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Water is a major factor – if not THE most significant factor – that causes trail erosion. This damage can be compounded by temperatures fluctuating above and below freezing in what is known as a “freeze-thaw cycle.” This happens as moisture in the dirt freezes and expands, creating a porous texture, rather than the firmly-compacted, solid surface riders and hikers expect of Patapsco’s well-maintained trails. Freeze-thaw cycles on their own can cause compacted trails to…

Sugarloaf Mountain’s Caretakers – Stronghold Inc. – reopened the Mountain to the public on 10/10/23, but there are changes. Visitors will no longer be allowed to park in the crossroads or “square”. This change will keep the intersection clear of inappropriately parked vehicles, eliminate late night loitering, and stop after hours entry onto the Stronghold property. This change will also provide a needed staging area for all EMS vehicles during emergencies. They will be towing.…

Deadline DECEMBER 25th PLEASE PLEASE Take a few minutes to vote for your new board for 2024 Our organization is only as strong as it’s volunteers and these self-less members have stepped up. ALL MEMBERS can ATTEND and VOLUNTEER for events and tasks at our Monthly Meeting. You are invited to vote for the 2023 TROT Board Members.Here is the link: https://forms.gle/F1HmUcvbtAmqq6g36 2023 Ballot For Board Members for the 2024-2025 TermMembership voting will close on…

https://forms.gle/UyDnAYYGxysFVf53A TROT is accepting nominations for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the years 2024-25. You may nominate yourself or another TROT member. Each nominee must be a member in good standing (current member) and 18 years of age or older.  The call for nominees starts September 15th and ends October 13th. You may nominate yourself or another member for more than one position.  An application MUST be completed for each position. TROT…

We just wanted to announce that we recently were awarded a Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) grant to build mounting blocks in Patapsco Valley State Park (Baltimore and Howard Counties- Ellicott City, MD). Patapsco is a favorite park for many user groups, and encompasses 16, 043 acres. We will also be adding hitching posts. We were planning on targeting the main bathroom area, but if you have a pressing need elsewhere in the park, please…

E-MTBS IN CARROLL COUNTY, MD How do you feel about e-bikes? We are encouraging equestrians to weigh in on opening Carroll County trails to e-bikes. This will include Union Mills and the Hashawha Environmental Center trails. Speak up by emailing the County Commissioner at commissioners@carrollcountymd.gov. Be sure to put Proposed Amendment to Chapter 94.036, Departmet of Recreation and Parksas the subject in your emails. You can also call the County Commisioner’s office to leave a voicemail at 410-386-2043.

Watch these bills and please contact your state legislators on those you care about.

This December 4th, 2022, Trail Riders of Today participated in the annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade in Baltimore, Maryland. Over 25,000 people were estimated to be watching. We are so proud of our 10 equestrian participants representing Trail Riders of Today, for they won 1st place in the Equine Division from the number of multiple equine groups this year. Congratulations!

Gaited Horse Clinic with renowned gaited trainer Joe London offered by Trail Riders of Today (TROT) October 28—29, 2022 * 8:30am—6:00pm Schooley Mill Park * 12975 Hall Shop Road; Highland, MD location may change due to weather & ground conditions — please check for updates closer to time https://trot-md.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/Trail.Riders.of.Today Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, trail ride or show, or just want to learn more about the softly gaited breeds…

Please save the date for the TROT’s annual picnic, Sunday, August 14th. We will host this again at Patapsco, McKeldin Area.

May 19th public hearing on Wheaton Stables and their equestrian/hiker Wheaton Loop Trail- the planning department heard from the public May 19th, and many equestrians showed up, which was great to see. PBHTA and TROT both provided written testimony. Next dates to watch out for is June 9th where input will be incorporated, and June 23rd will be a vote for the approval.May 19th public hearing link here:https://mncppc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2…The report is here:https://montgomeryparks.org/…/WRP-Master-Plan-Public…Again- you can see the…

As reported in the last newsletter, through a grant from the Maryland Horse Industry Board, TROT, in collaboration with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) and Potomac Bridle and Hiking Trails Association (PBHTA), will be working to improve bridges at one of the favorite equestrian trail systems in Montgomery County, Little Bennett Regional Park, by adding a non-slip surface to dangerously slippery bridge sections. Little Bennett is unique in that it offers…

TROT is reviewing the following legislation. Horse or Trail Related State Wide: Right to Ride – SB 345/HB 116 State Wide: Great Maryland Outdoors Act – SB 541Maryland the Beautiful Act- trust for buying property for conservation purposes – SB 791/ HB 1031Horse Riding- Helmet Requirements for minors law – HB713Fair Hill Improvement Fund – 1.8 million to the special event area – HB 658/SB 538DNR tenants must maintain a border to allow access to…