The Back Country Horsemen of Oregon is an organization working to bring equestrian access to various wilderness areas around the state. Using their horses to attend to and maintain trails, they want to ensure public lands can continue to be used for recreation. Matt and Becky Hope are the leaders of the Emerald Empire Chapter in Eugene, Oregon.

Becky has been keeping and riding horses for 54 years, Matt for 30. Their love for horses drives them in much of what they do.

“I grew up riding and I love it,” Becky says, “Horses have their own personalities and power.”

Ultimately, Matt and Becky hope they can share the wilderness their work on with others.

The photos featured were all taken at Crail Creek & Elijah Bristow State Parks, located 20 minutes outside of Eugene. Featured in the photos are Matt and Becky, co-leaders of Back Country Horsemen of Oregon’s Eugene chapter, and owners of all of the horses pictured.

**This original story was printed in the Summer 2018 Ethos edition and was never fully uploaded to the website. Visit the print archives to get the whole picture.