LCHA’s approach is multi-faceted. For the horse owner, LCHA provides recreational, educational, and social opportunities. For the public land manager, LCHA provides resources in the form of volunteer consulting and labor. We are determined to be proactive in keeping public trails open to horse use.

The Devil’s Backbone Trail Extension is a good example of how successful our proactive approach is. LCHA wrote a letter of support as part of the grant application for GOCO funds to build the trail. LCHA provided input to the county trail crew on routing that would make the trail more horse friendly. And LCHA helps maintain the trail through Larimer County’s Adopt-A-Trail program. Before the completion of the extension, the Devil’s Backbone trail was a foot traffic only trail. It is now open to multi-use, including horses.

Other LCHA trail projects include:

• Jack’s Gulch--a Forest Service equestrian campground which LCHA helped design.
• Rimrock--an extension of the Coyote Ridge trail, the Rimrock trail opened in the fall of 2002. LCHA had a presence on the technical advisory committee, participated in public meetings regarding the management plan, and advised the county trail crew on trail routing for horses.
• Eagles Nest--a new open space on the north fork of the Poudre river slated to open in 2003. LCHA has a presence on the technical advisory committee.
• Mill Creek--a trail in Horsetooth Mountain Park which LCHA maintains.
• Lion Gulch--a Forest Service trail which LCHA maintains.

As a service to the community, LCHA provides monthly educational meetings on horse related topics. Some notable speakers have been:

• Mary Midkiff--author of Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian.
• Dr. Dwight Bennett--author of Bits & Bridles: Power Tools for Thinking Riders.
• Mark Rashid--author of Considering the Horse, Horses Never Lie, and A Good Horse is Never a Bad Color.

Other topics have included: trailer safety, equine chiropractic, equine dentistry, equine nutrition, conformation, hoof care, TTouch, and round pen training.

Although not primarily a saddle club, LCHA provides organized trail rides for members and their guests. LCHA also provides training activities for members, and seasonal social events--namely, horseback Christmas caroling, a Christmas party and a June picnic.

LCHA’s broad base of activities means there is an opportunity for you to be a part of ensuring future generations will have equine recreational opportunities.