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S. 2283, The Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Land Act (2,780 comments ↓)
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
I vote YES, please do not take away our tradion and right to ride. on public lands. Thanks You!
Dan A. Padgett
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I vote yes for this legislation. Please don't take away any more of our rights to enjoy our lands.
Jim Buchanan
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
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
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
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
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
Give these animals a break! and those who care for them!
Ray Lee
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
Shenandoah National Park has 500 miles of trails, but 350 miles are closed to horses. 70 percent. We need this law.
Hugh Pauls
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I appreciate any support that you will give this bill. Thank you for listening and giving it consideration.
Anna Burgess
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
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
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
I VOTE YES.
I hope in my lifetime I can ride my horse coast to coast on public land.
Grace Earle Atkinson
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Please vote YES! Preserve our right to enjoy public lands from the back of the animals that carried our forefathers.
Andee Rogers
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
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
Ban the fossil fuel powered NOT the grain and hay fed transportation devices.
Ashara Morris
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
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
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
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
I vote yes! Horses and riders need the availability of Natural Space which is quickly being consumed by industry and housing.
Niceene Connolly
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Gary Williams
Restrict! Further Restrict!Even "Preserve" should not be used in conjunction with our freedom to ride on Public Lands."WithOut Resriction" should be the wording.This Bill may not be strong enough.We should be able to ride on any road or trail that exists that our horses and mules are capable of traversing.Furthermore , we should be able to ride where there are no trails ,if we and our horses are able.
Bunny Young
YES! YES! YES!
Riding in the forest....well there's just nothing like it. Concentrate on stopping the things in life that don't bring pleasure.
Joel Murphy
I absolutely support the ride to rides horses and mules on federal lands, especially national parks -- just as former President Teddy Roosevelt did, and encouraged all Americans to do frequently!
Karen Parham
Please, vote yes for this bill. Georgia continues to be consumed by development and our counties are bombarded with overwhelming traffic. The only safe places we have to ride are in the county, state or national lands. If the national lands are taken from us due to rider damage can you imagine if all the rides are only permitted in small state and county parks? We pay taxes and volunteer to work on these trails, please, don't take them from us. Let's work together, if let us help we will.
Marian Zarbos
Oh my God-I can't believe this is an issue. Riding through the forest gives us riders a time to releases stress and forget about what issues should be addressed in congress. Give me a break!
Debbie Walker
Please vote YES for this bill. Equestrians are finding it more and more difficult to have a place to ride their horses other than in a round pen or arena. We pay our taxes and should be allowed to ride on public land. Most of us are more than happy to help maintain the trails.
Stacie Amerson
Please allow us to keep rideing on this beutiful land of ours. It is in the best intrest of the quality of life for horse people and our children to continue this privlage. Many people spend alot of time maintaining and preserving the beuty of these areas and i believe horse people of all knids care about the land and the people enjoying it. They are cognisant of the privlage to enjoy it and the rights of others. We can all share and enjoy this amazing country if we work together.
Gayle Newton
I say the trails should be kept open for those who love horses and are responsible horse owners to ride whenever they want.
To many of America's tradions are falling along the wayside just to make room for progress. Unfortunately, progress is not always for the people and by the people.
Leave the land and horse riders alone.
Michael Anderson
Please vote YES. We help to maintain and look after the forest and should be able to use it for horseback riding.
Carol Johnson
We're responsible horse owners and trailriders. We must keep access to the trails. Vote YES to this bill please! Keep trails open to horses. We trail ride all summer and travel with our horses.
Melinda Placke
Horses have been and still are a big part of America. Without them we would not have found new land, brought civilization, won wars and farmed this land. To deny the right to ride our National Forest and PUBLIC land is to deny a part of our heritage and our RIGHT to use and enjoy this piece of what our taxes support. Horse trails must be kept open and expanded. The recreational horse rider is a huge income generator for all industries. To deny them the access to these lands would have an economic impact that would be felt. If there is a need to support these public trail systems, then don’t deny access, but charge a nominal fee to help build and maintain these trails. I myself would not hesitate to pay a nominal or yearly fee to be able to explore and ride our public lands.
Melinda Placke
Horses have been and still are a big part of America. Without them we would not have found new land, brought civilization, won wars and farmed this land. To deny the right to ride our National Forest and PUBLIC land is to deny a part of our heritage and our RIGHT to use and enjoy this piece of what our taxes support. Horse trails must be kept open and expanded. The recreational horse rider is a huge income generator for all industries. To deny them the access to these lands would have an economic impact that would be felt. If there is a need to support these public trail systems, then don’t deny access, but charge a nominal fee to help build and maintain these trails. I myself would not hesitate to pay a nominal or yearly fee to be able to explore and ride our public lands.
Angelika O'Donnell
Yes. Please preserve the right.
Anita Smith
Horses access to public lands is vital to preserving the last beautiful lands we have to enjoy. I want my grandchildren to be able to see a red tail hawk fly overhead as they ride on these preserved lands. Please vote YES to this bill, we pray that other groups will also try to preserve the land. As they say, land - they are not making anymore of it.
Joe Manning
Please continue to keep our open lands available to equine enthusiasts. With so much development in our rural areas this is one of the last activities we can enjoy in the great outdoors.
MICHELLE MATTINGLEY
I VOTE YES. ACCORDING TO THE HORSEMEN'S COUNCIL OF ILLINOIS EQESTRIANS IN ILLINOIS SPENT $3.8 BILLION DOLLARS LAST YEAR. IT WOULD BE A DETRIMENT TO THE EQUESTRIANS AND LOCAL ECONOMIES.
Diana K. Hix-Watford
I vote yes. Please continue to let our lands be used for equines.
Doris Heasley
I vote YES. This is a healthy family oriented activity that should be preserved for generations to come!
Marcus Bach
Our family is very much in support of this bill. We vote yes. Please continue to keep our Public Lands public and open to all equine. I hope that my grandkids will be able to enjoy the same experiences with their horses on our public lands.
Lindsay Campbell
Yes to the bill.
Jo West
I am 65 years old and the greatest joy in my life is trail riding on public lands! It has kept me active and healthy. Horses are my life! I have worked as a volunteer on the trails I ride in order to help preserve their natural beauty. It is our heritage and our right to be able to trail ride our public lands.
Marianne Torchia
I vote YES to this bill. Horses are our history, to ban horses from trails is equivalent to extinction...
nicole platt
I vote yes!
ELIZABETH STUDENIC
I VOTE YES!
APRIL ELKINS
I vote yes.
Carrie Roper
I vote yes!
Jim Mayer
I vote yes for this bill. Horses are a good part of our history & we need trails to ride them on & we need them in our community especially since gas is getting so high we can't travel very far. I am on the Board with BCH in Ky. We now have a voice in Washington.
Debbie Sutton
I vote yes on S.2283 Please let our public land remain open to all equine and preserve our right to ride. It is the only safe place to ride. No one wants to be restricted to ride in a riding ring.What kind of government takes away the peoples rights to public lands for recreation?
Pat Buls
I support this bill with great enthusiasm. We need outdoor experiences for our mental and physical health. Horse travel in the back country is the very foundation of our western heritage. It's still the best way to discover our public lands. Let's keep it that way!
Barbara Biello
Vote yes! Horse back riding is a healthy, natural sport that should be preserved. Our children are getting phobic of the outdoors! Please don't close any more corridors for them not to experience. Places to ride horses are diminishing.
Marilyn Frederick
VOTE YES!! IF WE LOSE THIS VOTE~IT WILL BE, JUST ONE MORE OF OUR RIGHTS THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN AWAY!! THERE ARE FEW PLACES YOU CAN RIDE ANYMORE, SO LETS KEEP THE PUBLIC LAND~PUBLIC!! I HAVE BEEN RIDING SINCE I WAS 6 YRS OLD~AND I HAVE SEEN THINGS ON THE BACK OF MY HORSE, YOU JUST CAN'T SEE ANY OTHER WAY! ALSO, KIDS RAISED WITH HORSES, SELDOM GET INVOLVED WITH DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR!!
Patricia Johnson
to ride on Public Lands........
Children I have had and or know, are much better citizens for having access to Horses and all they offer. If only MORE Children could have that experance.
Lynda B. King
The time has come for all Americans to start standing up for what they believe in...SO STAND UP horsemen and horsewomen...FIGHT for our continued access to public lands that our TAX DOLLARS pay for.
Tamma Trump
Please Vote YES to this bill. Horses are a part of our national history. Our forefathers created this nation on horseback the trails are a part of our history.
Colleen Whitlow
This nation was borne on horseback-keep the national history and heritage alive by keeping horse and man together on the land that we, yes WE, own. Don't allow a few special interests to dominate our land and keep us off of it. The horse played a very important role in the discovery and colonization of America,and a horse is far less destructive than a vehicle on the land.MIGHT AS WELL JUST BAN THE 4TH OF JULY WHILE WE'RE AT IT.
Vickie Crowe
I vote yes! Please keep alive the freedom for us to enjoy one of God's most beautiful creatures and the little bit of nature left out there for us.
Peggy Paris
Please vote Yes! Please do not take away the right to ride on public land. We have less and less places to ride.
Laura Hoffmann
As a resident in Georgia,I am witnessing the land being "developed" as they say when they destroy the trees and churn the dirt to put up houses that aren't even selling. As a country we NEED to pass this bill. Our horse farms are being pushed further and further North because of the "developers". But these animals have the right to a home, and the builders need to stop being so greedy and slow down.
Don Patterson
Please vote yes on this bill. The right to ride on public land is something that we should all support.
Brenda
Yes, please do not keep horse riders from public land. This would be a disaster.
Ronald Allen
Unless you have experienced riding the trails of public land you wouldn't understand the heart break. Don't stop equine from being able to use public land.
Yvette Rollins
This bill is essential to protect our riding on public lands for future generations. In Indiana we only have 4% of our land mass in public lands which gives us very little opportunity for riding, camping and enjoying the wide open spaces. Urban sprawl has taken most of the land owned by farmers that were available in the past for riding. We need to preserve the opportunities we have now or there won't be a future.
K. Dawes
Our ancestors traversed this great nation by horseback and by wagons pulled by horses long before we were born. I vot YES on SB 2283
D Dawes
I vote yes on SB 2283
W. D. Burwood
I spent 20+ years defending this country all over the world. Now it is time to enjoy it. Public lands should be just that, PUBLIC! As long as people are good stewards of the land they should not be deprived of using it. The horse built this country and the tradition and right to use public lands should not be taken away.
Garris Graham
Yes I vote for it.
Eileen Swann
Please vote yes! We are losing enough of our riding areas to housing developements and shopping centers. We need somewhere to be able to go and ride and camp that wont be taken away.
Greg Sefton
The equestrian users of public lands are a very conscientious and caring group of people. As a horse & mule lover, I'm proud to be associated with them. Kudos to BCH for their work with the forest service & other govt entities to build & maintain trails. My wife & I helped with some of those projects. Never saw a hiker or mtn biker out there building bridges, water ledges or trails. Great Bill. Let's all work to get it passed!!
Harriet Walsh
Keep the public lands open to horseback riders. It is much safer than riding on the side of the highway.
I Vote Yes on SB 2283
Andrea Sante
I vote YES on SB 2283. Preserve our right to ride horses on public land.
Katherine McKillip
There is no better way to see this country than from the back of a horse. Public lands should always be open to horseback riders.
Paula Miller
Please keep our access to public lands open for horses and riders. I enjoy being able to ride in safety among beautiful woodlands.
Linda Hybl
Please vote for this bill enabling equestrians continued riding use on public lands. It is a traditional recreational opportunity that our young people need the chance to experience as we have.
Edward Clayton
Have enjoyed riding some of the
state parks in this country on
horseback.Our right to ride horses
on public lands should never be
taken away. As our American Flag is now protected so should our
right to ride our horses on any
public land. My vote is YES on
SB 2283
SueAnn Adams
It is so sad to see all the simple things being taken away from our children and grandchildren. Sharing the beauty of the land on horseback is a wonderful experience. I vote yes!
Jim Chaney
Vote yes!! Without horses in the back country maintenance of trails for ALL users will suffer. Both due to lack of funding and lack of the agencies ability to get into the back country with tools and crews with pack stock help.
Bob Hudson
horseback riding,is the best sport
because it can be enjoyed by all
ages,I have been riding for 70 years and never heard or seen any drugs,Vote yes on SB 2283
C. Smith
The proud equestrian tradition of the United States is reflective of the diversity of our great nation. However every rider - from the Wyoming cowboy to the Virginia foxhunter, and every horse - from the hunter jumper to the barrel racer , can use and benefit from our network of equestrian trails. We cannot allow yet another grand tradition fall to the wayside. Use of our public lands by the public is a proud component of our heritage that should be continued. What would Theodore Roosevelt say?
Lynnette Burks
Please vote YES. With constant development, public lands, parks, forests are becoming our only places to ride. Trail riding is positive recreation for the individual and a wonderful way to teach your kids to enjoy nature.
Jan Sweeney
The thing that I love to do most is ride my horse in the state and national parks, wildlife management areas. Please vote yes to this bill. I will be watching.
Chris Littlefield
I vote YES!
Alberta H. Dodson
Please vote "YES" to keep our public lands available to equine enthusiasts. Open land in the rural areas continues to be swallowed up by encroaching development, leaving riders with no place to ride.
Diane L. Gibson
Please vote yes. Please keep access to our public lands open to non-motorized users.
Arlene Kirkland
Vote Yes! Lets save our heritage for our childerns children to enjoy.
Gwen Confalone
I echo the sentiments of many others who posted here. Our wilderness is disappearing at an alarming rate due to development pressures. To further limit equestrian access to already rapidly dwindling public lands would be devastating to those of us who enjoy exploring our natural heritage on horseback. Please vote YES!
Sandy Pegram
In Alabama alone, horses constitute $2.4 BILLION a year and much of that is devoted to trail riding. A clean, wholesome family activity. We need, for us and our future generations, to be able to enjoy nature and it's beauty.
Ann McGann
Riding horses is not new to our great land. I, for one, do NOT want to see it taken away. There are thousands of tax paying horse owners, and we need to continue to have the right to ride in our American forests!
Janet Metz
Vote YES! There is nothing more wonderful than riding in our beautiful national parks.
Diane Hall
Have you ever heard a bird singing and no vehicle noise in the background, wind blowing in the trees or grass waving as the wind moves through it? Something my Children and Grandchidren have the right to see and enjoy. Generations have witness this as our great country moved from coast to coast courtsy of the horse, mule and donkey. This bill needs and should pass.
Bruce Walker
This bill does not just affect the current generation but affects the future generations of horseback trail riders. Most students in my riding school are 7-12 years of age, to deprive them of the use of this land for horseback riding would be the greatest travesty and an insult to our heritage. Please vote in favor of this bill.
Lauren King
Vote YES and continue allowing equestrians, who are great stewards of our beautiful back country, the right to trail ride on public lands.
Stephen Schultz
I Vote YES! We Love Our public lands here in Southern Utah, And we love our horses. The Reason we live in such a remote and beautiful area, And the reason we live with limited income options and few amenities is because of these public lands and the right to ride them!
Terrie & Rodney Shumate
We both vote yes! Man/Woman and the horse are part of the Great USA. Horse people love and respect our riding areas and do all we can to preserve and keep clean for all the use.
Richard Clifton
Seeing our public lands by horseback gives you the ability to see other animals that are spooked by man's noises. You travel in awe of what is there and preserve the beauty for others to see. Save our right to ride.
Lauren Pachuilo
Trails and backcountry should be open to all users that wish to preserve the quiet and beauty of such. Equestrians, hikers and bikers generally put in many hours of work to maintain those areas for future use and equines are a necessity to packing in the tools needed to do so. The process of getting to point B is what horse people are all about! Pass that bill!
Al Vick
I Vote yes to the Bill and the right to ride..
Joy Bostrom
Please vote yes to SB 2283. It seems here in FL they give more trails to mt. bikes but refuse to give more horse trails in spite of the fact we were here years before the bikes.
D. HUNT
I ACCIDENTLY VOTED THE WRONG WAY. I AM DEFINATELY FOR THIS. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO KEEP RIDING ON OUR BEAUTIFUL LAND.
Lisa Rath
I vote YES!!!!!!!!!
I also 40 yrs old I was blessed with the chance to ride in our National Forests with friends. It was by far the most peaceful beautiful thing I have ever experienced. We are hoping to share such and experience with my kids and grandkids. Protecting the land and wildlife is very important to the true equestrian. Please allow us to past on a true National Treasure to the children of the future.
Gail Hendrix
There are too few trails, don't take more away from the equestians. Many trails were started by horse folks
Lynell Abbott
I ride my horses; therefore, I pay. I pay money for the vet. I pay money for the farrier. I pay money for the hay, feed and all the rest. And money, pardon the expression, is like manure; it does no good unless it's spread around, encouraging the equine industry to grow. Keep the trails (Vote Yes to SB 2283) for my horses; I'll keep paying the equine industry and we all contribute to a healthy GNP. Thank you!
Mackenzie Covert
I vote yes and the right to ride
Kathy Paul
our history IS horses .
Tom Doran - part 1
I agree there should continue to be equine access by private parties and groups. Any restrictions should be appeal-able. I question, however, the section of the bill that says, "Nothing in this paragraph authorizes the Secretary to refuse to issue a permit for a new use of pack and saddle stock animals, including use by a commercial outfitter or guide...."
Does this mean any Bubba and Thelma Lou can show up in a national park with a couple of trailer loads of horses and start a business? What if the horses are green, lame, pregnant or infected with strangles? What if the tack is rotten, the wranglers are untrained and drunk? Can they make their trails in trout streams or eagle nesting areas without restriction?
Tom Doran - part 2
I don't agree that anyone has a right to start a business on public property with no regard for environmental considerations or public health and safety requirements.
There are public lands with excessive impact from commercial equine activities. Grand Canyon is one example.
Jeannie Jirucha
I support this bill. The trails available for horse yse are becoming fewer and fewer. In Europe, there are horse trails that go from the country side right into and through small villages. As developement grew, they allowed continued access by horses. Why cannot we do the same here?
Arlyn Douglas
I support this bill. I vote Yes
Michael Eason
I vote absolutely YES to the support of this bill. It will be an absolute travesty to refuse the right of horse people to use the lands that our ancestors have procured. Horse people are one of the few groups that actually care for the environment and try to maintain what nature has given us.
Ginger Treece
I vote YES to this bill. Dont take away this pleasure of ours and our childern.
Dr. L. J. Fedewa
Horses are quieter than motorcycles, require less ground and upkeep than cars, and such trails help us preserve our appreciation of our past.
Vida Futch
Why would you even think of doing this horses are a natural part of the land and do not hurt anyone or anything. It is not safe to ride on the roads and horses are not something that hurt the land or make noise.
Chris Robinson
I vote YES to this bill. Please keep in mind that there is a huge equestrian community and industry that needs open spaces and places to ride. Do not take this away from us.
Shel Paul
This is nuts. We as horse people spend a ton of money to be able to ride out and enjoy life and nature. The use of public land is the only way for a lot of people to be able to ride saftly. (not on the roads)Horses do not harm the land like the 4 wheelers and dirt bikes or scare the wildlife.
Janya Orfeyeva
Yes, yes and yes. We need places to ride
Tim Moody
I vote yes!
Shannon Andress
I -- and my family -- vote YES to this. Horses are an important part of the ecomony as well as part of America's heritage. Don't allow one more opportunity for American families to spend time outdoors to be taken away -- any time a family or individual spends time outdoors they are much healthier in this day and age of obesity, and Type II Diabetes. Do NOT allow the rights of taxpaying equestrians to be infringed! Equestrian's rights to enjoy public lands are just as valid as hikers. We are stakeholders in these public lands and we have rights too!
Alan Confalone
In Green Mountain National Forest there are 3 trails designated for equines. They are staight line trails of about 13 miles total, that go nowhere. It seems the GNF wants to discourage public use with horses. More should be done to promote exploring our natural heritage on horseback. VOTE YES!
Dianne Parish
I vote yes, We need places to ride. Do not take this away from us please!
Karyn C Cowdrey,WA State
Keeping PUBLIC lands OPEN TO THE PUBLIC for uses that are traditional Uses for that land is more then important, it is a DUTY of the legislature.
Carol Ferguson
I vote yes, Don't take away our heritage.
Martha Inks
Saddle and pack animals should be allowed on State and National public lands and the priviledge should be preserved for all generations of equestrians to come. Horse trails are turning into housing developments every day and without the use of public lands, where will the equestrian enjoy their sport which generates billions of dollars a year of revenue from all phases of equestrian activities. Martha Inks
Marlene DuVall
Please vote YES to allow equestrian use to continue on both State and National public lands. As part of the vast majority of horsemen who use these lands, we take pride in taking care and preserving them for our own continued use and for those who come in the future. Please do not take this wonderful heritage away from us.
Thank you.
Katy Matlock
Please vote yes. Horses are a way of life for many of us. Our open land is diminishing at an alarming rate. Please preserve what little we have left!
Ruth
Millions of Americans enjoy trail riding because of the pleasure, exercise and family-time that it provides. Too often public lands and trails are closed and access denied to recreational riders. Some closures are effected without sufficient consideration of the long-standing use of horses and pack animals on these federal lands. This country was settled by people on horseback. Please preserve this important American heritage by supporting this legislation and passing it.
Michele Aultman
Equine Trails on public land are so important to preserve. I have seen families and the lives of young children changed spending time with horses, friends and family in the woods. I can't think of anything more wholesome than this as a way to spend time as a family. Having safe environments away from traffic and dangers is imperative. Thank you Voting YES to continued use of State and National public lands.
Jackie
Vote yes-horses on our public lands are part of our ever vanishing freedoms and should be preserved!
Betsy McNeill
It is becoming harder and harder to find a place to enjoy trail riding. Those that don't own enough property to ride upon - the vast majority, need the same opportunity to enjoy their love as do the hikers of the land. The horseback riders I know are responsible people that do take care of the public lands.
Judith Hall
I vote yes.
Russell Heath
I agree that it is imperative to preserve our public lands and keep them available to equestrians and hikers, and other outdoorsmen. We are the people who respect and care for the land the most. I find it sad that a bill like this is even needed, I support it whole heartedly.
Pat and Lyn Ankelman
we vote YES (2 votes)
Diana Mote
I vote yes. Our public lands should be made available for all to enjoy and that includes equestrians.
Cynthia Higgs
We love riding horses in natural environments yet private landowners increasingly hoard the land of this country. We also want to protect the wildlife. This bill balances the interests of wildlife and outdoorsmen. Motor-driven tires do much more damage than hooves and feet. Please vote yes.
Anita Hertner
Vote yes. Keep our trails open to horses. Riding horses and hiking are the way our Parks and Forests should be seen. There are fewer and fewer trails open to horses. Public lands should be open to all.
Deborah
With respect, if the Amish are allowed to be on public highways with their horse and buggies, creating tragic situations, then we have the right to ride on public land.
I Love a Horse Lover
Ask yourselves this simple question.
Are the PUBLIC lands that I use to ride on being infringed? If so, support the bill. If not, then don't.
The bill grants power to the Dept of Interior to regulate, tax, reduce, and refuse the use of the public lands that you love to ride on. These use of these public lands have successfully been moderated and adjuicated over the years in accordance with the NEPA regulations by the BLM, NPS, and FWS.
The bill is not new. This is a rehash of the same old bill that has changed its name now and again over the years and yet to make it to the President's desk. Try #2 for SEN Crapo.
See this link for the discussion by the BLM on a srikingly similar bill introduced in 2003. The Dept of Interior seems to have a very adamant interest in becoming involved with the control of the use of public lands. You should ask yourself why.
http://www.blm.gov/nhp/news/legislative/pages/2003/te030930a.htm
Good luck and happy and safe riding to you all! =)
The Dobson's
Hey, this is a NO BRAINER. Remember this Country was mustly founded, maped, and developed orginally by horse back and pack animals. Unlike motorized vehicles they don't pollute, or harm the Earth in any way. This bill needs to get passed, and if you want to change it a little then add Government funding to programs that encourage young people to ride, or hike, and get them off of their butts and outside loosing some fat and ignorance's to our Country's Great Out Doors. Thank You, Elmer and Angela Dobson
Nancy Ragland
I love to ride in our National Forests. I spend alot of money, helping create jobs and in doing so get lots of excercise and health benefits to be a productive tax payer.
Ray Gonzalez
YES YES YES YES and YES
Arnett Jones
Riding horses is not just entertainment, it is a sport, lifestyle, a part of people's lives. You cannot ride in the middle of municipalities, so public lands need to be made availabe to any and all who wish to ride. I vote YES.
Thank you.
judy & e b cash
please vote yes on this bill! we need to be able to show all our upcoming children the magic of the forests and the mountains from the back of a horse forever.
Bob Patton
Unfortunately our government only listens to it's citizens when they form into special interest groups. If all trail riding people were to get on this band wagon, we could, no doubt, insure the preservation of our "FUN" sport on public land. This is the only way our political system functions now days. Please, let's ALL get together on this, and vote YES! Mitch McConnel, are you reading this??
Brandy Mitchell
I vote yes!! We need to keep our right to ride on public land.
Bette Beane
Yes, please do keep our right to ride on public land. We have the same rights as others, and most equestrians will work to keep the lands safe and healthy. We pay taxes, too. Thank you.
Jim Young
It is difficult to think of something as basic as horseback riding being restricted or eliminated on public lands. I ask you vote yes and allow what our ancestors enjoyed and we desire to continue
JD KING
YES PLEASE KEEP PUBLIC LAND OPEN FOR RIDING.
Cheryl Wegner
Saddle and pack stock have a strong heritage in our nation's history. I support the continued access and use of stock on our public lands. Backcountry Horsmen of America has been a strong advocate to ensure that all Americans will have the opportunity to experience the backcountry by way of the horse and mule. In a time when young and old alike are being encouraged to get out to of the house, to get back with nature, this is a wonderful way to have an experience of a lifetime. Amatuers and professional stock users have provided the opportunity to get people into the backcountry who would never be able to see it otherwise.
Backcountry Horsemen has been a leader in education of the importance of preseving the wilderness, using Leave No Trace principles, and have contributed many, many hours of service to ensure access is available for all.
Thank you,
Cheryl Wegner, President
Backcountry Horsemen of California/San Diego Unit
Pete Spencer
Without horses our country would still be a third world country. they were the backbone of the majority of resource utilization which made this country great. Now that mechanization has taken their place we use them for recreation. As baby boomers age our access to our Public Lands becomes an issue. Horses and Mules give us the Freedom our founding Fathers Promised us in the Bill of Rights.Please remember this and vote YES to keep our right to Ride. This shouldn't even be an issue.
Pete Spencer
Public Lands Liason
Redshank Riders Unit BCHC
Deborah Barton
Our riding area is getting smaller every year.Please keep our public lands open for riding
Pamela Foster
YES.
Cindy Ross
Please don't let the few ruin it for the many. Everyone I know personally is very respectful of public lands.
Steve Smith
Preserve the right of the next generation to ride and use the public lands. Every rider in our equine riding club is concerned with the right to continue to ride on public lands. Please vote YES and make sure that the public will always be able to use our national forests.
MARGE ETCHANDY
IT SEEMS THAT ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS TAKE AWAY, NOT GIVE BACK. WE CAN ALL SHARE IN THE BEAUTY AND REMOTNESS OF OUR PUBLIC LANDS. WE'RE NOT OUT THERE TO DESTROY, JUST ENJOY. REMEMBER EVERYONE, BE GOOD STUARTS OF THE LAND PACK OUT WHAT YOU TAKE IN.
Lisa Rood
There are fewer and fewer areas left to ride horses safely without fear of encountering 4 wheelers, hunters, and traffic. Horsemen are generally responsible, eco-minded, stand up folk that leave the area that they use the way they found it. They have proven to be team players and outstanding volunteers working to make trails safe and accessible on public lands.
If I had a voice in the way MY taxes were used, it would be to maintain and expand trails on public lands.
Peg Greiwe
Equestrians need this bill to protect our historic right to use public lands with our stock. Land managers are closing trails to equestrians at an alarming rate. Please support this bill.
Sandra Brosious
Being able to use our back country to a horseman is very important. Please do not take this RIGHT away from us. Horses have always been a part of our nations history.
J Fox
I strongly support legislation to maintain equestrian use of undeveloped lands and trails. Horseback riding is both a historic use of the land, and a means with which individuals can still experience nature and animals in our modern world. The public as a whole benefits from the continued access to trails.
Debbie Elrick
There should be no question in any one's minds on this issue. I, indeed, support this legislation!
Adolph Otterstein
This is a good Bill!
No harm to anyone, preserves my ability to get into the back country... Knees shot, horse works well!
Adolph Otterstein
Good Bill. No harm to anyone. Preserves my ability to get into the back country... Knees shot. Horse does it well.
Jeff Jeffredo
Let History alone! Let them ride...4x4's included...We ARE in this together people!
Peggy Thompson
Riding horses in the back country is as traditional as Apple Pie and Way before Baseball. Equestrians need this bill to be allowed to use stock on public lands. Trails are being closed at alarming rates. Thank you
Nadean Houghton
I vote yes. I am 65 years old and have been riding the trails for years. Riding has made it posible to see things and enjoy a lot of things that i would never see without being able to ride.I have worked as volunteer a lot on the trails and tryed to take care of the trails and work at getting others to do the same.
Allison Schottenhaml, Missouri
This Legislation is crucial to riders and their continued use of public lands. Millions of Americans enjoy trail riding because of pleasure, exercise, and family time. Horses are an aide to senior citizens and disabled individuals who enjoy the outdoors. Equestrians are concerned that too often public lands and trails are closed and access denied without sufficient consideration of the long-standing use of horses and pack animals on public lands. Please vote yes and preserve this important American heritage.
Olga Iszkun
Why should horseback riders be discriminated against? So what if horses make manure, which is biodegradable - motor fumes and waste are a much bigger environmental problem yet horseback riders don't seek to exclude those sportsmen from enjoying their sport. It is imperative that this bill not pass!
Marci Reno
I cannot imagine living next to the Buffalo River National Park and not being able to ride! That is why we are here. Please don't take this simple and most pleasurable right away. We volunteer our time working to keep these trails maintained and that is also most rewarding and knowing that we are helping other riders enjoy the trails as much as we do is also very gratifying. I think all of congress who are working on this bill should get on a horse and see what we experience on these beautiful trails!! There is NOTHING like it!
Jay Reno
I vote absolutely, positively, YES!
Jennifer Morlen
Yes!!!!!
Christopher Morlen
Yes!
Dennis and Liz Dailey
Yes! Charlie Russell said it nicely: "To me the roar of a mountain stream mingled with the bells of a pack trane is grander musick than all the string bands in the world." (1923) This bill is essential to preserve our American heritage. A heritage that is endangered by an 'elitist' element (both inside and outside the administering agencies) that simply does not want to see horses and mules in our wilderness and backcountry. We, like many horsemen and women, live the entire year to enjoy the few short summer months of riding and packing in America's wilderness. Don't let them take it away.
Dick Blizzard
Please save our trail systems. We owe this to our children & their children.
CHARLES MILLER
CERTAINLY THE EQUINE HAS BEEN A TRADITION AND A WAY OF LIFE AND LIVELYHOOD FOR THE AMERICAN. IT WAS THEY, ALONG WITH THE EXPLORES SUCH AS LEWIS AND CLARK WHO RODE AND PACKED THESE ANIMALS THAT OPENED THE WEST.AMERICANS DESERVE TO CONTINUE THEIR ENJOYMENT AND THAT OF THE BACKCOUNTRY. THIS BILL WILL CONTINUE THAT LEGACY.
Linda Bextermueller
As a teacher, I have seen the way our children have no connection to nature. Riding in the National Forests is one of the few ways left to us to experience this connection. Please do not take the opportunity for this experience away from us and future generations. We are willing to help maintain trails in any way that we can.
Ted R. Ruiz Sr.
This is a no brainer. All I'll say is for God's sake, stop taking our land away, piece at a time.
Yes, we want to continue our method of discovering the beautiful landscape that is ours.
Conor A McCarthy
Its a basic civil right and should not even be up for discussion. Vote yes for this bill and defend your American freedoms
Dori Isaacs
We “tax-paying” citizens of the United States, have the right to visit "OUR" public lands, by either horseback or walking. Remember, we are the Government and as Americans, public lands belong to ALL OF US, not just to a few arrogant individuals. We need to focus on preserving the beauty of our wild lands through education and most importantly, through experience. Not by removing, for some, the only way to access these locations. Too many rights have already been taken away. Don’t take away the right to ride our animals into God’s country!
Diane Pafk
Horseback riding is part of us Americans enjoying America! Destroying horse access to public land would create an irreversible impact to the harmony which presently exists in preserving our country’s heritage of riding horses.
Private land and gentleman agreements are diminishing in this country and I plead that our privilege using public land for horseback riding does not diminish. Thank you
Diane Pafk
J.M.Boswell
Please vote YES on SB2283.Equestrians repair & care for these trails. The hikers & bikers cause more damage & leave more mess and distruction; they have no concept of LeaveNoTrace. Yet they are given more consideration as they are more vocal. Please save the access for our horses & mules to the backcountry.
John Keyes
I am Chairman of the California Equestrian Trails and Lands Coalition. The Coalition represents twelve major Horse organzations and over 40,000 horse owners.
We have all agreed to support Bill SB2283. We believe that horses and riders have a historic use in the Wilderness, and that Packing was, and is still, a major way for transportation in this wonderfull area we call Wildernes.
Please vote yes to save this legacy and tradition.
Le Milbrandt
Some of my favorite vacations have been riding horse in America's national forests or park systems. There is no greater way to really see America. These trails have taken me to places you never see when you are a tourist. The public lands should be accessible to all people. Restricting them from horse back riding or packing would be too restrictive. Many of the places I have ridden simply would not be accessible to individuals hiking. The national forests and parks systems should be open and available.
Larry Reynolds
I vote YES for this bill. Our Back Country Horseman Assn provides considerable volunteer time to aid in maintaining trails where we ride in top condition for riders, bikers and hikers.
Trail riding and open use of Federally owned lands is a part of our proud heritage as Americans. Do not deny us this privilege!
Betty Ward
Yes--volunteers spend countless hours keeping up these areas and assisting park personnel. Also, our recreation should not be taken away when we are good stewards and are the ones that pay to keep these lands.
Keeve Krasner
YES. Who better to take care of and preserve the land than horse riders. We always volunteer our time to assist the NPS with trail maintenance. Please don't take this valuable recreation away from us.
Lana Hamilton
I am in favor of this bill providing the phrase "Historical Tradition" is not restrictive as it might apply to current uses. There is nothing more relaxing than getting out on horseback and riding the trails.
Robyn Reynolds
I VOTE YES. Trail riding provides much needed therapy and exercise for my horses and myself. It would be like taking away walking trails. This is a valuable recreation.
Alan Gregory
Places to ride are getting scarce. Riding your horse in the wild places is an unforgetable experience. I know many think we should be relegated to an arena but what a sad legacy for our children to loose the right to ride horses on public lands.Everyone should vote yes whether they own a horse or not.
Terri Gregory
I enjoy riding the public lands and I feel under attack by the land managers all the time. Most seem to hate horses.
Len Adler
I have also volenteered countless hours to help maintain trails so we can have this pleasure. We do leave the trails exatly as we found them. Please let us continue to ride.
Tom Connor
I vote Yes! If we allow our right to ride horses on puplic land because of "so called damage" done by horses, and then the damage continues! Will people be the next to go. It is our right and always has been. Lets keep it that way, forever>
Gerd Winheim
I have also volenteered countless hours to help maintain trails so we can have this pleasure. We do leave the trails exatly as we found them. Please let us continue to ride. I vote Yes!
Kathy Hardin
Yes, I am in favor of this bill. As development encroaches on lands we have been able to ride on for years in the past, there are less places to enjoy riding. We need more trails to ride, not less, in order to lesson the impact on the land. We are willing to maintain these trails as volunteers. Please help us preserve these trails for current and future use.
Vonnie L. Jean
I vote yes for this bill. As an avid horseback rider. I am a member of two saddle clubs in the N. Ga. Mts. With all the "Progress" & building of new homes, businesses, etc. We are finding it harder & harder to find available, safe riding trails, that allow us to enjoy the beauty of this country that..God gave to us all..by riding it on horseback. I would like to see more trails, not less. Please don't take this right from us. Horses don't cause the damage to trails. People do. Most of us who ride, help maintain the trails that we so enjoy.
Rocky Young
As half Native American, I am no stranger to having our land taken from us. I am a horse back rider & I vote yes for this bill.
Don't take this from us too.
Jeffrey Merzbacher
There is no alternative. We have to vote yes. Soon after no access comes concrete then suffocation of an entire planet. Please allow us to travel paths freely and our childrens' children as well. Stay open. Don't line your pockets at the expense of others. We all need the room to move. The consequences are terrifying. Please do the right thing thing for us so that we may do the right thing for you. There is no choice. We have to leave trails, paths and thorough fares open to beasts of burden. Not only do some of the animals desperately need it but some of could not do it without them. Thank you for your yes vote.
James Davis
Save the trails for this and future generations.
Beverly Teague
Please preserve our heritage by preserving the use of trails for equine use. Horses are not the problem in this situation.
Jane Alexander
Travel by horseback is an integral part of U.S. history that is well worth preserving. As gas prices edge toward $3.50 a gallon, the good old days when fuel was priced by the bale look better and better. Trails also provide access to unspoiled wilderness and parts of America that would otherwise be overlooked.
Gary Farmer
Why is the government trying to fix something that is not broken, ultimately turning something good into something bad -- to the detriment of everyone? No one respects or protects the trails, the forests, the natural beauty of our protected lands more than horse back riding men and women. Why would we try to damage or destroy something we love and use so much? This is an imaginary "problem" that needs no fix. It is unfortunate that we even have to have bill such as this one to protect these long standing rights, freedoms, and historical traditions. But if that is what it takes, I strongly support this bill.
Karen L Jones
Please vote to keep the use of stock and pack animals in the National forests, Forest Service land and US Fish and wildlife lands- you also need to stop killing horses and other wild animals on these public lands-
Bonnie Stephens, REGISTERED VOTER
As a voter, I elect officials who can keep open space beautiful, free and accessible. This is a highly important bill which allows future generations of Americans to experience America by horseback through our PUBLIC parkland. Should we show our children and grandchildren glossy paper maps and paved paths where history-making trails used to be? Please keep parkland trails accessible to horses. Thank you.
Judy Conley
Our right to ride on public land should be preserved. It is part of our history!
Helena Savenius
I vote YES!
Cheryl Lindsay
It's an absolute yes! What better way for people of all ages to enjoy our public lands than to view it as our ancestors did with
horses,mules, & pack stock. We all share responsibility to enjoy
our public lands with as little impact as possible and work togeather practicing Leave No Trace! Equestrians appreciate wildlife & nature as much as any other groups. It's also a wonderful way to enjoy nature when you can't for other physical reasons. Cowboy Up, American!
Robin Lightner, SWyoming
Pubic land is just that PUBLIC. Our tax dollars pay for it and all expenses associated with it. We should be able to use it, riding horses or whatever.
Dawn E. Lee
Yes, Yes, Yes.
Betsy Vannatta
My vote is yes! Please let the public ride the public land. There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~ Sir Winston Churchill
MaryAnn Schafer
I vote YES! These lands should be open to equestrians.
Thank you.
Sue Magierowski
I got my first look at a national forest this year....by horseback. Awesome!!!! Let's not lose the right. Vote for preservation of the right to ride public land.
Kathy Baker
I vote "Yes." What a wonderful treasure we have in our Public Lands. It would be a shame to have this closed to horseback riding that is so beneficial to the equestrian population out here.
Jan Maday
As a taxpayer and retired federal employee...one of my few enjoyable pastimes in my senior years...is horseback riding! Please don't take away the little joy we have left. Equestrians treasure and appreciate the natural environments and do everything possible to preserve it. We respect parklands and riding privledges in general. Horses enhance our quiet enjoyment of the lands.
John Richardson
This is OUR land. We cannot let the special interests lobby for concessions to keep private users out. We must preserve and re-establish the right to openly use OUR land!!!
kathryn fountain
I vote yes. Please keep our trails open. The last few years I have seen several of my favorite trail closed due to hunting clubs. We need all the trail we can get.
barbara
yes! i enjoy seeing the land as the first settlers saw it, from horseback. i have ridden in parts of the national parks and have seen destruction caused by 4wd vehicles, 4-wheelers, and dirt bikes, but, never have i seen damage caused by equines or the riders. we are very careful to leave the land natural to enjoy again at another time . this includes not leaving trash, as i have seen done by others.
Cliff Osborne
As progress (developers) keep taking land for building shopping centers and sub divisions we are losing a lot of areas to enjoy our sport. Public use lands are about the last areas we have to ride on. So, supporting this bill is a no-brainer.
Carolyn Stambaugh
Please don't fence us in!
Irene Kennedy
I absolutely support this bill! Public lands should be open to all people, whether they traverse the trails on foot or on horseback.
AJ Van Tassel-Sweet
We need to pass this law. The right to Ride Bill has been languashing in committee and does not look like it will ever make it to the floor. It's time to get this passed and then move on to other matters. We have as much right, if not more rigt, to ride on public lands. However due to lack of interest these bills dont make it to a vote.
D Rowles
I vote YES. The responsible use of public lands should not be denied to anyone.
Kathy Hundley-MT
Please vote yes on bill S. 2283. The movement today of Americans to rediscover the past and our heritage is directly linked to the westward movement and the historical use of horses and mules. Stock and pack stock created those trails-don't shut us out. We need you support, please. Thank you
Jacque Easley
The pleasure I get from riding my horse after a stressful day is tremendous. The trips that my family have taken into the wilderness areas around the country are some of the most memorable times we have spent together. Packing and trail riding are a part of our countries history that we definitely need to hold on to.
Joy Price
This bill is need so future generations can enjoy the back country as we have done. There is nothing more peaceful as riding a trail and enjoying nature at its best. No moterized, just traditional horse and pack stock use.
Phil Dunham
Being born and raised on a ranch, equine transportation has always been a way of life. Do not take this heratige away from us. No, motorized please.
Paulette Werner
Horses have played an important role in the history of the U.S. and this heritage should be preserved. Horses used in all types of activities also have a significant impact on our economy. Those of us who love and enjoy these magnificent animals should have access to public lands to enjoy our passions. Please support this Bill.
Jeff & Tuesday Peterson CA
Please vote yes on this piece of legislation. Aside from the fact that most horses and pack stock frequent the more remote wilderness less impacted by the masses, education of leave no trace practices by groups like the Back Country Horsemen now allow horses and pack stock users more tools to leave very minimal impact. This is an important protection for the future use of public lands.
Luanne Bauman
It's imperative that we are allowed to continue to access the wilderness with stock. It's my church, my religion to get out and be in nature, and I feel it's my right as a tax payer.
Bruce Stewart
Vote yes!
Eileen Pearson
I vote YES!!
Nae & Tim Calby
I vote YES !!!
Maranda Taddeo
The reason these are known as public trails is becuase they are open to the public. We pay taxes on these lands.Horses are not the problem here, they do not cause noise, pollution or dig holes in these places. By refusing the right to ride, you are banning the least harmful thing on the trails!
karen knarr,dvm
I vote Yes!! Trail riding is good for people and horses. We need to preserve the right to have a safe place to trail ride.
Katie Brock
I vote yes.
Leigh Vallone
Horses are a part of our American history. I vote yes on allowing equine to use the trails
Anne Henry
With so much land development for private and business purposes, soon we will have no place to ride BUT public land. We need to preserve the ability to ride our horses on these lands.
Kathy
Horses are an important part of our past and our traditions. Please preserve this simple right to experience our beautiful parks peacefully and naturally.
Jonathan Friedlander
I am in favor of preserving the right to ride horses in national parks and land managed by the BLM.
Ed Creighton
Seems to me the horse helped to build this country, helped to move people to the west, plow the farms to feed everyone and even up top to WW1 helped to defend us....The United States, we should never put limits on the use and enjoyment of the very important animal the Horse!
Carol Tette
I vote "yes"
Heather Warth
I VOTE YES!!
Shirley Hocking
Shame on our government for even considering this bill! Just one more example of how polititions appear to have forgotten all about the preservation of our rights and enjoyment of the natural beauty all around us.
Deborah North
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