For members of a local equestrian trails club, the mission is to be more than just a social group.

And they’re looking for more than a chance to meet friends and explore Central Oregon’s expansive trail system and wilderness areas on horseback.

For members of the Central Oregon chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET), it’s about caring for and preserving High Desert horse camps and equestrian trails so riders can enjoy them for years to come.

”That is the function of OET,” says Pat Marquis of Redmond, chairman of the Central Oregon chapter. ”We’re not just a saddle club. We’re here to maintain and keep equestrian facilities viable for future users.”

To do that, Marquis says, the group works closely with federal agencies such as the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to determine which Central Oregon trails are in need of some extra care.

The group also actively works to keep trail access open to equestrian users when new recreation areas are developed.

In order to enjoy the myriad trails and horse camping facilities that Central Oregon has to offer – which is why Marquis and his family moved to the area several years ago – he says it’s important to get involved by donating time or materials to the cause of trail preservation.

”We recognize that you have to give in order to get,” insists Marquis.

A packed 2006 events calendar for the local OET chapter is highlighted by monthly work parties for which various trails and horse camps have been designated for cleanup or improvement. This year, OET members are scheduled to clean and/or maintain the Metolius-Windgo Trail near Sisters and the Horse Butte trail system near Bend. The club will also focus on cleanup and maintenance of Central Oregon horse camps at Swamp Wells, Quinn Meadows and Todd Creek.

Marquis notes that OET members try to contribute a minimum of eight hours each year to volunteer trail work.

In addition to coordinating monthly trail work parties, the group also hosts trail rides, and overnight camp outings, and participates in local parades.

The key event for the Central Oregon chapter annually is a fundraiser trail ride – open to all riders – at Sisters Cow Camp to be held this year on June 3.

Proceeds from the St. Jude’s Ride, held west of Sisters off Oregon Highway 242, go to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Along with building and maintaining horse camping areas and trails in Oregon, OET members maintain communication with local, state, and federal land management agencies to ensure equestrian access to trails and wilderness areas. As part of its mission, the club also promotes education of equestrians and other user groups by teaching leave-no-trace ethics, campground etiquette and trail etiquette.

OET activities aren’t all work and no play, as demonstrated by the group’s regular social riding events. But Marquis says the club recognizes its roots as a service organization.

”There are plenty of saddle clubs,” says Marquis. ”While we enjoy that, our mission is to achieve something more; to give back. There’s a recognition that we need to treat the environment properly.”

The statewide nonprofit organization was created in 1970 and includes 18 regional chapters across Oregon. Marquis says that since the club’s inception, OET and its membership – now nearly 2,000 strong – have been responsible for establishing some 75 horse camps in Oregon.

Marquis notes that most Central Oregon chapter activities such as group rides and trail work parties are open to OET members only. To become a member, visit www.oregonequestriantrails.org or contact Marquis at 420-9398. Annual memberships are $20 for individuals and $25 for families.

New OET members receive at no charge a guide to Oregon horse camps and trailheads, which includes driving directions, reservation information and location maps.