May 1 2008 @ Conifer

Dear Fellow Equestrians willing to fight the good fight,
I know all of us love our horses so much it is difficult for us to come to the realization that not everyone appreciates or enjoys horses like we do. They are part of our families. They run our lives; owning, caring for, training and riding are a lifestyle for all of us, much more than just a hobby or form of exercise or recreation. I believe many of us are “closet” ranchers or farmers. We would choose that life if land were affordable and a decent living could be made for our children and us.
The change started a mere 100 years ago when 90% of the population did reside on ranches and farms. Raising animals were a fact of life for a vast majority. Then the internal combustion engine arrived on the scene and children left the farms and ranches in droves to live a much easier and comfortable life in cities and urban areas. Where jobs were much more plentiful and wages were higher. Today, in contrast, 82% now live in suburbia. It is only natural that urban dwellers would become fearful of large animals. Even the Native Americans could see it coming as I have found many quotes foretelling the future. This is one of my favorites and I consider it most poignant:
"If you talk to the animals they will talk to you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys."
- Chief Dan George
Horses were native to this continent for millions and millions of years and only died out less than 10 thousand years ago. Their ecological niche was still there when the Spaniards reintroduced them several hundred years ago. Humans were never native to this continent, so if something is an invasive species competing with native species, it is humans.
When there is no room left even for horses, which people know and love, you’ve got to wonder.
Let’s keep talking to and knowing our horses.

Sincerely,
Julie

Regarding the Staunton meeting last Thursday:

In all a very good meeting, having all of the equestrians from FRBCH verbally engaging the planners was outstanding!
I hope that we made a big impression having dominated an at the table meeting that was planned as an open house format ,for almost 1.5 hours with the planners from State Parks and the Consultants' firm.
Having multiple folks asking the questions will go along way to getting our points across.
We need to continue to ask the hard questions of the planners but also speak with emotion not just scientific points. However holding them to the science of ecology and trail use keeps them honest so to speak!
A word of caution however, the planners of such facilities are very good at dealing with folks at meetings. As we walk away thinking we have made our point don't stop the fight. Public employees in such positions are trained to be cordial to the public but when back in their office may still head off in a direction not in keeping with public discussions or more in line with their superiors requests.
The behavior of all at the meeting was great, I believe if we stay on a business like level we will garner more respect at these meetings. We must keep the points we brought up in front of them at all meetings so they understand we will not just go away.
Keep fighting the good fight!!


Thanks to all who turned out last week!!
Jim C.