About
Back Country Horsemen of Oregon (BCHO) is a passionate collective committed to preserving the rights of individuals to sensibly utilize pack and saddle stock in Oregon's wilderness and backcountry. Our organization, a nonprofit entity, focuses exclusively...
Our History
Back Country Horsemen of Oregon History
The roots of Back Country Horsemen of Oregon (BCHO) can be traced back to the visionary efforts of Flathead BCH members Roland Cheek and Jack Watts in 1977, who initiated the idea of a state organization in...
State Officers, Directors & Staff
The State Officers are all volunteer positions. Officers are voted in by Back Country Horsemen of Oregon members. Staff and Committee Chair positions are appointed by the President. The State Directors positions are appointed each year by their respective...
Applebaker Memorial Scholarship
Applebaker Memorial Scholarship
The Applebaker Memorial Scholarships are awarded each fall for the propose of advancing skills and education for individuals wanting to improve their horsemanship knowledge, using mules or horses to pack loads into...
BCHO Cloud Services
BCHO Cloud services offers access to Google Apps for State Officers, and other State level positions to automate a number of responsibilities. BCHO has received free access Google for nonprofits to help streamline some of the BCHO Volunteer State...
BCHO Shopping Center
The BCHO Classifieds provide members new ways to move those unused items. As an equestrian business or services provider, Your ad will be placed on our web site and in the monthly publication, the Highline Newsletter . Click here to find out how...
Become a Member
https://youtu.be/FOCWwKPoNgc
Back Country Horsemen of Oregon is a nonprofit organization focused exclusively on ensuring public lands throughout Oregon remain accessible to equestrians. Through our principals , we advocate for private recreational...
Make a Donation Today
Volunteers Haul Timbers to Rebuild a Bridge
Welcome to the Heart of the Trail! At Back Country Horsemen of Oregon (BCHO), we're not just preserving trails – we're forging connections, creating memories, and ensuring the great outdoors remain a ...
Membership Form
"Kindly print the form provided by selecting the Printer icon below. Along with the completed membership form, please enclose a check for the total amount payable to "BCHO."
Upon filling out the BCHO membership application, sign it, and mail both...
Requirements to Become a BCHO Chapter
Forming a BCHO chapter is not difficult; however, there are a number of requirements. First, those interested in creating an organization must subscribe to the objectives and the purposes of the Back Country Horsemen of Oregon who is an approved...
Thank You for the Donation
Your generous contribution will be used to help up build and maintain horse camps and trails. 100 percent of your donations are used directly to fulfill our mission.
Thank you again for taking the time to make a donation, we...
Calendar
BCHO State Calendar
Public Equestrian Events
High Desert Trail Riders BCH
Territorial Riders BCH
West Cascade BCH
Steens BCH
Sourdough BCH
Columbia Gorge BCH
Emerald Empire BCH
East Cascades BCH
High Country...
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Chapters
Our chapters are key to our success through their efforts with our limited resources of time and people. Each chapter strives to keep their actions and activities relating directly to the original Back Country Horsemen purpose and mission, at the same...
Columbia Gorge Chapter
Welcome to the Columbia Gorge Chapter of Back Country Horseman of Oregon, most of our members come from the Hood River area or surrounding areas. We are a very friendly bunch, where most members are day riders who either camp at the trailhead...
Columbia Gorge Chapter Calendar
For those Google email users please subscribe to our calendar.
East Cascades Chapter
Chapter Officers
President: Lee Fischer, eastcascades@bcho.org
Vice President: Open, eastcascades@bcho.org
Treasure: Kelly Anez
Secretary: Marilyn Bernal
State Director: Peggie Fischer, eastcascades-dir@bcho.org
Membership: ...
East Cascades Chapter Calendar
For those Google email users Please subscribe to our calendar to view our events on our personal on-line calendar. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
Emerald Empire Chapter
The Emerald Empire Chapter of BCHO covers the Southern Willamette Valley of Oregon. We are an equine group of riders protecting our ability to recreate on our public lands, Forest Service, BLM, County and State parks. We embrace trail work/maintenance,...
Emerald Empire Chapter Calendar
For those Google email users Please subscribe to our calendar , to view under your email program on your smartphone, tablet, MAC or PC. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
High Country Wilderness Packers Chapter
The High Country Wilderness Packers Back Country Horsemen chapter was recently formed and is made up of members from all over the state of Oregon. We are having meetings bi-weekly by conference call contact Phil Hufstader, at hcwp@bcho.org for more...
High Country Wilderness Packers Calendar
Please subscribe to our calendar , to view under your email program on your smart phone, tablet or PC. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
High Desert Trail Riders Chapter
The High Desert Trail Riders Back Country Horsemen is dedicated to good horsemanship, good sportsmanship, the promotion of horse trails and trail horse facilities, to provide an active program of recreational riding.
Our active chapter has...
High Desert Trail Riders Chapter Calendar
Please subscribe to our calendar , to view under your email program on your smart phone, tablet or PC. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
Sourdough Chapter
Meet the Sourdough Chapter
The Sourdough Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Oregon covers the Rogue Valley area of Oregon. The chapter is involved with equestrian issues as it relates to the
5 principals of Back Country Horsemen, including...
Sourdough Chapter Calendar
Please subscribe to our calendar , to view under your email program on your smartphone, tablet or PC. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
Steens Chapter
Chapter Officers
President: John O'Connor, steens@bcho.org
Vice President: Open
Treasure/Membership: Laurie O’Connor
Secretary: Joan Suther
State Director: John O'Connor, steens-dir@bcho.org
Public Lands: April Mack
Trail Ride Coordinators: ...
Steens Chapter Calendar
Please subscribe to our calendar , to view under your email program on your smartphone, tablet or PC. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
Territorial Riders Chapter
Meet the Territorial Riders
The Territorial Riders riding club has been around in the Southeast Portland area for many many years but in 2011 became a chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Oregon, getting more involved with equestrian issues...
Territorial Riders Chapter Calendar
Please subscribe to our calendar , to view under your email program on your smartphone, tablet or PC. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
West Cascade Chapter
Welcome to the West Cascade Chapter of Back Country Horseman of Oregon, most of our members come from the Salem and surrounding are. We are a very friendly bunch, where most members are day riders who either camp at the trailhead or drive in...
West Cascade Chapter Calendar
Please subscribe to our calendar , to view under your email program on your smart phone, tablet or PC. Here is more information on how to subscribe to our calendars.
Contact Us
Contact Us Form
Contact President By Mail
Back Country Horsemen of OregonP.O. BOX 543Veneta, OR 97487
Contact Board and Staff By Email
President president@bcho.org Vice President vicepresident@bcho.org Public...
Donate to Applebaker Memorial Scholarship Fund
Donate to Applebaker Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Applebaker Memorial Scholarships are awarded each fall for the propose of advancing skills and education for individuals wanting to improve their horsemanship knowledge, using...
Donor Dashboard
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Education
The fourth mission statement of the Back Country Horsemen organization is;
To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the backcountry resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our...
Chainsaw Fuel Geyser
Several emails have been circulated over the past few months pertaining to “geysering” of chainsaws and other fuel containers when the fill cap is removed under tank pressurization conditions. These accidents are occurring all too often, esp...
Horse Camping Video Series
How-to video series for Horse Camping. Series of 7 10-minute clips produced by the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho North Central Chapter, The University of Idaho Natural Resources Lab and the Nez Perce National Forest, Moose Creek Ranger District.
Part...
Light On The Land for Horsemen
What is Light On The Land?
Light On The Land is an educational philosophy developed by and for equestrians who value the preservation of wild and rural landscapes. It builds on the foundation of Leave No Trace, but is adapted specifically for horsemen...
Light On The Land Principles for Horsemen
Plan Ahead and Prepare Thoughtful preparation ensures safety and enjoyment while minimizing impacts. Understand the land you're visiting—regulations, permits, health certifications, and animal restrictions. Talk with others familiar with the area. S...
Saw Certification Program
Saw Certification Program Documents
Updated USFS Saw Policy Document - du to covid-19 all expired Sayer cards have been extended to 12-31-2022.
National Saw Policy Related Documents, Background and FAQ's (Forest Service Link)
BCHO Saw...
Wilderness Sign Installation Video
This 30 minute Instructional video explains the proper method to install Trail marker signs in the Wilderness, using the proper hand tools. Instructor Dylan McCoy, The Lead Wilderness Ranger on the McKenzie River Ranger District provides a tutorial on...
Equestrian Resources
Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management & Federal HighwayAdministration
USDA Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds USFS Region 6, Pacific Northwest Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National...
Highline Advertising
Thank you for your interest in advertising in the Highline Newsletter. The Highline is a newsletter printed tri-annually; April 15, June 15 and November 1. It is circulated to all BCHO members statewide, the offices of USFS, BLM, NPS, other BCHO and...
Home
Meet the Back Country Horsemen
The Back Country Horsemen of Oregon, (BCHO) is a group of local men and women dedicated to the preservation of our right to the common sense use and enjoyment of pack and saddle stock in Oregon's wilderness and backcountry.
...
How to Subscribe to BCHO Calendars
The main Calendar page is made up of a number of individual calendars, a State BCHO Calendar, a Public Equestrian Events Calendar, a USA Holidays Calendar and a Calendar from each of our Chapters. You can subscribe to any or all of these Calendars ...
HighLine Newsletter
The Highline Newsletter is published three times a year providing interesting articles on what our different chapters are up to, some great back country places to camp and ride, our calendar to let you know when you can join us for more fun in the saddle...
Online Grant Application Form
In order to comply with the guidelines for BCHO’s 501(c)3 Non-Profit status, donated monies are tracked and allocated using the BCHO Grant Process. The grant request for the project must be related and coincide with the BCHO five principals and its m...
Privacy Statement
This statement discloses the privacy practices for the entire BCHO Web Site.
Questions regarding this statement should be sent to the web administrator, web@bcho.org. We respect the privacy of our members and readers and therefore have...
Register for 2026 BCHO Rendezvous:
Join us May 28–31, 2026 , at Sisters Cow Camp for a weekend of wilderness skills and camaraderie!
This special educational event focuses on wilderness skills and camaraderie, offering attendees the chance to learn from experienced backcountry r...
Member & Chapter Resources
BCHO Chapter Grants
Saw Certification Training
BCHO Grant Application PDF Form
BCHO Online Grant Application
Managing Chapter Online Calendar
Adding & Editing events on the Online Calendar...
Thank You for Your Membership
Thank you again for taking the time to become an Back Country Horsemen of Oregon, and Back Country Horsemen of America member, we value your time and support. If you have just renewed your membership or are new member, your transaction has been...
Trail Miles Report Form
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Your Scholarship Application has Been Received
Your Applebaker Memorial Scholarship Application has been submitted to the BCHO Grants Committee for review. Your Application must be received by February 1st.
The Grant Committee will review your application and the BCHO Board will make the...


