In 2015, in response to some algae blooms in San Diego and Orange County, the water protection group Coastkeepers, began to enforce animal operation rules. The challenge was the basis for their enforcement was other commercial livestock species, with very different protocols. Dairies for example have very different requirements. One of these observers was a 3rd generation horseman, Duncan McIntosh. What piqued his interest was that he was a second generation Conservationist, whose family had sponsored the Clean Water Act by helping found Natural Resources Defense Council. He went to meetings, spoke to lawyers both sides and said to his barn owner friends "there has to be a better way".
That commitment took him on a journey of equestrian centers, water agencies large and small, University Extensions in California and seven other states, The Farm Bureau, and a forgotten part of the USDA. This last was called the Natural Resources Conservation Service, originally the Soil Conservation Service, formed during the Dust Bowl Crisis. They trained Farmers and animal operation owners to conserve the natural resources of Soil, Water, Air, Plants and Animals. This federal resource had not been consulted during the equestrian center water enforcements, and they had plenty of alternative plans that might save millions of dollars. Mr. McIntosh began training as a Conservation Planner under their guidance.
He discovered alternatives to the commercial livestock protocols designed for Dairies that cost millions of dollars less.
This organization is the path for the equestrian community to ensure they avoid these costs from ever returning, and to educate them about their contribution to the natural resources now and in the future, where they will be desperately needed.
This group formed at the intersection of concerned equestrians and skilled professionals in environmental and stormwater management A Dozen equestrians with specific expertise stepped up as advisors, and helped Earth-Riders become recognized in agencies in the state and nationally. We offer sensible, feasible solutions. Chances are, you know us, and the many professionals who wear the green arm band.
We strive to educate riders, trainers, grooms and facility managers on how they each play a role in the conservation effort. Sustainability starts with scooping manure and keeping clean wash racks- something we can task all equestrians with. And facilities can look to us for guidance on compost, water run off solutions, and compliance with California agricultural laws. Together we're helping improve our planet!
Since the founding in 2021, Earth Riders has had a significant impact on equestrian environmental policy and practice. We helped reopen Del Mar Horse Park, wrote compliance plans for barn and show locations, and created the cost saving RM4 Equestrian Nutrient Management Plan.
Board Member
American Horse Council Committee Member, Former Marion County University of Florida Extension. CAFO Compliance Advisor for HITS Ocala. Current Trustee of the Equine Land Conservation Resource of Lexington, Kentucky. She continues to give indispensable insight and advice.
Board Member
Architect, Off Grid Ranch owner, Sustainability Teacher, and equestrian and lifetime horse owner, supporter of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and dedicated to blending the virtues of horses into modern life.
Board Member
Trainer, Equestrian Center Manager, and host of the Earth-riders TED Talk. Her Nohl Ranch Saddle Club leads a compost program that transforms waste into community value using “Soil Food Web” methods, and turning the expense into a community resource and profit center. Her management will lead to a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan, or CNMP that eliminates lawsuit risk.
Board Member
LA City Award Winner for her action against artificial turf, leader in Climate Crisis Now, and lifelong equestrian driving the growth of Earth-riders.