Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005

The Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005 (S. 781) would require federal agencies to keep public lands open to pack and saddle animals, such as horses and mules, in areas where they have been used historically. Under this bill, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture would be responsible for ensuring that National Parks, National Forests, and other public lands remain accessible for equestrian use.

For citizens, this means that traditional access for horseback riding and packing would be legally protected on most federal lands. If a federal agency wanted to reduce or restrict animal access in a specific area, they would first be required to complete a full environmental review process to justify the change. The bill also tasks federal officials with creating clear rules to define what qualifies as a "historical tradition" of livestock use in these areas.