

Back Country Horsemen
of
Texas
EDUCATING
Abstract
Based on analysis of approximately 80 survey responses from active equestrian trail users, the results show strong and statistically consistent patterns regarding preferred trail mileage (15–30 miles per park), loop-based trail design, equine-specific safety features, and willingness of local riding clubs to assist with maintenance and stewardship. While the sample size is sufficient to identify clear trends and convergence of preferences, the survey was based on a self-selected, non-random population of high-frequency riders, which limits the ability to apply strict population-wide inferential statistics. As a result, the findings do not meet the technical requirements for a fully generalizable 95% confidence interval across all equestrians, but they do meet a 95% confidence threshold for directional planning conclusion, meaning planners can be highly confident that these preferences accurately reflect the needs, behaviors, and expectations of the core user group most likely to utilize, maintain, and advocate for equestrian trail systems.
The survey results show a clear demographic pattern: women make up approximately 85–90 percent of respondents, and the predominant age group is 45 to 65+, with a particularly strong presence in the 55–65 and 65+ categories.
