Back Country Horsemen of British Columbia
A province wide society of over 700 members belonging to 18 different chapters.
How did this all get started? Around a dining room table of course! In 1989, in Langley, sitting around Jim & Marilyn McCrae's table a small group of people set out to form Back Country Horsemen Society of British Columbia. Jim McCrae was the driving force behind that meeting. After his successful 1988 solo ride of the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico to British Columbia) Jim had noted that whenever he needed assistance in his trek along the Pacific Crest Trail there was a group there to help, the Back Country Horsemen of America.
The following year, Jim participated in Washington State's Wagon Train Centennial celebration. Again, the Back Country Horsemen were there. Jim realized that BC could use an organization to band together the recreational riders. Today, Jim is still a quiet driving force that never misses a chance to discuss Back Country Horsemen. With the combined good efforts of that small group, Back Country Horsemen Society of British Columbia (BCHBC) received official “Not for Profit” status from Victoria on June 11, 1991. The rest is our history.
BCHBC today 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. Through collaboration with individuals, government, business and other recreational users of public land we strive to preserve and enhance the use of public lands for all equestrians.
Are you a beginner at trail riding? We offer a friendly atmosphere that stresses safety, trail riding, packing, trail building, and maintenance. Join us for a relaxing ride on local trails throughout B.C!
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Experience our beautiful B.C. trails by riding on safe, casual day rides or for the more adventurous, learn the necessary skills to enjoy packing on extended trips into the wilderness.
Participate in educational clinics, safe day and overnight rides, "trail days", and the "Leave No Trace " Program.
Attend our annual RendezVous. This is a 3 day fun filled event for you and your equine.
Surf: this website - that is jammed packed with information ranging from local issues in each Chapter, to province wide trail maps and user forums “Trail Rider Chat” and a Trading Post.
Learn: Whatever the question, another member is waiting to share their knowledge with you.
Recognition: Our members are involved with provincial and municipal governing agencies dealing with matters of concern to all trail riders.
Find: new friends with a passion for trail riding
Make a difference: - participate in work bees – maintaining and building trails in your area.
Read: - receive newsletters from both Chapter and Provincial
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
We currently have 18 Chapters throughout the Province. Some have as many as 75 members and some have as few as 16. Each Chapter holds regular meetings and rides. Each Chapter has its own priorities, it might be saving a regional trail or holding yearly poker rides to raise money for trail head facilities or equipment. Each Chapter elects executive positions as mandated by our Bylaws and Constitution.
One elected representative from each Chapter attends the Provincial Board of Directors meetings that are held twice a year. These meetings deal with issues that affect all Chapters including education, publicity, finances, policies and events such as RendezVous.A copy of our Bylaws and Constitution can be found on our website and under the Contact Us tab you will find the Provincial Executive listed with contact information. Under the tab “Chapters” you will find local contact information and current events for each Chapter.
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