RECREATION
If you ride for enjoyment, whether ring riding or trail riding, local trails or wilderness trails, you’re a recreational rider! We estimate there are over 17,000 recreational riders who are members of Horse Council BC, so we strive to provide resources and programs designed to help recreational riders enjoy their riding safely and responsibly.
Horseback riders have to stand up for their right to ride on recreational trails throughout the province. HCBC is a strong advocate for the recreational rider, and for preserving equestrians’ right to ride in their communities and parks, as well as in other recreational areas throughout B.C.
TRAILS
Visit the Trails page for information on the BC Equestrian Trails Group and the BC Equestrian Trails Fund. The goals of both of these are to aid recreational trail riders by providing information resources, communications tools, and funding in order to establish and maintain recreational horseback riding trails and horse camping sites throughout B.C. They are initiatives of the Joint Trails and Access Committee (JTAC), a committee made up of representatives from Horse Council BC as well as Back Country Horsemen of BC, the Endurance Riders Association of BC, the BC Competitive Trail Riders Association and independent riders. JTAC was formed to help protect the right to ride on both urban and back country trails in BC. If you are fighting to obtain or protect equestrian access to a local trail, contact us for whatever support we can provide.
ONLINE TRAIL GUIDE & TRAIL RIDING DESTINATIONS
Horse Council BC, with assistance from the Back Country Horsemen of BC, has compiled an Online Trail Guide linked to a Google Earth Map illustrating the locations of existing equestrian trails in BC. There is also a page of Trail Riding Destinations, listing farms and ranches that have horse camping facilities from which to access good riding trails.
HORSE CAMPING SITES
There is also a page on Horse Camping Sites with corrals and highlines at trailheads. Some of the entries have links to articles and photos.
TRAIL USERS’ CODE OF ETHICS
Information from the Outdoor Recreation Council regarding trail etiquette and courtesy for all trail users.
TRAIL USERS’ WILDLIFE AWARENESS
Information on wildlife to watch out for on BC trails!
RIDE AND DRIVE REWARDS PROGRAM
The Ride & Drive Rewards Program is a recreational rewards program for equestrian riders and drivers where awards are given for hours spent enjoying your horse either in the saddle or cart. Thanks to Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies, for sponsoring some of the reward levels.
ROAD SAFETY FOR EQUESTRIANS
Visit the Road Safety page for more information. Horse Council BC has produced a Road Safety Handbook for Equestrians, available on-line or in hard copy. We also have produced a Road Safety Rack Card suitable for distribution to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Both are available for viewing and download on line.
RECREATION & TRAIL RIDING CLUBS
Would you like to connect with other recreational and trail riders? There is a page devoted to the Back Country Horsemen of BC, an organization that provides an environment for equestrians who are interested in trail riding and the back country, a social, safe learning atmosphere where people of all ages and experience can enjoy trail riding and the wilderness experience.
There is also information about other Recreation & Trail Riding Clubs, with links to TREC, the Endurance Riders Association of BC (ERABC) and the BC Competitive Trail Riders Association (BCCTRA), as well as links to regional recreational & trail riding clubs.
HIT THE TRAIL - NEWS AND VIEWS
Find out what other HCBC members have been doing and see photos and videos of recent rides, or ...
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Do you have news about a special trail ride or other recreational riding event that you would like to share? Check out our new Hit the Trails! News and Views page and submit an article or photos for other HCBC members to see. Email to recreation@hcbc.ca.
HCBC Recreation now has a blog!
Click on the image above to view or subscribe.
Visit HCBC's ONLINE TRAIL GUIDE!
Click on the image above to view.
