I’ve reached an age that may identify me as an old-timer, especially since my husband, Glenn, and I joined OET in 1977. I heard about OET in 1974, when I completed a student project for a BLM trail study.
Early in 1978, Earl Flick, OET founder, invited me to attend the annual meeting. He and Les Bernard, another founding member, gave me a ride to the meeting in Albany. I remember feeling privileged that the two revered, white-haired gentlemen escorted me, a young member, to the annual meeting.
Through the 1980’s and 90’s, I was a very active OET member who served in several leadership roles. I attended many OET work parties, meetings, and rides throughout those years. I loved the people, the food, the horses, the camps, and every campfire. I remain proud of helping start a new chapter in the 90’s, then known as the Columbia Gorge (now the Mt. Hood Chapter).
My work placed me in a unique position that involved trail planning in the METRO Greenspaces program. I helped put trails on the map that include equine trail opportunities today. I represented equestrians on the Oregon Recreational Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) from 1991 to 1999. Making recommendations about trails and trail issues to the State of Oregon Parks Commission provided me an opportunity to see trails in all parts of Oregon.
A new job took me from Sandy to Klamath Falls in 2002. No OET Chapter existed in Klamath Falls. I and others tried starting a new OET Chapter but found the High Desert Trail Riders a long established group that associated with the Back Country Horsemen of Oregon. It was a classic case of “if you can’t beat ‘em, then join ‘em.“ I had thought for some time that OET and BCH should coordinate and collaborate on more projects. With membership in both organizations, I learned more about collaborative possibilities. In 2006, my husband and I were honored to become Honorary Lifetime Members of OET.
Another move happened in 2007. This time, we ended up across the state line, in Alturas, California. I joined the local BCHC group, the High Country Unit, but remained an OET member. I’ve served in several leadership roles for the High Country Unit as I explored the Warner Mountains. Every once in a while, I’d load up my horse and head north to ride Oregon trails. Glenn and I now have our Alturas place up for sale with the intent to return to Oregon. Maybe the coast this time. Meanwhile, I sure like OET Trail Mail and the Riders Roundup!
A 2015 move brought us to the Oregon Coast, half way between Reedsport and North Bend. Frequent riding and increased participation in OET activities is a welcome result from this move. We don’t want to move any more! See you on the trail!
Valerie Lantz
Honorary Member
Founder of the Mt. Hood Chapter (formerly known as the Columbia Gorge Chapter)
Want to share your OET story? Email it to vpoutreach@oregonequestriantrails.org.
Glenn Lantz
This dutch oven photo may or may not be the tasty meal she unknowingly prepared using a $100.00 bottle of wine that she “borrowed” from the wine cabinet. Imagine my surprise when I went to open this bottle for guests & it was gone.
When Valerie admitted that she had “borrowed” it, she stated that everyone thought that particular meal (chicken) was excellent. Now she knows why
I would hope so. It is funny now.
Her Husband
Bryan Barnard
Thank you, Valerie, for sharing your interesting history, as well as Glenn’s humorous addition. :o)
It seems that you and my Grandfather, Les Barnard, have stomped similar ground throughout your lives. He was born in Chico, CA in 1908 and spent much of his youth in Southern Oregon, first in Ashland from about 1912-1921, then he moved to Klamath Falls at the age of 13 to train horse and mule teams, and lived there from 1921 through the late 1930s/early ’40s. WWII that brought him to Seaside to build wooden mine sweepers, and from there he later located to Beaverton. He always spoke fondly of his time with OET.
Best regards,
Bryan Barnard
Valerie Lantz
Bryan, I have a wood carved Morgan Horse picture that your Grandfather, Les Barnard made and gave to me. I was touched and surprised when he gave it to me. He said “I just want to give you a little something as you do a lot for OET.” He chose a Morgan as he knew I had a Morgan at that time. I still treasure it. Thank you for sharing the “stomping grounds” that your Grandfather lived. As it turns out, yes, similar to my trail. I’m glad to have made the acquaintance of your Grandfather, though at that time we didn’t know about our similar paths. Do any of your family members have horse interests? Sincerely, Valerie Lantz
Rebecca Duren
That is a great humorous addition about the addition of the expensive wine….to a Dutch Oven meal! Thanks!
Forrest Byerly
Hi: To Val. One of the best bean pckers in the Willamette Valley. Cousin Bubby. Give me a call. I san’t find you phone #