SEASONAL CLOSURES FOR OHIO’S STATE FOREST
BRIDLE TRAILS AND APV AREAS
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Bridle trails on most of Ohio’s state forests and all-purpose vehicle (APV) areas at Pike, Richland Furnace, and Perry state forests will close for the winter season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. Bridle trails will close on Monday, November 27, 2023, and APV areas will close on Monday, December 11, 2023.
State forest APV areas remain open during regular deer gun season to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to have greater access to the state forests with APV trails.
“Ohioans and visitors enjoy recreating on bridle trails and APV areas. Due to their popularity, it is important that the Division of Forestry manages these areas so they can continue to be used long into the future,” ODNR Division of Forestry Assistant Chief Dave Lane said. “We have seasonal closures to minimize traffic and the associated impact during this time of the year.”
During this seasonal closure period, forest staff and organizations with approved volunteer agreements can more safely maintain trails. Signage will be installed at parking areas and trailheads, designating the trails as closed.
Bridle trails will reopen for riding on Monday, April 1, 2024, and APV areas will reopen on Friday, April 5, 2024. Bridle trail rides can be requested during the closed season by completing a Special Use Permit (SUP) application and submitting it to the local forest manager at least five days prior to the event.
Maumee State Forest’s bridle trails and APV areas are not affected by the seasonal closures and will remain open year-round. The seasonal closures have been proposed in annual state forest work plans and have received public input.
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram @odnrforestry.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
State forest APV areas remain open during regular deer gun season to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to have greater access to the state forests with APV trails.
“Ohioans and visitors enjoy recreating on bridle trails and APV areas. Due to their popularity, it is important that the Division of Forestry manages these areas so they can continue to be used long into the future,” ODNR Division of Forestry Assistant Chief Dave Lane said. “We have seasonal closures to minimize traffic and the associated impact during this time of the year.”
During this seasonal closure period, forest staff and organizations with approved volunteer agreements can more safely maintain trails. Signage will be installed at parking areas and trailheads, designating the trails as closed.
Bridle trails will reopen for riding on Monday, April 1, 2024, and APV areas will reopen on Friday, April 5, 2024. Bridle trail rides can be requested during the closed season by completing a Special Use Permit (SUP) application and submitting it to the local forest manager at least five days prior to the event.
Maumee State Forest’s bridle trails and APV areas are not affected by the seasonal closures and will remain open year-round. The seasonal closures have been proposed in annual state forest work plans and have received public input.
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram @odnrforestry.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Mid-Winter Meeting & Seminars for Chapters
January 13, 2024
Chapter officers: please plan on attending a day of educational sessions and networking with fellow volunteers and equine enthusiasts. Learn what works to help your chapter grow. Bring your members, too! January 13 at the Doubletree Hilton in Newark. RSVP before December 15. If you’d like to stay the night in Newark, use this link to get the OHC discount at the Doubletree. OhioHorsemansCouncilatDoubleTreebyHiltonNewarkOH
Notice!
Charlemont Reservation is closed to horseback riding from the third week of October to December 31st for hunting season.
October Starts Lorain County OHC's
Membership Drive for 2024
It’s that time again --------
October starts Lorain County OHC's Membership drive for 2024.
Several ways to join:
1) Every 2023 primary member will receive a pre-filled 2024 membership form in the mail from state OHC.
2) Join or renew online at: ohconline.com
3) You can run off either primary/secondary membership applications from our website loraincountyohc.net
4) paper applications for Primary and Secondary memberships will be available at the membership meetings
Costs for a 2024 membership to Lorain County OHC are as follows:
BASIC membership (this is without Equine Excess Liability Insurance): Individual (18 yrs. +) $35; --- Youth (under 18) $20; — Family (includes spouse/partner/other and/or dependents) $45
PLUS membership (includes the Equine Excess Liability Insurance): Individual (18 yrs. +) $55; --- Family (includes spouse/partner/other and/or dependents). $85
SECONDARY memberships are: Individual $13; Family $15
ASSSOCIATE membership is $50
Make checks out to: Lorain County OHC; mail application and check to Treasurer, Monica Haschak 7836 Vandermark Road, Lodi, Ohio. 44254
Remember if you renew now, it prevents your Equine Excess Liability Insurance from lapsing (this insurance runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of the current year) and also prevents your prescription to the Corral from being interrupted!
October starts Lorain County OHC's Membership drive for 2024.
Several ways to join:
1) Every 2023 primary member will receive a pre-filled 2024 membership form in the mail from state OHC.
2) Join or renew online at: ohconline.com
3) You can run off either primary/secondary membership applications from our website loraincountyohc.net
4) paper applications for Primary and Secondary memberships will be available at the membership meetings
Costs for a 2024 membership to Lorain County OHC are as follows:
BASIC membership (this is without Equine Excess Liability Insurance): Individual (18 yrs. +) $35; --- Youth (under 18) $20; — Family (includes spouse/partner/other and/or dependents) $45
PLUS membership (includes the Equine Excess Liability Insurance): Individual (18 yrs. +) $55; --- Family (includes spouse/partner/other and/or dependents). $85
SECONDARY memberships are: Individual $13; Family $15
ASSSOCIATE membership is $50
Make checks out to: Lorain County OHC; mail application and check to Treasurer, Monica Haschak 7836 Vandermark Road, Lodi, Ohio. 44254
Remember if you renew now, it prevents your Equine Excess Liability Insurance from lapsing (this insurance runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of the current year) and also prevents your prescription to the Corral from being interrupted!
Handy Horse Tips
By Charlotte Augustin
Camping Check List
By Sherry Hoover
The American Horse Council
THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
From: Jim Wallace
The American Horse Council is collecting data for an economic impact study. This is an easy way to support your interest, it will not take you long if you have your information tabulated.
Go to horsecouncil.org or use the QR code above and take the horse owners survey.
You will need to get your 2022 information on your costs before you start.
Get your feed costs, vet costs, equipment costs, bedding, boarding, travel, camping, farrier, and other services, OHC and any other costs.
If you complete the survey, you will be placed in a drawing for:
Go to horsecouncil.org or use the QR code above and take the horse owners survey.
You will need to get your 2022 information on your costs before you start.
Get your feed costs, vet costs, equipment costs, bedding, boarding, travel, camping, farrier, and other services, OHC and any other costs.
If you complete the survey, you will be placed in a drawing for:
1st Prize – One John Deere “green” piece of equipment: Z545R ZTrak Mower valued at $7500.
2nd Prize – One year of Nutrena feed for 1 horse (a $2,000 value): 40 Nutrena free-bag coupons valued at up to $50 a coupon.
3rd – 6th Prize – One year of Purina feed for 1 horse (a $500 value per horse): 20 coupons valued at $25/each (total value $500).
7th Prize – One countertop fridge (holds up to 40 cans/bottles) from Cargill, valued at $350.
8th-9th Prizes – Enrollment in Texas A&M AgriLife Equine Reproductive Management Online Course, valued at $300/enrollment.
10th– 15th Prizes – $30 gift certificates from Trafalgar Square Books (total value $180).
2nd Prize – One year of Nutrena feed for 1 horse (a $2,000 value): 40 Nutrena free-bag coupons valued at up to $50 a coupon.
3rd – 6th Prize – One year of Purina feed for 1 horse (a $500 value per horse): 20 coupons valued at $25/each (total value $500).
7th Prize – One countertop fridge (holds up to 40 cans/bottles) from Cargill, valued at $350.
8th-9th Prizes – Enrollment in Texas A&M AgriLife Equine Reproductive Management Online Course, valued at $300/enrollment.
10th– 15th Prizes – $30 gift certificates from Trafalgar Square Books (total value $180).
Malabar to Pleasant Hill
The trail from Malabar State Park to Pleasant Hill is open.
Going from MSP to PHL when you cross over (not to the left) down to the new river crossing to the big field.
Going from MSP to PHL when you cross over (not to the left) down to the new river crossing to the big field.
Cuyahoga County OHC
Cuyahoga County Cleveland Metro Parks will offer group camping at Brecksville Meadows and South Chagrin Polo Field.
Details are still being finalized.
Contact Penny Passalacqua for more details (216-440-6998).
Cuyahoga, Summit and Medina will have a campout at South Chagrin Polo Field September 29th – October 1st.
Contact Joanie Hendrick for more info.
joaniehendrick@gmail.com
330-730-4652
Details are still being finalized.
Contact Penny Passalacqua for more details (216-440-6998).
Cuyahoga, Summit and Medina will have a campout at South Chagrin Polo Field September 29th – October 1st.
Contact Joanie Hendrick for more info.
joaniehendrick@gmail.com
330-730-4652
Carole Kenyon gave a report during the July LCOHC meeting,
on the horse camp & trails at Camp Tuscazoar in Zoarville, OH.
A few details of amenities: $185 for weekend bunkhouse (sleeps 18) with nice kitchen,
11 horse tie line spots.
There are 22 RV electric & water sites – put up your own tie lines.
Camp is located of 77 @ Rt 212.
There is mountain bike traffic on the trails.
Call Carole - (440) 935-1214
on the horse camp & trails at Camp Tuscazoar in Zoarville, OH.
A few details of amenities: $185 for weekend bunkhouse (sleeps 18) with nice kitchen,
11 horse tie line spots.
There are 22 RV electric & water sites – put up your own tie lines.
Camp is located of 77 @ Rt 212.
There is mountain bike traffic on the trails.
Call Carole - (440) 935-1214
American Horse Council
Three sites to look at from this years national meeting:
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)
https://aaep.org/horse-owners
Good resourse for:
Learn more about a horse health topic
Review equine abuse and neglect resources for both practitioners and law enforcement
Search Get-A-DVM to find an AAEP-member veterinarian in your area
United Horse Coalition
https://unitedhorsecoalition.org/
The United Horse Coalition is committed to helping horses at-risk or in transition
Lots of good resources for beginning and advanced horse owners
The Right Horse Initiative
https://www.therighthorse.org/
The Right Horse Initiative was formed in 2016 with the lofty goal of improving equine welfare through one powerful avenue: increasing adoption. This singular goal unites diverse stakeholders on one common issue, setting aside differences to do what’s best for horses. Matching the right horse with the right person creates safe, long-term placements and enables improvements across the broader spectrum of all equine welfare issues.
Helps you find a horse or place a horse
https://aaep.org/horse-owners
Good resourse for:
Learn more about a horse health topic
Review equine abuse and neglect resources for both practitioners and law enforcement
Search Get-A-DVM to find an AAEP-member veterinarian in your area
United Horse Coalition
https://unitedhorsecoalition.org/
The United Horse Coalition is committed to helping horses at-risk or in transition
Lots of good resources for beginning and advanced horse owners
The Right Horse Initiative
https://www.therighthorse.org/
The Right Horse Initiative was formed in 2016 with the lofty goal of improving equine welfare through one powerful avenue: increasing adoption. This singular goal unites diverse stakeholders on one common issue, setting aside differences to do what’s best for horses. Matching the right horse with the right person creates safe, long-term placements and enables improvements across the broader spectrum of all equine welfare issues.
Helps you find a horse or place a horse
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Wetmore Trail Parking
From Amy O'Neil
We have lost parking at the Wetmore Rd. lot due to the hikers taking over all spots on the weekends.
Parking for trailers is now available at Pine Hollow parking lot on Quick Rd.,
This avoids current road closures.
You cannot come South off of Rt. 303, road is closed between 303 and Truxell.
Use Pine Hollow lot, 5465 Quick Rd. parking lot and trail access.
77 to Wheatley Rd exit,
go East on Wheatley Rd to stop sign at road end,
turn right on Riverview Rd
turn left at 1st road, Bolanz Rd
turn left at next stop sign, Akron Peninsula Rd.
go PAST Wetmore Rd to next road North, turn right on Quick Rd
Pine Hollow lot is on the left, park at East end of lot, lot has 2 entrances,
to access Wetmore Trail, cross Quick Rd at the center of parking lot
Parking for trailers is now available at Pine Hollow parking lot on Quick Rd.,
This avoids current road closures.
You cannot come South off of Rt. 303, road is closed between 303 and Truxell.
Use Pine Hollow lot, 5465 Quick Rd. parking lot and trail access.
77 to Wheatley Rd exit,
go East on Wheatley Rd to stop sign at road end,
turn right on Riverview Rd
turn left at 1st road, Bolanz Rd
turn left at next stop sign, Akron Peninsula Rd.
go PAST Wetmore Rd to next road North, turn right on Quick Rd
Pine Hollow lot is on the left, park at East end of lot, lot has 2 entrances,
to access Wetmore Trail, cross Quick Rd at the center of parking lot
|
EquineChip
and Lifetime Equine Protection Registration Kit |
|
EQUINE IDENTIFICATION SIMPLIFIED!HIGHEST QUALITY AND A LIFETIME GUARANTEE!The Perfect Microchip for All Things Equine:USHJA Rules, FEI Passports, ICVI Health Certificates, Proof of Ownership, Event Registration, and more. Includes our Registry Card at no extra charge.
Put our microchip to work for the horse, owner and veterinarian:
- Guaranteed for the life of the animal.
- The EquineChip™ comes pre-loaded in a well designed sterile syringe and sealed pouch.
- ISO Certified at 134 kHz.
- Six peel-and-stick labels for paperwork and records.
- Smooth delivery with a sharp slim stainless steel needle.
- Bio Compatible Glass: Made by Schott®
- Anti Migration Coating: Smooth Parylene® coating seals the glass on all of our chips.
- Needles: Stainless steel, extra sharp 15 gauge ‘mini’ needle.
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty on Microchips.
- EtO Sterilization Process: Unopened pouch guaranteed sterile for 5 years.
- Recyclable Materials: Packaging, plastics, paper and needles | Recycle recommended.
Over 25 years of experience goes to work for you if you are ever separated from your horse. Well known by law enforcement and disaster teams, we have your back if horse theft, natural disaster, wildfire, hurricane, flood or even just a broken fence places your horse at risk.
Your Microchip Order includes a Pre-Paid Lifetime Equine Enrollment card:
- Proof of ownership.
- Registration is for life – or as long as you own your horse.
- Free web account and mobile member card. Owner Dashboard features SearchAlerts™, Photo, Owner Certificate, Alternate Contacts, instant updates and more. All can be managed through the mobile app.
- Free nationwide SearchAlerts™.
The Ohio Horseman's Council has your (horse)back
from
The Chronicle
Brad Zahar
The Chronicle-Telegram
June 07, 2019 3:28 PM
With 1,650 miles of bridle trails in over 100 locations, Ohio has a lot to offer those who like to horseback ride. While the riding trails are distributed throughout the state, much of the local real estate available for riding comes thanks to the Ohio Horseman’s Council (OHC).
The OHC, whose motto is “horsemen helping horsemen,” has more than 4,000 members across
70 Ohio counties committed to providing the best trails and experience possible for riders.
Started in 1972, the council began as a grassroots group of trail riders. It partnered with land owners and parks to establish bridle trails locally and statewide.
Penny Passalacqua, President of the Cuyahoga County OHC, works with the Cleveland Metroparks to help improve bridle trail access and maintain great riding in seven of its reservations.
“We want to help men and women care for the Cleveland Metroparks,” said Passalacqua. “We’ve donated money to the trails and help make improvements to their trailheads.”
In addition to Cleveland Metroparks, Passalacqua and the Cuyahoga County OHC work closely with neighboring park systems such as Lorain and Lake counties to help create good trails and conditions for all horse enthusiasts.
“We all enjoy being out in nature,” said Passalacqua.
In the Cleveland Metroparks, a park system associated with the urban area that is Cleveland, there are areas so scenic and remote in nature, it doesn’t feel like you’re in suburban Cleveland.
“We can be on bridle trails and feel like we are in the middle of nowhere,” Passalacqua said.
One of those scenic trail rides took place last weekend as the Cuyahoga County riders hosted a group ride in the South Chagrin Reservation. Beginning at the Polo Fields in Moreland Hills, about 45 showed up to ride about 10 miles through the bridle trails throughout the reservation.
During the riding season, which in Northeast Ohio runs from April to October, OHC chapters have group rides pretty regularly across the 70 chapters in the Buckeye State.
“We love to mentor new riders and new horse owners and have presentations every month to educate,” Passalacqua said. “We are very safety conscious and ride to the skill of those who are least experienced.”
For longtime enthusiasts like Passalacqua, who has ridden over 25,000 miles, riding and being involved with the local riding community is essential to keeping things going into the future.
“We want to pass on good stewardship,” she said. “We have 165 members in the Cuyahoga County chapter, and we always want to help men and women care for the Cleveland Metroparks.”
In Lorain County, the OHC chapter meets on the third Monday of each month at Carlisle Visitor Center in LaGrange. It also has events and rides throughout the area, just like its Cuyahoga County counterpart.
The passion and interest in horses and riding throughout Northeast Ohio is really special. In an area with so many miles of bridle trails and great scenery in the midst of an urban region, caring and collaborating with fellow horse enthusiasts is an important part of a very tight-knit community that plays a large part in preserving and protecting the wonderful resources we have.
The Chronicle-Telegram
June 07, 2019 3:28 PM
With 1,650 miles of bridle trails in over 100 locations, Ohio has a lot to offer those who like to horseback ride. While the riding trails are distributed throughout the state, much of the local real estate available for riding comes thanks to the Ohio Horseman’s Council (OHC).
The OHC, whose motto is “horsemen helping horsemen,” has more than 4,000 members across
70 Ohio counties committed to providing the best trails and experience possible for riders.
Started in 1972, the council began as a grassroots group of trail riders. It partnered with land owners and parks to establish bridle trails locally and statewide.
Penny Passalacqua, President of the Cuyahoga County OHC, works with the Cleveland Metroparks to help improve bridle trail access and maintain great riding in seven of its reservations.
“We want to help men and women care for the Cleveland Metroparks,” said Passalacqua. “We’ve donated money to the trails and help make improvements to their trailheads.”
In addition to Cleveland Metroparks, Passalacqua and the Cuyahoga County OHC work closely with neighboring park systems such as Lorain and Lake counties to help create good trails and conditions for all horse enthusiasts.
“We all enjoy being out in nature,” said Passalacqua.
In the Cleveland Metroparks, a park system associated with the urban area that is Cleveland, there are areas so scenic and remote in nature, it doesn’t feel like you’re in suburban Cleveland.
“We can be on bridle trails and feel like we are in the middle of nowhere,” Passalacqua said.
One of those scenic trail rides took place last weekend as the Cuyahoga County riders hosted a group ride in the South Chagrin Reservation. Beginning at the Polo Fields in Moreland Hills, about 45 showed up to ride about 10 miles through the bridle trails throughout the reservation.
During the riding season, which in Northeast Ohio runs from April to October, OHC chapters have group rides pretty regularly across the 70 chapters in the Buckeye State.
“We love to mentor new riders and new horse owners and have presentations every month to educate,” Passalacqua said. “We are very safety conscious and ride to the skill of those who are least experienced.”
For longtime enthusiasts like Passalacqua, who has ridden over 25,000 miles, riding and being involved with the local riding community is essential to keeping things going into the future.
“We want to pass on good stewardship,” she said. “We have 165 members in the Cuyahoga County chapter, and we always want to help men and women care for the Cleveland Metroparks.”
In Lorain County, the OHC chapter meets on the third Monday of each month at Carlisle Visitor Center in LaGrange. It also has events and rides throughout the area, just like its Cuyahoga County counterpart.
The passion and interest in horses and riding throughout Northeast Ohio is really special. In an area with so many miles of bridle trails and great scenery in the midst of an urban region, caring and collaborating with fellow horse enthusiasts is an important part of a very tight-knit community that plays a large part in preserving and protecting the wonderful resources we have.
Contact Brad Zahar at bzaharoutdoors@gmail.com
November/December, 2023 / Volume 63, Number 6
|
Lorain County Metroparks
|
|
The Arrowhead program guide is distributed on the third Friday of every other month (February, April, June, August, October and December). The Arrowhead can be found in the Chronicle Telegram, Morning Journal and the Plain Dealer on these Fridays. Arrowheads can also be found at Lorain County Metro Parks nature and visitor centers and at local libraries.
OHC & Ohio Trails Parntership (OTP)
at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus
(Back row: Arden Sims, Kris Green, Tom Green, Jim Wallace. Front row: Mary Alice Kuhn, Don Wagner, Ann Beathard, Cindy Barnett, Catherine Estill, Eric Estill.)
Members of OHC State organization joined with members of Ohio Trails Parntership (OTP) at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus this week to advocate for Ohio trails. The purpose allowed OHC to discuss with senators and representatives in most all our regions to support OHC in its efforts to build and maintain trails as well as preserve the land for horse, bike and hiking trail use. OHC is the largest all volunteer trails group in Ohio and plays an active role in OTP and will continue to participate in future legislative, trails caucuses. Ohio Horseman”s Council members joined with members of Ohio Trails Parntership (OTP) at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus this week to advocate for Ohio trails. The purpose allowed OHC to discuss with senators and representatives in most all our regions to support OHC in its efforts to build and maintain trails as well as preserve the land for horse, bike and hiking trail use. OHC is the largest all volunteer trails group in Ohio and plays an active role in OTP and will continue to participate in future legislative, trails caucuses.
Bob Jackson receives the OHC Merit Award
for his exceptional efforts working with
the Lorain County OHC.
A big round of applause to our very own Bob Jackson for all the hard work and dedication he has committed to helping with trail care and maintenance. He has received special recognition this year from the Ohio Horse Council for his time and commitment. Bob has been a long time member of the Lorain County Horse Council. Over the years he has put countless hours faithfully showing up to help at all the trail maintenance events with his large equipment and great ideas, clearing the paths to help keep us all safe on the trails. Once again, cowboy hats off to Bob and also a big hug to Dee, Bob’s wife, for always supporting Bob in his efforts.
Thank you, Bob.
Thank you, Bob.
2022
OHC Horse Power
Official Publication of Ohio Horseman's Council, Inc.
In the September 2022 issue of Horsemen’s Corral, OHC Horse Power will be included along with your copy of the Corral.
OHC Horse Power covers everything equine including information about the 1,650 miles of Ohio bridle trails OHC has adopted, legislative issues in the horse industry, OHC sponsored youth events, OHC county chapter contacts and much more.
OHC Horse Power covers everything equine including information about the 1,650 miles of Ohio bridle trails OHC has adopted, legislative issues in the horse industry, OHC sponsored youth events, OHC county chapter contacts and much more.
|
Horse Power is increased when you partner OHC members with other horse clubs and land managers to achieve goals of mutual interest. You can expect your membership dues to directly support Ohio’s bridle trails as well as other equine-related events to promote the benefits of ownership. We operate on membership dues and there are no paid positions within OHC. Participate in any activities OHC sponsors, or simply enjoy owning your horse and riding the trails. Whichever you chose, your small investment will work for you and your equine friend. I hope I answered your question and see you on the trails, Arden Sims, President Ohio Horseman’s Council, Inc |
New for 2017
OHC Member Business Directory
