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It appears Trout Creek will be home to the most recent Montana Back Country Horsemen (MBCH) Chapter joining the national organization.

About three months ago Doc Milham, President of Trout Creek’s MBCH, dreamed up the idea of forming a local group to serve horse lovers in Sanders County. He is confident MBCH will vote in the new chapter at their April 6-8 meeting in Lewistown, Mont.

The club currently has 19 members, but is hoping to add to that.

“We welcome anybody. They do not even need to have a horse, someone always has an extra horse to ride if needed,” Milham said.

“We are not just a riding club,” he added. The group plans to collaborate with Forest Service and state park personnel in clearing and maintaining trails in the system. Milham also stated that the club is willing to assist with trail work on private lands.

Future meeting agendas include providing CPR certification for members, as well as chainsaw/cross saw and packing and riding certifications to ensure safety measures are in place.

Meetings take place the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend the meetings.

According to the MBCH website, the main purpose for the group is “to perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back county and wilderness. To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use. To assist various agencies responsible for the maintenance and management of public lands. To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise and sustained use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public, commensurate with our heritage. Foster and encourage formation of new Back Country Horsemen organizations.”

For more information or to join MBCH contact Milham or his wife Patricia at (406) 827-2595.