Right to Ride Legislation-horse people...

I hope it's OK to post this here, just in case any one else likes to ride on public lands....


In case anyone missed this-I sent in my letter!

Right to Ride Legislation is Stalled

"Right-To-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005" has stalled in the Senate because of low support from the horse world. The American Horse Council, led by the American Quarter Horse Association, have launched a campaign to GET ANYONE WHO RIDES, especially if they already ride in
national parks or wilderness areas-or think they might someday-to get on the bandwagon to send off an already prepared letter of support. Some details. . .

Last March, Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) introduced the "Right-To-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005" into the US House of Representatives, and a month later Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced an identical bill into the US Senate. But nothing has happened since March, when the bill was referred to half a dozen committees. This is due partly because congressmen and their staffsare disappointed by the low level of support their efforts have received from the horse world.

The easiest way to contact your senator or representative is to click on
http://capwiz.com/aqha/issues/alert/?alertid=7749306&type=CO
http://capwiz.com/aqha/issues/alert/?alertid=7749306&type=CO

which takes you to an AQHA Action Alert. Once there, you enter your zip code, fill in your name and address for verification as a constituent, and a prepared letter of support goes to the congressional representatives you designate. Of course, if you'd prefer to write your own letter, this link also provides the bill's complete text.

The bill says in part "The Secretary of the Interior shall provide for the management of National Park System lands to preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands, including wilderness areas, national monuments, and other specifically designated areas, where there is a historical tradition of such use. As a general rule, all trails, routes and areas used by pack and saddle stock shall remain open and accessible for such use."

Please forward this message to any horse association or outdoor organization that supports hiking and riding trails. This is a vital letter of support that cements equestrian rights on a national level, and safeguards riding on public lands for the future




This message was edited Nov 28, 2005 3:23 PM