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
clubs in Montana. In 1979, these clubs and one from Salmon, Idaho, formed the Back Country
Horsemen of America. Three more Montana clubs 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. New Back Country Horsemen units have formed in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado,
Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma (1999), Oregon, Utah, Wyoming; and there are,
as well, affiliated units in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.
