Organization
Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen (SMMBCH) is part of the Back Country Horsemen of America. As such, SMMBCH coordinates activities throughout Missouri to keep Missouri’s public trails open to horsemen. SMMBCH is organized in accordance with our by-laws.
Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen is a Missouri Not-for-Profit Corporation and a 501(c)4 Social Welfare Organization. Donations to SMMBCH are NOT tax deductible; however, tax deductible contributions can be made to the Back Country Horsemen of America (a 501(c)3 organization) and designated for use benefiting SMMBCH.
Purposes of Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen
- Perpetuating common sense use and enjoyment of Missouri’s back country and wilderness areas.
- Ensuring Missouri’s public lands remain open for recreational stock use.
- Assisting Missouri and Federal government agencies in maintaining public equestrian and multi-use trails.
- Educating government officials and the general public on equestrian use of public trails.
Challenges
Equestrian access to public lands is being challenged nation-wide by increased competition for trail use, reduced budgets for trail maintenance at all levels of government and misconceptions about the impact horses have on trails. The equestrian community needs to earn a ‘seat at the table’ where ever decisions are being made about equestrian access to public trails or face the likelihood of further reductions in trails open to horseback riders.
Show-Me Missouri Backcountry Horsemen, as part of Backcountry Horsemen of America, is working to earn a ‘seat at the table’ and promote the interests of all horsemen who enjoy using our public lands. Please join us! Together, we will make a difference!