Backcountry Horsemen of California
Top of the State Unit

We walk our talk and ride our stock

The philosopy and purpose of BCHC is:

1. To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America's backcountry and wilderness.
2. To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.
3. To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource.
4. To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the backcountry resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage.

It is also a goal to help the public stay informed to the historic use that the horse and mule played in the building of our country.

As society changes, for BCHC the realization of our goals becomes ever more important. Many of today's hikers and backpackers do not have an idea of the historical use and value of horses and mules in the development of the West and indeed in the back country. The very trail that they are hiking was probably first opened with the use of stock. Many hikers see the stock as detrimental to the back country. The stock, being a large animal, can become "big and scary". Some backpackers have become confrontational to the rider, hitting, slapping, and punching the horses and mules. Many who criticize fail to realize that they are hiking on a trail opened and cleared of downed trees, brush, and boulders because of the stock that has carried in crews, food, tools and equipment. More....

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