Highjacking Trails / Funding the Good Fight]

[Justgrassmower@netscape.net]

We are in the midst of shocking attempts by local agencies (attempting to get "free" grant money so that they can play), to turn the public against equestrians, and create trail changes which will eventually run the horses out.  Their ploy is, that "the only reason anyone is against unsafe trail changes (i.e., paving, turning narrow/sharpcornered trails into multi-use, etc.) is that the equestrians are selfish".  The trails proposed for paving are already multi-use, and gladly shared by the equestrians.  Originally, they were gold-miner trails.  (I am checking into historical designation, if anyone has any tips.)

Anyway, this has turned into a taxpayors' rights issue, based on the misuse of the grant money.  The local taxpayors have been forced to hire legal counsel, which appears so far to be successful in saving our trails.  We are talking about trails that are used for endurance training, AND an endurance ride.  While the parties protecting the trails appear to be gaining ground, the monetary and time cost has been high.  At this point, we are reduced to begging for anybody who can help, either monetarily or with helpful pointers.  These trails are used by all, the last endurance ride even had entrants from three States away.  If you can be of any help, no matter how small, please respond to Justgrassmower@netscape.net, for further details.  PLEASE, PLEASE - we are begging for whatever help you may feel generous enough to provide.  I have been in contact with the former head of the AERC Trails Committee, and will be in contact with Mr. Firth of the AERC Trails Committee, should you wish to legitimize this message, hopefully either tonight or tomorrow.   AGAIN, we are fighting a battle based upon principal, and gaining the grudged respect of these agencies for equestrian rights.  Help us to win the battle.  I plan on posting an entire page on this issue when the "dust" has settled, to hopefully provide and share pointers for others across the States.  THANK YOU for your time!   

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