Thanks to Sue Murphy’s over 15 public rides in the past several years at the Valle Grande and the Back Country Horseman of Santa Fe for their ongoing support of erosion control and trail maintenance, to Cat Parks and the SFCHC, and – very importantly – to everyone that wrote or attended one of the VCNP Listening Sessions, here is what the VCNP has decided with regard to Equestrian Activities:
Valles Caldera meeting with the Santa Fe County Horse Coalition 6/17/2015
In attendance:
- Cat Parks, Santa Fe County Horse Coalition President
- Sue Murphy, Santa Fe County Horse Coalition Member
- Charlie Strickfaden, Acting Superintendent, Valles Caldera National Preserve
- Jorge Silva-Banuelos, Valles Caldera Trust Executive Director
Summary of Discussion and Decisions
+ All trails in Valles Caldera are now open to equestrian use.
+ Trails are open 7 days per week with no limitations to weekends. Riders are advised to wear neon colors during hunting season, especially when traveling on back trails. Riders are also advised to check with park personnel regarding areas where hunters are active.
+ There are 3 Horse trailer parking areas. A revised public access map is in progress to clearly show areas designated for trailer parking.
- Banco Bonito
- Horse Barn/Bull Barn
- San Antonio Corrals subject to the daily vehicle limit of 24
*Banco Bonito and the Horse Barn/Bull barn will NOT be part of the back country permits (vehicle limitations) and will be open to all.
+ There has been a complete fee overhaul. Charge is now $20 per vehicle.
+ 24 vehicles per day limited to back country access. 12 are reservable in advance. These passes are shared among hunters, anglers, hikers, etc. as well.
+ Horsemen stewardship is appreciated.The Preserve has a very active volunteer group called Los Amigos, who spend considerable time on trail maintenance. There may be future opportunities for equestrian involvement in this area in the future.
+ Current guideline for feeding horses trailered in the Preserve: only certified weed-free pellets and cubes, but no hay, may be taken into and used in any area of the Preserve. It is recommended that horses and pack animals be fed weed-free for 48 hours in advance of entering the Preserve. This is to reduce the number of invasive plants that potentially could be introduced to the park. Please be good stewards to the land and abide by this request.
+ Long term plans: a concessionaire (outfitter) will keep horses at the Horse Barn/Bull Barn and offer rides to the public. To further promote the hourly rentals, we recommend staging a few very sweet horses in the corrals at the Visitors Center to stimulate spur-of-the-moment interest. There was discussion regarding added corrals by the rentable cabins and at Banco Bonito
We are all so grateful & appreciative of your efforts on our behaves….