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Trails and Land Use Issues

VHC Conducts Equestrian Trails Tourism Survey

VHC Conducts Equestrian Trails Tourism Survey with Carol Kline, Assistant Professor, Hospitality and Tourism Administration, North Carolina Central University.
    The study was conducted for the VHC to gather information and impressions on the state of trail rides within the state of Virginia. We all know that the equine industry is a large economic force in the state and in the nation. Trail riding and the travel associated with it is one facet of that industry. Participants were asked to help us understand the current state of trails in Virginia by telling us what is available in their county, their travel habits, and providing other information that will assist us in growing equestrian tourism in an economically, socially and environmentally lasting way. Responses are being kept completely confidential and reported in aggregate form only.
    The information obtained from these questions will be used to gain a local and statewide understanding of the existing resources used for trail riding and the issues surrounding the expansion of this exciting industry niche. Additionally, the information gathered in this survey will help secure funding for the development of supporting programs.

  • 822 Responses received.
  • Preliminary data was presented by Dr. Kline during the Virginia Governor's Conference on Trails and Greenways held in Richmond October 7-9, 2008. The session was well attended and the Q&A session was enthusiastic. Dr. Kline anticipates having the full analysis of the data completed in early 2009.
  • Click here to see the conference slide presentation

The detailed data was presented by VHC board member, Sally Aungier, during the VHC’s Annual Conference on March 7, 2009. A copy of the survey highlights was distributed to the participants and is available for download. A copy of the slide presentation is also available.

It is the VHC belief that data obtained in the survey can be used to:

  • Influence decisions regarding Legislation and policy
  • Facilitate trail and camp development
  • Prioritize improvements at existing facilities
  • Assist private enterprise development
  • Encourage local tourism

If you have any questions regarding the survey process or results, please contact Sally Aungier at Saungier@mindspring.com.

September 28:
Virginia Horse Council and Commonwealth Foxhounds
Trail Ride and Picnic Lunch, Ingleside Plantation

The VHC and the Commonwealth Foxhounds co-hosted a trail ride at Ingleside Plantation in Westmoreland County on the Northern Neck. Cloudy skies did not dampen the rider’s interest as the trailers rolled in throughout the morning. Participants rode a marked eleven mile morning route that ended with wonderful lunch in the courtyard at the winery. An optional 11.5 mile afternoon trail that featured a stop for ice cream sundaes at the Westmoreland Berry Farm was the highlight for the day for the riders. Many thanks go to the Commonwealth Foxhounds for planning such a fun day and to the families of Ingleside and the Westmoreland Berry Farm for sharing the beauty of the area with us. Want to see photos? >Click here< (password VHC)
Many thanks to Peg Childress Photography. 

Virginia Horse Council Trail Ride at Belmead
June 22, 2008

The day dawned with the threat of thunderstorms, but none the less, ninety-two riders turned out for a Virginia Horse Council (VHC) sponsored trail ride on the historic Belmead estate in Powhatan County.  Despite the escalating gas prices, riders from as far away as Roanoke and Virginia Beach made the trek to Powhatan to ride somewhere new.  Morning and afternoon routes were laid out to show riders the variety of terrain and wildlife habitat found on the property as well as enticing views of the James River and Deep Creek.  Following the morning ride participants enjoyed a shady lunch stop back in the parking area.  Some riders chose to ride back out to explore another marked route, while others took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the estate.  In the afternoon Sister Marion McDonald, Land Steward, opened the Belmead Mansion (c. 1845) for the riders to tour and gave a historical overview of the property.

Want to see photos? Click here (password VHC)
Many thanks to Peg Childress Photography.
 
The Virginia Horse Council thanks all of the participants and volunteers who helped to make this event a success.  

Resources and Library:

Horses and Equestrian Trails, hosted by AmericanTrails.org Information about equestrian trail advocacy, publications, education, impacts and stewardship, and trail management and design

Beach Trail Riding

Anyone up for riding on the beach? Click here to download the most recent list of places on the east coast that host horseback riding on the beach!!

EnviroHorse

EnviroHorse has been formed to act as a repository and clearing-house for scientifically sound data and information about the horse and its place in the environment. This information can then be used to guide concerned individuals, groups or Government Agencies in arriving at equitable, reasoned conclusions and guidelines regarding equine use and the environment. 

Equestrian Land Conservation Resource

Equestrian Land Conservation Resource is dedicated to promoting access to and conservation of land for equestrian use.  It acts as a clearinghouse for information concerning land protection, land use policy, and equestrian land stewardship.

 

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Trail Committee Reports: 

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