Chief Joseph Trail Ride Comes To Park

The Chief Joseph Trail Ride, sponsored by the Appaloosa Horse Club, ended this year's 100-mile segment at Big Hole National Battlefield on July 23rd.  Over 170 riders from around the United States and from seven countries rode through the park on Thursday afternoon. 

The Chief Joseph Trail Ride follows Nez Perce National Historic Trail (http://www.fs.fed.us/npnht/ ) and it takes 13 years to complete the 1,350-mile ride.

On Friday afternoon, elders from the Nez Perce Tribe in Lapwai, Idaho, were on hand for a moving ceremony with the riders, their support personal and interested parties.  Before and after the ceremony, almost 500 people attended special programs given throughout the park.

The Appaloosa was developed by the Nez Perce and holds a special reverence for the tribes. The breed has many admirers throughout North America.  Close to 2,000 of these beautiful horses where at Big Hole when the Nez Perce were attacked on August 9, 1877.

Nez Perce National Historic Park provided staff to help with programs and visitor center operations.