WELCOME to the RFVHC HOME PAGE
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/
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Welcome to our website - Happy Holidays from the RFVHC Board of Directors and all our horses! 2023 RFVHC Holiday Newsletter |
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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.
Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Board members & the City of Aspen and the Town of Snowmass Village have identified the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) as the entity that they will work with, regarding horse related issues, such as Cozy Point Equestrian Center, Snowmass Rodeo and Glassier Open Space Management Plans. Let us know your wishes for future horse related issues.
The RFVHC was established as a Colorado non-profit organization in August of 2005,
with having roots originating as the Aspen Riding Club in 1954.
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.
Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Board members & the City of Aspen and the Town of Snowmass Village have identified the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) as the entity that they will work with, regarding horse related issues, such as Cozy Point Equestrian Center, Snowmass Rodeo and Glassier Open Space Management Plans. Let us know your wishes for future horse related issues.
The RFVHC was established as a Colorado non-profit organization in August of 2005,
with having roots originating as the Aspen Riding Club in 1954.
2023 UPDATE and New News
RFVHC ASKS : How do you feel when you share the trails with E-bikes? We are asking for anecdotal stories to share.
The Future of E-Bikes on Public Lands How to Effectively Manage a Growing Trend. Final Report. November 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT
The Future of E-Bikes on Public Lands How to Effectively Manage a Growing Trend. Final Report. November 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT
GLASSIER OPEN SPACE and a NEW HORSE & HIKE ACCESS TRAIL - A three day work session by volunteers hosted by PC OST and RFOV July 25, Aug 1, and Aug 8, 4-8pm each day was a huge success. This new trail will be available next spring and will connect two parking lots for trail access. More information to come! Here's our story LINK
You were invited to a Thursday MARCH 30, 2023 American Trails Webinar featuring the RFVHC
https://www.americantrails.org/training/the-trails-safe-passing-plan-stop-speak-and-stand-back
Click here to find out details https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.html
Snowmass Wetlands. Both the Rodeo Grounds at Town Park and the TOSV Wetlands projects rely on each other. In late August 2022, all parties that were interested in the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds came together and decided on a plan for the rodeo. The planning was delayed and the decision to not go forward in 2023 was decided upon, and left the wetlands project dangling. The orientation of the rodeo grounds still could become an issue if the wetland project is delayed. This photo essay should clarify some concerns and we hope will help show the issues.We want to be involved and help!
Let's Protect the Wetlands Photo Essay LINK
RFVHC Press Release June 22, 2023, Published June 28, 2023
https://SoprisSun.com LINK Here is the LINK to the RFVHC Summer 2023 work report
June 11 through the 16th, the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) partnered with the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) for a 5-day trail improvements project. Trail management teams from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); the United States Forest Service (USFS); and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PC OST) joined the RFVHC to maintain and improve some of valley’s most important hiking and horseback trails. RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo was the RFVHC host. Removal of Barbed Wire - Sutey Ranch for BLM; Perham Trail Work for US Forest Service; Crown Jewel Equestrian Trail for BLM; Glassier Equestrian Trail and a connection trail from Emma Open Space to the Rio Grande Trail for PC OST and RFTA. RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo was the RFVHC host.
You were invited to a Thursday MARCH 30, 2023 American Trails Webinar featuring the RFVHC
https://www.americantrails.org/training/the-trails-safe-passing-plan-stop-speak-and-stand-back
Click here to find out details https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.html
Snowmass Wetlands. Both the Rodeo Grounds at Town Park and the TOSV Wetlands projects rely on each other. In late August 2022, all parties that were interested in the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds came together and decided on a plan for the rodeo. The planning was delayed and the decision to not go forward in 2023 was decided upon, and left the wetlands project dangling. The orientation of the rodeo grounds still could become an issue if the wetland project is delayed. This photo essay should clarify some concerns and we hope will help show the issues.We want to be involved and help!
Let's Protect the Wetlands Photo Essay LINK
RFVHC Press Release June 22, 2023, Published June 28, 2023
https://SoprisSun.com LINK Here is the LINK to the RFVHC Summer 2023 work report
June 11 through the 16th, the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) partnered with the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) for a 5-day trail improvements project. Trail management teams from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); the United States Forest Service (USFS); and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PC OST) joined the RFVHC to maintain and improve some of valley’s most important hiking and horseback trails. RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo was the RFVHC host. Removal of Barbed Wire - Sutey Ranch for BLM; Perham Trail Work for US Forest Service; Crown Jewel Equestrian Trail for BLM; Glassier Equestrian Trail and a connection trail from Emma Open Space to the Rio Grande Trail for PC OST and RFTA. RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo was the RFVHC host.
DID YOU MISS THIS TACK SALE ? - CLICK HERE FOR THE FLYER PDF
Looking for items that you need? Check out our Classified Ads and our SHOP for new items
SPRING TACK SALE
Sellers must be RFVHC members. (sign up at the event) Buyers – come one, come all, no stipulations.
Where – Rumble Ridge Ranch. 1844 Upper Cattle Creek RoadCarbondale – above El Jebel – (2nd right up the hill, opposite 6 mail boxes on your left)
When – Saturday, May 20th, 2023 – 10 AM – 4 PM. What to bring – Any ranch / equestrian related equipment, jewelry, antiques –set up tables, chairs to sell your stuff. Open the day before or day before 9:30AM set up. Bring a picnic lunch, drinks and catch up with all your horse friends.
Buy tickets for the AVLT Spring Festival at Strang Ranch, then swing by Rumble Ridge to see friends, buy sell or trade items and enjoy the party atmosphere. Rumble Ridge will provide some finger foods, drinks and the party atmosphere. Rain or shine - outside or in the barn!
Who will be there? – Local equestrians –We will take orders for the Portuguese saddle by LudomarA beautiful, 3 horse, goose neck trailer will sell.
A large selection of dressage saddles, English and Western bridles, German martingale, saddles, girths & cinches, halters, blankets, fly masks, fly sheets, coolers, bits, boots, clothing, jewelry, antique brass tack hook, horsehair hand braided macate reins, breast collars, chaps, soft ride horse boots, fly spray, grooming equipment, horse photos & art and much more. How To Pay – Cash, check, or Venmo
HOT BUTTON ISSUES & HEALTH ALERTS
2023
RED ALERT! Electric Bikes
RED ALERT! Electric Bikes
- Here is our 2.6.2023 Letter to RFV Land Managers & Partners
- Electric Bike Incident Reporting Form. The use of electric motorized bicycles (e-bikes) on non-motorized trails is increasing. While e-bike use on non-motorized trails might be authorized by federal land management agencies, few have done so to date given extensive requirements for stakeholder engagement and environmental review. Yet BCHA members continue to describe incidents of illegal e-bike use on trails shared by hikers and equestrians. Federal land managers do not attune to our concerns regarding heightened potential for trail conflict and safety issues associated with fast-moving e-bikes might be persuaded to authorize e-bike use in the absence of documentation of such incidents. In response, BCHA developed a reporting form wherein members can submit reports of e-bike encounters—either positive or negative—while enjoying natural surface trails. Over time, these reports could prove useful in identifying trail conflict “hot spots” and in making a case for land managers to proceed with caution when deciding where to authorize e-bike use. You can access and print out the form here. For mobile phone users, download the form here. Please forward completed forms to michellewade@bcha.org
- We need to direct our readers to respond immediately to BLM, US Forest Service, and DoI directly and please copy us. These are the email addresses copied on the Wilderness Society letter. We press all horsemen, horsewomen, friends and outdoor recreationalists to write to the following leaders and land managers. We need a ground swell of your voices to help keep trail use organized and in keeping with traditional hiking, horseback riding and human powered bicycle use. The Secretary of the Department of Interior has already made the decision regarding e-bikes being allowed on multi-use trails. Horsemen will most likely see ebikes on the Crown, Redhill, our Historic Sutey Ranch , and other BLM managed lands and possibly on other US Forest Lands . On August 29th 2022 he issued order # 3376. In a nutshell, ebikes could be allowed anywhere on the Department of Interior managed Lands (US Forest, BLM, US Fish & Wildlife Agency) where other types of bikes are allowed including mountain bikes. Unless our voices can be heard. As horsemen and horsewomen, you need to become involved locally and stay informed if you find this concerning. The following link is a letter of protest signed by many agencies including the Back Country Horsemen of America explaining the negative impact this new order will have on our public lands and our enjoyment and safety. Here is the link to the Wilderness Society letter you can use: https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/letter-outdoor-groups-opposes-allowing-e-bikes-non-motorized-trails-public-lands
- In May 2023, the Snowmass Rodeo was voted by public opinion as the 6th best rodeo in North America. Here is the link: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-rodeo-2023/
- MARCH 30, 2023 AMERICAN TRAILS WEBINAR, Trails Safe Passing Plan (TSPP) Stop! Speak and Stand Back, featuring the RFVHC Trail Sign https://www.americantrails.org/training/the-trails-safe-passing-plan-stop-speak-and-stand-back
- THE CROWN: BLM has asked the public about more mountain bike trails on the Crown. The cost of building these trails now is over $200,000.00. The RFVHC 3.22 Here are the comments we shared ....Here is the link More Trails on the Crown PDF
- The 2021-2022 - 23 RFVHC Survey Monkey is about 12 RFV Trails For Equestrians and Hikers - YOUR OPINION MATTERS... With the release of the 2021 - 2023 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 community’s 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. Please take the Survey: Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JL23DN3.
- Roaring Fork Valley Safe Passages - Working Group - Wildlife Bridges...we are thrilled that this initiative is progressing! Is anyone interested in this group? There are 269 members as of November 16, 2022. Here is the link on FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/552772083263711
- RFVHC Signage in National News: For more details go to this page...https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.html. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is proud to have built a new trail sign, accessibility approved and ABA & ADA compliant. We ask for your participation here in the RFV and beyond to share the Trails Safe Passing Plan (TSPP) Stop! Speak and Stand Back to make us all better trail partners. This safety action plan 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. To use the copyrighted sign, please fill out this form - so we can follow where our Trails Safe Passing Plan (TSPP) is being used Here is the Link . https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trailassociatelandmanagementteam-trailsignuse-form.html
We want to thank the Levi Strauss Company for always believing in the cowboys and cowgirls, the western heritage way of life and for the life that we see in this beautiful colored poster of the 1950's.
IN 2024 TAKE A BUS TO THE SNOWMASS and CARBONDALE RODEO PLEASE!
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
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!
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/
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/