We began the year by partnering with another Virginia chapter at an educational Booth at the Great American Trail Horse Sale in Lexington, Virginia.
In late April, we hosted a statewide camporee weekend near the Jefferson National Forest for 3 days of riding and the 1st annual Chili cook-off. Between riding and the campfire, we picked up a dozen bags of trash in a hunters parking area in Lignite.
We continue to do trail maintenance at our adopted White Cedar Horse Camp in Jefferson National Forest. The Carvins Cove Trail system is heavily used by bikers but several BCH members clear large trees from the trail whenever needed.
We had our annual summer picnic and trail ride at the New Castle Gliderport where we had e-bike and glider training for the horses. They all passed with flying colors!
A statewide fundraising opportunity drew a large group of volunteers to assist with the Horse and Hound Festival at Peaks of Otter Winery. The proceeds are donated to several animal organizations including Bach Country Horsemen of Virginia.
Late summer brought us to our sister chapter at Virginia Highlands to volunteer for the Iron Mountain Jubilee Endurance ride. There, we were support team for the event and had time to spend with each other out of the saddle! Except, that is, for some of our members who were entered in the ride. Those received cheers as they passed us in the trail.
Our chapter continues to be active in local projects including the completed McDonald Hollow trail system. We have been asked to represent equestrians on the New Castle Botetourt Scenic Rail Trail committee. We took a horse and calves to the Newport Tree farm for their October Pumpkin patch event for educating children about horses and bicycles.
At the Christmas party, everyone received blaze orange vests to stay safe since Virginia now allows hunting on Sundays.
In conclusion, the Eastern Divide Chapter continues to be proactive in maintaining and creating trail systems that have the interests of equestrians included. We advocate for educating the public on sharing the trail with safety in mind.
-Marge Lewter