Illinois Trail riders is a non-profit trails advocacy organization dedicated to helping horse people keep existing equestrian trails and camping facilities in Illinois.  ITR is also committed to encouraging the development of new trails and facilities statewide.  In all cases, ITR works with planners, managers and legislators on behalf of trails advocacy throughout the state of Illinois.  Illinois Trail Riders has established good communications with planners at the federal, state, and local levels to assure that the recreational needs of riders are met.

Horse owners and trail riders must be represented in the planning process when new trails are planned or recreational opportunities are considered.  Illinois Trail Riders is the connection between individual riders and organizations throughout the state.  ITR offers expertise and information on a wide are variety of trail planning, building, and maintenance issues to local and regional groups.  

History

In the late 1980's, three women who shared a common interest in trail riding were concerned about the preservation of horseback riding opportunities in Illinois.  Then, as now, there were those who wished to restrict equestrian use.  Ruby Holmquist, a woman in her retirement years from Algonquin, IL, Frances Land (then of Wisconsin), and Linda Skow of the Chicago area formed Illinois Trail Riders.  Its mission then, as it is now, was to preserve and maintain existing trails and support the formation of new trails on public land statewide.  From three members  ITR has grown to a statewide organization.

Through a history of  hard work and dedication by many people, ITR can be proud of it's innumerable achievements over the years, some of which are listed below.  Our goal is not just to make certain we have trails to ride, but to make certain that our children then their children have the same opportunity.

•·         Clinton Lake - first volunteer agreement reached with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

•·         Department of Conservation recognition of ITR as a statewide organization representing horseback trail riders across the state.

•·         Pilcher Park in Joliet - aided in reopening trails which had been in use since 1920.

•·         DesPlaines Conservation Area - supported the opening of 12 miles of trails.

•·         Cook County, IL - worked with the county to form workable trails system (about 55 mi. in Palos Hills area).  Worked with bikers, hikers, and environmentalists.

•·         Site M (Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park) - instrumental in getting equestrian trails.

•·         Lake County Forest Preserve Trail Advisory Committee.

•·         Aided in development of Will County Trail Riders

•·         Cook County Forest Preserve Trail Advisory Committee.

•·         Plaintiff in suit challenging trail closures in the Shawnee National Forest.

•·         First to conduct and publish trail issues poll of candidates for statewide offices - October 1998.

•·         Represented on the Alliance working with the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Our public relations programs include:

•·         Participation in annual trail clean up efforts in the Shawnee National Forrest and elsewhere.

•·         Promoting National Trails Day.

•·         A booth at the Illinois Horse Fair and Northern Illinois Horse Fest to promote public education of trail advocacy.

•·         Education of our members on trail advocacy issues through attendance at symposia and workshops.

•·         Publication of the only comprehensive Handbook on public equestrian trails in the State of Illinois.

•·         Area Representative program.

Our Concerns

The importance of equestrian trail development at a time when open space and farmland is disappearing cannot be over emphasized.  Pressure from other users who wish to curtail horse use of trails must be countered.  The general public and other users must be educated to understand that our needs and desires are part of the recreational community.

Our Work and Goals

Trial riders must be represented in the planning process when new trails or recreational opportunities are first considered.  Illinois Trail Riders works to establish good communications with planners at the county, state, federal, and other levels so that the recreational needs of equestrian trail users will be met.  We provide information to planners, communicate with legislators, and monitor proposed changes in trail use to protect equestrians and defend our right to be on the trails. 

Our goal is not just to make certain we have trails to ride, but to make certain that our children and their children have the same opportunity.

Area Representative Program

We have taken advantage of the power that knowledge, involvement, communication and teamwork can make to keep trails open by establishing a network of members throughout the state to keep us informed of changes and happenings at trail sites in areas selected by the representative.

This program expands our ability to become a stronger statewide organization.

Why Should I Join?

It is only as unified group that trail riders can be effective in keeping our trails open.  Joined together with a common goal, we have more impact than as individuals.

Our Newsletter is a resource to keep equestrians advised or trail issues and is filled with current information on legislative matters, trail development, trail openings, surveys, conference notices and conference reports, information from the United States Forest Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Governor's Office and more.

We are a 501(3)(c) not-for-profit organization.  Membership fees and any donations to our organization are tax deductible.  Your contributions allow us to expand our work and allow us to further our goals.

With your support, trial riders will be represented in the planning process when new trails are being planned and recreational opportunities are considered.

Join us today!  Be counted as a part of our efforts for the equestrian community.  Here's how you can help...     

•·         ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF YEAR-AROUND HORSE TRAILS WITH IMPROVED TRAILER PARKING AND HORSE CAMPING FACILITIES

•·         ESTABLISH/MAINTAIN COMMUNICATIONS THROUGHOUT ALL STAGES AND LEVELS OF TRAIL OR LAND PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

•·         UTILIZE EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO HELP TRAIL DEVELOPERS  PROVIDE SAFE MULTI-USE TRAIL FACILITIES AND ALL TRAIL USERS TO UNDERSTAND TRAIL ETIQUETTE

•·         WORK WITH LEGISLATORS TO ILLUSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAIL-BASED RECREATION TO THE HORSE COMMUNITY AND ILLINOIS ECONOMY

•·         MEET WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVANCY ADVOCACY GROUPS TO ENCOURAGE AN UNBIASED APPROACH TO TRAIL DEVELOPMENT (SADDLE, CARRIAGE & PACK)

•·         WORK TO KEEP EXISTING TRAILS OPEN AND MONITOR CHANGES IN TRAIL USE TO PROTECT EQUESTRIANS AND DEFEND OUR RIGHT TO BE ON TRAILS AND ROADS THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS.