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New
Mexico is truly the "Land of Enchantment"!
Southwestern New Mexico has a variety of unique and breathtaking
back country areas. Being
part of a group interested in discovering and preserving trail riding
and equestrian opportunities in the back country is such a privilege.
In 2001, the efforts of Gerry Thompson led to forming the Gila
Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of America, dedicated to keeping
the back country open to horses and livestock.
Thank you, Gerry! Trails
in our area can lead you through extreme mountains with breath taking
vistas, into deep canyons with gurgling streams, and through wonderful
forests. They can also lead you across open grasslands, mountains and
hills covered with pinon and juniper trees, and through sandy dry stream
bottoms. (Link
to pictures
)
What an opportunity it is to experience our wilderness and back
country areas on these trails.
The Back Country Horsemen mission is to assure continued
reasonable use of pack and saddle stock on public lands.
To promote this effort, Gila Chapter BCH volunteers work in
coordination with the Forest Service in building and maintaining trails,
developing and maintaining horse facilities, and participating in other
activities that support equine use.
Everyone who loves the Gila National Forest benefits from this
work. New
members are always welcome. At
our monthly meetings, we often talk about which trails are clear and
which ones need work. We
also have interesting educational speakers and group discussions.
Your name as a member adds to our strength, even if you don’t
have time to participate right now.
You are encouraged to come, add your experience to ours, benefit
from our knowledgeable trail riders, and find compatible trail buddies.
Our meetings are generally on the 2nd Wednesday of
every month starting at 6 pm in the conference room at the Gila Regional
Medical Center in Silver City, NM. We
do however, occasionally change times and dates so it is a good idea to
call or email to verify. Gerry Engel, Communications and Public Service – 575-388-4839 - engelhill@comcast.net
Gila Chapter |
