Right-To-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005 stalls

From Dianne Domingo-Foraste (dianne@fourpalms.org)

See the complete bil at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:h.r.586:

The "Right-To-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005" bill has stalled in the Senate because of low support from the horse world. The American Horse Council, led by the Americal Quarter HOrse Association, have launched a campaign to GET ANYONE WHO RIDES, especially in they already ride in national parks or wilderness areas-or think they might someday-to get on the bandwagon to send off an already prepared letter of support. Some details . . . Last March, Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) introduced the "Right-To-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005" into the US House of Representataives, and a month later Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced an identical bill into the US Senate. But nothing has happened since March, when the bill was referred to half a dozen committees. This is due partly because congressmen and their staffs are disappointed by the low level of support their efforts have received from the horse world.

The easiest way to contact your senator or representative is to click on_ http://capwiz.com/aqha/issues/alert/?alertid=7749306&type=CO , which takes you to an AQHA Action ALert. The bill says in part "The Secretary of the Interior shall provide for the management of National Park System lands to preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands, including wilderness areas, national monumnets, and other specifically designated areas, where there is a historical tradition of such use. _As a general rule, all trails, routes and areas used by pack and saddle stock shall remain open and accessible for such use." Please forward _this message to any horse association or outdoor organization that supports hiking and riding trails. _This is a vital letter of support, that cements equestrian rights on a national level, and safeguards riding on public lands for the future. _