The Complete America’s Great Trails Act (HR 1912) has found support from the American Horse Council. This bill was introduced by Rep. Gerry E. Connolly (D-VA) and Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) On April 9, 2009.

Hundreds of thousands of Americas enjoy recreational riding. Whether these recreational riders participate in short trail rides or much longer pack trips they often rely on public trails.

In 1968 the National Trail System Act was signed into law. This law allows Congress to designate a trail of particular natural beauty as a National Scenic Trail (NST). To date Congress has created eight NSTs, several of which are open to equestrians along all or part of their length.

Most sections of the eight NSTs are managed by the various federal land agencies and are open to the public. However, some sections cross private land to which access is limited or prohibited