CVI was formed in 2012 with a small group of dedicated equestrians who wanted to secure parking and the creation of a mapped and maintained trail network at Spruston, south of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The group successfully acquired a long term partnership agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, and went to work clearing the Spruston Staging Area, building a parking lot, fence, 17 corrals, pit toilets and picnic area all finally behind a locked gate. They have mapped and maintained an extensive trail network. CVI created one of the first geo-reference trail maps and introduced the organization to Avenza and now Relive software.
CVI holds strong the values of the Back Country Horsemen, sharing all its information and networking with the variety of land managers, and securing parking and access to trails. BCHBC members through-out the Province are welcome to use this Staging Area by contacting cvi.bchorsemen@gmail.com.
CVI has also secured dedicated horse trailer access off Timberlands Road and the Trans Canada Trail by complex negotiations with the Regional District of Nanaimo, Mosaic Forest Management, Fortis and BC Hydro, all who have rights-of-way over this area.
On September 7th, 2025 CVI will host a Pledge Ride Against Cancer to support the Nanaimo Cancer Clinic the second year they have done this.
CVI believes in strong engagement with its members by hosting yearly geo-cache events, scavenger hunts , socials, educational events and work bees. CVI’s membership grew to 120 members in 2024.