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What is Back Country Horsemen of Missouri?
We are people who enjoy trail riding in the forest lands. Just riding around and soaking in the beauty of
our state on the back of our horses and mules. But we do so much more than just that.
We work hand in hand with all land agencies in Missouri to keep our trails open and usable for all
participants. We have great working relationships with the US Forest Service, Mark Twain National
Forest, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Corp of
Engineers and various other land agencies in our state, all with the same desire to keep our lands public.
Whether you’re riding a horse, a mule, a mountain bike or simply hiking, we have been actively assisting
in the maintenance of these trails. Having established a good working relationship with them, we also
get to make some suggestions on the use of the trails. We even sometimes get invited to the table
during the early discussions of planning and design for future park or trail locations.
We are made up of 11 Chapters in the state of Missouri – from the most NE location in Kahoka, to SE in
Van Buren, to SW corner as well as a chapter in Troy, St. Louis, Ava, Lebanon/Waynesville,
Columbia/Booneville, Pierce City, also the SW corner and of course, our South Central Chapter based
locally. Our chapter covers the central area here around Rolla, Salem and Licking. Our membership is
made up of men and women of all ages, as individuals or as family groups with even the kids being
active in our work as well as business members. Everyone can help contribute to taking care of the
beautiful lands we are so blessed with here in Missouri. But we are not the only ones. Across this great
nation, there are 31 states with organizations doing the same work we are doing here. Nationwide
many folks are volunteering their time, their talents, their equine and their equipment to support
keeping our public lands open to everyone.
So here at the Phelps County Fair on May 30, 2025 between noon and 3 pm, you will have the
opportunity to see firsthand who we are and what we do in a visual display of the examples of the work
we perform. There will be a live horse or two for everyone to learn basic care of, as well as learning
their diet needs and of course, a chance to pet or brush the animal. We will also have our Light on the
Land display which educates everyone in the importance of leaving NO TRASH behind when you visit the
parks. The plastics we use in our society do not want to go away easily, so please don’t leave them
behind. Pack out all the trash that you bring in and pick up any that is found while enjoying the
outdoors. There will also be a station dedicated to a riding example. Several members of the local
South Central Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Missouri will be present to answer any
questions you may have. We can also help you find the closest Chapter to join to become a part of this
adventure and help us keep the trails open for everyone.
We are people who enjoy trail riding in the forest lands. Just riding around and soaking in the beauty of
our state on the back of our horses and mules. But we do so much more than just that.
We work hand in hand with all land agencies in Missouri to keep our trails open and usable for all
participants. We have great working relationships with the US Forest Service, Mark Twain National
Forest, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Corp of
Engineers and various other land agencies in our state, all with the same desire to keep our lands public.
Whether you’re riding a horse, a mule, a mountain bike or simply hiking, we have been actively assisting
in the maintenance of these trails. Having established a good working relationship with them, we also
get to make some suggestions on the use of the trails. We even sometimes get invited to the table
during the early discussions of planning and design for future park or trail locations.
We are made up of 11 Chapters in the state of Missouri – from the most NE location in Kahoka, to SE in
Van Buren, to SW corner as well as a chapter in Troy, St. Louis, Ava, Lebanon/Waynesville,
Columbia/Booneville, Pierce City, also the SW corner and of course, our South Central Chapter based
locally. Our chapter covers the central area here around Rolla, Salem and Licking. Our membership is
made up of men and women of all ages, as individuals or as family groups with even the kids being
active in our work as well as business members. Everyone can help contribute to taking care of the
beautiful lands we are so blessed with here in Missouri. But we are not the only ones. Across this great
nation, there are 31 states with organizations doing the same work we are doing here. Nationwide
many folks are volunteering their time, their talents, their equine and their equipment to support
keeping our public lands open to everyone.
So here at the Phelps County Fair on May 30, 2025 between noon and 3 pm, you will have the
opportunity to see firsthand who we are and what we do in a visual display of the examples of the work
we perform. There will be a live horse or two for everyone to learn basic care of, as well as learning
their diet needs and of course, a chance to pet or brush the animal. We will also have our Light on the
Land display which educates everyone in the importance of leaving NO TRASH behind when you visit the
parks. The plastics we use in our society do not want to go away easily, so please don’t leave them
behind. Pack out all the trash that you bring in and pick up any that is found while enjoying the
outdoors. There will also be a station dedicated to a riding example. Several members of the local
South Central Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Missouri will be present to answer any
questions you may have. We can also help you find the closest Chapter to join to become a part of this
adventure and help us keep the trails open for everyone.
