WELCOME TO BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF ILLINOIS (BCHIL)

Back Country Horsemen of Illinois (BCHIL) is a state organization of Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) .   We are committed to protecting the access of equestrians to public lands. We are devoted equestrians who love to ride and explore new trails. We assist with trail maintenance and improvement projects, keeping trails clear for all user groups.  BCHIL works primarily in the Shawnee National Forest in southern IL.  We   welcome riders of all types, ages and interests into our organization!

National's Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) formation took place in Montana’s Flathead Valley in January of 1973 by Ken Ausk, Dulane Fulton, Dennis Swift, and Roland Cheek . They used their specialized knowledge of stock and the back country to bring about changes and modifications of restrictive stock management by public officials. We began by participating in agency meetings and land use planning and regulations and have become a strong voice for responsible equestrian use and continued access in our back country.

These four men and their supporters never dreamed that they were the initial developers of programs like Tread Lightly and Leave no Trace for stock.

The purpose of this organization shall be:

1. To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America's back country and Wilderness areas. 

2. To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use. 

3. To assist the various government, state and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource. 

4. To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise and sustaining use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage. 

5. To foster and encourage the formation of new state back country horsemen’s organizations.