Education
One of BCHA’s missions is to educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the American backcountry resources by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage and “Light on the Land” principles.
Announcing our NEW Education Pages
Our New BCHA Education web pages offer easy access to educational materials for Members or Leaders, old or new. Everyone will now be able to quickly find out more details on BCHA, the BCHA mission, “Light On The Land”, materials on stock use, and much more. You don’t need to be given access anymore!
Samples of what can be found on the Educational page:
- “Introduction to BCHA” and “Advance BCHA“
- State and Chapter Officer Training materials
- State and Chapter Resources
Don’t worry, for those who don’t like change, the original educational curriculum matrix is still accessible but all the info in the matrix is available on the new pages.
Click here to check out all the new pages we have to offer!!
Introducing BCHA’s NEW “Light on the Land” Stock Users Education Program
Light On The Land is the Back Country Horsemen of America educational platform of ACTIONS and ETHICS to perpetuate the common-sense use of saddle and pack stock and encourages the wise and sustainable use and enjoyment on our public lands.
With over 50 years of knowledge and experience within BCHA, Light On The Land harnesses those best practices to compile a comprehensive platform of resources specific to stock use in the wilderness, back country, and front country. These resources can be accessed and shared efficiently, practically, and free of charge to all BCHA members and the general public
NEW “Light on the Land” Principles
The focus of our future trainings and education activities will follow the same seven LNT Principles:
- Plan and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Click here for the “Light on the Land”
Click here for a printable flyer
US Forest Service Trail Fundamentals
As a BCHA member who communicates to the Forest Service on public trail issues should be familiar with the trail fundamentals that include five key concepts that are cornerstones of Forest Service trail maintenance and management, Trail Type, Trail Class, Managed Use, Designed Use, and Trail Design Parameters.
This training was given to BCH members at a previous national convention, it is available for download.
Introduction to Trail Classifications, Download – PDF, and PDF1
Part 1 –Why we need to be Concerned, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 2 – Understanding Trail Fundamentals, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 3 – Approaches for Obtaining and Validating Data, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 4 – Example Responses, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Planning Process, Download – PPT Presentation
USFS Nine-mile Wildlands Training Center
Nine mile Wildlands Training Center (NWTC) is gearing up for another year of providing quality hands on traditional skills training. Each year classes are available on Teamster Driving, Basic and Advanced Packing techniques, Horsemanship, Horse Handling & Training, Defensive Horsemanship, and Firearms Handling for Packers, for more information on this year’s classes go to the Nine mile web site,
call 406-626-5201 or write to the address:
Nine-mile Wildlands Training Center
Nine-mile Ranger Station
20325 Remount Road
Huson MT 59846
The NWTC was started in 1988 to provide traditional skills training to government employees. In 1998, Congress passed legislation allowing us to open our classes to the public through a program called Heritage Expeditions. The Nine-mile Wildlands Training Center is located at the historic Nine-mile Ranger Station on the Lolo National Forest in western Montana. Nine mile Ranger Station is located approximately 25 miles west of Missoula, MT. Our facility, the Nine-mile Remount Depot, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Packing Videos
We have made available to you some packing training videos by Casey Hufstader and Mack Long. The videos featuring Casey Hufstader will teach you mule packing basics, how to fit a pack saddle and tieing a Walker Hitch. There is also a 8 videos featuring Mack Long covering all aspects of packing from basics to advance packing technics.
Equestrian Educational Videos
Here are some Equestrian related educational and other videos that are important to watch. They cover defensive horsemanship, how to approach users on multi use trails and other Equestrian related Forest Service videos we recommend members watch.
State Partnerships and Accomplishments
Washington State Partnerships at its best. Ladies from BCH Washington and the Washington Trails Association working together to get the work done.
Recommended Educational Reference Documents and Articles
Four-Legged Friends and Your Estate
Untrammeled – Youth first time in Wilderness
Trail Building & Maintenance Resources
Educational Pamphlets, Flyers, books from BCH Groups
