Why Can't Horses Walk the Appalachian Trail?
Winnie and I could be safer if we were allowed to use the Appalachian Trail and other American trails that my horse's ancestors blazed--instead we are forced to use roads where drivers rarely obey the speed limit. This is a pet peeve of mine, that we are not allowed on so many American trails, including many rail trails and portions of the American Discovery Trail, too. We are not allowed to camp in National Parks and most areas of the State Parks are off limits to us, too. We've heard the ecology arguments, and I've educated myself on "leave no trace" principles; I am willing to feed my horse weed-free pelleted food, and I am willing to clean up after my animal, what's the deal here? I worked for years and years and paid taxes but most of the parks and trails are closed to my horse and therefore closed to me when I need them most. I thought the trails and parks were open to all Americans and also to visitors from other countries. Somebody explain this to me, please!
posted by Ann S. Byrns
10 Comments:
Mom,
Some things about America are BACKWARDS! This absolutely enrages me and I am so GLAD you've put your thoughts on this issue into a post on your trip journal. Those of us who are Natural Horseman and Horsewoman don't shoe our horses. Therefore, we won't leave any horseshoe tracks on the trails. And, HELLO, horse poop makes the BEST compost!!! I am wondering -- does everybody out there know why we have trails for hiking??? BECAUSE THE HORSES MADE THEM!!! Horses blazed our trails, and they aren't allowed on them?!?! TALK ABOUT DISCRIMINATION!!! Yes, somebody please explain this to me...
Love you! You have all my support.
Agreed. Frustrating as all get out. You'd think we'd at least be able to apply for special permits for a ride such as this, wouldn't you?
This is Hoof the Reporter from Horsetweet.com these gurls are right now! them trails were cut by horses! American horses! they should have first dibs on them trails! Hoofs bout to spew some cuss words Ya'll! you "officials" need to help a woman and a horse like this out!how do you guys sleep at night? I know "just doin my job" in lower case! GET A LIFE and GROW A PAIR! RIde on Momma! Hoof Out!
I agree - that's nuts! Especially when dirt bikes can zoom around trails, but horses can't? Which is more destructive?? Hopefully as you get further west, you'll find them more horse-friendly - I seem to recall seeing signs that they are allowed on some of the trails I used to use.
Keep your chins up!
ATVs, snowmobiles and dirt bikes can rip up trails in state and national parks - no problem. Oh and I forgot - stink up the air with their exhaust. We have some twisted sense of what is acceptable.
Travel safe.
love
joyce
Ann I found this on the web about the trail I hope it helps :
"Can people ride or drive the Trail?
No, with a few exceptions. The Appalachian Trail is designed, built, and maintained by hikers for foot travel. Motor vehicles are illegal on all off-road sections of the Appalachian Trail. Bicycles and mountain bikes are not permitted except where the A.T. is coaligned with the C&O Canal towpath in Maryland and the Virginia Creeper Trail in Virginia. Pack animals, including horses, mules, donkeys, goats, and llamas, are not allowed on the A.T. (whether they are packing anything or not), except that horses are permitted along the C&O Canal towpath in Maryland and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (where, by law, about 50 percent of the A.T. in the park is open for horses as a historical use).
Travel Safe.. I hope this helps on redoing your map on your travel.
D
You are so right Anne and Winnine! I think maybe you should contact the Back Country Horsemen's Association, they may be able to help or at least off you routtes that you can ride...they might also help fight on your behalf.
Different states have different laws too, they could in for you of what they are.
http://www.backcountryhorse.com/
You might also consider contacting Gene Glasscock, wh like you, traveled accross America several years ago, and began a new trip last year, which unfortunately had to be delayed due to health, but I'm sure he could give you some excellent advice.
http://www.geneglasscock.org/
Good luck Anne and Winnie...America is pulling for you and cheering you on :)
Join the club,very frustrating when the estates in Bedford N.Y.& Greenwich Ct. closed the riding paths.Due to insurance reasons as well as paparazzi's & hoards of trucks dumping riders off to see the VIP's & mansions.There are still a few parks who allow riders (during no drought)that is what we succumb too.Look what the gov has done to our American Indians etc.. Why should anyone else matter?
Keep hoofin !Wish more could have joined you!
Gay pride week. Why not Horse Pride Drive!!!!
http://www.FreeVetMag.com/jj
Dear Anne and Winnie,
Rules are just guide lines to be challenged when needed. Who knows what great thing would happen if you and Winnie wound up resting in a jail cell for a spell, all because of our "backwards" country and insane laws, and especially if you notified the press in advance. I bet many many people, including the required free legal support, would come to your rescue.
Ride on,
Ewan T. Koby
THAT IS TOTALLY NUTS...THE LAWS ARE SO RIDULOUS...AND YES IF IT WASN'T FOR THE HORSE...WHERE WOULD WE BE...BUT THEY HAVE TRAILS FOR 4WHEELERS AND DIRTBIKES AND THEY TEAR UP THE LAND..
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home