[RC] Right to Ride Legislation is Stalled! - Karen Standefer
Right to Ride Legislation is Stalled
"Right-To-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of
2005" has stalled in the Senate because of low support from the horse
world. The American Horse Council, led by the American Quarter Horse
Association, have launched a campaign to GET ANYONE WHO RIDES, especially if
they already ride in
national parks or wilderness areas-or think they might someday-to get on the
bandwagon to send off an already prepared letter of support. Some details. . .
Last March, Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) introduced the "Right-To-Ride
Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005" into the US House of
Representatives, and a month later Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced an
identical bill into the US Senate. But nothing has happened since March, when
the bill was referred to half a dozen committees. This is due partly because
congressmen and their staffsare disappointed by the low level of support their
efforts have received from the horse world.
which takes you to an AQHA Action Alert. Once there, you enter your zip code,
fill in your name and address for verification as a constituent, and a prepared
letter of support goes to the congressional representatives you designate. Of
course, if you'd prefer to write your own letter, this link also provides the
bill's complete text.
The bill says in part "The Secretary of the Interior shall provide for the
management of National Park System lands to preserve and facilitate the
continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands,
including wilderness areas, national monuments, and other specifically
designated areas, where there is a historical tradition of such use. As a
general rule, all trails, routes and areas used by pack and saddle stock shall
remain open and accessible for such use."
Please forward this message to any horse association or outdoor organization
that supports hiking and riding trails. This is a vital letter of support that
cements equestrian rights on a national level, and safeguards riding on public
lands for the future
