The Kansas Horse Council is inviting equestrians and driving hitches from across the state to saddle up and take part in a special piece of America’s 250th birthday celebration when the American Discovery Trail 250 Relay passes through the Flint Hills.
The Kansas Horse Council (KHC) and Back Country Horsemen of Kansas (BCH-KS) will join Kansas Trails Inc. (KTI), local communities and other participants in carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence across Kansas during the ADT250 “Sunflower Stretch,” scheduled for Sept. 15-24.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, equestrians and hitches will have an opportunity to participate in an 11-mile segment of the Flint Hills Trail from Allegawaho Park near Council Grove to Bushong. The ride will begin at 9 a.m.
Organizers say the equestrian portion will recognize the important role horses played in Kansas history while also highlighting their continued place in the state’s trail culture.
“Having horses on the Flint Hills Trail honors the way people once traveled these same corridors,” said Justine Staten, executive director of the Kansas Horse Council. “Our participation shows that equestrians are an essential part of Kansas’s trail community, and we want riders and hitches from across the state to help carry this historic document forward.”
The ADT250 Relay is a 6,800-mile coast-to-coast event celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Kansas’ approximately 575-mile portion, known as the Sunflower Stretch, follows the historic Santa Fe Trail corridor and is designed to bring together hikers, cyclists, equestrians and communities along the route.
KHC is encouraging riders and hitches to “register, ride and represent” the equine community during the Sept. 22 segment. Participation will also help draw attention to shared-use trails and the connections among Kansas’ equine industry, rural communities, history and outdoor recreation.
Those interested in participating may contact the Kansas Horse Council at director@kansashorsecouncil. com or 785-776-0662. Registration and additional information are also available through Kansas Trails Inc. and the American Discovery Trail Society.
Participation in the statewide celebration is free and open to Kansans.
Additional information about the Kansas route, registration and participation guidelines is available at kstrails.org/events/sunflower- stretch.