JANUARY 12 Board of Directors Meeting @ Perkin’s in Jefferson City, 10 a.m. All members welcome. Snow date: January 21. WEEKEND OF MARCH 16-18 Upper Current River Clean Up Ride @ Big Creek Trail Rides Reservations: 877-932-4846 MARCH 22-24 BCHMO booth at Ozark Roundup @ Ozark Empire Fair-grounds, Springfield, MO JUNE 20-23 June 20-21: Ed Copeland Memorial Clean Up Ride June 22: BCHMO Membership Apprecia-tion and Fun Ride @ Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort Reservations: 573-269-4600 Check our website (www.bchmo.org) for state and chapter events happening throughout the year.

UPCOMING 2019 EVENTS

BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF MISSOURI

US FOREST SERVICE RECOGNIZES BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF MISSOURI FOR THEIR ENDURING SERVICE

The Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) were nominated and selected for the Enduring Service Award which recognizes sustained support and engagement with volun-teerism and service over many years to the US Forest Service. This group exemplify excel-lence in their work and commitment to the Forest Service mission. The nomination was sent to the Region 9 Regional Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and recipients are chosen at the Regional level which covers 11 states and 15 National Forests.

The nomination narrative submitted to the Regional Office explains why this group is so deserving of the Enduring Service Award:

In April 2017, the Mark Twain National Forest was affected by a devastating flood event. Many recreation areas and trails were greatly impacted on the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District (ACWRD). Recreation connects people to the outdoors and the flood impacted our ability to provide safe recreation. Assessments needed to be done in an expeditious manner and the District knew it would need assistance. The BCHMO have been a dedicated partner for many years and are instrumental in assisting with maintaining these two areas. When the flood event occurred and knowing the workload it would be to assess all District trails, all it took was a phone call to Steve Assenmacher and Sherry Copeland of BCHMO, to see if they could help. There was no hesitation at all - the response was when and where do you need us. The ACWRD has 212 miles of trails. Swan Creek and Bateman non-motorized trail systems have 44 miles between them and BCHMO were very familiar with these areas. The type of dedication from BCHMO as a partner is what makes our relationship strong. The Forest Service can rely on BCHMO. Their work during the flood ultimately is assisting the Forest Service with the USDA strategic objective of delivering benefits to the public by providing information so the district can develop a strategy plan for doing maintenance on the trails to provide safe recreation opportunities for the public.

This is the second time BCHMO has been recognized for their service in the Mark Twain National Forest by the Forest Service. In 2014, BCHMO and the River Springs Chapter were awarded the 2014 Volunteer & Service Region 9 Award - Restoration, and The Presi-dent’s Volunteer Service Award.

BCHMO members Steve Assenmacher, left, and Bill Winkelmann, right, of the Mountain Riders Chapter, accept the En-during Service Award from Zone Recrea-tion Officer Darla Rein in Ava, Missouri.

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Meet Your Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) Officers, Committee Chairs and Directors

In this, and upcoming issues of the Back Country Horsemen of Missouri newsletter, we will be introducing you to your elected and appointed offic-ers, directors and committee chairs. In this issue, we feature Board members Larry Dishman and Candace Hale.

I was originally appointed and elected to the Board of Di-rectors to fill a vacated position, and then stood for election at the next Annual Membership Meeting in November, 2016. In addition to being a board member, I also serve on the Public Lands Committee, and I am currently serving as the Co-Chapter Leader for the Tri-Lakes Chapter, located in the Strafford/Marshfield/Bolivar area in southwest Mis-souri.

I volunteered for the draft in 1970 and served in the US Ar-my, 82nd Airborne. After serving in the Army, I returned home and married Linda, my wife of 47 years. I worked for the Greene County Road & Bridge Department for several years, worked in residential construction, and retired after 34 years as Lead Mechanic with Pepsi Cola. It was while at Pepsi Cola that the Tri-Lakes Chapter started the BCHMO mesh bag project.

Linda and I live and work on the farm where I was raised. We raised a son and daughter and have four grandchildren. While our children were growing up, we shared with them the love of horses and they grew up on horseback. We are also involved in teaching our grandchildren about horses and riding. I started my love of horses when, at ten years of age, I was given a foal. Two years later I was riding it and learning how to “Make it Go.” We both learned a lot. Lin-da and I are avid trail riders and have been members of the Southwest Missouri Trail Riders since 1972. We have rid-den in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arizona, and Idaho. I have been involved with the Tri-Lakes Chapter since its beginning, and when asked to step up to the state level, I felt I knew quite a lot about the organization. It has been an eye-opener for me to see and understand how involved BCHMO is in trail issues across the state. I have a new-found respect for the work that goes into this organization.

It is my wish that more people would get involved with BCHMO and realize the importance of being an active member. Without the presence and involvement of BCHMO in maintaining and working for access to trails, there is no doubt riders will lose trails. Our involvement should serve as an example to our future and current riders.

Larry Dishman - Board Member

I was born in Tennessee and grew up in Memphis, a city girl. I don’t know where my love of horses came from. None of my family or extended family had horses, but I have been crazy about them for as long as I can remem-ber. My mother said I loved horses from the time I was born. I think that was an exaggeration.

I graduated from the University of Memphis. My majors were Criminal Justice and Psychology. Two months after graduation I started at the Federal Hospital Police Officer School at Fort Root, near Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduation, I returned to Memphis to work at the new Kennedy Veterans Hospital. Part of my duties consisted of working with the local police and sheriff departments. On the night shift, I watched the 7/11 convenience store across the street via closed circuit television. I quickly realized that for me, working at the VA was boring, and after ten months I resigned and entered the Memphis Po-lice Academy where I worked for 28 years.

When I turned 40, I bought two acres in the country and built a house. I met a woman who was renting the seven acres at the end of my road for her barrel horses. With her urging, I started barrel-racing on a horse I traded for, and won something almost every time I raced her. She was a fabulous barrel horse. All I had to do was hang on, which was good, because I never got the “hang” of turning the barrels. In other words, she was a much better barrel horse than I was a barrel rider. Eventually I lost interest in barrel racing. It was a one person show and I had discovered trail riding. I retired my barrel horse and bought a quarter horse. I hauled and camped in my stock trailer for six years. The year I re-tired, I bought a living quarters horse trailer and a dually truck. I also bought 19 acres in Missouri to retire to.

In 2004, I moved to Handy, Missouri, where I could ride out my gate into the thousands of acres of the Mark Twain National Forest and I met lots of horse people on the trails. Soon after, I added a gaited horse to my herd so I could keep up with my new friends.

A few years, and a lot of riding later, I heard about Back Country Horsemen of Missouri. I went to the first meet-ing regarding the organizing of a new chapter of BCHMO, and from that meeting evolved the River Springs Chapter. I joined, and three years later, I took on the role of chapter leader. The next year, I was elected to the Board of BCHMO and still hold both these positions. Over the years, I have also served on the Education Com-mittee and several other committees within the organiza-tion.

I may not be a city girl anymore, but I still have my south-ern drawl.

Candace Hale - Board Member

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SOUTH CENTRAL CHAPTER - Maury Mertz and Brad McBride

On Sept. 22, two members of the South Central Chapter joined members of the Brownfield Chapter for a joint work day and fun ride at the Cole Creek Trailhead, located within the Mark Twain National Forest. This event was in celebration of National Public Lands Day. We clipped and cleared eight miles of trail. At the end of the day, we enjoyed a pot luck meal prepared by members of the Brownfield Chapter. A special thanks goes to John Pilkington from our chapter who helped with the trail work.

Our next chapter event is our annual canned food drive and luncheon to be held on Dec. 15 at Oliggs BBQ, located in Licking.

The Blair Creek Equestrian Trail, located in the Pioneer Forest, is now 100% open and marked. I would like to thank Connie Weber and her staff from Missouri State Parks for their help. Without them, this trail would not be passable. This is a collaborative effort with Missouri State Parks, and Back Country Horsemen of Missouri.

Maury Mertz and John Pilkington at Cole Creek Trail-head.

TRAIL’S END CHAPTER - Staci Harrison

We have had several events and works days this fall, and going into winter, that helped accomplish the goals that our Chapter established in 2018. Three of the four hitching posts, which are part of our Trail Maintenance Incentive, have been installed, and the final fourth hitching post is on site and waiting for the ground to thaw a little. On Nov. 10, the Clover Dell Lake (Katy Trail side) hitching post was set along with the hitching post at the Katy Trailhead across from the Missouri State Fair Grounds. The hitching posts and events in which Trails End were part of has reached a very large audience this fall on Facebook. Nearly 5,000 folks were reached! Not only were they educated about our Chapter, but they were also educated and informed about the work of Back Country Horsemen of Missouri.

Members from our Chapter, and our friends, Jake and Tyler, with the Missouri De-partment of Conservation (MDC), participated in a very cold Veteran’s Day parade. The group was small, but our presence was greatly appreciated by our local, number one in the nation, Smith-Cotton JROTC, and the Veterans who were able to attend. On Dec. 1, the Chapter along with, Jake from MDC, rode in a very large Sedalia Christmas Parade. We were entry 136 out of 138! You know they save the best for last! Following the parade, we headed to Jennings Arena in Green Ridge, MO, to help the 110th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base celebrate their Family Day with a horse theme. This was a joint effort pulled together by the Green Ridge Military Affairs committee, Trails End Chapter and Jennings Arena.

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RIVER SPRINGS CHAPTER - Candace Hale

Joint work/fun ride: South Central & River Springs Chapters

In October, our chapter workday at the Irish Wilderness proved that it doesn’t take long for a trail to get overgrown even though you work on it repeatedly. Several members showed up to work on the Upper Trail of the Whites Creek Trail. For our November event, seventeen chapter members attended the BCHMO Annual Membership Meeting at Big Creek Trail Rides near Hartshorn, MO. It was chilly and rainy with a little sporadic rain, but members thought it was a great event. Friday night it was nice enough to have a campfire. Also in November, members met at the Irish Wilderness for a pleasure ride….but we always do some work. Another group of riders also arrived and rode the Lower Trail, so we rode the Upper Trail again. It was still in good shape with just a bit of snipping here and there. Our next chapter event is our Christmas Party and luncheon on Dec. 15 at the Fishin’ Pig in Poplar Bluff. We will be meeting at 11 a.m. for anyone who would like to attend. Our 2019 chapter organizational meeting is scheduled for Sat-urday, Jan. 19, 2019 at 10 a.m. at The Float Stream Restaurant in Van Buren.

Several members of the River Springs Chapter ready to ride while attending the BCHMO Annual Meeting at Big Creek Trail Ride.

NOT RECEIVING THE NEWS FLASH EMAIL? If you have email and are not receiving the monthly BCHMO News Flash by the 10th of each month……. please…... notify info@bchmo.org of your correct email address and add info@bchmo.org to your email contact list. Thank you.

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The purpose of this series of articles is to acquaint Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) members, and others, with background infor-mation on public land agencies where equestrian trails can be found, and how their missions differ from one another.

WHERE DO YOU RIDE? Part II - 2018

WHERE DO YOU RIDE? - Marsha Copeland, Education/Expansion Chair

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is one of three federally managed land agencies in our state that provide equestrian trails. The entire scope of the USACE’s purpose and mission for our nation is mind boggling when one looks into its entire mission. Besides national defense, flood protection, engineering, hydroelectricity, potable water supply, fish and wildlife conservation, incidental navigation, etc., while maintaining a healthy balance of the varying uses of the heartland’s waterways, you will find within the mission, to provide recreational opportunities.

The land surrounding the lakes is home to a multitude of outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, camping, bird watching – and the list goes on. Horseback riding is only one very small part of the many forms of recreation held in appropriate lake areas. Nationally, over 356 million people visit one of the 422 USACE lakes for all types of recrea-tional activities. With equestrian’s smaller numbers and presence, it is even more vital to be involved where equestrian trails do exist, and express our desire to have trails open to horse use.

Missouri’s USACE equestrian trails can be found at the following lake areas:

KANSAS CITY DISTRICT Smithville Lake: Longview Horse Trail and the Smithville Lake Trail. Truman Lake: Ber ry Bend Equestr ian Park and the Smith Bend Horse Trail. Stockton Lake: Or leans Trail and Hawker Point, Hulston Mill. Pomme de Terre: Bolivar Landing Trail. ST. LOUIS DISTRICT Mark Twain Lake: Joanna Trail and Lick Creek Trail. Wappapello Lake: maintains four different trailheads.

BCHMO is appreciative of the positive relationship we share with the managers of these USACE lake areas. Each area is managed by USACE officials that are knowledgeable of their area and its unique set of trail management issues based on geology, soil components, etc. What does all this mean to us as responsible equestrian trail users? Whether we are driving to these areas for a vacation ride, or are local riders, we all need to be knowledgeable, and follow the rules/regulations that go with the particular area. Districts can differ greatly in their management practices. An example of this is that the USACE trails in southwest Missouri are managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. This adds to the responsibility for riders to be knowledgeable about “Where They Ride,” and the different management policies.

Each lake manager makes recreational decisions based on the characteristics of the lake and land mass surrounding the lake. Most requirements are the ones we are already familiar with and follow – stay on trail; cross tie to trees; Pack it in – Pack it out; etc. There is not one universal set of recreational rules. Each lake is unique. So, before riding, check with the local lake management. Equestrian trails are one tiny element of the USACE mission. We need to recognize and value the opportunity to protect and do our part in their maintenance.

With all our land management agencies, it is well known that funding for trail maintenance is an issue. BCHMO can make a significant contribution toward keeping equestrian trails through our volunteer efforts to help with the mainte-nance and protection of trails. The NEMO Chapter of BCHMO has a very positive presence in volunteer trail efforts on Mark Twain Lake trails in the St. Louis District, and the River Springs Chapter provides assistance to Lake Wappapello. The Kansas City district offers very good riding in the Kansas City area, but at this time there is no BCHMO chapter in the area. Local riders do have a presence and do some trail maintenance. Tri-Lakes Chapter has taken on three different USACE areas within the Kansas City District in southwest Missouri.

It is the purpose and mission of BCHMO to protect and preserve access to the existing equestrian trails in the state. De-veloping and maintaining a positive relationship with our USACE land managers is crucial in this purpose. We can only be effective when proving our worth to each agency by making their job easier and become recognized for our service potential for them. That is OUR purpose!

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The first weekend of November brings about the Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) Annual Membership Meeting. This year our meeting was held at Big Creek Trail Rides in Hartshorn, MO. Brett and Lisa Howell, their fam-ily and staff, were so accommodating to our organization. Speaking on behalf of all the members of BCHMO that at-tended the meeting, we would like to say “thank-you”! Your hospitality was greatly appreciated. Although the weather was cool, overcast and a bit rainy, many members were able to get in some riding on Friday and some took to the trails on Saturday afternoon. The fall colors had faded a little, but there was still an abundance to en-joy.

Many members attending for the weekend gathered on Friday evening for dinner at the dining hall. Volunteers were quickly setting up the auction items for the following day. There was a nice selection of items brought in by individuals and donated by some businesses for the silent and live auctions on Saturday evening. Thanks to everyone who donated! After registration and breakfast on Saturday the meeting began and provided BCHMO members with committee up-dates, individual chapter overviews, state of the organization report, upcoming events, the presentation of the Unsung Hero Award to Leslyn Randazzo (more about her later!) and the raffle drawing. The election for BCHMO Officers and two Board of Director positions were held in the morning as well, with results as follows: 2019 BCHMO OFFICERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Two full term positions filled) President: Beckie Krueger Sherry Copeland Vice-President: Darrel Vaughan Paula Hull Secretary: Susan Maynard Treasurer: Jane Doskal After the close of the formal meeting, two very informative educational workshops were presented. The first was an introduction to trail apps for phones presented by Ray Maynard, John Stewart and Cristlyn Randazzo. The second pro-gram, Emergency First Aid on the Trail, focused on what to do in the event of an emergency, and was given by Cristlyn Randazzo. Thank you to Cristlyn, John, and Ray for taking the time to share this information with us. The evening highlights were of course, the banquet, compliments of BCHMO, and the live auction. Our auctioneer, Paul Parker, along with trusty assistants, John Stewart and Larry Dishman, proved once again that they can keep the crowd laughing while enticing them to spend their money to benefit a worthwhile cause…..BCHMO. Sunday morning’s Cowboy Worship Service had music provided by Gary and Ruth Garner and a message by Tommy Boyd. Thank you for your contribution to the weekend’s events. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Eighteenth Annual Membership Meeting on Nov. 2, 2019.

2018 BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF MISSOURI ANNUAL MEETING - Karen Woodruff and Paula Hull

BCHMO Board of Directors and 2019 Officers

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2018 BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF MISSOURI ANNUAL MEETING

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TRI-LAKES CHAPTER – Marsha Copeland

The Tri-Lakes Chapter fall activities were limited, but we still managed to get a few trails cleared and attended to. A small group of members met on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 22, 2018, to attempt to clear the Stockton Lake – Hul-ston Mill trails. All rode out together to tackle trails that were clogged in places with downed trees. A strong storm had wreaked havoc on sections of the trails. While the chain saws were busy, the group broke into two teams. The second team rode ahead looking for trash, and clipping as much as could be done from horseback. By breaking into two teams, more was accomplished by not having all waiting for the chain saw crew to clear the trail. Several of our chapter members took BCHMO Raffle tickets to sell during the selling period. One effort to sell tickets was by visiting the Springfield Stockyards Horse Sale. Members also visited saddle clubs and other horse events. The work day for the month of October was left open to plan for working on trails that were most in need. Individual chapter members had volunteered to be the steward of one of the seven different agency trails for which Tri-Lakes has taken responsibility, and to contact Tri-Lakes officers where there was a need. This effort to distribute the heavy work-load needs to be reevaluated for the coming year. Several members supported and attended the BCHMO Annual Membership Meeting in November. The Tri-Lakes Chapter organizational meeting for 2019 has been set for Jan. 13, 2019, at the Library Station in Springfield at 2:00 p.m.

BCHMO COULD USE YOUR ASSITANCE

The 4th Annual Ozark Spring Roundup is coming to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Mis-souri on March 22-24, 2019.

Back Country Horsemen of Missouri will again have a booth at the Roundup and we could use your assis-tance to help make it a SUCCESS. Volunteers are needed to help man the booth during the event, or for set-up/break-down of the booth components. For additional volunteer opportunities related to this event, contact Education Chair Marsha Copeland at marshacopeland155@yahoo.com or phone 417-345-5753.

TIME TO RENEW YOUR BCHMO MEMBERSHIP

Memberships run from January 1 to December 31 of

each year. Send dues to:

Karen Mertz, Membership Coordinator 1064 Hwy. 68

Salem, MO 65588

Go to: www.bchmo.org, click on “Join Us” then “Application Form” to print the form.

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BROWNFIELD CHAPTER- Robin Vaughan

The roof on the Cole Creek Trail bulletin board was replaced in April, and the chapter received the replacement documents from the Forest Service for the bulletin board . The Brownfield Chapter replaced the old faded posters with the new lami-nated documents. Robin Vaughan received Forest Service approval and submitted a grant on Sept. 14 to request funds for improvements to Cole Creek. The grant required a cooperative partnership with a local community organization, which was provided by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). Thank you to Cathie Birmingham, who emailed about being interested in the Chapter, and possibly holding an endurance ride at Cole Creek Trail in mid-May. A huge thank you to AERC Vice President/Central Region Sanctioning Director, Monica Chapman, and AERC Executive Director, Kathleen Henkel, for their support of the grant and providing a partnership letter. Unfortunately, the Brownfield Chapter was not awarded the grant, but collaboration with the AERC was greatly appreciated. Six Brownfield Chapter members attended the BCHMO Fundraiser Fun Ride at Flying-R-Ranch in September. Money was raised through a 50/50 raffle, and four gift certificate raffles for horse camps, with the drawings for prizes at the pot-luck dinner Saturday evening. Congratulations to Paul Parker, who won the 50/50 raffle (and a thank you for donating his winnings back to BCHMO), and other members who won the camping gift certificates, including Brownfield members Robin and Darrel Vaughan. The Brownfield Chapter hosted the eighth annual National Public Lands Day event at Cole Creek Trail on Sept. 22 with the South Central Chapter. Darrel Vaughan mowed the trailhead the day before the event. Tray Hall (Forest Service Rec-reation Specialist) and Greg Swallow (Forest Service Archeologist), along with his wife Traci Swallow, arrived early dur-ing the work day to discuss location of the items requested for the trailhead, and to survey the trailhead for historic pres-ence. None was found. Six Brownfield Chapter members and two South Central Chapter members worked on Saturday to clear the trails. Attendance was low due to the rainy weather; however, two groups were established to ride out on differ-ent trails to work. The volunteers met back at the main trailhead to enjoy visiting and eating before calling it a day. Ap-preciate everyone that helped to improve the area.

Congratulations to Leslyn Randazzo! She was surprised when presented the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ at the BCHMO Annual Membership Meeting on November 3, held at Big Creek Trail Ride. She received this award for her untiring dedication to the success of BCHMO. Leslyn has been a member, and dedicated supporter, of the Brownfield Chap-ter and BCHMO for several years. She is a hard worker and is always there willing to do what is needed without want-ing recognition. This award is definitely well deserved.

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BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF MISSOURI UNSUNG HERO AWARD - by Paula Hull As chairperson of the Publications/Promotions Committee, I had the distinct honor of presenting the Back Country Horsemen of Missouri Unsung Hero Award to Leslyn Randazzo at the recent Annual Membership Meeting. I don’t think her receiving the award surprised anyone, except for her. This honor is not necessarily given on a year-ly basis, nor is it given without due consideration of the nominee’s continued dedica-tion and support to Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO).

Leslyn is a long time member of BCHMO and one of the founding members of the Brownfield Chapter. With very few exceptions, she has attended many BCHMO events (often with a camera in hand to document the event), and is always ready to serve her chapter and the state organization by providing assistance, anytime and any-where. In her travels across the country, she is constantly on the prowl for potential Back Country Horsemen members – with brochures in hand and a smile on her face. An excellent ambassador! All this while remaining in the background, never holding an office, or seeking recognition. Whether it be bucking brush on the trails or crafting beautiful quilts for the annual BCHMO auction, I think all of us can agree that Leslyn is always there, getting it done!

When asked about how she became interested in horses and Back Country Horsemen, she provided the following:

I started riding with a friend when I was about six. She had two horses, one saddle, and one bridle. If I wanted to ride, I rode bareback with baling twine for a bit/bridle. We would ride all day, frequently up and into the Watchung Reservation in New Jersey.

At about age ten or so, my parents gave me ten English riding lessons at a local stable. That was the extent of my horseback riding education, other than what I read in books. I helped around that stable during riding lesson seasons, and in the winter was able to ride the horses to give them exercise. Lesson horses were kept in straight stalls at that time, so they really need-ed to get out and be exercised in the winter.

At 14 I was riding with my friend, whom I had been riding with for years. She now had two bridles and one saddle. She had also acquired a new horse, so I was riding her Arabian mare bareback in a field we had ridden in hundreds of times. All of a sudden my horse picked up her head and flew across the field. I held on, anticipating she would turn left in the direction of the barn. For some unknown reason she went right, leaped over brambles, brush and shrubs, and out onto Route 22 in New Jersey. I circled her around once, but she went right back out onto the highway where we were hit by a car. I went up and over everything. The horse went over the driver's seat into the back seat and bounced, rolling out the back of the vehi-cle. Her leg was severed and she had to be destroyed. I ended up with a broken ankle, though witnesses said I landed on my head (that's my excuse if anybody should ask)! My philosophy now is "You have as much control over a horse as that horse chooses to give you." Undeterred, I was back on a horse, riding bareback, with my cast on, just as soon as I could get back over to my friend's home.

When I went away to a boarding school in Williamstown, MA, I would ride with a school friend and her family. I got to watch as she and her sisters participated in endurance rides. Then life, school, work, marriage, and children eliminated my opportunities to ride until our daughter showed an interest in horses. When my husband purchased a motorcycle for our ten year old son, I bought our daughter Cristlyn a horse! My husband and his friends continually advised me that when you aren't riding motorcycles, you don't have to feed them! While hanging around the barn when Cristlyn rode and showed with her mare, I rode other people's horses to exercise them. When Cristlyn moved away from home, my horse time kind of faded. I would go on occasional trail rides with Cristlyn, using her old gray gelding.

We moved to the Ozarks, in the area where Cristlyn was now living, and Cristlyn returned the favor, buying me my first horse. Ever since, we have been trail riding together whenever we can.

I learned about Back Country Horsemen from an article in our local paper. They were going to have an introductory meet-ing. I attended that meeting and joined immediately. I believe Back Country Horsemen can really help to make the beautiful State Parks, National Parks and National Forests available to riders through diligent efforts and willingness to help maintain the trails. To me, riding through the woods is a spiritual thing. I want young people to experience the serenity offered by the silence and beauty of the woods. I believe Back Country Horsemen can keep that possibility alive.

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As I write this, our current year is quickly coming to a close. We are sitting at the end of November, and Mother Nature is at it again. We have seen a spring that was cold, a summer with little rain and sometimes very warm, and now our autumn has turned rapidly into what resembles winter.

This past quarter has had our NEMO Chapter members enjoying the fall. I’ve seen some of you at camps, such as Big Creek, squeaking out those last rides before our Midwestern weather makers move in. Many of our members have been enjoying riding in our immediate area. Whatever the case, I hope you’ve had some time to enjoy why we are involved in Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO). The biggest news this quarter was the new signage that was installed in September on National Public Lands Day. These new signs were from a Trail Maintenance Incentive (TMI) project applied for, and received from BCHMO. Previously we had used handmade wooden signage one of our members had graciously made. However, these new signs have been placed at the intersections to help with any confusion riders/hikers may have had. Chapter members worked throughout the year maintaining the existing trails, trailheads, and campground at Mark Twain Lake. Without the continued efforts and wonderful relationship that we have with the U.S. Corps of Engineer staff at the Lake, NONE of this would be possible. On behalf of the members of the NEMO Chapter attending the BCHMO Annual Meeting, the evening banquet and auc-tion, thank-you to the officers and those on the board for your time in planning and organizing a well thought out and successful weekend. May this next month be one of reflections and blessings with family and friends. During this time, consider how we as individuals can truly make a difference for our future generations. Perhaps it is by small, deliberate actions, a little at a time. We can all make a difference. It doesn’t have to be grandiose gestures, but maybe lending a helping hand. Per-haps just coming to one more workday than you could come to last year, or just telling a friend about Back Country Horsemen. I hope to see you at our chapter organizational meeting in January.

NEMO CHAPTER - Karen Woodruff

Carol Sharp on the Prairie Loop by one of the new signs from the September TMI project.

Toddler’s winter coat embellished with the BCHMO patch (you can never start them too young). Purchased through Maury Mertz (and available on the BCHMO website store)!

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INDIAN TRAILS CHAPTER - Kathy LaRue In early May, the Indian Trails Chapter participated again in Serendipity Day at Edgar Murray Elementary School in St Clair, MO. Five groups of 15 to 20 middle school students visited our station for 40 minute sessions of Leave No Trace instruction, and equestrian information. This year Jane Doskal’s roper friend volunteered to add some fun to our presen-tation with a demonstration of his rope spinning skills. The kids were then able to try their hand at twirling and throwing the rope. We have been invited back to next year’s Serendipity Day.

The Chapter observed National Public Lands Day by volunteering at Greensfelder Park in St. Louis County where we cleaned the equestrian parking lot. On Saturday, Sept. 29, Jane Doskal, Kathy LaRue, along with new Chapter member, Renie Tuffli, set up an information table at the Golden Horseshoe Tack Store in Eureka, MO, during their Customer Ap-preciation Day Sale. Several attendees expressed an interest in joining our organization and took pamphlets. Hopefully some will become new members.

Chapter members have been trimming trails and picking up trash at Little Indian Creek Conservation Area (CA) and Meramec CA. On Nov. 5 we assisted Missouri Department of Conservation with a gravel project on a portion of an eroded trail at Little Indian Creek CA. In 2019 we will assist with additional trail repair work at Little Indian Creek CA. Several members of our chapter have purchased Chapter T-shirts and are wearing them at Chapter functions and when riding the trails. Our last Chapter meeting of the year will be a Holiday pot luck dinner on Thursday, Dec. 13.

Eroded trail at Little Indian Creek CA gets gravel thanks to Indian Trails Chapter.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL FROM BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF MISSOURI

AND HAPPY TRAILS IN 2019

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On Sept. 29, Cuivre River State Park partnered with Toyota/Bodine for National Public Lands Day. Cuivre River Trail Riders members Martha Yates, Dana Esbensen, and Finn Esbensen were there to represent BCHMO. The project was exotic species removal, targeting bush honeysuckle. We trail riders worked on clearing Frenchman's Bluff Trail. Cof-fee and donuts were offered before 8 am, and noon lunch was provided. On Nov. 1, Cuivre River State Park implemented their Inclement Weather Trail Closure Policy. Equestrian and moun-tain biking trails will be closed during times of wet trail conditions. This policy, which has been implemented in other parks for several years, will protect sensitive natural resources and protect the integrity of the trail for better and safer riding/biking conditions. To get information on trail conditions or possible closures, you can use the Rainout Line App, website, or call (573) 398-7001. Trails in the park can be closed for a variety of reasons, not only wet conditions. Oth-er events can be prescribed burns, maintenance, or after severe weather that causes hazardous conditions due to downed trees. During times of closure, riders may still ride along Cheatham Road. For questions about the policy, call (636) 528-7247.

CUIVRE RIVER TRAIL RIDERS CHAPTER - Dana Esbensen

MOUNTAIN RIDERS CHAPTER - Bill Brunner and Bill Winkelmann

What started out as a good year, ended up being a great year, for the Mountain Riders Chapter. On Nov. 7, we completed our final Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) scheduled project in the Big Creek Basin area of Mark Twain National Forest. Whereas, last year we had project cancellations because of stormy weather, this year we had none. So, 2018 has ended with all nine scheduled projects successfully accomplished. Most of these projects occurred in the Mark Twain National Forest, but one was on private land open to the public, Rockbridge Rainbow Trout and Game Farm. Our members joyfully say, “mission accomplished!”

Our Big Creek Basin clip and clean project was a long hard ride but things went well. We had eight horseback riders take a 14 mile loop clipping and cleaning the trails, and doing reconnaissance work. On this particular project, all partic-ipants were members of the Douglas County Foxtrotters, and very experienced riders. We worked along at a good pace and efficiently got the work done. It was a beautiful fall day, we had fun, and it resulted in trails that are much more pleasant to ride and hike.

The next chapter meeting will be Jan. 17, 2019. All BCHMO projects for the Mountain Riders in 2019 will be scheduled at the meeting. In connection with this, the Douglas County Foxtrotters will also be scheduling their rides for the coming year. The meeting will be held at the Foxtrotter show grounds in Ava, MO, at 7:00 pm. All are welcome!

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Please support our business, organization, and club members

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Please support our business, organization, and club members

C & D Farm 417 718 5044 21696 Hwy B

Lebanon MO 65536

cdohogne@hotmail.com Cattle, donkeys, horses, goats, pigs and

fowl

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Back Country Horsemen of Missouri Paula Hull P O Box 909 Van Buren, MO 63965

Back Country Horsemen of Missouri

Publications Committee – Paula Hull, Mark Hull Phyllis Rowe, Dana Esbensen, Ray Maynard, John

Stewart, Jean Wrightfield.

Back Country Horsemen of Missouri is the official quarterly newsletter of the Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO), a non-profit 501(c)(3), member supported, volunteer organization. Reprint permission must be solicited from the Editor and, as applicable, the authors. Articles of relevance to our purposes are earnestly sought. The views and opinions expressed in authored arti-cles may not necessarily be those of BCHMO. Please visit our website (www.bchmo.org) and that of Back Country Horsemen of America (www.bcha.org) for additional information and arti-cles. Paula Hull P O Box 909 Van Buren, MO 63965

Phone 573-323-8993 Cell 573-351-8019 crazywaterranch@gmail.com

Change of Address? If you have moved, your address is incorrect, or you have a new or different email address, please contact your chapter leader or BCHMO membership coordinator, Karen Mertz at mertzinoz@aol.com or call 573-247-6922.