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President's Report

Rory Hammond
March, 2007

I thought that I would reflect on a very basic and fundamental question relating to our organization. Several people have asked me why am I a member of OET, instead of their association or organization. The answer lies in my December report about goals and the reading of the various mission statements. OET's mission statement sets our organizational goals and exactly reflect my reasons for being a member. Our mission is not merely to conserve trails and forage. We "build and maintain horse camps and trails" as a way to preserve and create equestrian opportunities for every horseman. These activities provide lasting bonds with family, friends and the environment.

Another aspect of OET’s mission is to "Maintain communications with local, state and federal land management agencies to insure equestrian access." Many places in Oregon have equestrian opportunities outside State and Federal jurisdiction. Portland’s Forest Park, Columbia County's Camp Wilkerson and Jacksonville's abandoned watershed come to mind. OET does not exist as a defense to the loss of opportunities, but as a way to expand any land use possibility. This is why we "promote education" and "link equestrians together by relating news that impacts all" Our founders were visionaries who understood the future problems and challenges of equestrians. The meaning and use of "Equestrian" is a more encompassing term than horseman or horse rider. Our organization was first in being a proactive and responsible representative of the equestrian community.

Governmental Lobbying has become a very controversial subject. I view lobbying as a "positional" argument in that we have "winners" and "losers". Our mission states that we will "maintain communication"; governmental lobbying would make our role adversarial instead of collaborative. If we educate our members and equestrian partners, they will make the right political engagement choices. An educated and aroused constituency will contact newspapers, civic organizations and governmental representatives. Lobbying is not in our mission statement, and we do not need to do governmental lobbying to be effective in our mission. I know that we are better served by "promoting LNT ethics, outdoor ethics, campground etiquette, and trail etiquette". Groups may win a few battles by getting favorable governmental action through the political lobbying process. Our true political strength is in creating goodwill with all competing user groups.

We will gain future opportunities, by creating public respect and good will. Rather than going to the legislature and begging for favors, I want us to go before Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Church Groups, and Fairs, anyone willing to listen to our story. It is the public, rather than a few representatives, that should hear about our commitment and good deeds. My future and your future equestrian opportunities lay in public opinion, not governmental bureaucrats. Bad Public Opinion makes it easier for the State to move the Silver Falls Horse Camp. Good Public Opinion would make it impossible. Bad Public Opinion lost Camp Wilkerson; Good Public Opinion brought it back. Our future lies in the telling of untold acts of service that our members perform. People like Gerry Jimerson clearing trails, Joel Starr putting together a tool trailer and Walt Keiter showing up to work, are the stories that need to be told and are reasons why I am a member of OET.

Mission Statement

Oregon Equestrian Trails is a non-profit organization, formed in 1970 that builds and maintains horse camps and trails in Oregon; maintains communication with local, state, and federal land management agencies, to ensure equestrian access; promote education of equestrians and other user groups in the use of "Leave No Trace" ethics, outdoor ethics, campground etiquette, and trail etiquette; and link equestrians together by relating news that impacts all equestrian trail users.