Wildfire Danger Forces Cancellation of 2021 Chief Joseph Trail Ride

MOSCOW, IDAHO — Due to significant wildfire danger and hazardous air quality in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2021 Chief Joseph Trail Ride scheduled for August 2-6, 2021.

On July 7, 2021, a lightning storm ignited numerous new wildfires in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, creating extremely dangerous conditions near Musselshell Meadows, the area designated for this year’s Chief Joseph Trail Ride camp. The fires have caused many road closures in the area, and a strain on already extremely limited resources for firefighters.

“We know this announcement comes as a disappointment for our riders, but their safety and the safety of their horses was our first consideration,” said ApHC Executive Secretary Lynette Thompson.

The ApHC is preparing to process refunds for participants’ entry fees. Those refunds will be processed in approximately 30 days.

Plans for a virtual trail-ride held during the same dates are currently in the works. Those details will be announced in the coming weeks on the Chief Joseph Trail Riders Facebook page and on www.appaloosa.com. The ApHC is looking forward to the 2022 Chief Joseph Trail Ride, with planning already underway.