RIDING CLUB NEWSLETTER
ridingclubofbarringtonhills.org August 2021
RIDING CLUB NEWS
THREE TYPES OF TRAILS THAT THE RIDING CLUB MANAGES
Trails on private property
When the Riding Club of Barrington Hills (RCBH) was established in 1937, an informal agreement was entered into by neighbors whereby mounted members of the Riding Club could traverse the landowners’ properties on horseback. Almost 80 years later, that relationship still exists. Our relationship, by its very nature, is a delicate one. RCBH members can ride on the private property where the owners have granted these easements, provided they respect RCBH rules and exhibit their RCBH membership tag. RCBH Membership tags are issued upon payment of dues.
Village deeded equestrian trails
Some of the trails that traverse private land in the Village of Barrington Hills have been established by recorded easements for the benefit of the Village. These trails are generally in and around newer subdivisions in the Village. These trails are legally deeded as riding trails pursuant to easements in favor of the Village. The Village and its Equestrian Commission have worked successfully with developers subdividing tracts of land to protect the continuity of the trail network and to maintain the unique character of the Village.
Forest Preserve trails
The Riding Club maintains 65+ miles of trails within the Spring Creek Forest Preserve, which is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) and are multi-use trails. Riding on Forest Preserve trails is by permit only: to obtain permits please go to the FPDCC website https://fpdcc.com/ >permits>membership and passes>Equestrian licenses and tags. Although the Barrington Hills Park District does not maintain any trails, it holds the intergovernmental agreement with the Forest Preserve District pertaining to the trails the Riding Club maintains in the Forest Preserve.
The Riding Club of Barrington Hills trims and mows the private trails, Forest Preserve trails and easement trails at least three times a year plus removing fallen trees that block trails. We consult with private trail owners, the Forest Preserve District and the Village of Barrington Hills to ensure trails are in the correct place and don’t cause erosion. We assist in mapping trails. We work alongside Spring Creek Stewards to make sure maintenance work in the Forest Preserve does not disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife.
KALAWAY CUP POLO
Due to the ongoing Covid situation, the Riding Club Board decided it would not be prudent to host the Trail Owner Tent this year. However, to show our gratitude, we are offering complimentary admission tickets to the Kalaway Cup for Trail Owners.
SUNNY SUNDAYS
The first brunch was held on Sunday, July 18th with Riding Club members and guests enjoying a beautiful breakfast at the Hunt House. The July 25th breakfast brought out over 50 members and guests to enjoy food, conversation and one of the best venues in Barrington Hills. Plans are for weekly Sunny Sundays until cold weather interferes.
SATURDAY TRAIL RIDES
The trail rides are a wonderful way to introduce your horse to the trails we ride with some very seasoned horses and riders who provide stability for less experienced horses. Our goal is to have a safe and fun ride, with lots of socializing for both horses and riders. This month we did one “away” ride at the beautiful Barrington Hills Farms. It was good to get out and explore new trails. Perhaps we will add a few more of those.
PARK DISTRICT EQUESTRIAN NEWS
Round Pen Discussion – On Wednesday August 11th, the Park District Board will vote on the relocation of the round pen in order to make way for the construction of the new outdoor arena in the area of the present round pen. To see a picture of the location, please go to the Riding Club website or, if you have any questions, please call Jane Clement or attend the Park District Board Meeting on the 11th as they take public comment.
VILLAGE EQUESTRIAN NEWS
VILLAGE TAGS
Riding on the Village easement trails is by permit issued by the Village of Barrington Hills. The Village Board of Trustees has asked the Equestrian Commission to look at the continued need for Equestrian Trail Licenses issued by the Village for the purpose of riding on the Village deeded easement trails. To find the Village Code, go to the Village website and then Government>Village code>title8>Police regs>Ch5.
The equestrian Commission will be meeting August 18th to discuss this. There is public comment if anyone would like to attend.
FOREST PRESERVE EQUESTRIAN NEWS
HORIZON FARM UPDATE
Note Horizon Farm is NOT open yet due to the heavy demo work and some lingering legal issues. The RCBH has offered to help establish equestrian trail locations at Horizon Farm and has offered to mow the grass trails going forward; the FPDCC also needs to have an amendment of the current intergovernmental agreement with the Park District to extend trail maintenance to Horizon.
FOREST PRESERVE TAGS
It has been reported that a rider received a ticket from the Forest Preserve police for riding on the Forest Preserve trails without a tag. To get your tags, please go to the FPDCC website at https://fpdcc.com/ > permits > membership and passes>Equestrian licenses and tags.
FOREST PRESERVE TRAIL WATCH
If you would like to serve as additional eyes and ears of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Law Enforcement Department and help keep the Forest Preserve in the heart of our Village welcoming and inviting to all—while you enjoy walking or riding the trails – please go to
https://fpdcc.com > volunteer > trail watch or Contact Joanna Huyck at joanna.huyck@cookcountyil.gov or 773-631-1790 with any questions.
If anyone has any news they would like to share with the Riding Club, please send an email with the info to:
newsletter@ridingclubofbarringtonhills.org
PROPOSED NEW LOCATION FOR ROUND PEN:
