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Back Country Horsemen Ride for Cancer
BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO
This island of ours is scattered with parks, manicured walkways and welltrodden lookouts—and these are lovely gems—but have you ever considered exploring beyond the curated? The Back Country Horsemen of BC have made it their mission to experience the backcountry and to provide access for their members and the public to explore it too.
The Back Country Horsemen of BC’s Central Vancouver Island chapter is hosting a Ride for Cancer on September 15, 2024. The ride will take place at the Spruston Staging Area, followed by a luncheon, and costs $30 to join. This event is open to all members of Horse Council BC and will be capped at 60 people.
Spokesperson for the CVI chapter, Joanne Schneider, mentioned that the inspiration for this event has a personal connection: “A number of our current riders are currently experiencing health issues with cancer and we’ve had members who have lost parents in previous years to cancer.”
Donations are welcomed from both members and non-members alike and will be provided with charitable receipts. All proceeds go to the BC Cancer Foundation; to enquire or donate, email the BCHBC at cvi.bchorsemen@gmail.com.
While the upcoming ride is a fun way to give back and engage with the community, there is still work to be done with the Central Vancouver Island chapter.
Updating the Spruston Map is the next project for the CVI. “We have about 12 new trails that aren’t on the map.” There are signs on the trailheads, but the next step is to geo-reference the trails. Once they have updated the map, it will be posted to Horse Council BC as well as CalTopo and other hiking apps.
The BCHBC works, through member’s efforts, to preserve and enhance the use of public lands. With the fall approaching, the CVI is looking towards springtime projects: “We do more trail clearing prepping, tidying things up for the fall on some of the local trails. And then when spring hits, we’re really busy after all the snow storms and trees down.”
Schneider said that while the work is rewarding, it wasn’t the main draw for her to join the club. “I’d been riding for many years, but I joined them because they are a good group. They promote trails and they’re a group to ride with. Not only for the trail riding, but the camaraderie.”
That camaraderie is the draw for many people. The organization provides an opportunity for people to make friends and explore the backcountry, rain or shine. “We’ve gone out on rides and been caught in the rain, but we don’t melt.” In addition to projects and rides, the CVI hosts luncheons as a way to bond.
The BCHBC also provides a vital service to rural communities by being present in the wilderness. “We’re the eyes and the ears. If we see something out there, we might be the first ones. We spotted a fire one time. It was way up towards the top and we got the call out there. It’s good to be out there and it keeps things under control.”
While riding equines in the backcountry is the focus of the group, the trails they work on are open to all. “We always encounter hikers, dog walkers; there’s lots of people out on our trails and we use their trails. It’s our chance to promote equines and show people that we are out there.”
Many people haven’t experienced close encounters with animals as big as horses, and it can be a scary experience. Pet owners, too, should remember that this may be their dog’s first encounter and the key to a good experience is to remain calm. Horses spook easily and their riders will do their best to steady the equine, but there are a few things you can do to ensure as much safety as possible. First, as stated already, remain calm and try to quiet any pets or children. Second, announce your presence, don’t hide in the bushes, but make yourself known to the rider and the equine. Finally, give as much space as possible. The trails might be narrow and this could be difficult, but allowing for space helps communicate to the equine that you aren’t dangerous.
But most of all, whether you ride horses or a bike or are out for a hike, it’s important to use the trails and support the BCHBC. “People don’t get the chance to get out and see the backcountry,” Scheider said. So, this is your reminder to go beyond the comfortable and experience the beauty of the Island.
Donations are welcomed from both members and non-members alike and will be provided with charitable receipts. All proceeds go to the BC Cancer Foundation; to enquire or donate, email the BCHBC at cvi.bchbc@gmail.com.
