I had more than one eye opener on Earth Day. The value of horseback riders for the environment was one of the bigger surprises. You'd never know how much these guys are constantly doing for us! I mean, they FIGHT in ways and places that the broad public is not aware of. Not enough, anyhow. And that's what I want to highlight here today: why horses.

And why equestrian.

We're talking here about an "Equestrian Society". But hey, what the heck is this word, equestrian? Impressive horses and all, got it, but a word in haze must be cleared.

The definition of the word 'equestrian' is a bit tricky. In Latin it means 'horse'. How simple. But in English there's more. Princeton University defines 'equestrian' as:

• of or relating to or composed of knights
• horseman: a man skilled in equitation (The art of riding horses gracefully; riding a horse as a sport)
• of or relating to or featuring horseback riding.

Wikipedia explains the origin of the word.

How Exactly Do The Equestrians Preserve The Environment?

Their love of horses is natural, you see? Their passion for horses has (of course) to do with horseback riding. But you need PRESERVED LAND as an environment for horse keeping and riding. Can't have a horse in a condo or a cramped-in subdivision, or can you?

Horse owners, therefore, have a strong drive and a common interest in agricultural zoning, preserving our semi-rural lifestyles and using our land for horse keeping.

On Earth Day I received a most fascinating presentation from Mr. Steve Ford, who introduced me to the Association's goals and exciting achievements on this line. Like arranging 100's of horse owners to come with their horses to demonstrate against environmental destruction or threat. Like arranging large scale phone calling to Congressmen to co-sponsor to stop the slaughter and sale of wild Mustangs (details on website).

The association is leaded by Carol Ford, President, and Pam Mitchel, Vice President. Steve is in charge of their newsletter/website and many others are helping in administrative, public and field activities. They keep their eyes and ears open wide on issues in the community, city and county government that effect horse keeping and land use. They do it by attending public hearings, as well as keeping their communication lines open for any relevant information from officials, politicians - and the horse community itself.

Active And CARING Community Involvement

Many of the association's members are also involved in property owner associations and other community groups. This enables them to network across the San Fernando Valley, sharing information and working as a united front to support the preservation of land use and zoning for horse keeping.

They fight for CORRECT and ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND land use, planning and zoning matters. Not only from the viewpoint of horses, but as a whole. That was a good surprise for me. They realize that only by uniting can we all have a strong voice in city government and prevail against the reckless development that threatens to eliminate horse keeping areas (or changes in legislation affecting equestrians) thereby harming the environment for everybody else.

That's why these guys unite forces, report one another regularly about trail conditions, horses and other animals to save in case of flood or fire.

And that's why you should show your DISAGREEMENT with the threats to our environment, by supporting these guys and keep yourself informed of their actions and environmental campaigns. Especially if the San Fernando Valley is dear to you. And it should, my friend, even if you live elsewhere, because we all need this piece of green land now threatened by quick-buck developers. It's needed for sports and recreation other than horses, for kids' health and many other ecological reasons.

"The Hoof Beat" is a beautiful monthly newsletter that will keep you informed on issues related to horse keeping, land use, zoning, trails and public hearings as well as a calendar of events. It also reprints equestrian articles and local news briefs. It is sent to members and also posted on their website.

Did you get the point? Horses. The environment. Earth. Animals and humans. Life. All connected, supporting and feeding each other's needs.