News of Note

Recreational Trails Program Re-Authorization

Submitted by admin on Mon, 06/13/2011 - 20:00

Introduction

The Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is set to expire and must be re-authorized in the next national surface transportation program bill.

Background

Since its inception the RTP has provided approximately $730 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians.

The RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for all recreational trail users. It was created in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was last re-authorized in 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU). This law is about to expire. The RTP will have to be re-authorized in the national surface transportation program bill in the coming months if it is to continue.

RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails. Although each state manages its own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% percent on multiuse projects. RTP is one of the few sources for federal funding of trail projects that are not on federal land available to equestrians. The program has been a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their state and local parks.

Congressional Action

The current highway bill SAFETEA-LU was set to expire in September of 2009. However, because Congress has yet to pass a new highway bill it has been forced to extend the current law several times. Most recently Congress extended the current law, until March 2012, while Congress works to draft and approve a new national multi-year surface highway bill.

AHC Position

The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational trail users, is requesting Congress re-authorize the RTP program in the next highway bill. The AHC urges its member organizations and their membership to contact Congress and voice support for this program and let them know this program is important to the horse community.

Team USA-North Central Secures Reining Gold

Lexington, KY—Don’t let the “Free Hugs” sign pasted on the front of the team golf cart for the Reining Team USA-North Central fool you, this team came to the SmartPak™ FEI North American Young Rider Reining Championships to win - and win big they did.

Securing the Team Gold in a very strong field, Team USA- North Central edged their rivals out for the top podium position.

Team USA – North Central is comprised of: Ian Barnard riding Got It Dun (208.0)(SPONSORED BY THE INDIANA HORSE COUNCIL!); Alex Bauwens riding Heza Bigtime Bingo (213.0); Lyndsey Jordan riding Bueno King Dude (211.0); and McKenzie Lantz riding Royalee Rowdy (213.0).

With team points totaling 637.0, Team USA- North Central bested silver medal Team USA – Southeast/South Central by only three points. With a ground jury of three judges, this thin margin had both of the teams as well as coaches and spectators holding their breath right up to the last two horses.

“All of our team members are strong. We knew we had a chance for the medals podium, but to win the gold medal is a real treat,” said Ian Barnard, Team USA – North Central member. I know I speak for all of my teammates when I say this entire experience has been terrific. To be at the NAJYRC and compete among all of these terrific athletes and horses in varied disciplines is steeped in history and so much bigger than anything I’ve ever done.”

The Silver-medal Team USA – Southeast/South Central consisted of: Maggie Jo Gratny riding Roo Fifty Two (214.5); Will Letner riding A Genuine Diamond (207.0); Jonathan Timberlake riding Ruf Maid Chic (208.0); and Laura Sumrall riding Whiz Bang Boom (208.5).

Rounding out the medals podium was the formidable Team Canada – Alberta: Sage Sapergia riding Shiners Q Chex (0); Morgan Girlitz riding Hickory Ginin Peppy (202.5); Nancy Pratch riding Mega Pay (202.0); and Amanda Antifaev riding Whats Up Doc Cody (214.0).

An unfortunate over-spin from Welcome Competition champion Sage Sapergia opened the door for the other teams, yet the strength of this Canada-Alberta Team secured their position on the medal podium, and allowed them to put the zero score behind them as the team drop-score.

Combined individual scores not only determine the outcome of this competition but are also used to qualify riders for Sunday afternoon’s Individual Competition. A seeded final, the order of starters will be in opposite order of the scores from this round; so the high-score rider from today’s Team Competition Maggie Jo Gratny of Team USA- Southeast/ South Central, gains the advantage of being final draw on Sunday.

With the quality of talent and sportsmanship presented at this year’s SmartPak™ North American Young Rider Reining Championship, it is still anyone’s game as each individual athlete seeks to gain podium position at the end of Sunday’s Individual Final.