TRAIL TROTTERS NOW UNDER UMBRELLA OF AQHA

America’s Horse, April 27, 2007 – The American Quarter Horse Association recently adopted the Trail Trotters program, which promotes community-based stewardship of trails by equine enthusiasts.

Trail Trotters has been a program of the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource with assistance from the National Forest Foundation. The program’s mission is to promote equestrian involvement in the restoration, repair and establishment of trails and trailheads.

“This is an exciting new program that AQHA is ready to implement into our recreational riding activities,” said AQHA President Frank Merrill. “Trail conservation is an important issue that we look forward to promoting.”

National Trails Day is an annual event celebrated every June since 1992 that involves trail restoration projects across the country. This day unifies horseback riders and other trail users in an effort to build and strengthen relationships between local equestrian communities, the forest service and other land managers for the long-term stewardship of trails.

With AQHA now directing this program, it will become a month-long project rather than just one day. This June, equestrians are encouraged to complete trail conservation projects. As before, the program also involves competition as groups vie for National Stewardship Awards, which are awarded based on the community involvement and sustainability of their project.

In addition, AQHA is seeking a new name for the Trail Trotters program to recognize its new affiliation. Ideas or suggestions can be sent to Stephanie McCommon by May 25. Either e-mail to stephaniem@aqha.org  or mail to Stephanie’s attention at P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, Texas 79168. Please include your name, address and phone number along with your suggestion. The person whose name is chosen will win a $100 gift certificate to Quarter Horse Outfitters.

For more information on Trail Trotters, visit http://www.aqha.com/recreation/trailtrotters/index.html.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines .