Oregon Equestrian Trails Members Donate Time and Labor To Keep Backcountry Horse Routes Accessible
By Craig Reed
Backcountry trail riding lets equestrian riders see landscapes that vehicles can’t reach and boots rarely tread. Horses can carry their riders up and down mountainsides and deep into wilderness areas, covering more ground than the average hiker—and returning to the trailhead after 10 miles without wearing out the rider.
But some riders also step foot on the ground, putting work and effort into recreational equine activities. They are members of Oregon Equestrian Trails, a nonprofit organization that has 718 members in the state.
The organization and its members have a mission: “Oregon Equestrian Trails advocates for recreational access, partners with land managers to care for trails and horse camps, and unites equestrians through opportunities and information related to trail riding.”
Yoncalla area resident Leslye Wing is a 17-year OET member. “When I was young, I competed in events and in dressage,” Leslye says. “Now I, like many others, trail ride because after many years of competition and arena work, we want a more relaxed yet fun way to enjoy our horses. Trail riding is where I get my fun now.
“OET is instrumental in helping care for public lands,” she says. “We maintain horse camps and clear trails. This is me giving back to something that is important to me.”
The Roseburg chapter of OET meets at 6 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Douglas Electric Cooperative conference room. Lynda Harding, an OET member since 2018, is the chair of the 40-member Roseburg chapter.
“The attraction to joining the group is that the members are passionate about maximizing the opportunities for riding,” Lynda says. “They work to make the trails accessible for riding, but also for hikers, bird-watchers, and even (mountain) bikers.
“Volunteering with OET is a great way to meet people with similar interests,” she says. “There are opportunities to help for people with all sorts of skills, from chainsaw work to clipping branches to pushing paper. It’s a great way to spend time in a beautiful place with nice people and then to look back at what you have accomplished.”
The Roseburg OET chapter has received 2 grants for trail work from the Recreational Trails Program of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 1 $91,146 grant funds work on 50 miles of trail out of the Kelsay Valley horse camp in the Cascade Mountains. The trails are in the Umpqua National Forest and the Mount Thielsen Wilderness Area. Stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail and the North Umpqua Trail are scheduled to be cleared.
Project coordinator Kyle Miller says work started last fall, with 950 trees being cleared from about 35 miles of trails. Work continues this summer and is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
In addition to OET members, the Northwest Youth Corps, Back Country Horsemen groups, and Source One Serenity Veterans are helping with the work.
“We really change lives by getting people out on the trail, out there in the woods and the wilderness,” Kyle says. “If we keep the trails open, people can get out there with their horses.”
The Roseburg chapter is also receiving a $40,170 grant to clear invasive species and poison oak from trails at Mildred Kanipe Park. Maps and signage will also be improved. That work is expected to be done in late spring and summer of 2027, after most of the Kelsay Valley trail work is completed.
Leslye says being an OET member and helping maintain horse camps and clear trails is a way to give back to a recreational activity she has enjoyed for most of her life.
“Many people do not realize how important volunteer work is for recreational opportunities on our public lands,” she says. “Many trails and camps would not be available if not for the work of volunteers.”
OET promotes Leave No Trace principles and emphasizes safety while recreating.
The organization is trying to become more family-oriented and attract younger members.
Kim McCarrel, the organization’s vice president of public lands, says OET has amazing people who are committed to keeping the trails open.
“We’ve even been able to build some new trails,” she says. “I’m proud of what we accomplish. As far as I’m concerned, OET is the best thing that ever happened to equestrian trail riders.”