands of responsible horse lovers as the joy of hunting and hiking is to so many Americans. Horses are a part of what was and is America and enable many Americans to experience our beautiful public lands first hand. Horse trails must be kept open and expanded to enable future generations to connect with the pioneer spirit of our forefathers who explored these beautiful lands before us.
Alice Mason
November 14, 2007, 10:38pm (report abuse)I have spent countless hours as a volunteer working on trails on public lands so that I might enjoy riding my horses and taking an occasional pack trip in the back country. This is what I live for. I practice "leave no trace" as does every backcountry horseman I ride with. We have given so much of ourselves so that others may also enjoy these trails. Please do not take our backcountry experience away from us.
Cathy Hodges
November 15, 2007, 2:26am (report abuse)Riding a horse complements and enhances the peaceful nature experience that many equestrians seek on wilderness trails. It allows one to leave the mechanized world behind and rejuvenate one's spirit. Horses and livestock are an integral part of our heritage.
Diane Clark
November 15, 2007, 6:27am (report abuse)Horses have been in this country since the beginning. They have been used for transportation, as work animals, and for pleasure. They do not damage the environmental. People do that!
barbara sigle-kissling
November 15, 2007, 7:43am (report abuse)I vote for this bill.At the rate ridable land is disappearing we will soon have no where left to enjoy our horses and this beautiful country.Our children will have nowhere to go to enjoy the great outdoors as our ancesters have.
V Sue Gilfillan
November 15, 2007, 3:08pm (report abuse)I have always enjoyed hiking and exploring in the parks and forests. Now that my husband and I are older are only way to enjoy exploring is by horseback. Please vote "yes"
Jene Moseley
November 15, 2007, 3:21pm (report abuse)Please consider the fact that without horse or mule travel, much of our present day public lands would have never been explored or currently designated as public lands. Please vote yes to S.2283 and consider equines a public lands historical treasure.
Melba Frick
November 15, 2007, 5:39pm (report abuse)I vote yes for this legislation. Please don't take away any more of our rights to enjoy our lands.
Jim Buchanan
November 16, 2007, 4:46am (report abuse)It is critical bill to vote yes on to preserve the right of horse and mule travel on public lands. Our Nation was first explored on horseback. My observations of over 50 years of public lands use is that horsemen give more back to our public lands in the form of volunteerism and do not trash the lands.
Dave McConkie
November 16, 2007, 6:34am (report abuse)Get involved. Visit your local chapter of Back Country Horsemen of America.(BCHA) Dedicated to the preservation and responsible use of this nations amazing natural resources. Leave no trace.
Carolyn Cardinale
November 16, 2007, 8:07am (report abuse)I vote yes for this bill. Being a trail rider we need use of this land for our equine use. The pleasure we riders get riding this beautiful land is priceless. Please vote "yes".
Karen Milne
November 16, 2007, 12:36pm (report abuse)I vote yes for this bill. We are losing more and more land to development and forestry. Keeping trails open for horse riders would be in keeping with the traditions of this country and allow future generations to experience the beauty of our lands by horseback.
Bernadette Monahan
November 16, 2007, 12:43pm (report abuse)I vote a resounding yes. With the loss of local riding areas having these public land open to horse riders is important so future generations have a place to ride.
Dorothy M. Dillon
November 16, 2007, 3:08pm (report abuse)Give these animals a break! and those who care for them!
Ray Lee
November 16, 2007, 3:26pm (report abuse)Yes, my family supports the Bill. Public lands should always allow for the use of the forest by the public. That is particularly true for those using non motorized means to access the forest. All of us (horsemen, hikers, and bikers) need to support the maintenance of trails with our sweat and dollars.
David Wojick BCHVA.org
November 17, 2007, 8:18am (report abuse)Shenandoah National Park has 500 miles of trails, but 350 miles are closed to horses. 70 percent. We need this law.
Hugh Pauls
November 17, 2007, 10:27am (report abuse)The Right to Ride bill has been tabled far too long!
Our represenatives in the congress should remember that most of our protected scenic places were indeed discovered on horseback!
Ken Halleck
November 17, 2007, 1:13pm (report abuse)My wife is disabled and her horse becomes her legs when we want to enjoy the beauty of our natural resources. We have been turned away from several public trails. Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA)those people with disabilities are being discriminated against. SENATORS/
CONGRESSMEN/WOMEN PASS THIS BILL!!
Leah P. Lovell
November 17, 2007, 1:19pm (report abuse)I have been riding since I was 5. I am now 54. Most of my years of riding have been on public lands. I am a member of Back Country Horsemen, voluneers with the U.S. Forest service and Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries. At an alarming rate, out of control developers are destroying our hunting and recreational lands. Please do not take away our freedom to enjoy public lands where we can exsperience the beauty of this wonderful countries back country. Horses and Mules are part of our heritage. Our history, our public lands, our horses and mules, and our RIGHT TO RIDE, are very important to us and I will do what ever it takes to preserve all five.
SAVADA MARTIN
November 17, 2007, 2:06pm (report abuse)I HAVE NOW REACHED THE AGE THE KIDS ARE GONE AND OVER SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS,AND MY DREAM IS TO TAKE OFF AND RIDE THE DIFFRENT PUBLIC LANDS AND ENJOY THE OUT DOORS . REMERBER THE HORSES CAME FIRST. PLEASE HELP THANK YOU
Rose Howell
November 17, 2007, 3:28pm (report abuse)I vote yes for the trail riding equestrians. Let's keep the trails open for future generations and live green. After all, the animals give natural fertilizing to the forests and trail flora when they pass through the trails. Yes to trails always open.
May God Bless, Anni Howell
Janis Durham
November 17, 2007, 3:46pm (report abuse)Please keep the right to ride on public lands for horse people. Our great state has lands to be explored and enjoyed best by horseback.
Ron Davenport
November 17, 2007, 4:36pm (report abuse)I vote yes. The protection of horseback riding on these trails/lands should be continued. Those of us who use these lands for horseback riding contribute to their upkeep and maintence and there's no just reason to prevent riders from using it. Vote yes.
Sue Crane
November 17, 2007, 6:11pm (report abuse)Please vote yes to keep trails open for equestrians. As a rural resident bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest, I have the deepest respect for the importance of maintaining the natural beauty and ecosystem within our parks. That appreciation has been developed by my ability to view the land by horseback - the way our ancestors did until very recently.
Julie Schram
November 17, 2007, 7:35pm (report abuse)Please vote for this. i enjoy riding and enjoying the trails,and packing with my mules and horses. Please let this continue. keep the Public Lands open to us that ride and pack. thank you, Julie Schram
Judith Hall
November 18, 2007, 7:28am (report abuse)Please Vote Yes 2 this ! To be able 2 appreciate Mother Nature in all of her moods & beauty, & B able 2 do it by horseback is a gift we should all experience !
Lydia Cassilly
November 18, 2007, 8:00am (report abuse)My family votes yes for this bill. We volunteer our time to help preserve trail systems in our national park and national forest for all users. Our tax dollars and our tourist dollars feed the parks and local economies. Good Faith in equestrian park use has thus far been shown only by the riding public, and we will reserve our votes for those who represent the interest of all citizens who wish to use the parks they must pay for. I strongly urge Washington to support this bill.
Clay Ramsay
November 18, 2007, 9:12am (report abuse)Count another YES vote. This is exactly the type of usage for which these lands of the American people were preserved by the government of the people.
David Brown
November 18, 2007, 9:54am (report abuse)Horses are to our public lands what autos are to our freeways. This is a nobrainer to have 100% yes votes from the Senate and House, otherwise I will recommend no funding for public highways.
Lisa Emory
November 18, 2007, 10:52am (report abuse)I am in support on this bill. I would not want to imagine a world where I could no longer ride my horses in the forest or on public land. Thank you.
Colleen Long
November 18, 2007, 11:36am (report abuse)I am an avid trailrider and I strongly support this bill. I respectfully urge Washington to vote in favor of it. There are many volunteers that spend hours preserving our trails for the wonderful recreational uses we all enjoy. The serenity experienced in our national forests stimulates one's spirit. Please don't shun the benefits of nature nor our public rights to enter.
Karen Zelinsky Kite
November 18, 2007, 12:48pm (report abuse)Like so many others, I love horses, trail riding and the incredibly rejuvenating, peaceful, beautiful experience that access to trail riding provides. To close trails to riders on public land would be like a final blow to the heart of America. Please keep public land open for riders, who help pay for the land. Don't keep us off our own property, please!
Marilyn Shoenfeld
November 18, 2007, 1:39pm (report abuse)I, at 63, am new to horse ownership and trail management. I firmly believe that we should all have the right to ride on trails that are on public lands, whether they are national forests, national parks or wildlife refuges or any other public land. I have gone on trail rides in 10 different states and saw many wonderful sight. Please support this bill.
Virginia Falkowski
November 18, 2007, 1:55pm (report abuse)I've been riding & hiking in the backcountry & wilderness areas all of my life. Please keep our rights to enter & enjoy this beautiful heritage.
Jim Camby
November 18, 2007, 2:52pm (report abuse)I VOTE YES to to this bill. The trails are greatly appreciated and respected by the equinest who use them. The trails are also great treasures to the riders and to the horses.
Jennifer Sapira
November 18, 2007, 3:04pm (report abuse)In the land of the free and the home of the brave we are constantly faced with new restrictions. The horses belong to the land and should have the right to cross the land without restriction.
Laura Canaan
November 18, 2007, 3:50pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill. I echo the sentiments of others here in that we must keep the trails open to equestrians. There is no better way to experience the land than by horseback. We are losing too much land to development and restrictions. Please vote yes.
Ginny Fay
November 18, 2007, 4:14pm (report abuse)Thank you very much for your support on the use of public lands for horses and pack animals. This is a critical use that we appreciate and help maintain trails to show our appreciation. Ginny
Meta Beth Marcus
November 18, 2007, 4:55pm (report abuse)The closest thing to heaven on earth is to ride through a pristine forest on the back of a horse. Please, Please, vote yes to enjoying public land on horseback.
Connie Caudill
November 18, 2007, 5:05pm (report abuse)I appreciate any support that you will give this bill. Thank you for listening and giving it consideration.
Anna Burgess
November 18, 2007, 5:57pm (report abuse)When I ride my horse on the trail... I am no longer middle aged, arthritic and held down by the stress of everyday life. I am a little girl again full of dreams and the feel of my horse and I moving as one! Riding a horse is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the world... please allow me and my horse to continue enjoying the public lands and parks. I have the utmost respect for these lands and want to pass this tradition to my grandchildren and their children.
Alexandria Burgess
November 18, 2007, 6:02pm (report abuse)My Mom and I have been riding together at national and state parks since I can remember...I feel that being on a horse and having a horse trust in you is the equivalent to having the wind be your best friend. These parks are a part of some of the greatest memories that I have had... My heart cries out against the possibility of my children not experiencing this special bond only found on historical and beautiful lands.
Trish Parsons
November 18, 2007, 6:15pm (report abuse)I VOTE YES!
It is in my Native American roots to horseback ride on the public lands. I respect the land that I ride on and gladly volunteer to help maintain it. We have too many restrictions as equestrians now. Please preserve our right to ride in the public lands by passing this bill.
Gary Farmer
November 18, 2007, 6:49pm (report abuse)I VOTE YES.
I hope in my lifetime I can ride my horse coast to coast on public land.
Grace Earle Atkinson
November 18, 2007, 7:02pm (report abuse)I VOTE YES. Please don't take this right away! Horses and people have a long history of traveling on public lands. Horses are part of nature and are part of the natural environment. North America had prehistoric horses in paleo-history although they died out with the mastodon. Horses are part of nature, too. Thanks.
Carolyn N Vavala
November 18, 2007, 7:04pm (report abuse)This great nation was once explored by horseback and foot only...what right does the government that we as tax payers support, have to take away a usage of land old as time itself, that is paid for by the citizens that use it. Damage incurred is so minimal if any that it compares to that of natural rainfall and incurring errosion. I have attended the SETC workshop and understand the maintenance and care of trails in our Federal and State parks. It can be taxing when the already strained budget has nothing to give towards the upkeep of existing trails and the creation of new trails. We need to look more towards private funding, fees and volunteerism...So with this said I vote YES....it is our land and our right to ride....I have Cherokee lineage and would love to one day travel the paths they once did via horseback!
Ken & Susan Archer
November 18, 2007, 7:24pm (report abuse)Please vote yes for the right to ride bill. We have been able to see and observe some of the most beautiful and incredible sights that our country has to offer by being on the backs of our horses. We are members of several groups that work with the Forestry Service to maintain and improve the trails that we all ride and enjoy. Also, the trail riding community is an ever growing source of revenue to the areas surrounding our National Forests.
Joylen Carlson
November 18, 2007, 7:35pm (report abuse)Please vote YES for the right to ride bill so our children and great great grandchildren may enjoy this country from the back of a horse as their forefathers.
Sue Payne
November 18, 2007, 7:43pm (report abuse)I vote yes.
Why do we alway have to be the ones trying to keep something as old as time and part of our roots. Riding horse was what got us from the east coast to the west coast. Everyone needs to work together and show respect at what others love to do. I don't like to hike but I don't try to stop people from doing it. Restriction of the horses on public land is not part of my freedom it is being taking away.
Linda Kundell
November 18, 2007, 8:18pm (report abuse)I vote yes loud and clear. I ride horses and so does my 5 year old grandchild. I want her to be able to ride the trails and see this country from the back of a horse. The view is wonderful. What we see on horseback is so much more than we could walk. Please vote yes for the right to ride bill.
Sarah Fletcher
November 18, 2007, 8:25pm (report abuse)Please preserve the rich riding heritage that our nation has enjoyed, and my sanity by continuing to allow me to ride on public land. There is no were else for a lot of horse owners to ride and enjoy nature with there horse. Please vote yes.
Gail Cooley
November 18, 2007, 8:59pm (report abuse)Back in the day you could simply ride out your back door and make your own trail. Now, we count on public land to enjoy our sport. Urban sprawl and commerical development require that we find areas set aside for us to ride and enjoy the outdoors.
Mj Turnbull
November 18, 2007, 9:19pm (report abuse)Horses are part of who we are, how can we take away the heritage,and our history from our current youth and future youth. Horses go deeper for most people, it's not just the ride, it speaks who we are what we believe in. I vote yes.
Karen Philips
November 18, 2007, 10:03pm (report abuse)I am a member of the Back Country Horsemen organization, and BCH members volunteer thousands of hours each year working with the Forest Service to clear and maintain trails. It is frustrating to work so hard to protect trails on our public lands for riders and hikers, and then have to fight to preserve the right to continue to do that trail work using horses and pack stock. Do what is right and VOTE YES for S. 2283.
Helen Lynn
November 19, 2007, 5:15am (report abuse)There is no better way to see this great land than from the back of a horse. Please vote yes for this bill.
Lynn Pedersen
November 19, 2007, 6:02am (report abuse)Riding a horse through the forest is food for soul. I vote yes loud and clear. Please don't take away what little we have left to get away from the noise and chaos of everyday life.
Donna Harrison
November 19, 2007, 7:04am (report abuse)Please vote YES on S. 2283.
Equestrian activities should be supported and enhanced by legislation for and by the people. It is a wholesome, healthy, family-friendly pursuit. It teaches respect for the environment, compassion for animals, and tolerant regard for individual interests.
Jared Cole
November 19, 2007, 7:16am (report abuse)Riding horses brings us back to earth. Balances our lifes and lets us focus on really whats important to us.. I say YES to S. 2283. Why limit where we can ride? The government has taken enough.
ES Butler
November 19, 2007, 8:08am (report abuse)Please vote YES! Preserve our right to enjoy public lands from the back of the animals that carried our forefathers.
Andee Rogers
November 19, 2007, 8:28am (report abuse)Please vote YES on S. 2283. For my family and friends going camping and trail riding have become a big part of our lives. The scenery is beautiful and we get to see things most people only see in pictures. God gave us the land to care for and enjoy. We all work hard to leave the forest as we found it. Don't take this away from us.
Gary Abelov
November 19, 2007, 8:31am (report abuse)It has become pretty obvious to me that we have to fight to keep and protect our countries remaining wild animals and wilderness. You can count on me to vote yes on the RIGHT TO RIDE!
Larry Litton
November 19, 2007, 8:35am (report abuse)Ban the fossil fuel powered NOT the grain and hay fed transportation devices.
Ashara Morris
November 19, 2007, 8:37am (report abuse)Please vote YES on this bill! The entire animal kingdom speaks to us, and horses especially. Magnificent, gentle, yet strong, they calm the stresses of daily life and let us breathe. Combined with the natural world, it is the best tonic for the soul imaginable. Yes, yes, yes to this bill!
Vickie Smith
November 19, 2007, 8:39am (report abuse)As I read the other comments all I could think of was "ME TOO!" and I guess that says it all. It's sad that we have to have a bill to give equestrians the continued right to use trails that were opened in most cases by equestrians!
Krista Wright
November 19, 2007, 8:41am (report abuse)I VOTE YES! The horses do not damage the forests any more than natural erosion and wild animals. This is a more natural alternative than the "sunday drive".
BJ Morris
November 19, 2007, 9:17am (report abuse)YES.
Blocking trails that are badly worn and need to recover is fair. Prohibiting people from riding in the forest (or being there at all) when they have demonstrated irresponsible and careless treatment of our forests is also fair.
Taking away everyone's ability to ride all but a very few trails is an unfair abuse of power.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely and that is what I see is happening across the nation; it makes me sad.
Georgiana Norcross
November 19, 2007, 9:33am (report abuse)I vote yes! Horses and riders need the availability of Natural Space which is quickly being consumed by industry and housing.
Niceene Connolly
November 19, 2007, 9:34am (report abuse)I have for over 50 years been a horse owner and showman, do to the expense of showing my husband and I have begun to enjoy our horses by going trail riding. Riding in the parks where you can see the beauty of our great land and feel the freedom of the great outdoors has been a wonderful experience this year. We hope to continue traveling to other parks where we can ride and enjoy our retirement by enjoying our great USA on horseback. Please everyone support this bill to keep our public lands open to our horses and us to enjoy.
Beverly & JD Mays
November 19, 2007, 9:43am (report abuse)I VOTE YES
As a member of Back Country Horseman of Utah, our group works diligently to volunteer thousands of hours to maintain the states trails for our equine enjoyment. With so many hours worked each year, by so many thousands of volunteers, I absolutely do not agree with our governments philosophy on our limited access to state and federal lands. Please Vote YES
Cindy in Blue Ridge
November 19, 2007, 9:55am (report abuse)YES
Please don't take the wonderful trail experience away from us and our children. Riding in the woods on horseback is the most wonderful enjoyable and educational experience.
Lauren Tzevelekos
November 19, 2007, 10:04am (report abuse)Why is this even an issue? Why can't the public use the lands our taxes pay for? Equestrians are part of the public, we can not all afford our own 200 acres to take our horses for a trail ride! The waste from horses is natural, the trails are in nature. I vote YES, KEEP THE TRAILS ALIVE!
robin camenzind
November 19, 2007, 10:04am (report abuse)I do not believe that the horses and riders are causing any problems. We are one of the few groups that take care of public land and not abuse it.
Victoria Eubanks
November 19, 2007, 10:26am (report abuse)We, the public, demand the use of our public parks for all equestrians! We pay our taxes, and our parking and use fees, we deserve to have our rights upheld by our elected officials. I vote keep ALL of our parks open for equestrian use!