Kandee Haertel and her husband, David, enjoy a brisk winter’s ride near Elizabeth, Illinois. Initially, the loss of her home trails motivated Haertel to become active in trail conservation projects. The rest is history! Photo courtesy of Kandee Haertel.

When it comes to working to stem the loss of open land and trails available to horse owners across the country, the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource is at the forefront. And with almost three million acres per year lost to development, it’s a daunting task. Kandee Haertel is ELCR’s executive director, a job she describes as, "part problem solver, part networker."

On any day, you might find her helping local horse owners develop new trails in New York State, facilitating the transfer of government-owned land in California to riders for a cross-country course, or working with a land trust to preserve the home of the Brooklandwood Steeplechase Course in North Carolina.

"The operative word in ELCR is ‘resource,’" Haertel says. "I may not know the answer to your question, but I can probably find someone who does. Most access and ‘keeping’ issues aren’t new. Chances are, someone has dealt successfully with a similar problem before. What zoning worked before? What conservation agency helped? We offer solutions, and put people in contact with others who have developed successful strategies."

Large project or small, Haertel looks at the big picture.

"If I had a motto, it would be, ‘Will it matter in 24 hours? Or 24 years?’" she says. "If horse owners lose access to open land or trails, it’s an uphill battle to regain it. So every time we help preserve access, it’s a victory — and it matters. I really admire the founders of ELCR, Anson Taylor in particular. I’d never had a job like this, and he trained me with infinite patience and insight. Anson is the visionary. I’m the doer."

Today, the Missouri native who grew up in Indiana lives with her husband, David Haertel, and their critters near ELCR headquarters in Elizabeth, Illinois. Read on to meet tireless trailblazer Kandee Haertel.

MyHorse: How did you become involved with horses?

Haertel: My family was not the least bit horsey, and we’ve always wondered where my horse gene came from. As a child, my greatest thrill was a pony ride. The neighbor girls and I would pretend to be horses — trotting and galloping everywhere — even holding races around a "racetrack" we stomped out of the weeds. Our bicycles were, of course, named after horses.

When I was in the fourth grade, a friend got a pretty bay Quarter Horse mare named Lady and allowed me to ride her. I’d ride my bicycle three miles to clean Lady’s stall, brush her, and take a ride. Then I’d give her a bath and ride my bicycle home. Lady didn’t much care for a saddle or bridle, so I rode her bareback with a halter and two leads, which helped me develop a secure seat! Those were heavenly times for me.

MyHorse: Where was your first trail ride?

Haertel: My first trail rides were in the park that surrounded Lady’s stable. All those years ago, nobody cared or noticed much if people rode horses in the park. In the very early spring, I used to ride over to a public beach at a lake in the park and jump the gullies that winter runoff had caused. It was the only jumping I’ve ever done, but I remember it as exhilarating. One time when we were gully jumping, I was surprised by applause. We’d stopped traffic and had an audience!

MyHorse: Tell us about your first horse.

Haertel: I purchased my first horse prior to my marriage. She was a Quarter Horse mare named Golden Nugget, a description that suited her perfectly. Nugget was reputed to be "about" 9 years old. Since she wasn’t registered, I took her owner’s word for it — especially since I didn’t have the sense to have her vet-checked before purchase.

I didn’t have a trailer or know anyone who did, so I agreed to simply ride her home on the next Saturday. It was only 12 miles. No worry — after all, I’d ridden a horse a least once a year for most of my life. It never even occurred to me that she might not be up to this ride. Fortunately, she was a seasoned campaigner who took the dogs, bikes, traffic, flapping laundry, culvert crossings, and small bridges in stride. The last obstacle was a bridge over the railroad tracks — big, high, and narrow. She walked right over it. It took me many years of riding less-than-perfect trail horses to truly appreciate the good sense that Nugget had.

The vet I found had known Nugget as a foal and told me she was 22 years old. I loved her still. And she still had plenty of spunk. I don’t recall that she ever tried to buck me off, but she was adept at grabbing the bit and bolting across any open field she saw. I thought it was wonderful that she loved to run! When she was tired of running, we would walk home. What more could you ask from a saddle horse?

MyHorse: Do you have horses today?

Haertel: I am owned by The Lady Nostalgia que ce, a.k.a. Mare, a brilliant-red Paso Fino. After almost 20 horseless years, I purchased her as a green-broke 2-year-old. Although I don’t recommend a green rider getting a green horse, we managed to work through our difficulties. She’s been my partner for the better part of 20 years and is my real been-there-done-that horse. Mare is brave and bold. And she trusts me, to the point of making guest appearances indoors at city council meetings. To reassure her, I keep my hand on her withers, and it feels like I have a lit cherry bomb under it — though you wouldn’t know it by her cool, calm exterior. We’ve done many parades. Riding through "the canyons" of Chicago in the Christmas parade down Michigan Avenue, is the best.

MyHorse: Do you have other pets?

Haertel: Yes, we have two dogs — Hannah, "the banana from Savannah," a black-and-tan Dachshund; and Galena Jackson Brown, "because he’s never been to town," a red Mini-Dachshund.

MyHorse: Who’s your all-time favorite trail horse?

Haertel: Mare wins, no contest. We’ve been through so much together. I trust her and she trusts me. The way she handles mud and water is one of her major assets. When a friend on another horse failed to listen to Mare, his horse had to be helped from the creek with a tractor. Now, when asked to pick a stream or river crossing, I let Mare decide and we always succeed.

MyHorse: What’s your favorite trail?

Haertel: Riding along the Hennepin Canal, just outside of Genesee, Illinois. We travel a pretty grass path along an historic barge canal for scores of miles. There’s a phenomenal variety of birds and turtles to see along the calm, peaceful waterway. It flows through farmland and little villages, and no matter how many times we ride there, it always looks different. It feels like the middle of nowhere.

MyHorse: Who’s your best trail-riding buddy?

Haertel: My close friend, Lori, and her Arabian Horse, Star. Years ago, we spent many hours conditioning our horses for endurance rides. Star and Mare get along very well. Even today, each ride begins quietly enough, walking out of the barn and riding onto the surrounding farmland. But when Lori and I get wrapped up in conversation, the horses say to each other, "Bet I can go faster than you." And suddenly, we’re flying down the trail!

MyHorse: How did you become involved with ELCR?

Haertel: I was a volunteer trail advocate in Illinois for about 10 years, and worked with a statewide organization. Then one day, my county board decided to ban all horses from county trails, including those in the 3,500-acre, historic Waterfall Glen Preserve. My beautiful home trails were in jeopardy! For that reason, I co-founded the Trail Riders of DuPage. It’s a successful advocacy group, still in existence today.

Later, I became president of Illinois Trail Riders. One day, I heard about an open position at ELCR and applied. On Valentine’s Day, 2000, I became ELCR’s executive director. The rest is history.

MyHorse: How does the work of ELCR impact trail riders across the country?

Haertel: Loss of land impacts all horse owners. When individuals are faced with losing their trails, we want to help them become aware that they are the "somebody" that should "do something." The most important and long-lasting trail access and conservation actions must be undertaken by local folks. We try to help them in every way we can. We have guides and videos, and we can provide networking leads, offer assistance, answer questions, and provide moral support. It may be a long process, but people can succeed if they recognize the need and have the vision to make it happen.

MyHorse: If riders find that they’re losing access to local trails, what can they do?

Haertel: First, find out who owns the land. Then talk to the land owner or manager in a reasonable manner to find out why they are losing access. Call ELCR, and ask for help. Gather a group. In numbers, you’ll have a stronger voice than just one person. Be nice. Always remain polite and courteous, even if you’re screaming inside your head. Be tenacious, friendly, and helpful wherever and whenever possible.

MyHorse: What’s Trail Trotters Day all about?

Haertel: The Trail Trotters Day program acknowledges the stewardship efforts of horseback riders across the country. It’s held in conjunction with National Trails Day in June — this year, it’ll be held on June 3. It was conceived by the ELCR Board of Directors, and made possible by the financial support and cooperation of other organizations, including the National Forest Foundation and Tread Lightly! I admit, I bitched and moaned when it was first proposed because it would mean a lot more work for the office. But I was ecstatic when, in its first year [2005], it became perhaps the best and most successful programs we’ve ever had!

Our mission is to get more riders involved with their local trail systems, and to help them develop stronger relationships and better communication with land owners. Trail Trotters Day asks individuals and groups to tell us about projects that repair, maintain, improve, or clean up their trails. They can register their projects right on our website, and we offer assistance, recognition, and prizes.

MyHorse: What’s your work’s greatest reward?

Haertel: When people get involved and make things happen. Every time a trail or park is maintained, expanded, or opened, it is a triumph.

MyHorse: Your greatest challenge?

Haertel: My challenge is the flip side of that, when people don’t do anything or wait until it’s too late. If you call when your boarding barn has just been put up for sale, I can connect you with local land trusts, conservancies, and others that may help. If you wait until the barn has been sold and the bulldozers are running, it’s too late.

MyHorse: What’s your all-time favorite equine book?

Haertel: Probably Rita Mae Brown’s Outfoxed. She’s written a series of mysteries set in Virginia hunt country. It taught me lots about foxhunting, while telling a marvelous story. Also, a well-worn copy of the Album of Horses by Marguerite Henry has an honored place in my library. I’ve had it since I was 6 years old.

MyHorse: Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know that I…

Haertel: …am an avid knitter. It’s a fantastic stress release! My great-grandmother taught me years ago. I’m working on a blanket for our bed.

MyHorse: What people of any era would you invite for an evening around the campfire?

Haertel: Ruby Holmquist, an original horse whisperer and my mentor in advocacy. And Tom Ide, the fabulous storyteller of Monture Face Outfitters in Montana. He’s probably forgotten more about the wilderness than I could ever learn. I’d also invite Linda Parelli, because she’s taught me so much about Mare and because she, too, would share wonderful stories around the fire. And I cannot forget my husband, because he would tell me when it was time to stop talking and go to bed.

MyHorse: What’s your most treasured possession?

Haertel: As time goes by, possessions mean less and less. My integrity is probably most important. I’m certainly not perfect, but I do work diligently to be open and honest in all my dealings with people.

MyHorse: What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Haertel: There’s a Finnish proverb that says it all: "It’s that place between too little and too much of anything."