Vickie's Story

I was blessed to have a father who taught me all about camping, horses, packing, hunting, and fishing. I remember the first camping trip I went on; while we were packing to leave, he said, "Leave the camp better than we found it." At six years old, he introduced me to the principle of LNT—Leave No Trace.

I’ve also been blessed to have packed the Cascade Mountains of Washington, camped and ridden the Selway River area of Idaho, and now live close enough to Wyoming to ride the Snowy Range while residing right in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies.

Many years ago, my parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I said, "A horse and a week-long pack trip into the Winthrop Wilderness" in Washington. They granted my wish and set me on the right path.

My life has been an amazing adventure, taking me to some of the most beautiful places. At times, I worried I didn’t know the ways of the city or wasn’t glamorous enough. I even resisted being a country girl. But now, I am proud of that identity. I’d rather be in the mountains on my horse any day, embracing what Mother Nature has put before me.

Over the years, the mountains I grew up riding in have changed. The beauty is still there but in a different way. It used to be that we rode through lush forests and open meadows full of wildflowers, where creeks ran clear and trout filled the streams and lakes, providing our dinner. Now, with beetle kill, trail closures, fires, climate change, and human interference, the beauty is a little harder to see. But if you open your heart, you’ll still find it.

I love being a member of BCHA. It’s more than just riding in the mountains, being on a trail crew, or fighting to keep our trails open to riding and pack stock. It’s about being part of a community of people across the country who have come together to preserve packing, camping, and riding in the backcountry for the next generation.

This group understands that the generations of mountain men, outfitters, guides, and packers are becoming part of history—but we must ensure this legacy endures as more than just stories in books. This country was opened by these men and women with their pack strings and outdoor skills.

Now, as part of the older generation (which I hate to admit), my passion for the backcountry is as strong as ever, though I’ve slowed down. Cutting out trees with a crosscut saw, putting in water bars, and moving large rocks are tasks I now leave to the younger generation. Still, I’ve noticed that many of our chapters are composed primarily of older members. 

I hope we’re all out there teaching the younger generation about BCHA’s mission. We need their support to ensure our work continues.

To me, being a member of BCHA is more than a passion—it has been my life. How many people can say they are living the life they dreamed of? If I can help keep horses and pack stock in the backcountry for future generations, then my work with BCHA will have been worthwhile.

Let’s join together to introduce the next generation to the wonders of a high mountain trail. Let’s open their eyes to the sight of a pack string hobbled in a meadow and the sound of the lead mare’s bell ringing. Let them hear the wind whispering through the trees as night settles in. Let’s sit with them by an open fire and teach them the constellations and wonders of the night sky. Let them marvel at a falling star and watch the moon dip behind a high mountain peak.

Let them wake in the morning to the songs of birds, a hummingbird darting through camp, and the chatter of a squirrel scolding them for being in its forest. Let them watch the sun rise over a lake, sparkling on the water’s surface as trout break through for their morning meal.

Let them round a trail corner and startle a moose or watch as their horse picks up the scent of a herd of elk or a doe and fawn. Let them wade in a cool mountain creek, swim in an ice-cold lake, or learn to pack a mule, balance a pack with a rock, and hobble a horse. Let them set up a tent and sleep in the wilderness.

Let them hear an elk bugle or a cougar scream in the middle of the night. Let them get dirt on their hands, mud between their toes, cook over an open fire, and taste how great a meal is—even if it’s a little burned or has a bit of dirt in it. Let them feel the power of a mountain rainstorm and the hair-raising thrill of lightning striking a little too close.

Teach them the old ways: how to survive, take care of themselves, and care for their animals. Teach them to highline a horse, build a shelter, start a campfire, and ensure it is completely out. Let’s not allow these skills to disappear.

Let them ride over a snow-covered mountain pass, descend into a beautiful meadow full of grass, and watch a lone bear digging for grubs in a dead tree.

The wonders of Mother Nature are still there. We might have to look a little harder than we used to, but if we sit in silence, we’ll see and hear the beauty she still offers.

Incorporated: September 23, 2003

Non Profit 501c3 Corporation

As I look back, it’s hard to believe the chapter is 15 years old!

It all started with my search for backcountry riders. I had moved to Colorado and wanted to find like-minded horseback riders. Get me out of the arena—I’d had enough of that. I wanted to be out on a mountain trail.

My search led me to the Colorado Back Country Horsemen, but all the chapters in Colorado were located down south. I met with Jan Swarm, Colorado’s State President at the time, at the Horse Expo in Denver. We discussed me joining a group down there, but it was too far for me to drive when I wanted to ride every weekend or on my days off. I left disappointed but inspired by the group’s mission.

Then came a phone call that changed everything. Jan said, "Why don’t you start a chapter in Northern Colorado?" Panic, shock, and terror washed over me. "I can’t do that! I don’t have a clue how to start or run a chapter. I’m not a leader—I follow really well. It can’t be me!"

But as you can see, it could be me. My passion for keeping trails open was stronger than my fear. On June 25, 2003, we held our first meeting, and to my surprise, I found my people. I found my home. I found where I belonged.

With the help of several dedicated individuals, Northern Colorado Back Country Horsemen was born. We had a lot to learn, but we made it work. I owe so much to the people who showed up to those early meetings and believed we could make NCBCH one of the best chapters in Colorado.

Over the years, people have come and gone, each leaving a piece of themselves with me. I’ve learned so much from them, their families, horses, mules, and even their dogs. It’s amazing what a four-legged animal can teach you. As the saying goes, "You’ve left a footprint, hoofprint, or pawprint on my heart."

For a small chapter, we’ve accomplished amazing things. From Leave No Trace education to trail maintenance, packing clinics, and mounting blocks for accessibility, we’ve made a difference. Our largest project to date was designing and building a 17-corral horse camp at Colorado State Forest State Park near Walden. Later, we worked with Larimer County Open Space to create another horse camp at Hewlett Gulch near Estes Park.

Our work has left a legacy. But more importantly, it has built a family.