Pierce County Chapter
Back Country Horsemen of Washington

MEET THE MEMBERS :

Hi, this is Stephanie, I am 12 years old. I have a Arabian Mare named Nadia who is 19 years old. She is a great horse for me and can keep up with my mother’s gated horses. I like to ride anywhere. I love to jump in my yard, ride in Pack Forest, and being in the Junior Back Country Horseman Club, when I can ride with other friends my age.

Hello, my name is Megan Hudspeth, and I am going to tell you about my horse Steps High. Steps High is a 5y.o. Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Mare; she is a Very Sweet horse and loves me. She is used to my weight on her back and mostly does, or try's to do, what I ask. Together we make a great team, we are both involved in showing and Steps High enjoys it a lot.  

Hi, my name is Trever Grant, I am Bill Golding's right hand man. I helped out with the Goat Lake project and other numerous work projects. I own a 9y.o. Standardbred that is utterly outstanding! Look for me at the meetings.

Hi, this is Stephanie, I have am Arabian mare named Nadia, she is 17y.o. and she is the nicest horse for me. I'm 10 years old and try to ride my horse often ,like when the weather is nice or no rain. I like to trail ride with kids my own age. I also enjoy jumping in my yard. But, with mud this time of year, I can only jump in the field or on trails were there are fallen logs.

Hi, I am Jessica Fennimore. I joined Junior BCH because I like riding in the woods and the trails. I think this will be a good experience for me and my horse. I have a Arabian Quarter Mix , he enjoys trails, arena , and mostly likes to eat.

Hello, I am Alix Downing. I joined Junior BCH because I love Riding horses and just being around horses! I have been into horses since I was really little! My horse's name is Zina  and she is absolutely beautiful! But, she is only 3; so I ride Raheem, the best horse ever! I don't think I could live without horses. My dad's name is Justin Downing and my mom's name is Theordodra Millette. My dad and my grandparents are the ones making this possible for me, but my mom is still supportive,

Hi, I am Chrissy Lerma. I have been riding horse for about 3 yrs. I ride a Paint/ Arab gelding.

Meet the Advisers : I am Mrs. Collins, Stephanie's mom. We started in horses since we got our neighbors horses as a gift. We have 3 horses we ride. Trail riding is a real peaceful way to see the mountains of W.A. We have much to learn about outdoor living with horses that we need the help of our BCH friends.

I'm Laurie Huston.

 Yo, my name is Steve Lerma, Chrissy's dad. I have been riding horse for bout' 3 yrs. I have a horse, an 11 yr old mix mare that is 14.2 hands high. My mare's name is Chian; she is just a full tanked Cadillac. You can see my daughter and I at club meetings and rides. Bullet is about 15 hands high. I also have a mare in training named Ruby; she is about 4 yrs old. All in all, I have been into horses 9 yrs.

If you know of any rough’n’tumble kids who love to ride and want to learn, give us a call. 

To check this gig out, call Lauri Huston (253-732-9361). 

Introduction to JR. BCH 

Welcome to a new generation of Backcountry Horsemen.  Al Sammons, Our National Chairman recently asked the question  “Are We a Vanishing Breed?”  I sat in my chair quietly after reading his article, dumbfounded that someone actually gave merit to the Jr. BCH program.  After almost 2 years of existence I couldn’t have wished for any better invitation to stoke the coals and get the fire burning hot once again. 

Unofficially the Jr BCH Pilot Program has existed for 2 years and has been recognized and adopted by BCH of America and BCH of Washington as an Official Program in 2001.  Our manual is an outline used by the Pierce County Chapter of BCH of Washington to pilot the Jr. BCH Program. 

It is my hope that each and every state belonging to BCHA finds it in their heart to take a real look at the merits of this program.  It has increased the participation of our chapter meetings, given new life to the  old timers (I say that with admiration and awe at the fact that horses were a way of life to most of our chapter members,  as a “Green Horn” I envy that part of our heritage) and it has given the “Leave No Trace” program a new generation of users to impact. 

We invite you to explore the possibilities of passing on your “experiences, hard knocks, and lessons learned throughout your lifetime” to a child, grandchild, neighbor or friend.  After all if you don’t take a new generation packing in the “backcountry” who will?

Sincerely, Jody Goulette, JR BCH Founder