It seems to keep dupeing my pics. Guess I'll have to find another way to post pics or something.

Steve

Here is the link for Back Country Horsemen of America:  http://www.backcountryhorse.com/

For the organization in your area/state go to:  http://www.backcountryhorse.com/Member_Organizations.html

 The BCHA not only cleans up the trails but some chapters have organized rides and even an annual rendevous.  It's a great way to meet folks who love trail riding and who also have the desire to help keep the trails clean and accessible.

Hope this helps!

 Horse Crazy Louise

Looks like FUN!

 Your pictures are so beautiful i don't mind the dupes, coolsterdog!

I don't trail ride off our property, grandma. I do know that Pennsylvania is full of old CCC roads that can be ridden. If you check out the PA state site there should be links.

 I live in central CA and would like to try the American River area (near Auburn) and wondered if your travels have taken you (or anone else) out that way? If so where do you recommend, as it is such a large and diverse area? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Debbie

GTR :)

Are you relatively close to Central Florida?  There are plenty of places to ride on public land here - and camp with horses...I can think of seven within an hour of my place in the Tampa area.  This is the time of year to ride in Central Fla.  Hope you've found some good places to ride.

Fla Cracker

Steve,

Great pictures...your Arab is an absolute double for my gelding (Independance Bey - Varian Arabian)...I'll just use your pictures and tell everyone my horse went on a vacation :)

I'm in Central Florida - we have lovely land to ride on...but nothing like you have.  Watching the Ken Burns series on the Parks makes me itch to haul out west to ride.   Happy Trails

Fla Cracker

I'm in northwestern Florida but I go to Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando all the time. Where are the good trails there? I am mostly a dressage rider these days, but as a kid I strictly trail rode. I'd love to hear about places in Florida that wouldn't be too far to ride on some nice trails! I find that the park websites don't give clear directions to places to park, and I cant bear the thought of getting lost on a dirt road out in the woods somewhere hauling a horse trailer!

You can ride and camp at Alafia River State Park in Lithia (about 15 minutes south of Plant City).  Good sites...easy trailer access.  Use that as base camp and you can haul to four other state parks close by.  (The park/camp has 4000+ acres of great riding - varying terrain).  Nearby is Old Welcome Road - (can't camp there) but it has 3000+ acres of riding - (five minute trailer ride from Alafia)  Alafia River State Park - 14326 South CR 39  Lithia, FL 33547  (813) 672 5320 / www.floridastateparks.org/alafiariver/

Lots of places...if you plan to make a trip just drop me a line and I'll meet up with you.  

My absolute favorite is the Osceola County Wagon Train and Trail Ride  www.ocwttr.org  whiich is a seven day ride and camp (usually about 400 people) in Central Florida - riding on private ranch land -  I recommend buying the meals - they are great and inexpensive.  The ride itself is less than $100 - the food is about $200 for seven days 3x day - worth every penny.  It is Feb 26th - March 5th 2010  Nice relaxed pace...you can ride the morning ride (3HRS) or the afternoon ride (3 hrs or so) or both.  Most people ride both.  One day is an all day ride (7+ hrs) and they bring your lunch out to you on the trail.   If you're interested in going - register early - they limit the number of riders and it fills up fast.  Registration packets aren't out yet.

Happy Trails

That sounds really awesome, but I'm getting married in April, so the timing isn't great for me, as Ill have to take a lot of time off from work for that. I will check out that other state park. Its so hard to find trail buddies!!!! My horse isn't in 7 hour trail shape anyway, lol, I have no idea how to get a horse ready for something like that!

Hi Grandma Trail Rider, Just read your message and thought I'd give this tip. Contact your state Horse Council and ask for the phone numbers to other state Horse Councils. Contact them as you plan to visit and request a Trails Directory if they have them, they are well worth the price. These directories offer maps and locations to all the trail systems that have been created by other volunteers for all horse riders. These books will also include if camping and amenities are available. The people who developed and maintain all these trails would be proud to share the trails with you and who knows, a contact person maybe listed for more info on them. It's worth looking into. I know the Trail Directory that is provided by the WI State Horse Council is very good. We have used it for years and have enjoyed riding on trails listed. If not for this book we would never have known these trails existed. Happy Trails and enjoy the Adventure.