America’s Horse, June 18, 2007 – The American Quarter Horse Association’s newest program – Trail Trotters – participated in National Trails Day June 2 with horseback riders and trail users banding together to complete trail restoration projects across the country.
This year, approximately 500 volunteers participated in 22 trail restoration projects in 13 states, from Maine to Washington.
“We are excited about this new program,” said Stephanie McCommon, AQHA Manager of Membership Services. “We appreciate the horse enthusiasts who dedicate their time to land stewardship, and we hope to see even more participants in 2008.”
National Trails Day is an annual event celebrated every June since 1992. This day unifies horseback riders and other trail users in an effort to build and strengthen relationships between local equestrian communities, the forest service and other land managers for the long-term stewardship of trails.
With AQHA now directing this program, it will become a month-long project rather than just one day. So, equestrians are encouraged to complete trail conservation projects anytime during the month of June. As before, the program also involves competition as groups vie for National Stewardship Awards, which are awarded based on the community involvement and sustainability of their project.
For more information on Trail Trotters and how you can be involved, visit http://www.aqha.com/recreation/trailtrotters/index.html.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines .
