Welcome!

New to Back Country Horsemen?

In a nutshell we are a volunteer service organization working to keep trails open for equine use. We partner with the Forest Service and other organizations to make this happen. BCH originated in Montana in 1973 and has since gone nationwide, with all working towards the same mission. Our chapter brochure provides a nice overview. 

Check out our chapter’s Membership and Meeting Information pages!

Click to JOIN OR RENEW

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW:

Time to sign up for the Ravalli County Fair                                                          

It’s that time of year again where we need ALL of our members to sign up for a couple shifts at the fair; most of the shifts are just 4-5 hours. Sign up early so you can choose the shifts you want!

If you’re new to our chapter, this is our annual fundraiser, providing funds help us perform the work projects to clear trails and more. We manage the gates, selling and taking tickets. It’s easy, fun, community-oriented, and we’ll show you the ropes.

Here’s the link to the sign-up sheet:  CLICK HERE

Here’s a link to the fair information page:  CLICK HERE

Questions?  Email Christy Schram-Duggan at

Direct Link to:  Newsletters

Direct Link to:  Meeting Information

Direct Link to:  Calendar

Direct Link to:  2024 Work Projects

Direct Link to:   Equine Insurance information

BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN PURPOSES

  • To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country and wilderness areas
  • To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use
  • To assist the various government, state and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource
  • To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise and sustaining use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage
  • To foster and encourage the formation of new back country horsemen’s organizations
  • To cooperate with other B.C.H.A. organizations

Want to see what the Wilderness Act of 1964 is all about? Read it here. 

Click here to see how Back Country Horsemen came about
… it all started here in Montana.

And watch this amazing video (15 minutes)!

The only remaining BCH founder, Roland Cheek, created a video titled “The Beginning of Back Country Horsemen: The Most Influential Trail Riding Group in America”. It is available in two formats:

https://youtu.be/m27V3z8Bid8
or
https://vimeo.com/209591920