Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council

WELCOME

Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council
P.O. Box 127, Snowmass, Colorado 81654
* 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization *
To speak with Holly McLain RFVHC Communication Chair - 970-948-2151
Contact us: rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rfvhc/
Candid/GuideStar's mission is to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency,
enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving.

A NEW MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY: The One -Year $100.00 RFVHC Equestrian Association Membership features use of our proprietary artworks, listing your equine groups on the RFVHC Equine Business Directory on our website www.rfvhorsecouncil.org and as soon as we launch our new RFVHC Club Express Members Forum platform and calendar, members of this new membership category can start blogs, and write in forums to review subjects among themselves.

In addition, what the RFVHC writes in our newsletters and on Facebook can also be used by our Equestrian Association Members for trail matters elsewhere. Remember, if the author of a piece is listed and named on our FB stories, we ask that other users also please give credit to that author.

In conclusion, once trail signs are used on trails, parking lots, trail heads, t-shirts, playing cards, flyers, or made into stickers by groups, the Equestrian Associations will also be invited to use the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) Power Point for Meetings and Summits. contact the RFVHC with your meeting dates at Rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com

HOT BUTTON ISSUES

RFVHC says...Please plan on taking a BUS to the Snowmass Rodeo this year - you'll meet lots of new friends and cowpokes!
SNOWMASS RODEO - Snowmass Rodeo - The oldest rodeo in the State of Colorado future improvement's on the Snowmass Village Town Park Master Plan RFVHC needs Community Support.

How the RFVHC BECAME INVOLVED IN THE SNOWMASS RODEO: TIMELINE

The Board members of the RFVHC were invited to present to TOSV our trail and parking recommendations, gathered from the Survey Monkey, to the POSTR Board on 4.13.22. At that meeting we discussed a few of the shortcomings that we noticed about the Rodeo Grounds and the new Town Plan when laying out the case for the importance of creating a staging grounds and place for the TOSV Trail Rides by the Snowmass Outfitters.

The Rodeo Parking lot is the trailhead for this fantastic trail ride. 2022 RFVHC TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS TO TOSV & COMMUNITY read in front of the POSTR Board - only 2-3 POSTR members attended.
At the meeting on 4.13.22 the RFVHC was asked by Andy Worline, to prepare a organized list of items about our concerns of the rodeo, and to get the list to TOSV within 2 weeks. The first RFVHC Safety Report was placed on their desks within 10 days, on 4.25.22.
On the same day, 4.25.22 TOSV submitted Rodeo Grounds/Town Park documents to the TOSV Planning Commission. The RFVHC did not have ready access to those maps or that information.
On 5.15.22 the RFVHC delivered the first Rodeo Safety report, and then we found the new plans on-line, so we revised the Safety Report and on 5.24.22 the RFVHC sent a REVISED Rodeo Safety Report to reflect our recommendations and opinions on all this new information. to the Planning Commissioners, the TOSV Mayor, Postr, and the Town Park Designers and we asked the TOSV Planning Commissioners not to rubber stamp a Rodeo Plan without a line item review of our findings and recommendations. 5.25.22 Revised Rodeo Safety Report. Read the report here.
On the same day, 5.24.22 Aspen Times reporter Kaya Williams' story came out in the Snowmass Sun, saying Snowmass Rodeo grounds slated to get bigger, not smaller with Town Park Revamp Read Kaya's Story here
On June 15, 2022 at the TOSV Planning Commission meeting, several RFVHC Board Members were in attendance to speak during the Public Forum. The 2+ hour meeting ended with an extension to the next meeting on 6/29/22. FYI A reminder of the Duties of this TOSV Planning Commission. The Planning Commission advises the TOSV Town Council on all matters related to growth and development of land in Snowmass Village including: The location, character, and extent of all public facilities, Updates to the town’s Comprehensive Plan. Amendments to the zoning ordinance, Rezoning and special exception applications filed, Approval of final development plans.
On June 26, 2022 the RFVHC sent a letter to the Planning Commissioners regarding the upcoming June 29th meeting, to ask for a delay un approval until the plans were safe and the facility efficient. Read this RFVHC letter here...
On June 29, 2022 the Planning Commission reviewed the entire project as laid out for the first time by the Connect One Designer. Many maps and renderings were shown.The approval decisions were postponed and a site visit was scheduled for July 12, 2022 at 2 PM, and followed the next day by the regularly schedule Wednesday meeting. Please attend the tour on the 12th, and read all of our materials to help. Contact us, with questions and concerns. The meeting lasted over two hours and the "public comment" period where the RFVHC was going to answer questions was several minutes, and one microphone RFVHC Zoom participants unable to be heard or speak clearly.
June 29 - July 1, 2022 A follow-up letter with those meeting notes was sent to the Planning Commissioners and can be read here...
July 1, 2022 Aspen Daily News column written by columnist Mel Blumenthal about the TOSV, the Rodeo, the RFVHC, the SWHA, and more
July 5, 2022 A 3-2 vote to approve the Town Park budget by the Town Council was a disappointing outcome because the plan needs some revision to meet the Best Practices expectations for a safe rodeo and multi-faceted sports and community arena in Snowmass Village. The plan is "not good enough".
July 10,2022 Letter with a Map was presented to the Planning Commissioners and Town Council. Showing how the Rodeo can have permeable surface parking and a warm-up area. Just an idea. The soccer/flex fields would have to be shared with the rodeo space.
July 13, 2022 Meeting with the TOSV Planning Commissioners. With some recommendations and requests for investigations the Rodeo Plan moved off of their desks and now is back in front of the Town Council. Comments for the PUBLIC
July 13, 2022 Aspen Times article https://www.aspentimes.com/news/town-park-by-the-numbers/
The next meeting is scheduled on July 18, 2022
July 15, 2022 Aspen Daily News Column #2 by Mel Blumenthal about the TOSV, the Rodeo, the RFVHC, SWHA and more.
Link to RODEO ARENA USES FOR THE TOSV - Many of these uses need a warm-up area for the competitors to exercise their horses before an event. At this time, 7.16.22 there is no warm-up area designated in the almost $4,000,000 build-out.
July 17, 2022 Link to Letter sent to Town Council and PC OST
July 18, 2022 Meeting with Town Council and stories in local papers here: https://www.aspentimes.com/news/council-residents-express-concerns-about-town-park/
Letter to the Editor /Times & Daily Horse council: Snowmass rodeo plan flawed, lacks necessary input. In May 2022, we (Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council) discovered that no equine experts had been consulted by the POSTR board (a Snowmass Village community volunteer board of citizens) or by the town of Snowmass...
https://www.aspentimes.com/news/safety-at-crux-of-rodeo-stakeholder-concerns-about-town-park-plans/
https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/snowmass-council-gives-hesitant-ok-to-town-park-project/article_5a6d82b6-0704-11ed-b447-8f5dbcc63301.html
Here is the RFVHC Safety list that was submitted to the TC August 29 , 2022 after TOSV invited the RFVHC to sit with the Connect One designer to finally correct the blueprints and add the necessary elements needed to have a functional and safe rodeo. Snowmass Western Heritage Association, the non-profit that operates the rodeo and Jim Synder led the critiques, and changes were made and a warm-up area was added, among other safety components for the rodeo's success. Once this was done, and the letters below were sent - the PARKING PROBLEM and the WETLANDS now have to be addressed.

24. Here is the RFVHC 7.29.22 Letter we were asked to write, confirming our approval of the new rodeo arena layout.
25. Here is the Photo Essay of the Wetlands for your review
26. Here is the RFVHC 7.8.22 Letter to Town Council & Planning Commissioners

Snowmass Rodeo Slideshow - THANK YOU to all our photographers!
https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/Snowmass-Rodeo-Slideshow.html
THE CROWN: BLM ASKING THE PUBLIC ABOUT NEW BIKE TRAILS ON THE CROWN, BIKERS ARE ASKING FOR MORE TRAILS The RFVHC 3.22 Comments shared ....More Trails on the Crown PDF
2022 RFVHC Survey Monkey about RFV Trails For Equestrians and Hikers - here is a link: Take our Survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JL23DN3 The 2021-2022 RFVHC Survey Monkey is about 12 RFV Trails
For Equestrians and Hikers - here is a link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JL23DN3

YOUR OPINION MATTERS... Please click the link to take our survey: With the release of the 2021 RFVHC sponsored Trails Survey Monkey Questionnaire for hikers and horseback riders, we want to thank the respondents to date - a cross representation of trail users that are helping the community land managers and saving them time by giving feedback. Every single piece of advice in the written comments will be carefully considered to help make our trails, parking. safety and signage better. Trails will become more fun. A critical component is the communities interest is keeping wildlife safe and able to thrive. What are your ideas?
If a trail area doesn't interest you, skip it...go on to the next. It's a easy Survey to take!

========================================================================================================

RFVHC Signage in National News: The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is proud to have built this sign, now ABA & ADA compliant. We ask for your participation here in the RFV and beyond to share the Trails Safe Passing Plan to help make us all better trail partners. Share with all your friends! The Trails Safe Passing ACTION Plan: Stop, Speak and Stand Back will help both equestrian and other trail users better understand how the horse has evolved to use its extraordinary senses to understand the world around them and how the horses react to perceived threats in their environment. As part of the "Trails are Common Ground Initiative" (TaCG), Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) in Lexington Ky. and Michigan Equine Trail Representative, Jenny Cook, collaborated with the RFVHC on a new educational resource entitled "Trails Safe Passing Plan: Stop, Speak and Stand Back" to help both equestrian and other trail users better understand how the horse has evolved to use its extraordinary senses to understand the world around them and how the horses react to perceived threats in their environment.

TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR SIGN, AND HELP GETTING YOUR AREA TRAIL USERS BETTER EDUCATED, EMAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION OR BECOME AN EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION MEMBER AT RFVHC.COLORADO@GMAIL.COM
The Trails Safe Passing Plan: Stop, Speak and Stand Back is not just about etiquette. The Plan is a guide to the rule of thumb for multiple trail users. If trail users read the Plan, and see our sign – equestrians will be safer - bottom line.

There is not another recreationalist that carries the same amount of personal risk, when out on the trail, as equestrians do.

Here's a personal story about a boarder at my horse stable. An older guy and his horse went out for an afternoon trail ride and met a hiking neighbor on the trail. Our neighbor was carrying some equipment and was standing behind a couple trees when my trail rider approached. Instead of speaking up right away and saying hello to the horseback rider, he stayed hidden until the horse suddenly spied him, whirled away, and dumped my guy. The rest of his summer was ruined convalescing, and we had to locate the horse. So, it is stories like these that can be avoided if we are educated. written by Karin Reid Offield

For permission to use this sign, please email us at RFVHC.Colorado@gmail.com - you will receive a quick reply!

Click here: 2022 Kentucky Derby Slideshow
HELD IN MAY 2022 - The fundraiser raised money for the RFVHC and partners WindWalkers

2022 additions:
Fire Awareness and Action Guide (DOC) (PDF)

TAKE A BUS TO THE SNOWMASS RODEO PLEASE!

OUR YEAR END HOLIDAY NEWSLETTERS - Catch up with our progress

2021 RFVHC Year End News Letter Please click here to view (PDF)

2020 RFVHC Year End News Letter Please click here to view (PDF)

2019 RFVHC Year End News Letter Please click here to view (PDF)

2018 RFVHC Year End News Letter Please click here to view (PDF)

2017 RFVHC Year End News Letter Please Click here to view (PDF)

Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council's Goal is the Preservation of a
Sustainable, Generational Legacy Equestrian Community.

We want to offer horse people SOLUTIONS to everyday equine needs. Become a RFVHC member and/or join our Business Directory and connect to hundreds of horsemen and women in the valley

THE MISSION of the RFVHC is to provide a unified voice for equine related interests by working to preserve access to trails, promoting charitable involvement in equine related experiences and activities, educating the public on equestrian issues, providing connections and resources for the equine community, and supporting the overall well‐being of horses and horsemanship.

Press Release - Sunday June 13, 2021 Thank you to Aspen Fire leadership and the entire RFV Horse Council membership that donated the funding and their time to making the Leslie Thomas Large Animal Training Program a success. We are continuing to accept donations for this program. We are deeply grateful how this will assist in the large animal rescue of livestock, wildlife and horse rescue.
See Projects Page #1 for more info

This photo, below, was taken from near the top of Buckskin Pass. The highest of twin peaks is Hagerman Peak. The mountain to the left is Snowmass Peak. Snowmass lake is nestled below Snowmass Peak. Below the red colored ridge is Willow Lake. Buckskin Pass winds up to the summit, which drops down into the Maroon Creek Basin. We camped in Lost Remuda Basin, a beautiful little area past Snowmass lake. Moon Run Outfitters operated in the Snowmass Maroon Wilderness for over 18 years. Photo by Holly McLain
Our High Country Wilderness awaits you!

Aspen Daily News April 17th and 20th 2020 - Pandemic Support of our local news media. Let us not forget our partners, our equine business members and YOU !

We work to protect and restore hikers and horseback riders only trails that offer a safe, predictable and peaceful trail experience through a variety of changing landscapes, including wildflowers, cactus, sage brush, junipers, pinon pines through spruce tree woodlands with breathtaking views. In many places, this two-track trail allows riders to walk side by side for conversation and camaraderie.

Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council
P.O. Box 127, Snowmass, Colorado 81654
* 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization *
rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/
Instagram : www.instagram.com/rfvhc/