Meet Rudy and Dave, Hosts of Santiam Horse Camp
This summer, Santiam Horse Camp had its first-ever full-season hosts: Dave and Rudy.
Rudy, is a 20-year-old mustang from the BLM range near Lakeview. He's a big friendly guy at 15.1 hands (61 inches tall at his withers).
Dave Gillies, the Asset Security Officer for the Oregon Department of Corrections, spotted Rudy in a video from the 2009 Extreme Mustang Challenge, where the then 5-year-old took reserve champion. Dave knew Rudy was the perfect partner for exploring Oregon’s backcountry.
“With Rudy I can go places I wouldn’t get to on my own.” For over 12 years, they’ve navigated trails across Oregon and Washington. Their first visit to Santiam Horse Camp in 2010 made a lasting impression. "This place has amazing trails,” says Dave. With 10 miles of trails across diverse landscape and nearly always available corrals, Santiam Horse Camp is an are a favorite.
Up until this year, Oregon Equestrian Trails Silver Falls Chapter members would come up on weekends to help greet visitors and look after the campground. This year, Dave decided to give back by becoming the facility’s dedicated camp host.
While working remotely fulltime for the Department of Corrections, he maintained the campground, greeted guests, and ensured everything ran smoothly. He also shared useful trail tips with guests; "People really want to know if there are any bee nests along the trail, so they know to ride through quickly," says Dave. "An unexpected run-in can turn a trail ride into a rodeo."
Santiam Horse Camp isn’t just for equestrians - hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy two tent sites and a day-use shelter.
Dave’s advice for future hosts? Spend time at the camp to get a feel for the place, ensure you have a comfortable set-up for you and your horse, and have a plan for restocking supplies.
Celebrating 25 Years: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the State Forests Trust of Oregon, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey of this organization - and my own. While I’m just marking my second year as executive director, many of you—donors, volunteers, visitors, and staff—have been connected to our state forests from the very beginning. Your experiences have shaped the Trust, and for you, these forests have been life-changing.
For those of us newer to the Trust, the history and heritage of these forests are inspiring. We stand in awe of the work done over the past quarter century to steward these special lands and create opportunities for all Oregonians to explore and connect with nature. Whether you’ve been part of this journey since the start or are just discovering the wonders of Oregon’s state forests, the magic is undeniable.
While the Trust continues to evolve to meet the changing needs and interests of our community, one thing remains constant—everyone has a personal story connected to these forests. What’s yours? What aspects of our work do you think are most important?
I’d love to hear from you at kelly.lau@stateforeststrust.org as we celebrate the past and build toward the future together.
Warmly, Kelly Lau, Executive Director, State Forests Trust of Oregon
Holiday Wreath Making at the Tillamook Forest Center
Bring the beauty of the forest home this winter by creating a winter wreath. Participants will use a variety of natural materials that were harvested from our very own state forests. Younger children will also be able to make cone bird feeders. All materials and supplies are included in the cost of the class.
Dates and Times: Nov 29, 2024, 11:00 AM and Dec 01, 2024, 1:00 PM
Registration required | $40 wreath & $10 cone birdfeeders
