Saddle up for a good cause
PRIEST RIVER – Saddle up the horses, and get ready to hunt with Priest River Valley Backcountry Horsemen and their annual scavenger hunt.
The fundraiser will be held on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.,
Set to be held at Chipmunk Rapids near the Priest Lake information center on Highway 57, this year’s event will follow the tradition of having a theme that decides the items that are hidden. The events creator and PRVBH public lands liaison Robin Pilkington said the theme “Horsing Around,” will see 28 various miniature horse figurines hidden along the trail — which also falls in line with the group's purpose and mission.
“PRVBH is a volunteer group of people who not only love horses and mules, and packers but also the trails and the trail riders that provide trail maintenance,” Pilkington said.
With the mission of maintaining and preserving public access in the local community, the PRVBH is just one of the branches in Bonner County, that belongs to a much larger organization that started in Montana with the same purpose. From its beginnings in Montana, the organization has grown to have -state chapters that govern smaller chapters in that area. On a national level, Backcountry Horseman of America even goes so far as to fund efforts to lobby the government in favor of public trails.
“Part of what Backcountry Horsemen does is keep the trails open so that the public can enjoy them without our help, the Forest Service doesn't have the manpower to clear the number of trails that we clear,” Pilkington said.
Averaging between 75 and 100 miles of trail maintenance every year, Pilkington said the funds raised from the event will go toward aid in that mission.
“Plans are to put in more ties for the horses and improve some of the campsites there,” Pilkington said.
While the main event will be held Saturday, a kick-off event has been planned for Friday with a potluck at 5 p.m. to be followed by a meeting at 6 p.m. Pilkington said that although the potluck has only been largely talked about to members, the community is invited to learn about the organization.
The hunt will begin Saturday morning and will be a leisurely activity to start and do at one’s own pace. Also featuring a pulled pork lunch and prizes, the event entry fee to hike, ride, or just have lunch is $10 per person.
“These trails are very family-friendly for all levels to enjoy your horse. This is one of our annual fundraisers,” Pilkington said.
In the past, Pilkington said prizes have ranged from a golf day gift certificate to handmade decorations, all donated by the community. This year the organization is looking to do the same and it asking the community for help.
To donate reach out to Robin Pilkington via email; to learn about the event, and the organization, or become a member just in time for the potluck go online to prvbch.org.
