Horse packers also help maintain wilderness trails that are too far from the roads for hikers to carry in the gear (crosscut saws et al) required. The Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, for example, maintain a large proportion of the wilderness trails in that state. If it weren't for their volunteer efforts, many more miles of trails would be abandoned due to USFS budget cuts.

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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey