George Graff passed away suddenly on the morning of August 24 as the result of a heart attack. George was only 44.

Members of the TROT Board of Directors first met George when he came to a Board meeting and volunteered to set up and maintain a web page for TROT. The beautiful result is now being enjoyed by TROT members and visitors alike.

Many in TROT did not know George personally or have the pleasure of riding with him. But all of us feel we have had that unique electronic connection with him through emails and the information we enjoy on the web site. And those of us who are "technologically challenged" have our own fond memories of his patience in explaining the process and what needed to be done.

In George's memory, TROT has made a contribution to the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch in Buckeystown. (www.msyr.org)

     I want to thank those who sent cards and flowers and donations to The Ranch. Thank you to those who sent me email sharing kind words and offers of assistance with my farm. Fortunately, I have wonderful friends and neighbors and a very supportive family. No doubt, this has been a horrible time for me. I feel blessed that I have so many friends that care. Thank You!   Lisa

Mother Nature Has Jinxed Us Again
TROT'S JUDGED PLEASURE RIDE!

We were disappointed in June when wet trails and high river water forced us to postpone the annual TROT Judged Pleasure Ride. 

But we re-grouped and were all set to try again on September 27. But then along came Isabel on September 18-19. 

Immediately thereafter, the Park authorities closed Patapsco State Park so that they could assess the damage and begin clean-up. At that point -- what with Isabel and the heavy storm that followed a few days later -- the mud and water were even worse than before. And we could not get in to try to get the trails clear if, indeed, that were possible, just one week before the ride. The danger of high water in the river continued to be a serious safety concern. This is a disappointment for all of us because of all the hard work that goes into the planning – plus the fact that the Judged Pleasure Ride is our major fund-raiser for the year. But we will try again next Spring, and we hope all participants and volunteers will be ready and willing to make the 2004 ride the best ever.

In the meantime, we thank all the judges and other volunteers who offered their help this frustrating year. And our special thanks to our ride manager, Marilynn Miller, who tried her best to make the 2003 JPR happen.

Present: Gale Monahan, Michelle Beachley, Pat Merson, Marilyn Miller, Suzanne Anderson, Deneen Martin, Kathy Dobson, Anne Bennof, Pat Denu, Chris Conner, Amy Kimble, Marjan Davis, Susan Hunt 

The following County's had reports: Carroll County – the funding for the port-a-pots at Morgan Run had run out and it was unanimously voted that TROT would pay for the cleaning until the end of the year. Frederick County – The TROT ride held was a success and the trails were good. The trails in the Catoctin Mountains are still blocked and there is no information on when they will be cleared. Montgomery County – The opening of Woodstock Park, originally scheduled for September, has been changed to the Spring of 2004. Prince Georges County – Our coordinator, Mary Angevine, remains actively involved in the fight for Fairland Park. 

Search and Rescue reported they had gained about twenty new team members. There will be three assessment trials this year. A new patch for team members who are certified will be available. 

There was discussion that the terms of all of the officers has exceeded the limits and new officers need to be recruited. 

A Sunday Hunting Bill meeting was held at a hunt club in Mt. Airy, hosted by Dr. Scullin. 600 notices were sent out and 30 people attended. Dr. Scullin suggested there be two bills: one for controlling the deer population and the other to get non-hunting on Sunday. They are trying to compile a list of coalition of all people who use the trails on Sunday. He also suggested that maybe the hunters would give up another day in place of Sunday.

Savage Forest is off Rt 68 in the area of Deep Creek Lake and encompasses New Germany State Park, Big Run State Park, Savage Mountain, Meadow Mountain, Savage River Reservoir and several lakes. The forest has ski-mobile, cross country skiing, hiking and ATV trails, in addition to many old timbering roads. The elevation is high, there are minimal bugs and the vegetation is lush. 

Peggy Bree visited this area, made contact with the head ranger, and had the following comments: I did not think either the Collier or Margroff Place camps would work for horses. Collier seemed like a great place, but horse trailers would not be able to go in and out on the access road. I was also uncertain if there are any trails that connect to the camping area. Getting into Margroff was easier. I did drive all the way back to M4 and M5. M5 did have a small field area that was too over grown with weeds to use for camping. While the road was better than the Collier access road, there was a gully along the side of the road that would be a problem if a trailer went too close to the edge of the road. There was also no place for 2 vehicles to pass along the driveway, and if you've ever tried to back up a large trailer for any distance, you already know that someone is going to end up in the gully. 

The best area at Margroff would probably be the open areas where you first enter Margroff. There are several small fields that surround the incoming road and pipe valves. The next obstacle in the Margroff area is access trails. There were a few short trails that I saw on one map, but no indication that any of the trails shown connect to longer trails. Equestrians will ride 10 to 20 miles in a day. For additional information, contact Peggy Bree at bree@riva.net Or (410)224-8804.

Fairland Regional Park trails are still intact. The developer is still working on a way to trade his wasteland for parkland to build his houses. We neighbors who love this park are still working to save it. Until further notice, please continue enjoying the trails there. 

Here is location information for those who are new to this facility. It is located approximately 2 miles south of Route 98 (east of Burtonsville and Route 29). The entrance is the same as that of Gunpowder Golf Course, our trail head is on the grass, between two horse crossing signs. Ride south across the driveway into the Golf Course, continue along the chainlink fence to the maintenance yard. Turn right between the fences, and left at the end of the maintenance yard. Continue south to a "t" intersection on the turf (see the yellow horsehead sign on the tree straight ahead?), and turn right into the woods. Cross the paved bicycle trail and continue across the grass into the woods again. ENJOY! 

There are approximately two miles of trail on the Prince George's side and about three on the Montgomery County side. The trails are generally wide, all are passable, and are great for exploring. If you go south on the Prince George's side along the gas line, you will arrive at the bottom of a grassy slope. Go ahead up onto the top, where you will encounter pavement and narrow turf strips on the side. Follow this pavement until it curves to the left, .and you will see the entrance back into the woods. There are some more yellow horsehead markers high up in the trees along the suggested route, but you can ride any of the trails you see there. 

Here is some interesting news about the gas line: A spokesperson for Columbia Gas advised there is a $500 reward for reports of any damage to the pipeline or any unauthorized digging you may see there! The most wonderful surprise this year is just how perfect the schooling ring is at Acredale Park in College Park. We have used this ring randomly over the last 20 years, and have done maintenance work on it through the auspices of Park and Planning. What we didn't realize until this year (because we now have a very young mare) is the breadth of the experience offered here for novice horses. Within view of the ring is University Boulevard (a soccer field and treed buffer separate the ring from the road), a picnic pavilion where groups with active children often gather, a trail and bicycle path that winds its way along the eastern end of the property, and the new dog park several hundred feet to the south. If you walk the horse outside the ring, you can utilize the trail, or ride around the open fields (and encounter a large drain pipe with a gaping opening...scary!). In other words, your horse will be exposed to just about everything you can think of! This ring can be found on Metzerott Road between U.S. Route 1 and University Boulevard (on the northeastern corner of the Maryland University Campus in College Park). Don't hesitate to call me if you want more information on these facilities or any others in Prince George's County (301/937-0014). 

Thanks for all the great information, Mary!

...thanks to Naomi Manders! 

Montgomery COUNTY Parks trails information is located on our web: www.mc-mncppc.org (see "What's happening" or hiking/biking for maps---they are not great maps but have GPS info) 

Thanks to all the good TROT people who came out Saturday, August 16, to help prune at Rachel Carson Conservation Park. We got a fair amount done, passed out maps, established parking and recruited park monitors. I'm now fully ensconced in my new position as Volunteer Coordinator for Natural Surface Trails and aim to construct as many new trails and upgrade or maintain existing trails as possible. Although there is a good budget for bridges and other materials, Parks will be depending on YOU the trail user to help out. County staff has been mowing floodplains and cutting large deadfall trees -- but pruning and light maintenance will be done by volunteers. Actually, it's fun! Especially when you get to come back and use a nice, well-groomed trail. 

Don't forget : Your labor = money ! We are individually banking all TROT's (and other clubs') work hours which will be used to match State Grant money for bigger costs like bridges and underpasses. So join the force! RSVP naomi.manders@mncppc-mc.org or 301-650-4395

A RESCUE SUCCESS!  

Kudos to Michele McGuiness!! She performed both a person rescue and a lost (and found) horse search this past weekend. 

Michele rides one of John Proudman's horses, the walker named Tom. On Sunday, John and Michele went riding from John's farm into the Patuxent River State Park, John on his 5 year old bay arab gelding named Fancy. Fancy hasn't had too much trail experience yet. Somehow, along the ride, a rope came loose on Fancy's gear, and as he stepped over a log, it wrapped around his hind leg. Poor little youngster had a bucking attack. Tossed John and went bucking down the trail and was quickly out of sight. Not that Michele was initially worried about the horse. John was out cold. And yes he was wearing his helmet. The time was about 12:15 pm. John regained consciousness, but Michele soon realized he wasn't making sense. Cell phone reception was basically nil. She had the 911 operator, sort of, but couldn't provide specific enough directions to their location in the park for rescuers to respond. And finally she lost all cell phone signal. 

John was able to get up and hobble around a bit, so Michele boosted him up on Tom (who was tacked in a western saddle), and proceeded to hand walk them out, all the way back to John's house. There she had clear cell phone reception. Emergency personnel responded, and they in fact flew John out to Suburban Hospital. Michele also called Zoe and asked her to respond to the hospital. He stayed the night with a concussion, but thankfully no fractures. 

Meanwhile, where was Fancy? Michele called Suzanne and Frank for help. Suzanne arrived at John's house with Bos, and Frank followed in the van. Together the three formulated a plan: Michele and Suzanne would head back out on the trails, and Frank would circle the area: Hipsley Mill, Jennings Chapel, Howards Chapel, and Rt. 650. He stopped off at Waredaca Farm and other houses along the way to let people know about the missing horse. Michele and Suzanne were out four hours with nothing found. Michele decided to stay the night at John's, taking care of a tired Tom and also treating Dancer, John's endurance horse who's been sick and injured the past month or two. That evening was phone calling time, getting the word out. Michele called Patti Mathes, a regular rider of the Howard County side of the park, and Patti began calling other friends who know those trails. Suzanne called Animal Control of both Montgomery County and Howard County to make a report, then called Rich and Laura Roemer, Larry Raskin, Jeff and Kim Cooperman, Deenen Martin, and Pat Oliva, all regular users of the trails in the part of the park. Pat Oliva, formerly a member of the search team herself, thought to call the State DNR and report the missing horse as well. 

Monday morning, riders hit the trail: Kim and Jeff rode out from the Annapolis Rock Road parking field, as did Larry and his son later in the morning. Pat Oliva was on the trails first, parking at the river bridge on Hipsley Mill. She needed to return home to meet the farrier at about 9:00, but she was back out on the trail as soon as the shoes were on. Rich and Laura trailered to the end of Elton Farm Road off of Howard Chapel Road, and cruised the trails at that end of the search area. Suzanne and Michele started from John's house again, and visited all the neighbors, handing out fliers describing the horse and providing cell phone numbers. 

Then they hit the trails again, down the river then up into Montgomery Co. and all the way to Waredaca, to post a few more fliers. Dove season opened that day, and every hunter they met received a flier. The afternoon wore on, it got hot and muggy. Tom was showing the stress of the heat, as were Suzanne and Michele too. Bos had a girth sore open, galling him. They left Waredaca at about 2:00 pm, and headed as directly as possible back to John's. They were back in the general vicinity of the place last seen (PLS), approaching an awful snag of downed trees blocking the trail, around which they had bushwhacked the day before. 

Michele called Fancy's name again, and there he was! He whickered back! He was actually on the trail at the tree blockage, wearing only the browband and throatlatch of his bridle. .Michele was crooning to Fancy, and scrambling off of Tom, untying the halter brought just for this occasion. Suzanne was pulling out her leadline, and trading that for Tom's reins. Michele approached quietly with soothing words, and Fancy took the last couple steps to her. We had him. Michele opted to lead him home, and Suzanne ponied Tom. Fancy was very eager to be on the way, and as we neared the trail entrance, he finally recognized his surroundings and started treading on Michele's heels in his rush. John and Zoe were just coming out the John's driveway as the rescued and the rescuers approached, and there was a huge grin on John's face to see his pretty little bay arab .safe and sound. Tom was exhausted, and his hind legs swelled from the long day's work, so Michele put him to bed in standing wraps. Fancy was "hungry as a horse." Bos was very relieved to get the saddle off and to have salve applied to his open sore. Everyone went home tired and achey, but very, very happy. 

Many, many thanks to all the deputy search team riders who responded to the call for help. And my congratulations to Michele for the good work she did over the entire incident, keeping her cool, and her good humor through really frustrating and frightening events. Good Job Girl! Suzanne Anderson TROT Mounted Search Team trailsendfarm@erols.com Maryland

Volunteer Trail Maintenance Day 

ROSARYVILLE PARK 

DATE: Saturday, October 18 

TIME: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

CONTACT: Donna Almond, telephone 301-627-6797 bigtrot@aol.com 

Rosaryville Park is the best kept secret in Maryland State Parks. It has not always been accessible so PLEASE come out and show your support and interest in this park. Trail riders need to be represented. Bikers are marking trails, bird dog enthusiasts have cleared land (with more scheduled for next year), the hunt club maintains the trail jumps, and Maryland Horse Trials maintains the pavilion area and all of their course jumps. What do the trail riders contribute? 

We need to be counted, so please come out for some (light) trail cleaning. Bring your own favorite pruning equipment, water, bag lunch, gloves, insect repellant, sunscreen, etc. Wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes. 

DIRECTIONS 

From the north: From the Junction of MD Rte 301 and Rte 4 Go south on 301 about 5 miles; When you see a Safeway/Exxon shopping center, be in your right lane. Go through the light at (So Osborne Road) Safeway/Exxon and 7-11 are on your right Start going up the hill 1/10 mile and go into the right turn lane which takes you into Rosaryville Park.

 Rosaryville Park entrance is not well marked so go slow and watch. 

From the south: From Waldorf take 301 North about 12 - 13 miles. Watch for a light at Heathermore Blvd; Get into the left lane ASAP; the park entrance is on the left BEFORE you start going down the hill. If you go down the hill there will be a Safeway parking lot on your left to turn around. Rosaryville Park entrance is not well marked so go slow and watch.

Moulis began by saying that shutting down Idylwild to equestrians was never considered. We were there to dialogue and build relationships that will hopefully help WMA users understand and respect each other. Moulis said a WMA is very different from a park. Parks are people-oriented, more supervised, and much more intensely developed, perhaps having a visitor center, for instance. They are staffed by a different branch of DNR. WMAs have minimal development and are staffed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. Of the 435,000 total acreage in MD under DNR's auspices, 105,000 acres, or about 1/4, are WMAs. There are 41 WMAs in Maryland. Most important, however, is the fact that parks are funded by general tax dollars, whereas WMAs are 95% funded by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program which was authorized by Congress in 1937. This is often referred to as the Pittman-Robertson, or P-R Act. The Act is funded by a dedicated 11% federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition, a 10% tax on handguns, and the sale of hunting licenses. Revenue thus derived has specific eligible uses. It can be used to restore, conserve, manage and enhance wildlife (through wildlife population surveys, reintroduction of wildlife species, research, etc), or it can be used to educate hunters. Potential landmark legislation to obtain funding from other sources has not made it through legislature; instead Congress has made a one-time (annual?) appropriation to the Department of the Interior from whence State and Provincial wildlife agencies can make an application to obtain funding via the Wildlife Grants Program. 

Since the primary goal of a wildlife region is to promote, protect, conserve, and maintain areas for activities that are wildlife dependent (hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, etc), recreational activities that are wildlife enhanced (swimming, riding, biking, etc.) may be allowed only if it is shown they will not interfere with the purpose for which the land was originally acquired or developed. 

A detailed map of Idylwild WMA was displayed. A purple border within the WMA designated the wildlands, which in 1998 were designated as Type II and have been set aside for additional protection due to their seemingly undisturbed nature. These bottomland areas are generally located to the west of the stony crossing (which is in the approximate center of Idylwild WMA), and running south with Marshyhope Creek to the Town of Federalsburg. There are an estimated 15-25 wildlands statewide. 

Confrontations between hunters and other users have increased at Idylwild. By understanding other users and how they pursue their sport, it is hopeful that these confrontations will diminish. For instance, equestrians can practice voluntary restraint and refrain from riding in the WMA on the first day of dove season. Newsletters of equestrian groups can help by publicizing the days when hunters are most avidly pursuing their sport. It was mentioned that recommendations from this focus group may serve as a model for other WMAs elsewhere in the state.

WOODSTOCK EQUESTRIAN PARK 

The following is an update on the development of Woodstock Equestrian Park in Beallsville submitted by KEN NICHOLLS, Montgomery Parks Foundation, Inc., (301) 767-0002, www.montgomeryparksfnd.org Park Development. 

If you drive up or down Rte. 28 you can't miss the activity. Accel/Decel lanes have been installed on both sides of the park and asphalt put down. There is a temporary parking lot on the Moritz Greenberg side of the park, and a permanent parking lot is being installed now on the Dr. William Rickman side of the park. The temporary lot will eventually be replaced by a 10-trailer lot that is now being sited by Equestrian Services, Inc. Equestrian Services, Inc. of Annapolis is also laying out trails in the park and handling other horse-related site plan elements. They are working with other consultants who are addressing engineering/survey issues, historic preservation, etc. The work of these consultants should be done very soon. 

Friends Group Forming - Meeting scheduled
Volunteers have been meeting throughout the summer to draft bylaws, establish a membership dues structure, and plan benefits and activities for a Friends Group to support Woodstock Equestrian Park. This unique park will need advocates if it is going to serve the local equestrian community well. Beyond the parking lots and basic infrastructure of the park, there is little or no funding for other amenities. The Friends Group will help to identify needs and solutions.

Monday, October 27 Meeting
Mark your calendars! On Monday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. there will be a presentation by Equestrian Services at the Owens Local Park Recreation Bldg., 19900 Beallsville Road, Beallsville (light refreshments served starting at 6:30 p.m.). This will be the public's first opportunity to get a glimpse of what Equestrian Services is recommending for the site. Following the presentation there will be a Charter Meeting of the new Friends Group with an election of officers and adoption of bylaws. Committees will also be formed, including a Program/Activities Committee, a Public Relations Committee, and a Facility Planning Committee.

Dressage arena   -  Cross-country course with water, ditch and bank complexes
Round pen
Conditioning trails and bridle paths
Equestrian games area 

We Need Your Help

There is still much work to be done to meet our hope of having the Farm ready for equestrian use by Spring 2004. The Turner Farm Equestrian Committee is a citizen's group of volunteers who help plan and develop the Park's equestrian facilities. The Fairfax County Park Authority will finance much of the development, but we will need $25,000 in additional funds to complete the project.

We are seeking volunteer time and/or equipment to assist in building and maintaining the riding rings, the lunging pen and the cross-country course, planning and laying out the bridle paths, and raising funds. We will also need the services of a cross-country course designer. Other helpful donations would include materials for building cross-country fences and jumps for the stadium jumping.

Donations to the Turner Farm Equestrian Park are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to: Brogue Charities 501 (c) (3)-Turner Farm Equestrian Fund, PO Box 176, Great Falls, Va. 22066

For more information, please send an e-mail to turnerfarm@cox.net1 The original Conceptual Development Plan for Turner Farm can be found at www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/cdpturnerframe.htm

Background on The Turner Farm

The Turner Farm Park is located at the intersection of Georgetown Pike (Route 193) and Springvale Road (Route 674) in Great Falls, Virginia. This community park was formed from the recent merger of three parcels - 1) the Defense Mapping Agency site (donated to Fairfax County by the federal government in the Land to Parks program), 2) Lexington Estates Park (deeded to the Fairfax County Park Authority by a developer in the 1970s), and 3) the Mark Turner dairy farm (purchased with locals funds and revenue from the 1998 park bond referendum). Together, these parcels total almost 53 acres.

The Turner Farm was added to the existing parkland after a citizens' initiative, "Save the Farm", held fundraisers from 1996-2000, with the proceeds contributing to the purchase and continued development. Significant contributions from Seneca Excavating, Brogue Charities, the Great Falls Lions, and the Analemma Society established the precedent for The Turner Farm Equestrian and Fence Committee's present fund drive. The Equestrian Committee has raised $10,000 for fencing that was matched by a $10,000 Mastenbrook Fund grant from the Fairfax County Park Authority.

The Park will have three main themes:
· Observatory Park (cultural history, education and recreation)
· Equestrian Park (recreation)
· Community Park (active and passive recreation)

Current Happenings
· Fence: The equestrian perimeter fence is nearly complete.
· Park Entrance. The Park Service has installed a new black vinyl security fence around the observatory area. The Park entrance is now open to the public. There will not be a gate at the Park entrance. However, there will be a gate at the entrance to the equestrian area.
· Barn: The barn cleanup and repair is underway. Initially, the barn will be for storage only.
· Parking Lots: The Park Authority has re-surfaced the existing parking lot for the Observatory and the playground. The next step is to install a gravel driveway and parking lot in the equestrian area.
· Riding Arenas: Our team is currently preparing specifications for the all-weather outdoor riding arenas. Seneca Excavating has offered to donate grading services for the equestrian riding ring.
· Cross Country Course: The Cross County Committee is developing plans for a cross county schooling course that will feature water, ditch and bank complexes. The jumps will have a flexible design in order to satisfy both beginner and more advanced riders.
· Equestrian Games Field: Over 30 groundhog holes have been filled.
· Playground: A tot lot, which is sponsored by the Great Falls Lions Club, was installed in October. Brogue Charities plans to install a picnic pavilion near the tot lot.

The TROT Pleasure Rides are open to all current TROT members. New members are ALWAYS welcome. Membership forms will be available at the ride. Membership is only $15 for 1 year! What a DEAL! For more information about TROT's Pleasure Rides, call Michelle Beachley (301-482-2526) A Negative Coggins Test is required on all TROT pleasure rides and events.

October 18, Saturday:  Codorus State Park - York County, PA.   The 3,329-acre Codorus State Park is in the southwest corner of York County, about three miles southeast of Hanover, Pennsylvania, along PA 216. A prime attraction of the park is the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, which has 26 miles of shoreline. Horseback Riding: A seven-mile bridle trail network winds through the west side of the park. Directions: From I-83, take Exit 8. Go 18 miles west on PA 216 to the park. From PA 116, go through Hanover. Turn right onto PA 216 east and go three miles to the park to right on Sinsheim to left on Main Launching Road. Or from Route 30 from Reisterstown, North to Pennsylvania, right at light at Grandview, through 4 way stop, right at light onto 216, over 3 bridges to left on Sinsheim, left onto main launching road and horse trailer parking on left. 10:30 a.m. ride from parking lot off Sinsheim - watch for the horse trailer parking signs. Will pace ride to slowest rider, but should have enough volunteers to take others on side routes at a faster pace. Contact Jean Swartz at 410/346-7060. 

October 18, Saturday:   Rosaryville Workday Southern Prince Georges County, near Andrews AirForce Base. Contact Donna Almond 301/627-6797 or bigtrot@aol.com.  

October 25,  Saturday:  The Potomac Day Parade and trail ride.  A trail ride after the parade will be hosted by Susan Novotny. First, you and your mount will stroll through the streets of Potomac through the annual parade representing TROT (wear your TROT shirts!). This is a parade, so there will be an array of challenging noises and objects. After the parade we will venture out on the lovely Potomac area trails. Contact Susan Novotny @ 301-526-6636 or my email is susan@snvhomes.com for more information and to sign up for the parade. 

November 8, 15, 29:   Work Days on Montgomery County Trails.   Contact Naomi Manders @ Naomi.Manders@mncppc-mc.org to volunteer or additional information. 

November 30, Sunday:   Camp Waredaca, Patuxent River State Park, Montgomery County.   These great trails traverse farmland fields into the Patuxent River Park. These trails may overlap and eventually connect with the Upper Patuxent River trails you can explore on a future ride. You may have the interesting experience of riding by some of the cross-country jumps at Waredaca. This is a fun trot/canter ride with a few small log jumps on some of the trails. Contact Gayle Ford at 410-552-5372.

I am seeking a riding buddy after the first frost (to get rid of the bugs). I have an inexperienced 7 year old saddlebred that I am trying to school in dressage. We have some trails adjacent to our barn. The barn is located in Clarksburg, Montgomery County, near Sugarloaf Mountain. I am retired and can ride most any time. Please call between the hours of 6 and 8 pm or email me at alanungar@aol.com.

Please note that the classified ad deadline will now be the 5th of the month prior to publication...in an effort to get the bi-monthly newsletter to you by the 1st of the month! 

Midnight – Handsome, black, Tennessee Walker gelding, 15 hds., 7 yrs. old. Easy keeper, good disposition, stands quiet. Strong and willing on trails. Experienced rider - $3,500. Frank 410/795-3591. 

Free Field Board for horse in exchange for labor. Board fence, run-in sheds, heated stock tanks. Union Bridge area. Call 301/639-4448 if interested. 

Property for Sale – A 3 minute ride to Patapsco trails! 5-1/4 acre farmette in Sykesville (Howard Co.) offers new 72x36 center aisle barn: 6 stalls w/dutch doors, heated tack w/hot & cold water, 2 frost free pumps. Newly fenced and cross-fenced. Turnout includes stone dust paddock surrounding barn & doubling as all weather riding area, two large grass paddocks (one could include 60' round pen & small dressage arena) and a 2-1/3 acre field. Invisible fence surrounds property. The house is a well maintained 4 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath, split-level with ceiling fans and air conditions. Come enjoy mature landscaping, deck and in-ground pool in a quiet neighborhood. 410/489-7536.

This is YOUR newsletter...we welcome submissions of any articles and news items that would be of interest to TROT members. Please send all materials to the editor:

*this rate is based upon the advertiser providing prepared copy for our mailing, including all number of copies.

Officers:
Gale Monahan, President (301-854-3852)
Tim McGrath, Vice President (1-800-292-3547)
Pat Merson, Secretary (301-898-3251)
Anne Bennof, Treasurer (301-829-0949)

Directors/Board Members:
Kathy Dobson (410-747-2015)
Marilyn Miller (301-898-7274)
Jack Monahan (301-854-3852)
Deneen Martin (301-253-2955)
Michelle Beachley (301-482-2526)
Pat Denu (301-253-6932)

Membership:Linda Eminizer (410-661-0176)
Trail Ride Coordinator: Michelle Beachley (301-482-2526)
Mapping Project: Tim McGrath (1-800-292-3547)
Search & Rescue Team: Suzanne Anderson (301-829-3881)
Archivist: Karen Alexander
Web Page: Lisa Graff

County Coordinators:
Carroll – Anne Bennof
Howard – Gale Monahan
Frederick – Pat Merson
Montgomery – Tim McGrath
Prince George's – Mary Angevine

West Nile I had a report from my veterinarian (Dr. Will Engel) that there were 20 confirmed cases of recently diagnosed West Nile Virus in our area. 18 have survived...all had been vaccinated. Symptoms of this disease include extreme hypersensitivity (like if you touch your horse's neck one day and it's ok, the next he won't let you do it); stumbling; extreme depression...the early caught cases can be treated...be on the alert! 

I would like to thank everyone who sent me emails regarding hurricane preparedness with regard to horse care. It also occurred to me that it might be useful to have an email list of those of our membership who wanted to be kept apprised of issues of this sort that might come up between publications, etc. 

If you'd like to be included in our TROT email mailing list on issues, happenings and events that occur in between our publications, please advise me. Group e-mailings could be informative when last minute events are scheduled, health issues are posted for our area or weather concerns affect our areas. 

You may be included on this list by emailing DSPSFARM@aol.com – use TROT Email List as the subject in your reference line and you will be added to the list. Thanks!

from naomi manders

Subject: Looking for a Horse? 

I know it is a long way to go, but many of these horses will end up at slaughter houses unless they find new homes. I have 3 OTTBs (Off Track TBs) and they are wonderful horses. It is a win-win situation - you get a beautiful horse (often for very little money) and the horse gets a second chance at life off the track. If you can't get to Northampton, you might want to look at the West Virginia CANTER site (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia/). Thanks. If you have ever considered buying or adopting a retiring Thoroughbred racehorse, your best chance may be their second chance! 

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Not in the market, and can't foster or adopt? Pass this on to as many horse lovers as you know: the more people we reach, the greater the chance these horses have! Interested? We encourage prospective buyers to come to the fair with a trailer and cash, as dozens of wonderful horses will need to move quickly (and will be available at bargain basement prices - from $350 and up). While some animals may have injuries that require time off and TLC, many are young, sound and gorgeous - they are just not fast enough to continue in a racing career. Because Suffolk Downs, the "home base" for many of these horses is not running from 10/27 - 1/5/04, there are many horses that won't be returning to run there. 

NEED MORE INFORMATION? If you have ever considered owning a Thoroughbred and would like more information, or if you have a stall in your barn and would consider fostering a horse awaiting permanent placement, please contact CANTER NE at canterne@canterusa.org or 781-354-6291.

Pohick Bay Regional Park Temporarily Closed Due to the storm damage 

Mr. Short asked me to spread the word that Pohick Bay Regional Park is temporarily closed. As trails are checked/cleared he will reopen them for use. 

P.S. Mason Neck State Park is also closed--at least as of 9/21. They have trees down on power lines and must wait for the electric company to remove them.

Please let us know if your favorite trails are open or closed? Go to our Yahoo Group so everyone will have an opportunity to check the status of the trails. You will need to sign up if you are not already a member. Then go to MESSAGES and ADD A NEW MESSAGE. 

You will also notice there is a section for LINKS. This is a great place to add a link for your local riding club, barn, or to trail information. If each of you will add your club, it will save me a lot of work trying to compile the information. Our Yahoo group is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MHC-TG Thanks! Peggy

The database, which is available online at www.funoutdoors.info/rtphome.html, is updated periodically and can be searched according to state, activity, category, and funding level. The RTP database is an excellent source for designs to improve trails in your community. For example, if you are interested in creating a better trailhead to accommodate horse trailers, the database offers contact information for similar projects. An active member of both recreation coalitions, the AHC also uses this database to inform Congress and federal agencies about the impact of RTP funds on projects in their state or district. It's a good way to "show them the money" and the benefits of the program.

Please send all ITEMS FOR "INFORMATION EXCHANGE" to the editor @ DSPSFARM@aol.com, or by calling 301/854-9763. And, remember to reference "TROT" in your subject line of your email to be sure it will be opened.

Date: 9/25/2003 3:08:50 PM From: sonewman@starpower.net 

Just in case anyone wants to ride the Battlefield trails - they are CLOSED until further notice. We saw the notice at the Rt. 29 trailer parking area this morning on the way to the barn.

ZIP

 John Lyon's beloved Zip was laid to rest August 25th, 2003, in a gravesite on the ranch located near their pond in his place of honor. 

Zip's wonderful life of 28 years is known by all. Highlights include the fact that Zip as the only horse ever to be inducted into the Appaloosa Association's Hall of Fame. While he was still living and he was honored as the 1994 Bryerfest Horse of the Year. Zip was instrumental is assisting John with his training techniques and sharing their incredible partnership and love for each other with horse owners everywhere. 

There were three phases to their incredible partnership together. Zip by himself, John by himself and John and Zip together. It was Zip's patience and willingness to trust and try that made Zip the largest, most instrumental influence and a very important key in changing the horse industry forever. 

Zip is a legend. 

It was a very hard decision to put Zip to rest. John, Jody, Josh and Jana were with him during his passing. It was a blessing that they were all at home during this difficult time. Many around the country will have their own visions of John and Zip working together and having fun with each other and those memories will be forever in the minds and hearts of those who knew him and loved him. 

Zip will never be forgotten....

Updates On State Forests And Parks, Public Lands Reopening 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 25, 2003) - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the following openings of state forests, parks, natural resources management areas, natural environment areas and wildlife management areas. 

While many forest and park trails are open for recreational use, visitors are cautioned that the tropical storm winds and saturated soils may have left behind hazardous trail conditions. Visitors should be extra observant of overhead hanging limbs, unstable tree crowns and trees leaning over paved and natural surface trails that could fall and cause severe injury. In addition, trails may be partially blocked by fallen trees and limbs until clean up and repair efforts are completed. 

All visitors are also reminded to practice Leave No Trace ethics and avoid walking or riding on trails if they are wet and muddy. Recent excessive rainfall has saturated soils, making them highly vulnerable to erosion and damage from recreational use. All Wildlife Management Areas have reopened, with the exception of Deale Island and Fairmount, and all Wildlife & Heritage Service (a division of DNR) managed islands on the Potomac River.

 **A full list of State Forests & Parks that are open follows. If a facility is not listed, it has not yet reopened. You can also bookmark the public lands home page, where updates are made frequently: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands. Also use this site to find out if equestrian use is allowed. 

Central Region
Elk Neck State Forest - Day Use, Campground
Elk Neck State Park - Day Use, Campground
Fair Hill NRMA
Gunpowder Falls State Park - Day Use Central Area, Northern Central Rail Trail & Hammerman Areas {Dundee Marina remains closed}.
Morgan Run NEA
Patapsco Valley State Park - selected day use areas only at Avalon, Glen Artney, Hilton, Hollofield, Pickall & McKeldin and Hollofield Campground,
Rocks State Park - Day Use
Seneca Creek State Park - {undeveloped area only}
Soldiers Delight NEA - Day Use
Susquehanna State Park - Day Use, Campground


Eastern Region
Assateague State Park - Day Use, Campground
Assateague State Park - Day Use, Campground
Choptank River Pier - Day Use
Janes Island State Park - Day Use, Campground, Cabins
Martinak State Park - Day Use, Campground, Cabins
Pocomoke State Forest
Pocomoke River State Park - Day Use, Campground, Cabins Somers Cove Marina
Tuckahoe State Park - Day Use, Campground, Cabins
Wye Island NRMA - Day Use, Lodge
Wye Oak State Park - Day Use
Southern Region
Greenwell State Park - Day Use
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary - Day Use
Rosaryville State Park - Day Use
Sandy Point - Day Use {caution for debris on beach and in Bay}
St. Mary's River - Day Use


Western Region
Cunningham Falls State Park - Manor Area Day Use & Manor Area Campground {Houck Area remains closed}
Dans Mountain State Park - Day Use
Deep Creek Lake State Park - Day Use, Campground
Fort Frederick State Park - Day Use, Campground
Gambrill State Park - Day Use & Campground
Greenbrier State Park - Day Use, Campground
Green Ridge State Forest - most of the forest accessible - a few roads are blocked and Bonds Landing Camping area is still closed
Herrington Manor State Park - Day Use, Cabins
New Germany State Park - Day Use, Cabins, Campground
Rocky Gap State Park - Day Use, Campground
Savage River State Forest - Day Use, Campgrounds
Sideling Hill Visitor Center - Day Use
Swallow Falls State Park - Day Use, Campground

on November 8, 2003 James S. Long District Park, Haymarket, VA. Session 1: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Session 2: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (limited to 20 horses per session) Cost: $40 per horse & rider; $45 per horse & rider for non-CHS member; $10 to audit. Pre-Registration is required for riders. Auditors may pre-register or pay on the day of the event. To register, fill out the form below. REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN November 3, 2003 (Monday). For more information, call Kathy Jayne at 703-239-8590 or e-mail at: riohorse@erols.com.

The TROT Questionnaire Results are in! 

We received questionnaires from only a small percentage of our membership, but every one contained useful feedback that will help us make TROT better. It's not too late - you can still return the form to us! We value your input. 

What our members like MOST:
Our mission of Trail Preservation, so that we can still ride on both public and private land.
Information about current legislation and issues, and the outcomes.
Trail information, on our rides, new places to go, specifics such as parking, terrain and trail conditions.
The newsletter, especially the calendar and the riding buddy column.
The membership directory, especially the email addresses.


What we like LEAST:
Would like newsletter to come out on the 1st of every month.
More activities in MY county (name any county in MD).
Many members wish they could devote more time and energy to TROT.
We received responses from brand new members and 20-year veterans, and all were insightful.
40% said they would come to our Judged Pleasure Ride, either to compete or to volunteer. Most of the others cited previous commitments as a deterrent.
70% would like to attend picnics or other TROT functions.
60% said they would serve on a committee.
Half of our readers would prefer an electronic (email) newsletter: the other half prefer to have it mailed. Only half of our respondents have accessed our website. of those who have, 60% think we should include more information, especially current issues (county and state) and current trail conditions and problems.

CHANGES and SUGGESTIONS from our members:
Two Judged Pleasure Rides a year instead of one, and/or a Fun Show in addition to the JPR.
TROT should sponsor a Clinic (no subject offered).
The annual meeting should be streamlined and end earlier.
MORE RIDES! Some counties, especially Montgomery, feel they are under-represented. Some members would like l gaited rides also. Some suggested potluck lunches during or after rides.
NEWSLETTERS: To come out on the 1st of every month, with more upcoming events and less "fluff". Some requested that a Treasurer's Report and minutes from the Board Meetings be included, and a county report every month from every county. Summaries of recently held rides would be much appreciated.
Better record keeping, especially concerning memberships. A Welcome Committee for new members.
More involvement by TROT in specific trail projects and new Equestrian Centers (such as Woodstock in Beallsville), etc. Some advocate financial, others physical help.