By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
Back Country Horsemen of West, Alabama is hosting a special event for horse owners/enthusiasts on March 8 with a fundraiser trail ride. It will take place at Paul M. Grist State Park in Valley Grande at the primitive horse camp.
According to Jamie Reid Ruff, of Clanton, Back Country Horsemen of West, AL belongs to a nationwide volunteer organization that works hard with local, state and federal government to keep trails maintained and open for the public. In the State of Alabama, there are Back Country Horseman Chapters associated and located with/at each state park that offers equestrian trails.
“We at BCHA of West AL would like to invite the equestrian community to come ride and fellowship with other horseback riders on March 8th. This will be an opportunity to experience progress since becoming a chapter just a few years ago,” Ruff said.
The event March 8 will have a 9 a.m. ride out. Lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m. with a Chapter meeting to follow. Donations and new members will be accepted and appreciated. Monies are earmarked for equestrian improvements.
The Primitive Horse Camp is first come, first served. Day use trailer parking is $4 per person. For primitive camping, there is a $13 fee per night. This fee includes day usage and riding fee. See graphic for more information.
Don’t let Primitive scare you off. There are two water lines in the horse camp, lots of trees for shade and picketing horses, picnic tables and an information kiosk with maps.
Ruff said the organization is growing, and new members are welcome. Proceeds from this event and memberships go towards continued repair, development and maintenance on the trails.
There is a shower house next to RV camp and a 100-acre lake that’s great for fishing and canoeing.
Paul M Grist State Park offers roughly 22 miles of trails, for all levels of riders. Horseshoes are not needed as the trails are barefoot friendly.
There are a few bridges and creek crossings, plus the trail system is a 98% shaded trail. This is a great place to ride in the summertime too, with shaded trails you can beat the heat.
On top of the 22 -/+ trail miles, you are just a short ride by horseback into the National Forest of Okmulgee where there are miles of dirt forest roads.
Ruff said everyone is encourage everyone to attend the fundraiser trail ride to ride, fish and camp at Paul M Grist State Park.
Note: This park DOES NOT allow all-terrain vehicles of any kind.
If you are interested and need more information, please contact Jamie Reid Ruff at 334-518-0322, Joel Boykin at 205-457-4745, or Theresa Sanford at 205-529-8077.
For more information about Paul Grist State Park, visit www.alapark.com/parks/paul-grist-state-park
