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2009 BCHA Accomplishments
2009 Projects & Accomplishments
EDUCATION
Seminars:
• “Ride a Mile in My Boots,” an in-the-field event for mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and land managers to learn trail safety and etiquette. Co-sponsored with Boulder County Parks & Open Space “Partnership Initiative.”
• “Prosecuting Cases of Equine Abuse and Neglect,” with Alexis King, attorney in Gilpin County, and Kate Anderson, DVM, Colorado State Veterinary Office, Bureau of Animal Protection.
• “Cushings/Equine Metabolic Syndrome,” with Gabriele Landolt, DVM, Assistant Professor at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
• “Problems with Unwanted Horses,” by Christopher Whitney, President of the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance and past president of the Colorado Horse Council.
• “Epidemiology: diagnosis, Treatment & Control of Strangles,” by Josie Traub-Dargatz, DVM, Professor of Equine Medicine at SCU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Ann Davidson, DVM, Assistant Professor in Equine Field at CSU.
• “Pasture Management,” by Mike Wilkinson & Paul McLellan of Foothills Vegetation Management, and Sharon Bokan of the CSU Extension Office, Small Acreage Coordinator.
Publications:
• Continued on-demand publication of Happy Trails, a compendium of trail logs and essays on public land management, trail safety and etiquette, and more.
• Produced bi-monthly magazine, “The Horse’s Mouth,” sent to members and public land managers.
• Continued sales of “Colorado’s Poisonous Menace: Plus Pasture Management 101,” a brochure on toxic weeds and how to control them.
RECREATION
• 13th Annual Horse Lovers’ Fling, April. Dinner, dance, silent and live auctions.
• Public Lands Appreciation Day, September. Trail ride in Roosevelt National Forest and barbecue for members and public officials.
• Fun Show, October. A full day of equitation and trail classes for all ages, gymkhana games, and a driving demonstration.
• Participated as volunteer work crew members for the City of Boulder and Boulder County Parks & Open Space on trails including Caribou Ranch, Doudy Draw, Picture Rock, and others.
• Weekly Trail Rides, year-round, throughout Boulder County and neighboring areas.
LEGISLATION
• Received a Boulder County Parks & Open Space “Alpine Award” in recognition of our support and stewardship Caribou Ranch.
• Advocated for equestrian access to the Benjamin / Betasso Open Space, Caribou Ranch, Hessie Trailhead, Mt Thorodin, Allenspark, Walden/Sawhill Ponds, Boulder County Regional Trails, and other areas.
• Elected as an Alternate Representative to the city of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks’ Community Collaborative Group for the West Trail Study Area.
• Participated in BCPOS Park Hosts program.
• Supported construction of the Boulder To Lyons (Feeder Canal) Trail.
• Conducted extensive horse evacuations during the Olde Stage Road Fire and the “Thank You Firefighters” celebration at the Altona Grange afterward.
• Provided equestrian input to Roosevelt National Forest concerning opening the trail system near Gold Lake to motorized recreation.
• Successfully accomplished improvement of Boulder County Land Use Code with regard to loafing sheds on horse properties.
• Represented equestrian interests in the Boulder Area Trails Coalition (BATCO) and the Boulder Outdoor Coalition (BOC).
• Continued to work toward bringing a Horse Park to Boulder County.
ORGANIZATION
• Revised and approved BCHA Bylaws.
• Maintained website, www.boulderhorse.org.
• Communicated via email broadcasts (Constant Contact) to members, to disseminate information about meetings, seminars, and other events.
• Conducted member surveys and interviews with website designers about “going digital” (converting print publications to electronic communication).
2010 Goals and Objectives
EDUCATION
Seminars:
• “Animal Emotions and Moral Intelligence: Why they Matter’” with Marc Bekoff, Jan. 19.
• “My Life with the Wild Horses,” with Ginger Kathrens, BCHA Annual Meeting, Feb. 9.
• “Equine Lameness: Tendon and Ligament Injuries,” with Laurie Goodrich, DVM, April 22 at Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center.
• “Pilates for Equestrians,” with Pam Harrington & Patty LeBlanc, May 23.
• Line up other seminars, TBA.
Publications:
• Continue and redefine BCHA magazine “The Horse’s Mouth.”
• Reformat and publish Happy Trails to increase exposure and sales.
• Publish the 2010 Horse Services Directory in hard copy and electronic versions.
RECREATION
• Shake up the 14th Annual Horse Lovers’ Fling with new venue, theme, & members.
• Publicize Public Lands Appreciation Day so more land managers and members will attend.
• Organize and expand the Fun Show to attract more diverse participants.
• Participate in a National Trails Day event.
• Expand stewardship of Doudy Draw/Goshawk Ridge and Delonde Trails.
• Conduct weekly trail rides.
• Expand the recreational/social part of BCHA’s mission.
LEGISLATION
• Continue monitoring and advising public land management agencies on issues affecting horsekeeping, equestrian access, and horse ownership.
• Participate in stewardship programs, trail crew leader and park host programs, trail maintenance, and other activities.
ORGANIZATION
• Maintain and expand BCHA’s “presence” in the community by implementing a dynamic new marketing plan.
• Redesign website and publications to reduce costs and increase flexibility.
• Communicate with equestrian organizations as well as youth groups (e.g. 4H and Pony Club) for membership and information sharing.
• Conduct Annual Meeting (Feb. 9 at Spice of Life) to elect new Board of Directors.
• Expand membership, board, and volunteer building efforts.
• Improve financial stability and growth of the organization.
• Inspire members to become more active participants in the organization and community.
• Expand the viability and visibility of the horse community in Boulder County.
• Continue to build on BCHA’s past accomplishments and develop new ones.
Our efforts on behalf of the equestrian community can only be continued with your support. Please consider becoming a member, inviting a friend, attending the Horse Lovers’ Fling, making a donation, and volunteering your time as a board or committee member. Thank you for your support!
2008 BCHA Accomplishments
EDUCATION
Seminars
- “Common Ocular Abnormalities in Horses,” Presented by Holly L. Hamilton, DVM.
- "Equine Vital Signs and Basic Emergency Assessment,” Presented by Stacey Bluhm, DVM.
- “Effective Horsekeeping,” Presented by Cherry Hill, Author.
Publications
- Developed & published Toxic Weeds brochure "Colorado's Poisonous Menace: Do You Know What Your Horse is Eating? Plus Pasture Management 101."
- Co-sponsored Boulder Area Trails Coalition's 2008 "Trails and Recreation Map of Boulder County."
- Developed official BCHA Position Paper, "Trail Horses Should Not Be Singled Out in the Battle Against Noxious Weeds.”
- On-demand publication of Happy Trails, a compendium of trail logs and essays.
- Produced bi-monthly magazine, "The Horse's Mouth," sent to members.
RECREATION
- 12th Annual Horse Lovers’ Fling, April 2008, dinner, dance, fund raiser.
- Public Lands Appreciation Day – trail ride in the Roosevelt National Forest & barbeque in Allenspark for members and public lands officials.
- Fun Show – 110 entries for a day of 15 fun classes separated into three age categories for horses & riders with demonstrations of Miniature Horse Driving and Medieval Horsemanship & Games.
- Weekly Trail Rides in the surrounding area.
LEGISLATION
- Advocated for equestrians at Local, State, and National levels.
- Reviewed and commented on land use & zoning changes and proposals
Public Land Management
- Participated in working group with OSMP stakeholders (Open Space Forum).
- Represented equestrians in the Boulder Area Trails Coalition (BATCO).
- Represented equestrians in the Boulder Outdoor Coalition.
- Participated as work crew members for the City of Boulder and Boulder County Parks & Open Space on trails such as Caribou, Dowdy Draw, Picture Rock, and others.
- Public Lands Appreciation Day – invited land management public officials at all levels of government to a trail ride and barbeque introducing them to Roosevelt Park and the pleasures of equine activities.
Forest Service
- Worked toward Pilot Project restoring and expanding Allenspark trail system for equestrians.
- Continued to advocate for equestrian access to Switzerland Trail (Rainbow Lakes); Hessie Trailhead; Mt. Thorodin; and several other areas.
Boulder County Parks & Open Space
- Advocated for permanent trailhead for horse trailers at Heil Valley Ranch North.
- Participated as Park Hosts.
- National Trails Day – sponsored breakfast for 200+ volunteers & staff prior to trail building on the Picture Rock Trail, Lyons.
- Participated in Stewardship program with Boulder County Parks & Open Space.
- Co-Sponsored volunteer work day at Picture Rock Trail work day (Heil Valley Ranch).
- Advocated for equestrian trails on Betasso/Benjamin properties and Caribou Ranch North (Switzerland Trail).
- Sponsored trail design study to see if the Walker Ranch Loop Trail at the Wall could be redesigned to accommodate horses.
- Participated in meetings with regard to the Boulder to Lyons regional trail.
- Participated as Trail Crew Leaders and trail crew.
City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks
- Co-sponsored Doudy Draw volunteer work day (trail reconstruction).
- Worked with staff to expand Doudy Draw and Flatirons Vista Trailheads for horse trailers.
- Designated new trails at Springbrook Mesa, Goshawk, and Flatirons Vista.
- Led field trips and negotiations on extending the South Dry Creek Trail from Baseline Road to South Boulder Road.
- Participated in extensive planning and equestrian advocacy for Eldorado Mountain/Doudy Draw Trails Study Area, West Trail Study Area, Grasslands Ecosystem Management Plan, Visitor Master Plan, Off-Trail Permits, and others.
Colorado State Parks
- Worked with staff to open the Fowler Trail connecting OSMP to the Eldorado Canyon Trail to horses; to keep the Crescent Meadows Trail open to horses, to consider redesigning the Eldorado Canyon Trail for horses and mountain bikes.
- Worked with the Front Range Back Country Horsemen to open new trails at Staunton State Park to horses.
ORGANIZATION
Outreach & Communications
- Maintained website, www.boulderhorse.org.
- Maintained email distribution list to disseminate information.
- Communicated with 70+ equestrian organizations as well as youth groups (4-H & Pony Clubs) for input & information sharing.
- Co-Sponsored equestrian events such as the Medieval Equestrian Championships, Rocky Mountain Horse Trials, and the Dressage Classic.
Special Projects
Horse Park
- Researched, planned, evaluated sites, and received grant from the Longmont Community Foundation.
- Negotiated with Longmont staff and City Council, Boulder County Commissioners, and land developers.
- Represented BCHA's interests at city meetings via presentations and correspondence.
- Surveyed & conducted needs assessment from organizations, members, and equestrian centers.
2009 Proposed Projects
EDUCATION
Seminars
- "Prosecuting Cases of Equine Abuse and Neglect" by Alexis King, attorney in Gilpin County and Kate Anderson, DVM, Colorado State Veterinary Office, Bureau of Animal Protection.
- "Problems with Unwanted Horses"by Christopher Whitney, President of the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance and past president of the Colorado Horse Council.
- "Epidemiology: Diagnosis, Treatment & Control of Strangles" by Josie Traub-Dargatz, DVM, Professor of Equine Medicine at CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Ann Davidson, DVM, Assistant Professor in Equine Field at CSU Vet Teaching Hospital.
- "Pasture Management"by Mike Wilkinson & Paul McLellan of Foothills Vegetation Management in Conifer, CO, and Sharon Bokan of the CSU Extension Office, Small Acreage Coordinator.
- Others TBA.
Publications
- Continue publishing BCHA newsletter, ”The Horse’s Mouth.“
- Reformat and publish ”Happy Trails“ to increase exposure and sales.
- Prepare for the 2010 Horse Services Directory, hard copy and electronic.
RECREATION
- 13th Annual Horse Lovers’ Fling, March 21st, Glenn Miller Ballroom, UMC, University of Colorado, Boulder.
- Public Lands Appreciation Day TBA.
- Fun Show – Saturday, Oct. 18th. Fun classes separated into three age categories for horses & riders. Demonstrations and other activities TBA.
- Weekly trail rides in the surrounding area.
- Expand the recreational/social part of BCHA’s mission.
LEGISLATION
- Encourage BCHA members appointment to state & local boards and committees.
Public Land Management
- Continue monitoring, advisement, & development of land management issues affecting horsekeeping, equestrian access and horse ownership by working with the following agencies as mentioned above: US Forest Service, City of Boulder, Boulder County Parks & Open Space, and Colorado State Parks, Boulder County Commissioners, and others.
- Hold a Public Lands Appreciation Day event for public and managers.
- Participate in National Trails Day events TBA.
- Participate in stewardship program, trail crew leader and park host programs, trails maintenance activities and others.
ORGANIZATIONAL
Outreach & Communications
- Maintain & redesign website, www.boulderhorse.org.
- Maintain & redesign email distribution system to disseminate information.
- Communicate with equestrian organizations as well as youth groups (4-H & Pony Clubs) for input & information sharing.
- Co-Sponsor equestrian events TBA.
- Conduct Annual Meeting, Feb. 12, "Problems with Unwanted Horses" by Christopher Whitney, President of the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance and past president of the Colorado Horse Council at Spice of Life Events Center.
- Expand membership & volunteer building efforts.
- Expand community outreach including other equine and non-equine associations.
- Inspire members to become more active participants in the organization & community.
- Expand the viability and visibility of the horse community in Boulder County.
- Continue to build on BCHA’s past accomplishments.
Special Projects
Horse Park
- Continue to research, plan, evaluate & develop a site.
- Negotiate with Longmont staff and City Council, Boulder County Commissioners, and land developers.
- Represent BCHA's interests at city meetings via presentations and correspondence
Our efforts on behalf of the equine community can only be continued with your support. Please consider becoming a member, attending the Horse Lovers' Fling, making a donation to BCHA, and volunteering your time as a board or committee member. Thank you for your support!
2007 BCHA Accomplishments
EDUCATIONAL
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Ongoing publication of BCHA newsletter, “The Horse's Mouth”
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Ongoing participation in the County & State Animal Response Teams (CART & SART) and Boulder County Sheriff's Department Mounted Search & Rescue
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Sponsored Educational Seminars on:
1. “Equine Acupuncture”, Deb Schultz, Jan. 28 at Rabbit Mountain Equestrian Center
2. “Caring for Your Geriatric Horse”, Dr. Nancy Loving, at Medicine Horse
3. “Managing Your Fears”, Julie Goodnight, May 19-20, at Colorado Horse Rescue
4. BCHA Annual Meeting – “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Equestrian Insurance”, Mike Bagley, Spice of Life Event Center, Feb. 13,
5. “Equine Podiatry: Common problems and treatments of the Equine Foot”, Stacy Bluhm, DVM and Thom Rosen Farrier, June 12, at Altona Grange
6. “Equine Insurance”, Rob Carruth, Goetz Insurors, Sept. 13, at Altona Grange
7. “Horse Behavior”, Dr. Mark Fitch, Nov. 8, at Colorado Horse Rescue
RECREATIONAL
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Hosted weekly trail rides.
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Held 11th Annual Horse Lovers’ Fling fundraiser dinner & silent auction at the CU Stadium Club, Saturday, March 31.
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Held 9thAnnual Public Lands appreciation Day (PLAD), Boulder County Parks & Open Space at Mud Lake and Caribou Range Open Space, Nederland, August 26th.
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Sponsored the largest-yet BCHA Fun Show at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, Oct. 28
LEGISLATIVE
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Advocated for equestrian access, new trails, and horse trailer parking on public lands throughout Boulder County, including Heil Valley Ranch, Niwot Trails, Boulder Feeder Supply Canal, Walker Ranch, Caribou Ranch, and others.
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Ongoing equestrian advocacy regarding City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP) Visitor Master Plan, Marshall Mesa/Southern Grasslands and Eldorado Mountain/Doudy Draw Trail Study Areas, and Off-Trail Permits.
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Ongoing equestrian advocacy with State & Federal agencies, including US Forest Service Brainard Lake Management Plan, White River National Forest / Flattops Wilderness trail issues.
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Provided equestrian input to Boulder county Land Use Department re: changes to the Land Use Code pertaining to horsekeeping and agricultural issues.
ORGANIZATIONAL
Maintained & expanded website, www.boulderhorse.org.
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Worked on Heil Ranch work day and Doudy Draw Trail work day.
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Continued Member Incentive Discount Program for BCHA members through local merchants (the “Card Shop” section of the newsletter).
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Sponsored Annual Membership Meeting with keynote speaker Mike Bagley at Spice of Life Event Center, Boulder, February 13.
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Presented Annual Achievement Award to Jacquelene R. Lee, D.P.A.
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Balanced the budget; established sound financial goals for the future.
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Received numerous citations to BCHA and its advocacy in local media.
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Facilitated publication in the media of several articles on equestrian activities to further public awareness of horses in Boulder County.
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Published a BCHA advertisement in the Boulder County Business Report to increase awareness of (and additional membership in)BCHA and other horse organizations
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Initiate plans with City of Longmont and Puma Development to establish a Longmont Horse Park
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Established BCHA Grant Program
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2008 Goals
EDUCATIONAL
- Produce video on BCHA to be used in membership recruitment and to increase awareness of equestrian activities and lifestyle in Boulder County
- Sponsor ongoing educational seminars, including:
1. Common Ocular Abnormalities in Horses, Holly L. Hamilton, DVM, Longmont Public Library, Jan. 22, 2008
2. Recognizing Normal and Abnormal Health Indicators in Horses, TBA, at Colorado Horse Rescue
3. Others to be announced
- Continue publishing BCHA newsletter, “The Horse’s Mouth”
- Reformat and publish “Happy Trails” to increase exposure and sales.
RECREATIONAL
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Annual fundraiser dinner & silent auction, The Horse Lovers’ Fling, at Glenn Miller Ballroom, CU, Saturday April 5, 2008.
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Sponsor BCHA Fun Show, Sunday October 19, Boulder County Fairgrounds.
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Sponsor BCHA Public Lands Appreciation Day.
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Expand the recreational/social part of BCHA’s mission.
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Host weekly trail rides.
LEGISLATIVE
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Work to have BCHA members appointed to various state and local government boards and committees
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Ongoing monitoring of land management issues affecting horsekeeping, equestrian access and horse ownership
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Hold a Public Lands Appreciation Day event for public land managers
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Produce a “State of the Horse in Boulder County” document showing statistics, trends, and economic impacts of the horse community.
ORGANIZATIONAL
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Conduct Annual Meeting, Feb. 6, “Effective Horsekeeping”, Cherry Hill, at Spice of Life Events Center.
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Expand membership building efforts.
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Expand community outreach including other equine associations.
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Continue trail maintenance at Doudy Draw and other trails.
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Inspire members to become more active participants in the organization & community.
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Expand the viability and visibility of the horse community in Boulder County.
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Continue to build on BCHA’s past accomplishments.
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Expand development of Longmont Horse Park.
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Continue BCHA Grant Program
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