Collaborating with Alberta Backcountry Horsemen can be highly advantageous for:

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• individuals

• members of existing equestrian groups with a similar mindset, and

• the equine community as a whole.

 

Together, we can benefit from the collective grant-application power and the voice of a larger, province-wide organization.

 

Our goal, to achieve province-wide influence, education and continued access to trails, will happen as regional chapters are formed.

 

Please understand that our intention is not to replace any existing organization(s) but, rather, to work in complete collaboration towards achieving the common goal of preserving our national horse heritage through the care and upkeep of historic trails, trailheads/staging areas and equine campsites.

 

As we expand our membership base and build chapters, everyone's ability to qualify for trail funding and grant applications will increase.  (There IS strength in numbers!)

 

Regional chapters may be formed when:

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• an existing group wants to become affiliated with ABH or

• a group of 10 or more people want to start a new Chapter.

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By joining Alberta Backcountry Horsemen, members and regional chapters can leverage our platform for collaboration and growth, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the equine industry overall.

 

Process for establishing a new ABH Chapter:

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Please note that the following process is currently under review by the ABH Board of Directors and is subject to revisions.

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• Applicants should be familiar with the Alberta Backcountry Horsemen Bylaws. Link to Mission and Bylaws

• Have a minimum of 10 people who are willing to join the ABH and pay membership fees.

• Contact the current ABH Provincial President to introduce the proposed Chapter.

• Determine the potential Chapter’s Executive: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and at least two Directors at Large.

• Request that potential members complete the online application forms as an ‘at large’ member and pay the membership fees.

• A portion of the membership fees will be transferred to the newly formed Chapter once it has been approved and endorsed at an ABH Board of Directors meeting.

• Draft a letter to the Alberta Backcountry Horsemen, care of the Provincial Secretary (admin@abhorsemen.org). The letter may be sent by email or Canada Post and must contain the following details:

  • request to become a recognized Chapter of the Society,

  • proposed name of the Chapter (should reflect the geographical area of the Province),

  • names and contact information of the proposed Chapter executive.

• The ABH Provincial Executive will review the application and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors, who will then vote to accept or reject the application. The applicants will be notified of the results.

• Once the new Chapter affiliation is approved, the new Chapter must meet and hold elections to confirm the Chapter Chair and Executive.

• The new chapter may then open a bank account under the new Chapter name and begin fulfilling the purpose of the society under the Bylaw.

• New chapters are registered by the ABH Provincial Secretary as a member Chapter of the Alberta Backcountry Horsemen Society as required by the Provincial Registrar.