I'd just like to mention that a lot of backcountry trails in the Pacific Northwest would never receive any maintenance if it weren't for the volunteer efforts of the Backcountry Horsemen. For one thing, they can pack the necessary tools a lot more easily than can folks on foot. This doesn't matter for close to the trailhead, but just try to find a group of volunteer hikers willing to pack the tools (plus their gear and food) 15-20 miles from the trailhead! The Forest Service certainly doesn't have any money for such activities!

I would like to see some restriction on horse parties in the early part of the summer when everything is still soggy from snowmelt and horse hooves can turn trails into quagmires!