Back Country Horsemen’s cornerstone was laid on a firm
foundation of research and planning. A small nucleus of back
country horse users developed and modified the original concept
The actual formation of BCH took place in Montana’s Flathead
Valley in January of 1973. Since then, our progress is a matter of
record, a record of which we are very proud. We have used our
specialized knowledge of stock and the back country to bring
about changes and modifications of restrictive management. We
have participated in many agency meetings and land use
planning and regulations and have become a strong voice for
continued, responsible horse use. We have arrived at our
position through extensive research and discussion. This
responsible approach has assured us of valid consideration
regarding regulations and planning and has given us the support
of other conservation groups.
Growth of the Back Country Horsemen organization continued
with formation of additional chapters in Montana. In 1979, these
chapters and one from Salmon, Idaho, formed the Back Country
Horsemen of America. Three more Montana chapters and one
from Idaho were added in the next few years.
The Back Country Horsemen of Washington was incorporated in
1977 and developed an informal liaison with the Montana and
Idaho Back Country Horsemen. In 1981, a California organization
was formed known as the High Sierra Stock Users. After several
years of discussion, the four groups decided to merge, using the
Back Country Horsemen of America name. A constitution was
drafted in 1985 and adopted in 1986. It provided that the
governing body of this new organization would be a board of
directors elected from each state. Montana, Idaho, California and
Washington Back Country Horsemen units became the BCHA.
Since that time, there has been steady growth within the four
founding state organizations and in other states*
*see Member Organizations
foundation of research and planning. A small nucleus of back
country horse users developed and modified the original concept
The actual formation of BCH took place in Montana’s Flathead
Valley in January of 1973. Since then, our progress is a matter of
record, a record of which we are very proud. We have used our
specialized knowledge of stock and the back country to bring
about changes and modifications of restrictive management. We
have participated in many agency meetings and land use
planning and regulations and have become a strong voice for
continued, responsible horse use. We have arrived at our
position through extensive research and discussion. This
responsible approach has assured us of valid consideration
regarding regulations and planning and has given us the support
of other conservation groups.
Growth of the Back Country Horsemen organization continued
with formation of additional chapters in Montana. In 1979, these
chapters and one from Salmon, Idaho, formed the Back Country
Horsemen of America. Three more Montana chapters and one
from Idaho were added in the next few years.
The Back Country Horsemen of Washington was incorporated in
1977 and developed an informal liaison with the Montana and
Idaho Back Country Horsemen. In 1981, a California organization
was formed known as the High Sierra Stock Users. After several
years of discussion, the four groups decided to merge, using the
Back Country Horsemen of America name. A constitution was
drafted in 1985 and adopted in 1986. It provided that the
governing body of this new organization would be a board of
directors elected from each state. Montana, Idaho, California and
Washington Back Country Horsemen units became the BCHA.
Since that time, there has been steady growth within the four
founding state organizations and in other states*
*see Member Organizations
© 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Back country Horsemen of America Inc.
See also BCHA Founders Page
See also BCHA Founders Page
.jpg)