Farmland, forests, and open space are being developed into residential and commercial developments at a rate of 6,000 acres per day, according to the USDA. We need 36 million acres of land just to feed the 9-plus million horses in the United States.

Equestrians are losing trail access on public lands. Liability concerns are limiting your ability to ride on others’ private land.

Once the land is gone, we can’t get it back. Where will your grandchildren ride, drive, compete, race, raise foals, and grow hay?

Preserving Our Future
The Equine Land Conservation Resource is devoted to saving land for horses. Its mission is to advance the conservation of land for horse-related activity.

By educating horsepeople, and encouraging partnerships with conservationists and other user groups at the local level, the ELCR is mobilizing thousands of equestrians to work for land access and protection in their communities. Without such concerted efforts, the horse world as we know it is at great risk.

The ELCR offers information and resources on the following topics:

• Land conservation.
• Community land-use planning.
• Trail access, connectivity, and shared use.
• Equine economic development.
• Land/trail stewardship-management practices.
• Liability issues.

Click here for specific information on each of these topics.

Equestrian Partners
The ELCR’s Equestrian Partners program is a membership program for equine and conservation organizations. The 120-member organizations representing more than 1 million equestrians are actively working on equine land conservation in their communities.

Click here to learn more about the ELCR’s Equestrian Partners.

Get Involved

Here are six ways you can get involved.

• Begin or join a local effort to conserve land for horses in your community. Contact the ELCR to find a member group in your area or find out how to start one.

• 

  Photo by William J. Erickson

  Ask your equine organization to become a member of our Equestrian Partners program. Volunteer to serve as the Land Conservation Chair or Coordinator, and be the liaison with the ELCR.

• Make plans to conserve your own farm.
• Join a trail-stewardship crew.
• Participate in your community’s land-use planning and zoning process. Provide input to your community’s periodic update of its Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Encourage the inclusion of horse-friendly provisions in your local or state transportation and recreation plans.
• Support the ELCR’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue, and provide information and guidance to individuals and organizations to conserve horse lands in your community.

It’s time for us to hold our ground! For more information on what to do in your community, visit www.elcr.org.

May 9, 2011 -- The Sibley Equine Conservancy has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Equine Land Conservation Resource and Breyer Animal Creations, of Pequannock, N.J. The award was presented during the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. The grant is part of a 3-year program designed to identify and award grants to local equine organizations around the United States to help them preserve land for equestrian use. Sibley Equine Conservancy will use the grant as a deposit on a 220-acre tract of land in Pequot Lakes, Minn., to create the Minnesota Horse Park, a multi-use equestrian facility. The conservancy, based in Pequot Lakes, MN, was selected from 22 applicants from around the country by the ELCR/Breyer Grant Committee.

The land in question is located in Central Minnesota and was long used by equestrians thanks to a gentleman’s agreement with its owner. When the land was put up for sale, the Sibley Equine Conservancy saw the need to preserve it and developed a plan, working with county, state and federal agencies to create the Minnesota Horse Park.

For the last three years, horse lovers across the United States have purchased specially made Breyer models, which have helped Breyer’s grant program. $30,000 has been donated to preserve land for equestrian use.

For more information about Breyer Horses, click here. For more information, about the ELCR, click here.

Ten-time US Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year, Karen O’Connor, is best known for her performances in the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics.  Her career and numerous achievements have made her a familiar face in competition, while her dedication to giving back to the equestrian community has made her a fan favorite.

Four-time Grammy Award-winner Lyle Lovett is known throughout the world for his music and feature film acting, but he is also a popular rider in reining events. Lovett breeds and raises Quarter horses for reining and racing, as well as working cow horses. He has also been active in championing equine causes in his native Texas.

Although these equine enthusiasts may seem to have little in common, both recognize the threat to land conservation for horse activity and how it has affected the horse sport, industry and lifestyle. As hayfields, farms and competition sites are replaced with subdivisions and shopping developments, O’Connor and Lovett believe that the time to act is now.

Both O’Connor and Lovett have lent their renown to ELCR’s cause by participating in ad campaigns. The ads will be featured in many publications and websites. O’Connor and Lovett hope that their involvement with ELCR will help others to realize the threat to equine competition, sport and lifestyle and act to conserve land in their own communities.
For more information, or to get involved in conservation in your community, visit elcr.org.

Just a 35-minute drive southwest of Ocala, Florida, between Bronson and Dunnellon, you’ll find a haven for trail riding in the Goethe State Forest. With 16 marked trails in 53,400 acres, friendly land managers, camping facilities, nearby private stables and campgrounds, and year-round sunshine — what more could you ask for?

Hit the Trails!

Goethe State Forest is approximately 20 miles long and an average of 4.5 miles wide. There are 126 miles of marked trails with multiuse trailheads; allowed are horseback riding, carriage driving, bicycling, and hiking. Trailheads are Tidewater at the southern end of the forest, Apex in the center, and Black Prong near the northern end.

Tidewater and Black Prong allow primitive camping; they offer flush toilets (no showers), hitching posts, picnic tables, and water for horses only. The Apex trailhead, for day-parking only, is located next to the Goethe State Forest office; it offers water for horses only (no potable water).

You can ride the entire length of the forest. Tidewater Trailhead offers 41.5 miles of marked trails; Black Prong Trailhead, 43.5 miles of marked trails; Apex Trailhead, another 41.5 miles of marked trails.

Trail maps are available on the Goethe State Forest website (see the resource guide) or from the office. The trails are color-coded and maps indicate trail lengths.

You’ll find a variety of footing, from deep Florida sand to pine-needle-covered, easy-going trails. You’ll ride through pine forests, open areas with palmettos and sawgrass, and under moss-covered oak trees. During rainy periods, there’s plenty of water for your horse on the trails; however, water dries up during droughts and in mid-summer.

Deer and wild turkey are fairly common in the forest. Chances of seeing a Florida black bear or an alligator are slim, but you may see a gopher, tortoise, armadillo, otter, bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, or a large black Sherman fox squirrel.

The day-use fee is $2. You can purchase an annual day permit for $30 that can be used at any of Florida’s state forests. This permit will cover up to eight family members in your group.

Camping is $8 per night per site. Prior to arrival, you must obtain a special-use permit number by calling the Goethe State Forest office. You can also find out whether there will be conflicting event, such as an organized trail ride or endurance competition, at the time you plan to go.

While riding, driving, or leading your horse in the forest, carry a copy of your horse’s current Coggins paperwork (showing that he’s tested negative for equine infectious anemia).

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The best time to ride in Florida is November through April, because of the cool nights and warm days. Summers are hot and humid, and

bring out yellow flies, horse flies, and mosquitoes. During summer months, ride in the early morning or late afternoon, when you and your horse will be more comfortable.

Multiuse Considerations

Over the years, a diversified horse community has grown up around the Goethe State Forest. Pleasure and endurance riders, along with carriage-driving enthusiasts, frequent the forest. Some visit seasonally; others reside there permanently.

Driving is a popular pursuit. Many professional and pleasure drivers go to the privately owned Black Prong Equestrian Center to train, show, and just enjoy the forest’s wide trails and gravel roads.

If you’re concerned that your horse will react badly to carts and carriages, ride the Apex or Tidewater areas, where you’ll be less likely to encounter these users. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll avoid an encounter with a carriage.

The trails remain open to equestrians during the gun and muzzle-loading hunting seasons, but it’s best to avoid riding during these times, for safety and quietude. For hunting-season dates, check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Private Campgrounds & Stables

A number of private horse campgrounds and boarding facilities border Goethe State Forest. Here’s a listing of a few recommended facilities.

•North Star Acres. This facility, located near the forest’s southern portion, is owned and operated by 70-year-old Roberta Cogswell. It has six full hookups and large stalls. Make reservations in advance, and keep in mind that camping is primarily for retired adults who are looking for a quiet place to stay, Cogswell emphasizes.

Cogswell, who has spent her life riding, training, and competing on horses, also has a few horses for rent. "On my guided rides, the focus is on safety and having fun," she says.

•The Stables at Goethe. This facility owned and operated by Angela Tomczak, is located one mile south of the Black Prong Trailhead and is bordered on three sides by Goethe State Forest. This facility offers overnight stabling for your horse in a 12-by-12-foot stall or large paddock. It also has 10 recreational-vehicle hookups, a bathhouse, and laundry facilities. Discounted weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates are available, as well as full board for your horse. Dogs are allowed. There’s a feed store nearby.

The Stables at Goethe has a ride-out access trail into the Goethe State Forest. Or, you can trailer out for a day ride in other portions of the forest. If you stay there, Tomczak will rent you a stock trailer for $10 a day, so you don’t have to pack up your living-quarters trailer to haul to other trailheads.

"There are a number of other places to ride within a one-hour drive," Tomczak notes. These places are listed on The Stables at Goethe website, with map links.

•Black Prong Equestrian Center. This is another nice facility, whether you’re staying in your living-quarters trailer or want to rent an apartment next to your horse’s stall. Dogs are allowed. The center welcomes trail riders on its property. You can even "play" on the obstacle course used for carriage competitions.

•Goethe Trailhead Ranch. This upscale facility is located across the Goethe State Forest office. Dogs are allowed on leash only. This is a new facility owned by Lorel Molder. It has an arena, six barns with 96 12-by-12-foot stalls, 73 full-hookup RV sites, a round pen, and a convenience store that even offers tack and feed.

"You have everything you need here for your trail-riding adventure," says Molder. And, if you want to explore central Florida with family or friends, your horses can receive full care during your absence of a day, a week, or more.

When most people hear New York, they think New York City — a city of pavement paths and concrete terrain, not a place associated with tranquil trail rides. What many people don’t realize is that Manhattan is only a small portion of the state, and that open country north and west of the city boasts peaceful, horse-friendly trails and campsites.

New York’s state parks, forests, wildlife preserves, and private properties beckon riders of all abilities and interests. Diverse terrain, from stone-dust paths and rolling hills to rugged mountainous paths with scenic views, await you.

Several favorites and a few lesser-known trails in New York are highlighted here. Countless other public and private trails are available.

Western New York

Allegheny State Park

Overview: With more than 65,000 acres, Allegheny State Park is the third-largest state park in the United States. Nestled along the western New York/Pennsylvania border, the Allegheny State Park caters to trail riders. Twelve horse-friendly campsites with covered tie stalls provide easy access to 17 designated equestrian trails within the park.

Trails: "The riding experience is varied, as the trails follow ridge tops or dip down into streambed valleys," explains Jim Toner, a park staffer. "There’s flat and moderately hilly terrain. On the maintained trails, there may be a grade of up to 7 percent; on the unmaintained trails that could be up to an 18 percent grade."

Trails follow the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and are most popular during "leaf peeping" season, the fall tradition of enjoying leaves as they transition from lush summer greens into vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges.

Horse accommodations: Three tie-stall buildings (four stalls per building) and a spring-fed water trough for the horses are included with the reservation fee. "A potable water supply is available, but limited," Toner says. "Most people bring their own." Reservations are required.

Fee: $22 per night Sunday through Thursday; $25 per night Friday through Saturday.

Season: Allegheny State Park is open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October.

Contact: For more information or to make a reservation, call (716) 354-9101, extension 256.

Letchworth State Park

Overview: Have you ever wished you could visit the Grand Canyon, but live on the East Coast? Magnificent views of the gorge known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" are only a short drive south from Rochester.

At the turn of the century, a wooden train trestle spanned the Genesee River and its nearly 600-foot-deep canyon. The train was the main transportation service for the Buffalo Branch of the Erie Railroad Company. When the trains were running on schedule, the conductor would stop in the middle of the bridge and encourage passengers to walk onto the tracks and peer down into the gorge, explains Roland Beck, Park Manager.

William Pryor Letchworth, philanthropist, was a passenger on one such trip. After staring into the depths of the canyon, he purchased 1,000 acres in 1859 and established his estate, the Glen Iris. In 1906, he deeded the property to the State of New York for preservation as a park. "The park expanded to its current 14,350 acres during the 1940s," Beck adds.

Trails: The Genesee River divides the park and horse trails are open on the east and west sides. Approximately 12 miles of linear trails meander past ponds, skirt the Seneca Indian Council House and the Burial Site of Mary Jemison, frontierswoman and adopted Seneca Indian.

Even though you can’t see the gorge from horseback, you can park your rig near the falls. From there, you can see the area the Seneca Indians called "She-ga-hun-da" ("Vale of the Three Falls"), the point where the Genesee River plummets over Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. This is also known as Inspiration Point.

Horse accommodations: None; horse camping isn’t permitted.

Fee: Vehicles are charged $6 entry fee.

Season: The park closes during the winter months.

Contact: For more information and a trail map, call (585) 493-3600.

Sugar Hill State Forest

Overview: The Sugar Hill State Forest encompasses 12,000 acres seven miles west of Watkins Glen. The area was first settled in 1802. It then suffered from agricultural abandonment and was purchased by the State of New York in 1930, coinciding with the Great Depression.

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps in an effort to provide employment. At Sugar Hill, the Corps erected fire towers and planted trees, laying the foundation for the park as it is today.

Trails: You can enjoy 45 miles of looping trails along the Six Nations Trail System that traverses the hills separating Keuka and Seneca lakes. Two trailheads welcome riders and offer camping areas with tie-stall buildings.

The main assembly area is located near the Sugar Hill Fire Tower, off Tower Rd., on the park’s north end. This area provides ample parking, water and flush toilets, handicap accessible mounting ramps, and 16 tie stalls.

A second trailhead on the south side of the park off Evergreen Hill Rd. offers four tie stalls, an outhouse, and a nearby stream for water. (Treat the water before drinking.)

Horse accommodations: Campsites and tie stalls are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Fee: None.

Season: Late spring to early fall is the best time to ride in this area.

Contact: For more information, call
(607) 776-2165. For trail maps, visit www.dec.ny.gov/lands/37446.html.

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Central/Upstate New York

Otter Creek Horse Trails

Overview: Situated on the Independence River Wild Forest, approximately an hour north of Utica, the Otter Creek Horse Trails are the "champagne of trails for horse riders," according to Mark Wehnau, New York State Horse Council Eastern New York Delegate for the New York State Trails Council (started by the NYS Office of Parks & Historic Preservation).

Trails: Bordering the western edge of the Adirondack State Park, 65 miles of trails follow sandy roads and wooded paths. Several creeks — including Otter, Little Otter, Beaver Meadow Chase, Burnt, and Crooked Creeks — as well as the Independence River, cross or follow the horse trails. You may encounter deer, bear, coyote, fox, grouse, wild turkey, snowshoe hare, and diverse bird species. Catspaw Lake and Pitcher Pond are often home or hosts to migratory birds.

Horse accommodations: Primitive camping is available at the trailhead within the Independence River State Forest. Reservations are on a first come-first serve basis for the 100 tie stalls and two stallion box stalls. Handicap accessible mounting blocks are available at the trailhead and at three scenic overlook areas along the trails.

Fee: None.

Season: Water for horses is available mid-May through Columbus Day.

Contact: For more information, call (315) 376-3521. For a map of the Otter Creek Horse Trail System, visit www.ded.ny.gov/outdoor/8088.html.

Lake Luzerne Campground

Overview: Lake Luzerne Campground is located on Fourth Lake in the Lake George region. There are 174 tent and trailer sites, hot showers, flush toilets, a trailer dump station, a recycling center, a picnic area (with tables, fireplaces, and charcoal grills); two swimming areas, paddocks, and barns. The campground also offers mobility-impaired accessibility.

Trails: Though the horse trails within Lake Luzerne Campground are limited to a few miles, neighboring trails allow you to choose from shorter, few-hour rides to day-long treks. "Once you get there, talk to other riders," Wehnau advises. "They’ll show you trails that are excellent."

Riding with local enthusiasts or repeat visitors opens access to thousands of acres of trails. "The trails are for serious riders," Wehnau notes. "They are stony, not sandy, and steep in some parts." Sections of the trails follow the Hudson River, with areas where you can take your horse into the water. "There’s a creek near the campsite that can be stirrup deep at times," Wehnau notes.

The climb to the top of Beech Mountain is rocky, steep, and rugged. At the top, sweeping views of the Adirondack foothills and Double H Hole in the Woods, (founded by Paul Newman for children battling critical illnesses) reward visitors making the trek.

Local outfitters, such as Bennett’s Riding Stable, provide horses if you are unable to travel with your own.

Horse accommodations: Twenty-two campsites are available. Each site includes a 30-by-40-foot corral. Reserve your site ahead of time.

Fee: $22 per site.

Season: Mid-May to early September.

Contact: For more information, call (518) 696-3113. For information on Bennett’s Riding Stable, call (518) 696-4444, or visit www.lakegeorgeny.com/horses/.

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Lake George Trail System

Overview: The Lake George Trail System offers challenging trails and primitive backwoods camping.

Trails: Hitching rails are available at Dacy Clearing, a trailhead approximately 10 miles into the woods down a single lane dirt road. "The trail ascends Shelving Rock Mountain, an elevation of 1,130 feet, and includes several bridges, as it used to be an old carriage trail in spots," says Mary Lupo, secretary with the Regional Department of Conservation office.

Fishbrook and Inman Pond are a popular stop along the trails, but it can be boggy and wet, making it difficult to reach the ponds. "These trails are for experienced riders," Wehnau says. "Some trails go up over mountains, and when you descend the other side you’re practically sliding on your horse’s rump."

Portions of the trail are multi-use trails, meaning you could see hikers and mountain bikers. Sections of the trail skirt scenic Lake George, offering breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities.

Horse Accommodations: Primitive camping. No reservations are required, but a permit is required if you’ll be camping more than three nights.

Fee: None.

Season: Closed to trail riding in winter.

Contact: For more information, call (518) 623-1265.

Brookfield Trail System

Overview: The Brookfield Trail System is a 13,000-acre park located in southeastern Madison County.

Trails: The park offers 130 horse and snowmobile trails. Old logging trails serve as the main arteries throughout the trail system. Trails are hard-surface dirt roads and nearly six feet wide. "There aren’t really scenic views on the Brookfield Trail System, but it is user friendly and has a good trail map," Wehnau says.

Along trail #60, you’ll cross the largest bridge in the system, known as Convict’s Bridge, named for the convicts who built it.

Horse accommodations: There are 150 campsites in the park. The main assembly area off of Moscow Rd. in East Hamilton features covered and uncovered tie stalls, two stud stalls, and a pavilion. Other amenities include drinking water, bathrooms, and mounting blocks. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of 10 or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads, or trail.

Fee: None.

Season: Fall is the most popular time for the Brookfield Trail System, when riders enjoy the scenery of changing fall leaves.

Contact: For more information, call (607) 674-4017, or visit www.dec.ny.gov/lands/8243.html.

Downstate

Bear Spring Mountain

Overview: The Bear Spring Mountain preserve was founded in 1885 to protect the area’s water sources and to provide space for outdoor activities. Foresters manage the trees, maintain the trails, and oversee selected tree-cutting and harvesting inside the 7,200 acre wildlife management area.

Trails: "Bear Spring Mountain is our little secret in the Catskills," says Wayne Wawrzonek, Conservation Operations Supervisor for the park. "The scenery is beautiful, but the trails are not heavily traveled, so you are not fighting with other users."

The trails cross a section of the Catskill Forest Preserve along its 20.6 miles of trails in southern Delaware County. A combination of easy, moderate, and difficult trails welcomes riders of wide-ranging riding abilities.

Horse accommodations: Forty-one trailer and tent sites are available for seasonal

camping at Spruce Grove, the designated horse area. Tie stalls can accommodate 24 horses. Day-use parking is allowed, and mounting ramps are available. Reservations for a minimum of two nights are required and can be made through Reserve America (below). Or, you can make your reservations onsite.

Fee: Through Reserve America, campsites are $18 per night, plus a $2.75 registration fee. Reservations made on site aren’t subject to the $9 reservation fee.

Season: Camping is permitted mid-May through Labor Day. During the winter, the trails remain open, but aren’t maintained.

Contact: For more information, call (518) 357-2443. To reserve a campsite, call Reserve America, (800) 456-2267 [CAMP], or visit www.reserveamerica.com/camping/.

Highland Lakes State Park

Overview: Orange County, a densely populated area along the northern edge of the New York City Metropolitan Area, boasts scenic horse trails in undeveloped wooded areas. Inside the 3,000-acre park, a local 4-H club marks and maintains a series of horse trails, notes Tim Sullivan of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Tin-can markers with horse symbols outline the paths.

Trails: The seven- to eight-mile trails are more rugged than an average hiking trail in the area, but all of the overhead branches have been pruned to make riding more enjoyable. The terrain isn’t steep or mountainous, but can be swampy. The trailhead is located east of Middletown.

A short drive from Highland Lakes State Park is Goose Pond Mountain, where there’s a set of short trails open to horses. The terrain is similar to Highland Lakes State Park, but the trails aren’t maintained and don’t have horse-trail markers.

Horse accommodations: None; horse camping isn’t permitted.

Fee: None.

Season: There are no set hours or season of operation, but late spring to early fall is the best time to ride in this area.

Contact: For more information, call Tim Sullivan, (845) 786-2701, or visit http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/5/details.aspx.

This is what I do for a living: As the creator and director of Horses for Clean Water, I teach people how to manage horses in a way that works for them, their animals, their neighborhood and the environment. In other words, I promote ways to manage horses that minimize our impact on the world around us.

Implementing green practices on a horse farm needn't be difficult or expensive. Many of the topics I teach about are interconnected. For example, controlling water pollution improves the health of nearby streams and rivers, which in turn improves their suitability as wildlife habitat, which increases natural insect predators and decreases your populations of flies and mosquitoes. So, in fact, once you've established your new Earth-friendly systems, you may well find that you are saving time and money and doing less work in the long run.

At my open houses, I've introduced hundreds of people to environmentally friendly methods of horsekeeping. But I also encourage everyone to get in touch with local conservation districts, extension offices, environmental groups and other resources. A wealth of information is out there for anyone who wants to learn about how these strategies can best be applied in their area. Here's how you can get started.

Reduce Water Runoff
One of my main topics is nonpoint source pollution--contaminants that reach natural waterways via runoff over land or through the ground. Originating from precipitation as well as irrigation, leaky hoses and other man-made sources, waters that drain through livestock manure have a big impact on streams and wetlands: Sediments cloud the water, nutrients cause unbalanced vegetation growth and bacteria contaminate shellfish beds. Even if you don't have a stream or pond on your property, tainted runoff can damage local lakes or groundwater.

In our paddocks we use automatic waterers, which use only as much water as our horses can drink. Our insulated, geothermal system helps keep water cool during the summer and prevents freezing in the winter. Another advantage to an automatic waterer is that since water is circulating and not stagnant, it won't provide habitat for mosquitoes.

Here are other methods for conserving water and reducing the amount of polluted runoff from your farm:

• If the water from your wash stall runs off onto the ground, plant grass or other vegetation to absorb it, filter out contaminants and break down soaps and chemicals.
• Make sure hoses, faucets and sprayer heads don't leak.
• Pick up manure in high-density turnout areas frequently.
• Follow instructions when applying commercial fertilizers and pesticides, and do not use more than is necessary.
• Plant "rain gardens," consisting of native plants clustered in shallow depressions with good drainage, to capture runoff from driveways, downspouts and other areas where water flows after storms.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers fact sheets, management tips and other information on nonpoint source pollution at www.epa.gov/owow/nps. Suggestions for reducing storm-water runoff, such as green roofs and permeable pavements, are described at cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/greeninfrastructure/technology.cfm.

Even a small horsekeeping operation generates tons of manure per year, which if handled improperly can cause problems with odors, flies and runoff.

Some horse owners store manure then spread it on pastures in its raw form. Manure is a good fertilizer, but raw feces may harbor parasite eggs and pathogens, so it's best not to spread it on fields that horses are grazing.

We promote composting as an excellent manure-management alternative. The breakdown of organic waste by microorganisms in a controlled environment, composting creates a nutrient-rich humus that bears no resemblance to its original ingredients. Although composting requires a little more attention, it offers several advantages over storing and spreading raw manure:

• 
  The heat generated by composting kills most parasite eggs and pathogens.
• Fly populations decline with lost breeding grounds and the death of their eggs and larvae.
• Composting eliminates foul odors and reduces the volume of waste materials you have to move.
• Compost improves the condition and productivity of soil by returning beneficial microorganisms to it, improving its moisture-holding capacity and supplying nitrogen in a form accessible to plants.

If you can't compost for yourself, consider "outsourcing" the task to the community. Public landfills or commercial topsoil or garden facilities may accept your manure, but some may charge a special handling fee. Local gardeners, organic farmers and landscapers often seek out sources for horse manure: Post a "free manure" notice in a local garden center or on an Internet bulletin board, and you may find people willing to come haul it away.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Department Key: (PP) Practice Pen, (YHYL) Your Horse Your Life, (YSI!) You Said It!, (YS) Your Stories, (Whole Horse Q&A) WH Q&A

Al Dunning's How's My Riding?
"Make Good Better," PP, Jan., pg. 34
"Prepare to Ride Well," PP, Feb., pg. 32
"Watch Those Details," PP, Mar., pg. 45
"Close to Perfect," PP, Apr., pg. 32
"Effective Riding," PP, May, pg. 46
"Almost Ready to Show," PP, June, pg. 44
"Reining Polish," PP, July, pg. 30
"Hand/Leg Coordination," PP, Aug., pg. 30
"A Better Back-Up," PP, Sept., pg. 32
"Fix Gear Flaws," PP, Oct., pg. 32
"Prepping for Perfection," PP, Nov., pg. 26
"Form to Function," PP, Dec., pg. 32

Ask Team Horse & Rider
"First-Impression Lesson," (Andrea Simons, horsemanship), Jan., pg. 68
"Back in the Game," (Sherri Cervi, barrel conditioning), Feb., pg. 78
"When to Move On...," (Stacy Westfall, when to sell), Mar., pg. 78
"A Good Addition," (welcome Julie Goodnight), Apr., pg. 68
"Quieting a Jigger," (Julie Goodnight), Apr., pg. 70
"Showing on a Shoestring," (Robin Gollehonn), May, pg. 83
"Cattle 101," (Al Dunning, evaluating cattle), June, pg. 77
"Beating Show Nerves," (Carol Metcalf), July, pg. 70
"Wealing Preschool," (Robin Gollehon), Aug., pg. 70
"Arabians for Western," (Gordon Potts), Sept., pg. 78
"Your Dog, at Shows," (Charlie Cole), Oct., pg. 68
"Listen to Your Horse," (Lynn Palm), Nov., pg. 64
"Help for No-Go Solo," (Julie Goodnight), Dec., pg. 64

Barns, Property Maintenance
"To Do This Month: Watch for Ice," YHYL, Jan., pg. 19
"Frugal Fix-Ups," Jan., pg. 52
"60-Second Solutions," (stall manure), YHYL, Feb., pg. 20
"To Do This Month: Check All Fence Lines," YHYL, Mar., pg. 24
"To Do This Month: Pastures, Tackroom, Blankets," YHYL, Apr., pg. 20
"To Do This Month: Line Up Horsesitter," YHYL, May, pg. 26
"Rancho Re-Do," Barn Tour, May, pg. 66
"To Do This Month: Mow Pasture Weeds," YHYL, June, pg. 24
"To Do This Month: Maintain Arena Footing," YHYL, July, pg. 24
"How Much Tractor?," YHYL, July, pg. 26
"To Do This Month: Clean Water Receptacles, Create Fire Breaks," YHYL, Aug., pg. 17
"To Do This Month: Control Pasture Weeds," YHYL, Sept., pg. 19
"Pasture-Safety Checklist," YHYL, Sept., pg. 22
"Heavy Metal," (detect dangerous metal), YHYL, Oct., pg. 24
"To Do This Month: Ensure Adequate Water Supply, Stock Up On Barn Staples," YHYL, Dec., pg. 19
"Low-Cost 'Barn in a Box,'" YHYL, Dec., pg. 20
"Bedding Alternative," YHYL, Dec., pg. 20

Behavior
"Calming a Fearful Mare," WH Q&A, Feb., pg. 12
"Just Rewards," (rewarding your horse), Mar., pg. 50
"Dining on Dung," WH Q&A, May, pg. 18
"Teeth-Scraping on Metal," WH Q&A, June, pg. 17
"Your Horse's Brain on Trail Rides," June, pg. 66
"Chronic Tail-Rubber," WH Q&A, July, pg. 17
"Help! He's a Headshaker," WH Q&A, Aug., pg. 11
"Feeding Frenzy," (aggressive eater), Sept., pg. 50
"Biting, Teeth Baring," WH Q&A, Oct., pg. 14
"Newly Spooky," WH Q&A, Nov., pg. 12
"Listen to Your Horse," (Lynn Palm, reading body language), Ask Team H&R, Nov., pg. 64
"Mane-Pulling Gelding," WH Q&A, Dec., pg. 12

Breed & Show Associations
"A Whole New World (or Two)," (APHA World Show series), YHYL, Mar., pg. 22
"A Party and You're Invited," (AQHA Quarterfest), YHYL, Apr., pg. 18
"Fund Walks Away from Walking Horses," (Kentucky Breeder's Incentive Fund), YHYL, May, pg. 24
"Are You Experienced?," (AQHA Regional Experience), YHYL, May, pg. 30
"The Power of Paints," (APHA therapeutic riding fund), YHYL, June, pg. 22
"I Chose My Breed Because...," June, pg. 54
"New I.D. Service for Thoroughbreds," (Jockey Club), YHYL, July, pg. 22
"Trail of Cash," (American Competitive Trail Horse Association), YHYL, Aug., pg. 16
"Wanted: Boots for Kids," (APHA boot drive), YHYL, Aug., pg. 19
"A Wider Show Gate," (Palomino Horse Breeders Association), YHYL, Sept., pg. 18
"Ride a Better Horse," (American Stock Horse Association), YHYL, Oct., pg. 20
"The Magic of Morgans," (Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show), YHYL, Oct., pg. 26
"Your Chance to Rein Supreme," (NRHA entry-level program), YHYL, Nov., pg. 18
"Speed With Control," (Extreme Cowboy Association), H&R Interview, Nov., pg. 54
"The Pinto Party: Y'all Come," YHYL, Dec., pg. 18

Breeding
"Where Gray Comes From," YHYL, Jan., pg. 19
"To Do This Month: Get Ready for Foaling," YHYL, Feb., pg. 19
"Breeding Today," Special Report, Feb., pg. 40
"Turning Misfortune To Opportunity," (Clinton Anderson's stallion, Jag), Apr., pg. 46
"To Do This Month: Make Time for Baby," YHYL, July, pg. 24
"Texas-Bred Bucks," (equine incentive program), YHYL, Aug., pg. 16

Buying & Selling Horses
"When to Move On...," (Stacy Westfall, when to sell), Ask Team H&R, Mar., pg. 78
"5 Buying Myths Busted," Bob Avila's Winning Insights, June, pg. 36
"If Wishes Were Horses," (Clinton Anderson Signature Horses), YHYL, July, pg. 26
"7 Ways to Know: Is This Horse for You?," July, pg. 55 "Shoot to Thrill," (equine photography), Sept., pg. 36
"Arabians for Western," (Gordon Potts), Ask Team H&R, Sept., pg. 78
"Looking Ahead," Bob Avila's Winning Insights, Oct., pg. 28
"Horse-Buying Blues," YS, Nov., pg. 14
"Horse-Shopping Etiquette," Bob Avila's Winning Insights, Dec., pg. 24

Farmland, forests and open space is being developed into residential and commercial developments at a rate of 6,000 acres per day (USDA figures). We need 36 million acres of land just to feed the 9+ million horses in the United States. Equestrians are losing trail access on public lands. Liability concerns are limiting our ability to ride on others' private land.

Once it is gone, we cannot get it back.

Where will your grandchildren ride drive, compete, race, raise foals and grow hay?

At the 2008 Kentucky International Equine Summit, David O'Connor, president of the U.S. Equestrian Federation and U.S. eventing gold medalist in the 2000 Olympic Games, acknowledged that the loss of land for horse-related activities was the greatest threat to horse sport, industry and recreation in the United States. Watch David O'Connor's remarks here.

Only one national organization is devoted to saving land for horses--the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR). Our mission is to advance the conservation of land for horse-related activity.

By educating horse people and encouraging partnerships with conservationists and other user groups at the local level, the ELCR is mobilizing thousands of equestrians to work for land access and protection in their communities. We recognize that without such concerted efforts, the horse world, as we know it, is at great risk.

Preserving Our Future
The ELCR educates horsemen about the crisis and brings them together with conservationists to stem this serious loss. Our many programs include providing information and resources to equestrians on the following topics:

• Land conservation
• Community land use planning
• Trail access, connectivity and shared use
• Equine economic development
• Land and trail stewardship management practices
• Liability issues

Visit our Library of Resources Page for specific information on each topic listed above.

Equestrian Partners Working Together on Conservation
The ELCR's Equestrian Partners program is a membership program for equine and conservation organizations. Our 120 member organizations representing over 1 million equestrians are actively working on equine land conservation in their communities. The foundation of the Partners program is information, education and networking. Learn more about our Equestrian Partners.

The ELCR's contributions include:

• The production of educational materials to assist equestrians in their communities. View our publications.
• Assisting groups such as the Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen (KY), Highlands Equestrian Conservancy (MI) and Friends of Callithea Farm (MD) to develop conservation plans to save their horse lands.
• Connecting land owners with land trusts and other community resource protection programs in order to protect land for horse use and provide financial or other benefits to horse landowners.
• Partnering with such groups as U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, American Quarter Horse Association, U.S. Pony Clubs, U.S. Eventing Association and Masters of Fox Hounds Association, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, American Farmland Trust and Land Trust Alliance and its members, state horse councils, breed and discipline organizations, trail riders to save riding, driving, racing, training, competing and breeding lands.
• Providing a centralized source for information, networks and resources about land conservation, land use planning, and trail access.

Get Involved
Please join in this vital effort to preserve our hobby, sport and industry. Here is how you can participate:

• Begin or join a local effort to conserve land for horses in your community. Contact us to find a member group in your area or find out how to start one.
• Ask your equine organization to become a member of our Equestrian Partners program. Volunteer to serve as the Land Conservation Chair or Coordinator and be the liaison with the ELCR.
• Make plans to conserve your own farm or join a trail stewardship crew for a day.
• Participate in your community's land use planning and zoning process. Provide your comments to the community's periodic update of its Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Encourage the inclusion of horse friendly provisions in your local or state transportation and recreation plans.
• Support the ELCR's efforts to raise awareness of the issue and provide information and guidance to individuals and organizations to conserve your horse lands in your community.

It is time for us to hold our ground as tomorrow may be too late! For more information on what to do in your community, visit www.ELCR.org, visit us on Facebook, or email us at info@elcr.org.

The Equine Network is an Equestrian Partner of ELCR.

Developed by equine experts at Michigan State University (MSU) and other major universities, "Trail Riding 101" takes participants through the process of selecting the right mount and equipment, feeding and conditioning the trail horse, and helping them learn about trail safety and etiquette. This course is aimed at helping riders get the most enjoyment from their riding experience, whether they trail ride at home, on vacation or in competition.

The $50 registration fee includes access to the course, where participants can read information, watch accompanying video clips and webcasts, and complete exercises and activities at their own pace. For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.

My Horse University and Equine Network are also offering a FREE WEBCAST titled "On the Trail Ride - Best Practices," which will air live on October 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The webcast will feature Jenifer Nadeau, associate professor of animal science at the University of Connecticut, who will share best practices for trail riding including how to determine where to go, route finding, safety, what to bring, ride preparations, how to select the right horse, how to deal with situations that arise on the trail such as crossing streams and roads, going up and down hills and encountering wildlife. A recording of the webcast will be available to anyone who purchases "Trail Riding 101." For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.

"Trail Riding 101" is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company. Tractor Supply Company operates more than 830 stores in 44 states and is an authorized retailer of Purina equine and livestock feed and Nutrena equine feed. In addition, each store offers a comprehensive selection of merchandise for the health, care, growth and containment of horses, livestock and pets; a broad selection of agricultural products; and tools and hardware.

Tractor Supply is committed to promoting trail riding through its participation in the STEP program (Stewards for Trails, Education and Partnerships), which allows groups and individuals to submit proposals for projects that fund and generate awareness for trail conservation projects nationwide. A committee consisting of officials from AQHA, Tractor Supply, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource and National Forest Service reviews each individual proposal, selects the individual projects for funding, and assists in organizing volunteers for the completion of the approved projects. Forms for submitting trail conservation projects and additional information can be found at www.ridegreen.aqha.com.

"The STEP program enables us to build and strengthen our relationship with equestrian groups and horse owners of all ages," said Jonathan Swiskow, director of marketing at Tractor Supply. "As a sponsor, we hope to not only generate awareness about preserving riding trails for our customers, but also stress the importance of environmental stewardship and land conservation for future generations."

My Horse University is a national online horse management program for horse enthusiasts. It's based at MSU, one of the top U.S. universities in equine science and management. Founded by the MSU Department of Animal Science, MSU Extension and MSU Global, this program offers equine education courses and resources that can be tailored to achieve horse management goals. For more information, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com.

Equine Network is the leading publisher of horse magazines, including EQUUS, Horse & Rider, Practical Horseman and Dressage Today. Additionally, through EquiSearch.com, the Equine Network provides the horse community with timely information and access to experts online, helping readers stay on top of the best science-based information.

Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) has prepared a white paper detailing the access of equestrians to state game lands in three states. The models presented by Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New Mexico show varying levels of access and regulations for users. Using these models, ELCR was able to develop a set of recommendations for horsemen seeking access in other states.

The report addresses the issues of balancing hunting and fishing demands with other recreational uses. In each model, solutions have been reached that comply with a state's demands and allow various users to experience wildlife on state lands. Sensitive issues like the use of Pittman-Robinson funds and the sale of riding permits have been addressed.

Cynthia Higgs of Equine Land Conservation Resource spoke with game land managers to determine the scope of the issues of horseback riding on game lands and how horsemen can develop positive relationships with game land managers. Ultimately, all the managers interviewed suggested that horseback riders desiring access to state game lands make an effort to volunteer on those lands as well. Efforts ranging from litter removal to advocating for legislation that is beneficial to wildlife programs will help foster a cooperative relationship.

The goal of the report is to help horsemen understand the challenges that non-hunting users present to state fish and wildlife land managers and present solutions to those challenges that are beneficial for all parties involved.

To read the full report, visit www.elcr.org/resources/resc_31.pdf.