About Us

Stay Engaged All Year Round!

Starting in January 2024, we are excited to introduce our revamped schedule to keep you engaged throughout the year with the Ohio Horseman’s Council Inc. (OHC). Here’s what you can expect:

Membership Meetings & Planned Rides:

Join us for our bi-monthly membership meetings, held in the odd-numbered months of the year. These meetings are perfect for connecting, discussing, and planning upcoming adventures. 

In the even-numbered months, we hit the trails and engage in various planned rides and activities. Whether you prefer the camaraderie of our meetings or the thrill of outdoor adventures, OHC has something for everyone.

Discover New Locations:

Our meeting locations are as diverse as our members’ riding preferences. Each month, we explore different venues to add excitement to our gatherings. To stay updated on our meeting locations, refer to our Facebook Group Page.

Dining & Networking:

Arrive early at 6:00 p.m. for a delightful dinner and a chance to socialize with fellow equestrians. If you want to dive into the official meeting agenda, join us at 7:00 p.m. Our monthly email and Facebook Group are your go-to sources for all the necessary details.

Stay Informed on Our Facebook Group Page:

Our Facebook group page is more than just a virtual space; it’s a valuable resource that keeps you in the loop. Watch for changes, updates, and important notifications, ensuring you never miss a beat in our dynamic equine community. Join us today to stay connected and engaged!

At OHC, we’re committed to creating a year-round experience that caters to your passion for horses and riding. Don’t miss out on the fun and camaraderie – be part of the OHC journey starting in January 2024!

ELK CREEK METROPARK: SEBALD PARK AREA AND MEADOW RIDGE AREA:

Sebald Park: The Birth of Butler County’s First Horse Trail

Our Journey Begins… A group of horse enthusiasts in Butler County recognized the diminishing availability of rural land for horseback riding. In response, we approached the Butler County Park Board with a proposal to create public trails in the area. Recognizing the value of our idea, the park board welcomed our initiative. They agreed that, for the most part, the responsibility for developing and maintaining these trails would fall on those who would benefit most—horse riders like us. And so, our journey began at Sebald Park.

Sebald Park is a sprawling 267-acre natural gem located on Elk Creek Road, offering a diverse range of terrains to explore. Our trail system includes flat trails along the creek with access to water and more challenging routes through the hills. In March 2009, we proudly unveiled the “Valley View Loop,” adding approximately three to four miles of trails to the existing network, bringing the total length of our bridle trails to nearly 10 miles.

SEBALD HORSE TRAIL TIMELINE:

– May 10, 2005 to April 14, 2007: Inception to official trail dedication (2 years) – Our efforts to introduce horse trails in Butler County began in May 2005, with the first meeting with Butler Metro Parks. Construction commenced in May 2006, continued through 2006/2007, and resulted in the official dedication of 4.8 miles of trails on April 14, 2007.

– March 2008: Memorandum of Understanding – A Memorandum of Understanding was established in March 2008 between MetroParks and Butler County OHC.

– 2008 to Winter 2009/2010: Expanding the trail system (1 year) – In 2008, an agreement with the City of Middletown led to the creation of the Valleyview trail, adding 3.7 miles in the fall and winter of 2008/2009. Additionally, in Winter 2009/2010, the Dry Run loop added 0.9 miles, bringing the total to 9.4 miles.

– 2009 to 2011: Trail improvements (2 years) – Trail work included reworking and rerouting the switchback trail up the hill in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, a project was launched to add over a mile of shaded trail near the creek.

Our dedication to creating and maintaining these horse trails at Sebald Park reflects the unwavering commitment of horse enthusiasts to preserve and expand opportunities for equestrian enjoyment in Butler County.