Horses

Yes, there are more and more homes being built and still more people coming to live in the Inland Northwest. And there are definitely a lot more coffee stands than there used to be.

But there's still plenty of room to ride a horse.

There are quite a few different trail systems in the region where horses are welcome, and a large number of equine and backcountry associations.

Several counties operate equine search and rescue reserve units. There are also a variety of bed and breakfasts and guest ranches which offer rides or treks through the countryside.

One of these is Western Pleasure Ranch, which takes riders through the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains.

For more information: Back Country Horsemen of Washington at www.bchw.org, the Washington State Horse Council at www.raineyvalleyfarm.com/wshc/index.htm or Western Pleasure Guest Ranch at (208) 263-9066.