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Visitors who are horseback riding in the park may see temporary closures due to towpath resurfacing. The towpath will be re-opened to equestrian traffic 30 days after towpath resurfacing work has been completed. The reason for the 30-day closure is to allow the new material on the towpath time to settle before exposure to heavy weight. There is currently an active resurfacing project taking place. Horses are prohibited between Little Tonoloway (mile 124.5) and Paw…

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has approved new regulations to allow some pedal-assist e-bikes on multi-use trails on public lands across the state. Under the new regulations, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes — those that provide motorized assistance up to 20 miles per hour — are cleared for use on public lands. The approved regulation was published in the Maryland Register in May and is now in effect. “We’re excited to formally welcome e-bikes to…

That’s right—our passion for the trails, our horses, and our community is now recognized at the highest level. This proclamation celebrates everything we stand for: Most importantly—it recognizes YOU. The riders, volunteers, advocates, and members who make this community so strong. This is more than a proclamation. It’s proof that our voices matter. Let’s celebrate by: Be sure to check out the official proclamation attached and take pride in what we’ve accomplished together. Thank you…

A pair of bills have been filed in the General Assembly (SB 111/HB 212) to impose fines of $7/day for up to 60 days for Maryland resident-owned vehicles that are improperly registered in another state. State law requires that vehicles owned by Maryland residents be registered in Maryland within 60 days. Many Maryland residents, however, register their horse trailers in Maine to avoid Maryland tag fees. One of the two bills is in the Senate…

TROT and other trial Groups will again have a booth at the Horse Expo in Harrisburg this year.https://www.horseworldexpo.com/

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 6, 2025) — Governor Wes Moore today signed an executive order today formally establishing the Maryland Horse Industry Strategic Plan to guide the future of Maryland’s $2.9 billion equine sector. The initiative marks a historic step toward unifying the state’s diverse horse community under a single, coordinated vision for growth, sustainability, and collaboration. “Maryland’s horse industry is a powerful symbol of the state’s heritage, agriculture, and economic vitality,” said Gov. Moore. “This…

Due to the ongoing Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak in the region, the State of Maryland has implemented new restrictions, including the requirement for intrastate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) for all equine events. These measures have resulted in the modification or postponement of many scheduled activities. EHV-1 can be shed for extended periods—even by horses that appear clinically healthy—significantly increasing the risk of continued transmission during an outbreak. As a precautionary measure, TROT is temporarily suspending all…

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR HAS SECURED A SPOT FOR OUR MEMBERS  TO RIDE EACH WEEKEND OF DECEMBER AROUND THE TIMONIUM Fairgrounds Christmas Light Parade – During the Horseland Christmas village Thur to Sun each weekend of December. 

TROT asks our members to add the strangles vaccine to your horses vaccine schedule. We have seen an increase in strangles cases this year in Maryland. You can read about this at EDCC https://equinediseasecc.org/alerts or at MHC https://mdhorsecouncil.org/edcc-reports-5-new-cases-of-strangles/

Please consider attending this years Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit where Maryland Horse Industry Board and TROT will be speaking. Learn all about the summit here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/summit/summit.aspx TROT will be speaking about how public lands must balance recreation, conservation, and community needs. This WED OCT 29 MORNING session brings together perspectives from land managers, trail users, and outdoor recreation businesses to explore how recreation and stewardship can work hand in hand. Panelists will share challenges, opportunities,…

Dear Members, We have made several adjustments to our bylaws to help ensure the smooth operation and long-term health of our organization. These updates include clarifying the responsibilities of the Treasurer and President roles, as well as refining the timing and procedures for elections and voting to make the process more streamlined and fairer. We present these changes to you for review and approval. Please find the revised bylaws attached. For comparison, the previous version…

Nominations are open here: Who: Trot Board Member positions up for elections are secretary, treasurer and three board members at large. When: Sept. 17th- Nov. 1st How to nominate: Online google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeM49z1ulskwTu1MfCg96g_QT-_yt0BUT54i8rqi9pnpVPSgw/viewform)or email activity@trot-md.org Timelines of Events: Nov 14th- Voting Ballot created and set for distribution, Nov. 24- Dec. 26th- Member Voting Open, Jan, 27th 2026- Announcement of New Board Members

Some great stuff is coming out of the West Friendship Agricultural Focus Group Report. You can read the whol thing here: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/West%20Friendship%20Park%20Agricultural%20Recommendations%20(Final%20Reviewed%20by%20Focus%20Group).pdf Purpose:The West Friendship Park Agricultural Focus Group undertook the important task of envisioninginnovative agricultural programs and uses for the expansive 380-acre county-owned park in WestFriendship, Maryland. Comprised of 23 passionate individuals, including agricultural leaders, engagedcitizens, dedicated elected officials, and representatives from agricultural-related county agencies, thisdiverse group convened over three insightful meetings. During their…

Patapsco, McKeldin Area,Shelter 501/Pavilion 1311676 Marriottsville Road,Marriottsville, MD 21104.The fun starts at noon when guest speaker Jennifer Sullin-Stair will talk about her role with the MHIB representing Trail Stewardship and how that benefits the trail riding community, followed by a Raffle! TROT will provide the main dish, cake & some beverages.Please bring a dish to share. There is $3/person park admission fee for Maryland residents($5/person non residents) JENNIFER SULIN-STAIR Owner and operator of Plot Twist…

This wonderful clinic focused on confidence building in the saddle and prepping horses for the 2025 trail season. Many who were interested had young or new horses, were returning from injuries, getting older, or helping horses change careers.