Q & A

My name is Arne Smith and I have been a member of AERC for about 16 years. I have competed, helped manage rides, and been president of PNER.

Recently in Dexter, Oregon at a local State Equestrian Park, Elijah Bristow Park, there was a sign posted saying no horses on trails from October 31st- May 1st. There was no explanation or discussion involved. This will keep many riders both endurance and trailriders from being able to ride at the park for half of the year.

This set of equestrian trails is used by Darla Westlake and family,(owner of HoF horse RT Muffin-along with many other accomplishments)Becky Fiedler and family(Winner of Tevis along with many other accomplishments) Victoria White, and several dozen other endurance riders along with several hundred trail riders.

I have attempted to contact the ranger to no avail and I'm getting a luke warm response from local politicians. What suggestions does AERC have in resolving and correcting this situation? These trails have been used without harm or problem for over 20 years.

The name of the park ranger is Sven and his office address is 60 S Pioneer, Lowell, Or 97452.

Thanks in advance for helping with this problem.

The AERC does not have a trail advocate in the state of Oregon. Never the less, the proper action to follow would be: If there is a horse council in the state of Oregon, they should be the contact to lobby for a hearing on the trail closure. Next, if there is an equine trails organization in the state, they may be helpful in addressing the situation. If the two suggestions above are not possible, then a meeting with the head of the Oregon Department of Natural Recourses or whatever controls the state park is in order. You are faced with a seasonal closure. Something that is becoming more of a fact than fiction across the US. Trials are closed in the winter and spring due to all of the rain on the trails.

If trails are built to be environmentally sustainable, there is no need for closure. I would suspect either a hiker group or environmental group has complained which brought about the closure. We can only suggest a line of attack when dealing with the problem. Horsemen in Oregon will have to carry the water to get the situation changed.

AERC does not have a rule for foot protection, although some rides have a special "ride rule" requiring some sort of hoof protection for the equines. If you have a question about a particular ride requiring hoof protection, contact the ride manager.

AERC does not have a rule regarding martingales or any other type of tack.

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