Volunteering
It all begins with volunteers.
For more than 35 years, Back Country Horsemen of BC members have volunteered their time and skills to support recreational trail riders and other trail users across British Columbia.
Since 2000, BCHBC volunteer contributions have provided over $2 million in value, helping make trails and equestrian-friendly facilities possible throughout the province.
What We Do
- Develop, construct, and maintain equestrian use trails
- Build and care for equestrian-friendly camps and infrastructure
- Support both backcountry and front-country trail use
Working Together
BCHBC proudly works alongside:
- Municipal and regional districts
- BC Parks
- Recreation Sites & Trails BC
- Private landowners
These partnerships strengthen trail access and recreation opportunities within local communities.
Why It Matters
Without BCHBC volunteers, there would not be:
- Hundreds of miles of maintained trails open to equestrians.
- More than 20 horse camps across BC
These resources are enjoyed by both BCHBC members and the public.
Interested in helping? Join BCHBC or volunteer with your local chapter.
Become a member
The John Gardner Volunteer of the Year Award
The John Gardner Volunteer of the Year Award, established in 2018, recognizes an individual who has made a special or significant contribution to the Back Country Horsemen of British Columbia.
This award honours the commitment, dedication, and service of a nominee whose efforts have contributed to the growth and development of BCHBC.
Each year BCHBC proudly recognizes one volunteer for their outstanding contribution.
Past Recipients
- 2017 – Rose Schroeder (Yarrow)
- 2018 – Juanita Gibney (Okanagan)
- 2019 – Rob LaFrance (North Cariboo)
- 2020 – Floyd Kennedy (North West)
- 2021 – Lynn DeVries (Central Vancouver Island)
- 2022 – Linda Buchanan (Shuswap)
- 2022 – Eileen MacDonald (Robson Valley)
- 2023 – Scott Walker (Okanagan)
- 2024 – Deb Oakman (North Vancouver Island)
- 2025 – Verna Houghtaling (Prince George)
Nominate
If you know a fellow member who is worthy of being a recipient of the John Gardner Volunteer of the Year Award, be sure to submit your nomination before the May 1 deadline.
Chapter Service Award
Many BCHBC Chapters also recognize an outstanding chapter member each year — a member who has made an exceptional contribution at the chapter level.
Recording Our Volunteer Commitment
Hours spent working on projects and keeping trails open add up. Since 2000 alone, BCHBC volunteer contributions have exceeded $2 million in value, supporting a wide range of trail and infrastructure projects across British Columbia.
To document this work, Chapters submit Volunteer Reports to Provincial throughout the year. These reports track the many hours members dedicate to trail clearing, and maintain/building other infrastructure.
This ongoing collection of volunteer data is essential. It allows BCHBC to demonstrate measurable impact and strengthens our ability to leverage grant opportunities and seek government funding in support of our trails and camps.