08/29/09

08/22/09

Watch for Turtles on EPIC’s Newest Trail

The Turtle Trail is EPIC’s latest addition to the Breezy Loop Trail. The Turtle Trail trailhead can be accessed at the Potomac Pony Club grounds at 19301 Bucklodge Road across from Moore Road in Boyds, MD.

The Turtle Trail signposts are marked alphabetically from “A” to “H” in the bottom right corner of each sign patch so as not to confuse the rider with the Breezy Loop sign patches which are numerically marked.

The Turtle Trail is so named because of its proximity to the site of a box turtle habitat relocation effort by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and landowner  (and EPIC co-founder) Mike Rubin. Part of the environmental mitigation program related to the Intercounty Connector (ICC) was the relocation and study of box turtles. As their habitat along the path of the ICC is being destroyed, the HSUS was tasked 2 ½ years ago with capturing and moving as many of these creatures as possible. The plan was to move the population to a new, safe locale and then sequester them for a period of time, then release. Two large pens were constructed, turtles placed therein, and now, two years later, they’ve been released with GPS locators implanted.

Please be careful not to step on a turtle as you ride through. (Box turtles like to rest in the middle of trails!)

Turtle Trail adds a quiet, shady 15 minutes more to your Breezy Loop ride.

There are a few log jumps along the way. This trail lies on low ground so it  may be closed in the rainy season.

Thanks to All Our Supporters!

SUPPORTERS

Adrian Ford
Anne Davies
Anonymous
Barbara Shaw
Barry and Lorraine Rogstad
BB&T
Becker and Greaney Family Fund
Brian and Christina Weaver
Bryan and Susan Brewer
Bushwood Racing Partners
Capitol Polo
Christine Sizemore
Christine Uzzell
Claire Buchanan
David and Maria Tobin
Diane Berinstein
Donna Tasso-Johnson
Elizabeth Kenten
Fran Ligler
Francine D’Antuono
George Sengstack
Green Cup
Green Lightning LLC
Ira and Linda Pastan
Jacquelyn and William Sheehan
Jane Thery
Janelle Straszheim
Jennifer and Steven Nagel
Jennifer Krieg
Jill Engel-Cox
Jim and Maureen O’Connell
John Louth
John and Jennifer Pleasants
Jonathan Bulman
Karen Kraushaar
Karen Montgomery
Karen Widmayer
Kerrington Hill McCoy Trust
Laura Van Etten
Lauren Pollin
Lee Babcock
Lila McConnell, MD
Liza Durant
Lori Larson
Lynn D. Wilson
Margaret Scypinski
Sabine Coreneliuines
Margery Edmunson
Martha and Kevin Klasing
Marvin and Sylvia Rubin Private Family
Maureen Bigelow
Michael Rubin
Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit
Naomi Manders
Pam DuBois and Eric Smart
Pamela Grant
Pamela Powers
Rebecca and Jim Byers
Rhea Knight
Roberta Frost
Robin S. Conrad
Ron MacNab
Sabine Cornelius
Stephanie Blanc
Sugarloaf Riding Club
Susan Buse
Thora Pollack
Tom and Joan Yolken
Tom Gutierrez
Tracey Donatelli
Callithea Farm
Canterbury Farm
Chasin Dreams Farm
Eminence Farm
Encanto Stables
Potomac Horse Center
Sugarland Ranch
Thistlecroft
Wyndham Oaks

Vet Rich Forfa on Bowed Tendon

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon structures and is the result of a physical weight bearing strain overload by the soft tissue support of the lower limbs of horses.

A “bowed” tendon is a term used to describe an injury to a tendon which may manifest a bowed appearance.

Bowed tendons most commonly occur in the front legs. The injury can occur due to fetlock overextension when a horse’s weight is on one leg. Poor foot conformation, long toes or low heels, improper conditioning of the horse, working an unfit or fatigued horse, and poor, uneven or slippery ground surfaces, can all contribute to tendon strain. Horses with less demanding exercise regimes are less likely to develop a tendon injury.The superficial digital flexor tendon is the most commonly affected and the middle or mid-cannon location is most common. Also the deep digital flexor tendon, check ligament or suspensory ligament can be injured alone or in combination.  The diagnosis of tendonitis can be made by a physical examination and an adequate medical history. Signs of an acute tendon injury are swelling, heat, and pain on palpation of the affected area. If the injury is minor, swelling may not be obvious and the degree of lameness may be minor or subtle. In cases of a greater severity the horse will be moderately to severely lame with greater tendon swelling.

Ultrasound examination is used to document the extent of the injury, to form a prognosis and to follow healing after treatment. A scale and grading system is used to describe the severity of the lesion, which can be followed by serial ultrasound exams. Tendon injuries are serious so if one is suspected the horse needs to be examined by your veterinarian.

Initial acute treatments would be cold water or ice water applications for the first 24 hours, anti-inflammatory medications and support wraps applied in a proper manner. Stall rest is critical to obtaining the best success.

Other therapies are extracorporeal shock wave, stem cell therapy injection, I-Rap injections, and purified protein derivative injections into the lesion on the affected tendon. All these therapies reduce the effects caused by hemorrhage, inflammatory cells and chemical mediators which can complicate the tendon’s healing.

Rehabilitation includes an initial period of extended stall rest dependent upon severity of the injury to the tendon followed by controlled exercise such as hand walking on a lead or walking under tack.  Every effort should be made to prevent re-injury to the tendon.  Do not be in a hurry!  Follow up ultrasound scans made by your veterinarian can document when your horse will be ready to resume his normal work program.

Prognosis for return to the same level of work depends on the severity of the original injury. If disruption to the fibers of the tendon was minimal and the tendon healed rapidly the prognosis is better of working at the same level. With more severe the injury the more aggressive therapies are recommended. About 70% of horses can be expected to recover completely and return to the same level of work, the others usually can recover to be sound and work at a less strenuous level.

Proper trimming and shoeing by a good farrier, conditioning your horse so it is fit for the work it does and examining the legs after a hard work can go a long way to preventing tendon injuries.

Rich Forfa, DVM, Dip.ABVP

Monocacy Equine Veterinary Associates
P.O. Box 155
Beallsville, MD 20839
www.monocacyequine.com

Polo Goes Green and Supports EPIC

The Green Cup brings together polo enthusiasts, top DC-environmentalists, business leaders, elected representatives, diplomats, horse lovers, fashionistas, and socialites.

This year’s event featured two matches, cuisine from the city’s top organic and sustainable restaurants and cafes, entertainment by local horse groups, live music performances.  Guests enjoyed the festivities from the sideline at tailgate parties and hung out at the Member’s club lounge or VIP area while sipping ‘Ecotinis’ and enjoying the prime view from the Grand Stand.  Philipe Cousteau, some of famous environmentalist Jacque Cousteau, was on hand and joined other celebrities in acknowledging the work of EPIC and other beneficiary groups of the event.

Luette Semmes won the $100 gift certificate from the Surrey for EPIC members buying tickets for the Green Cup. Thank you Surrey for donating such a significant gift.

Building Green/Sustainable Trails

Writer: Kitson Jazynka for PBHTA

What are sustainable trails?

Most trails have evolved as riders and hikers take the shortest route from one point to another, that is, no planning about the best place for a trail from the perspective of Mother Nature. Many of these trails are “unsustainable,” which means prone to erosion or mud. This leads to unstable trees and extensive, expensive maintenance.

A sustainable trail — properly aligned to stay dry and minimize erosion – will maintain itself for many years. Poorly designed trails cause environmental damage and are unpleasant to use or even dangerous. Equestrian trails in particular require larger, more hardened, more vertical clearance than other users like hikers, dog walkers or bikers need.

In March I went on a long trail ride with PBHTA member Naomi Manders. Naomi was heading out on a maintenance ride, checking out a trail that no one had reported on in a while. She invited me to come along and I was thrilled for the invite.

Whenever I’m with Naomi, I always learn something. On her personal resume of life, Naomi has owned and operated a riding school for 20 years, served in a leadership role for many of the trails associations (including the PBHTA) in our area and, as a result, negotiated the easements that we all ride on. For twelve years, Naomi worked in Montgomery County’s Department of Park Planning and Development as a trail planner and she was instrumental in setting up the Natural Surface Trails Program. (Phew! No wonder I always learn something from Naomi!) This day was no different.

Throughout the ride, she pointed out areas of the trail that had been improved at one point or another, like some “equestrian stairs” put in at one point to stop a steeply graded hillside trail from eroding. In another area, she showed me work volunteers had done to take out non-native vines that “grow up the trees, spread out huge leaves that block the sun, kill the trees and prevent natural ground cover from growing.” This leads to really bad erosion, I learned.

Naomi also mentioned that she (on behalf of PBHTA) had planned a meeting with “trail guru” Mark Nelson, a sustainable trail expert, to help her figure out a solution for a particularly bad stream crossing on a trail in Potomac. This stream crossing is a great example of a poorly designed trail that has eroded over 15 years to the point of being dangerous. I asked if I could come along on their expedition into the woods, even if the horses would be left behind. She agreed.

Naomi and Mark discussed removal of a stump in the middle of a trail. Mark said that when this trail was established, most likely the watershed was not taken into account. As a result, the trail has a “cupping” effect and literally funnels the water downstream – wreaking a path of trail destruction. This is why, he says, building trails that are sustainable (and take nature into account) means you get trails that last a lot longer.

“Sustainable trails are ones that utilize land contours and geology,” said Mark, “so they drain naturally and therefore stay hard as a surface for use by a variety of users.” This way, he explained, you don’t find out later that your trail has washed out or is so destroyed by use that it isn’t maintainable over time. Mark’s focus, he told me, is where the water comes from and where it goes.

“Maintenance and sustainability is also a cost factor.” says Naomi. “If you build a trail along the edge of the stream and the trees are always falling down, you’ll end up having to call someone to cut trees every two months.”

Here’s the eroded stream crossing Naomi and Mark were interested in. 15 years of erosion, horse traffic and more of nature’s work from a stream at the bottom that you can’t quite see in this picture have led to its demise. Naomi and Mark’s goal for that day was to figure out a new way for riders to get across the stream. They talked about the possibility of a bridge, “equestrian steps” (or a “timber terrace” as Mark referred to it), or a completely new route that would enable riders to avoid the stream crossing altogether.

This is the trail leading out of the stream on the other side of the badly eroded side. Mark, who has been a volunteer with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club for many years and is co-president of the Coalition for the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail, noted that this side is in much better shape, probably due to the fact that it gets more light and therefore does not have a tendency to stay muddy and leave itself open to damage. Here, he is explaining to Naomi why the grade is too steep for the kind of equestrian stairs she had hoped for, which would have involved stairs that were each twelve inches high and six feet deep.

That morning, we spent about an hour and a half investigating other options for a trail crossing. On one side of the creek, a private property line foiled one idea for a new trail route. Another idea was tossed out because the grade of the hill was too steep to consider further. Another idea would have the trail zigzagging up a hill. Naomi and Mark agreed that the current crossing was just not fixable. It’s possible a bridge option could work, but most likely the span would have to be 30 feet across which makes the possibility seem less likely. We continued to walk up and down and all around, checking out the natural fissures in the land and the possibilities presented by the landscape.

Mark has worked for REI as an outreach specialist since 1988. He works in the community with the sole purpose of enhancing recreation resources. “Since trails were an interest to me,” he explained, “I have focused on that in my job and work with a variety of land managers to figure out their needs and at the same time involve the largest number of people possible in the process so that trails got built, rehabilitated and you develop a population of people to take over maintenance of the trails.”

In the end, the best solution to the damaged stream crossing may be a complete rerouting of the trail. This way, riders wouldn’t even enter the woods at the current point but instead follow a new trail along a new fence line that is already planned.

We checked out options for a new trail outside the woods that would route riders around the stream crossing that erosion has made unsafe.

This bridge is the result of a sustainable trail-type project. When I first started riding these trails ten years ago, these cement pipes were completely underground. As they became more and more eroded and exposed, the crossing became more difficult and later impossible (unless you were riding a seasoned event horse at a good clip, ready to jump). Naomi and the PBHTA came up with a solution, implemented a design and now we can use this horse-friendly bridge crossing. It’s true the horses needed a little convincing at first, but the bridge has also provided a nice training opportunity. My horses are now little-wooden-bridge-proof. Check!

As for the damaged stream crossing, the PBHTA (Potomac Bridle & Hiking Trails Association) is willing to commit funds to have the new route built, as it is used by many PBHTA members. “Labor is the most expensive component of the repair,” says Naomi. “and PBHTA may ask for some volunteers to help with this project, mostly light hand-work. PBHTA feels it is important to educate equestrians to help maintain trails (and the expenses involved) and teach members how to protect the trails from damage.”

What can the average trail rider or hiker do, or be aware of to help the sustainability of trails? The biggest way is to stay off wet trails, says Naomi. Another thing to avoid is trail blazing. Riding off the path, creating unauthorized short cuts or cutting corners kills greenery that is holding the soil. Another big way to help sustain our trails is simply sharing the trail, and keeping it in good shape for other users. Oh right: and if you aren’t already a member of EPIC (Equestrian Partners in Conservation) do join up!
www.EPICmontgomery.org

Mark points out what happens when a trail doesn’t drain properly, stays wet and is permanently damaged, in this case, by a horse.

“It would be nice if folks learned to recognize good and bad trails and became involved in caring for the privilege of using them,” said Naomi. “We are so lucky to have them!”

Reprinted with Permission from www.phelpssports.com

Construction of Woodstock Equestrian Park Phase II Underway – Fall 2010 Opening Scheduled

Final design and construction documentation for the Phase II improvements at Woodstock is proceeding on schedule, according to Montgomery Parks Project Manager Linda Komes.  Storm water management and sediment and erosion control permits were submitted to the Department of Permitting Services and are also currently under review.

In the meantime, Parks demolished the hazardous corn crib at the beginning of the summer and salvaged many of the barn boards, timbers, and hardware for possible use in future projects at Woodstock and in other parks.  The historic stone barn stabilization project on the west side was recently completed.  The barn is an added amenity to the equestrian trail ride experience on the east side.  A hitching post and mounting block have been constructed in the event riders want to dismount and inspect the historic barn. Montgomery Parks is also developing an interpretive sign for the stone barn as part of the overall interpretive and way-finding signage program (part of the Woodstock Phase II project).

Preparation of proper footing for the cross country course began this fall. Construction of all the improvements (riding rings, landscaping, etc.) should begin as anticipated spring 2010 and be completed for a fall 2010 opening.
A separate but related project is the replacement of the J.E.B Stewart Trail and vehicular bridge.  Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2010.
For more information contact Linda Komes at linda.komes@montgomeryparks.org.

EPIC Trails, Initiatives and Member Support

Writer: Pam DuBois

EPIC continues to advocate important equestrian issues being contemplated by Montgomery County.  For starters, EPIC, in cooperation with Montgomery Parks (M-NCPPC), Montgomery County Office of Economic Development (Ag Services) and University of Maryland designed and conducted a survey of Montgomery County equestrians. EPIC is pleased to have been a recipient of a $3,000 grant from Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit to help underwrite this endeavor.  Survey result highlights have already been used in Planning Board and County Council testimony in support of additional improvements at Woodstock Equestrian Park.  Our diverse advocacy agenda also includes monitoring economic stimulus spending on trails, proposed improvements to the Seneca Greenway trail system, supporting Park’s Legacy Open Space land acquisitions (part of the Thompson Farm in Boyds), participating in Montgomery County’s zoning rewrite and land use policy, green initiatives, conservation tax incentives, augmenting resources for proper stewardship easements, and more.

EPIC’s advocacy bottom line: increased preservation and trail access!  Highlights since last year include the opening of two additional trails – Dry Seneca Creek Phase II in Poolesville and Breezy Loop in Boyds.  A testament to the excitement of these new trails was evidenced by the number of riders who braved the Dry Seneca Creek rainy day ride last May and old man winter in November when Breezy Loop was inaugurated.  An expansion to the Breezy Loop trail is currently underway.  Connectivity from our new trials in Boyds to Woodstock Equestrian Park is a 2009 priority.

A new initiative undertaken by EPIC this year is supporting its affiliates by hosting a benefit ride that took place on Saturday, June 13th.  As an equestrian enthusiast organization, there are no boundaries confining our support.  Approximately 20 riders participated in this year’s ride for the two selected beneficiaries: Circle of Hope and Great and Small Therapeutic Riding programs.

Let’s not forget EPIC’s co-sponsorship of the third annual Green Cup Polo Benefit Challenge Cup at the Capitol Polo grounds on Hughes Road on Saturday, July 18th.  This year easily surpassed attendance from last year of over 600 spectators (but the counts are not tallied yet).  We had phenomenal weather for participants to enjoy seeing this exciting sporting event that raises awareness of environmental issues and green lifestyles.

We credit our success and convey our thanks to our wonderful membership!  The number of EPIC barn affiliates has nearly doubled since last year and is now 15 barns strong and still growing.  Increased support for EPIC is based on its unique modus operandi of uniting equestrians to preserve and protect the natural resources in Montgomery County.  EPIC sponsors comprise its members who enjoy multiple benefits ranging from invitations to organized rides on newly sanctioned EPIC trails, evening community information forums, representation of equestrian interests in County Planning decisions and State legislation, access to maps of the EPIC trails, the member newsletter, resources and links on EPIC’s website and EPIC paraphernalia.  Become a member by making a donation on EPIC’s website at www.epicmontgomery.org and learn more about how EPIC is working for the equestrian community.

Down to Earth at Canterbury Farm

Writer: Pam DuBois

Canterbury Farm is nestled in the middle of beautiful rolling Potomac Hunt country, which happens to be in the heart of EPICs 2,500+ acre land conservation program championed by Michael Rubin.  The farms 47+acres enjoys a bucolic setting on Bucklodge Road in Boyds with direct access to some of the best trails in Montgomery County.  Home to over 30 horses, this private farm is under new management (as of past year) which has successfully cultivated a family environment for equestrians.

The farm’s owner, Dorothy Tracey, is no stranger to the sport having owned and lived on the farm since 1990 and whose children are accomplished riders.  Dick Dodson, her husband, also a farm owner, took on the responsibilities of farm and grounds operation when the previous manager left for greener pastures last July.  Dick is also an equine appraiser and the Canterbury’s sole western rider.  He is trying to improve local equine management services by assisting with the start up of the Mid-Atlantic Equine / Pet Network, a listing of service providers in the area and wants to start a mini co-op with a couple of near by barns for the bulk purchase of feed, shavings and the like.  In his spare time, he has been sighted dotting over horses in need of a little TLC (translation, hand walking injured equines and hand feeding horses needing to gain weight).

Vera Byalobzheskaia has been the working at Canterbury for six years but has functioned as the barn manager for one year now.  She gets along quite well with the owners and has gotten their buy in to implement more holistic equine practices ranging from preservative free feeds, hay without herbicides, natural supplements and more.  Vera offers multi-disciplinary services beyond barn management that comprise teaching dressage and jumping for beginners as well as horse massage therapy.  Her husband, Alex, is a renowned dressage instructor who formerly competed as a professional grand prix jumper and coached the Soviet Union Olympic Dressage team back in the 1980’s.

In addition to lessons with Vera or Alex, Canterbury Farm is also home to Adrian Ford’s Big Easy Farm.  Could you guess from the farms name that he’s a native from New Orleans?  Adrian leases 12 stalls, teaches basic dressage, hunters and jumpers.  His clientele ranges from children to adults who enjoy participating in the local and A rated show circuit.  The Big Easy Farm at Canterbury recently hosted a Frank Madden Clinic and a benefit Jumper Horse Show in honor one of his former students, Alex Hartner.  Check out the farms website for the latest information and show schedule at www.bigeasyfarm.com

Riders at Canterbury run the gamete from dressage, hunters, jumpers, fox hunters and some just enjoy pleasure riding.  It is also home to 18 barn cats, a medley of dogs and two Days End rescue horses.  All inhabitants enjoy two barns comprising 31 stalls, and indoor arena, a lighted outdoor jumping arena, a full sized outdoor dressage ring and multiple pasture options.  Barn hours start early in the morning through until about 9:30pm.  At the time of publication, stall board was reported at $650 / month and field board at $365 / month although there is no current vacancy.

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