Free Equine-Related Webinars Offered

The Rutgers Equine Science Center is pleased to offer two upcoming free equine webinars. A webinar is a seminar, presentation or lecture transmitted over the Internet. Webinars are designed to be interactive with the ability to give, receive, and discuss information. The webinar series is open to the public and registration is simple. Best of all, there is no fee to participate.

Each webinar is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET and lasts an hour. Click on the link below 15–20 minutes prior to the session to participate.

The webinar series schedule:

* Tuesday, October 5
“Rotational Grazing for Happier, Healthier Horses and Pastures”
presented by Dr. Amy Burk, University of Maryland
http://tinyurl.com/38egtvh

* Tuesday, October 19th
“Winter Care for Your Horse”
presented by Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers University
http://tinyurl.com/2vy9a2v [Read more]

Montgomery Parks Fall and Winter 2010/2011 Deer Management Closures

Parks closed for managed deer hunts—closed sunrise through sunset on the dates indicated.

Hoyles Mill Conservation Park and attached segments of Little Seneca Stream Valley Park (Boyds)
Closed: Friday, October 29, Friday, November 5; Saturday, November 13; Friday, November 19, Saturday, December 4; Saturday, December 11; Saturday, January 8; Friday, January 14; Saturday, January 22, Saturday, January 29; Friday, February 11; Saturday, February 19; and Friday, February 25

Woodstock Special Park (Beallsville)
Closed: Friday, October 29; Friday, November 5; Saturday, November 13; Friday, November 19; Saturday, December 4; Saturday, December
11; Saturday, January 8; Friday, January 14; Saturday, January 22; and Saturday, January 29

Great Seneca Stream Valley Park, Unit 2 (Gaithersburg)
Closed: Wednesdays, November 3 and 17; December 15; and January 12 and 26
North Germantown Greenway Park (Gaithersburg)
Closed: Wednesdays, November 3 and 17; December 15; and January 12 and 26

Rachel Carson Conservation Park (Sunshine)
Closed: Mondays, November 8, 15 and 22; December 13; and January 10

Blockhouse Point Conservation Park (Darnestown)
Closed: Tuesdays, November 16 and 23, December 14, and January 11 and 25

Bucklodge Forest Conservation Park (Barnesville)
Closed: Fridays, December 3 and 10; and January 7

Little Seneca Stream Valley Park, Unit 1 (Boyds)
Closed: Fridays, December 3 and 10; and January 7

Little Bennett Regional Park (Clarksburg)
Closed: Monday, December 6 through Thursday, December 9; and Monday, January 3 through Thursday, January 6

Parks closed for Park Police-based sharpshooting—closed 5:30 p.m. through Sunrise January 1 through March 31, 2011.

Agricultural History Farm Park and attached segments of Rock Creek Stream Valley Park (Derwood)
Black Hill Regional Park (Boyds)
Layhill Local Park (Wheaton)
North Branch Stream Valley Park, Units 2 & 3 (Norbeck)
Northwest Branch Recreational Park (Aspen Hill)
Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, Unit 7 (Ashton)
Rock Creek Regional Park (Rockville)
Rock Creek Stream Valley Park, Unit 7 (Aspen Hill)
Wheaton Regional Park (Wheaton)
Woodlawn Special Park (Sandy Spring)

EPICenter News

Little Bucklodge Branch Loop Trail Opens

Join us for a FREE guided trail ride on the newest trail in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve on Saturday. October 16. The Little Bucklodge Branch Loop joins the Breezy Loop Trail off Bucklodge Road in Boyds.

See the beautifully groomed and marked trails that are part of the EPIC trail system while you meet new friends. Afterward, join us for complementary refreshments. Several ride levels will be offered, including walk; walk-trot; walk-trot, some canter; and fast. (Levels may be split or combined as needed.)

The ride will meet at the Potomac Pony Club field at the corner of Bucklodge and Moore Roads. Please plan to be there no later than 9:15 a.m. to check in. Ride to leave at 10 a.m. and will last one to two hours depending on the group speed. ASTM/SEI-approved helmets and proof of negative Coggins required.

RSVP required. E-mail your name, phone number and desired group to Traci Donatelli by October 13 (click on her name to send an e-mail). Rain date is Sunday, October 17.

Naomi Manders Honored by Maryland Horse Council

EPIC board member Naomi Manders was presented with the Anne & Gilbert Pumphrey Memorial Award in recognition of and grateful appreciation for her dedication to the equestrian trails of Montgomery County & Maryland at the Maryland Horse Council’s 4th Annual BBQ Picnic, September 18, 2010, in Fair Hill, Maryland. The EPIC board is grateful for all of Naomi’s contributions.

4th Annual Green Cup of Polo Update

By Neil Agate

On June 27, 2010, the Capitol Polo Club, just outside Washington D.C. in Poolesville, Maryland, hosted the 4th Annual Green Cup of Polo. The Green Cup is a charity polo match to raise funds and awareness for several environmental and alternate energy nonprofits. The event this year raised funds for Equestrian Partners in Conservation, the American Council on Renewable Energy and the Cousteau Family’s EarthEcho International.

The event, which is one of the only certified green sporting events on the East Coast, not only raised funds for these environmental causes but also showcased “eco” best practices and several green vendors. Visitors were able to see everything from Under Armor’s new line of green clothing (each shirt is made from three recycled plastic water bottles) to EcoloBlue who demonstrated its Atmospheric Water Generator that creates clean drinkable water from the air.

Extra electric fans, ice-cold water and shortened chukkers helped everyone survive the hot summer temperatures of the day. Despite the weather, about 1,000 people showed up to support the environment and enjoyed two action-packed polo matches and several other equestrian demonstrations. The first match pitted two local teams of Capitol Polo Club members and exposed many of the spectators to their first polo match.

A tradition at the Green Cup has been the celebrity polo match played on a small field set up in front of the grandstand. This year’s event didn’t disappoint as Afghan Ambassador Sayed Jawad led his team of local celebrities against a team of equally matched on-air celebrities from Washington-area radio and television stations.

In the main event, The Green Cup, the Solena Team (Robert Do, Marcos Bignoli, Charlie Muldoon and Dr. Jim Lewis) took on Citibank/Beck (Sunny Khan, Juan Carlos Gonzales, Mathias Vial and Kareem El Hibri). Through the first half the teams evenly traded goals and went into the extended halftime break tied at three goals apiece. In the second half, however, Vial got the hot mallet and led the Citibank/Beck Team to an 8 to 6 victory.

To read more about the Green Cup of Polo, visit www.greencuppolo.com.

Featured EPIC Business Member: The Surrey

Photos and story by Traci Donatelli

How far do you have to drive to get to a McDonalds? Starbucks? Chances are, chain stores exist within five minutes of where you live, work or drive. While convenient and familiar, their proliferation is a very real threat to the unique character of our neighborhoods. How can a family business compete with the kind of structure and buying power offered by large corporations? One equine business that’s taken on that challenge is The Surrey — a Montgomery county landmark for more than half a century.

Local horsewoman Alyne “Lyn” Finley Carroll opened The Surrey in Potomac in 1953. Lyn quickly built it into a highly successful saddlery and continued working there on a daily basis until her death in 2003 at age 91 (several months after The Surrey’s 50^th anniversary and a day after arguing with her nurse as to whether or not a second margarita would affect her blood pressure). Her niece, Lyne Morgan, who began working summers at The Surrey at age13, took over the business shortly thereafter. She can still remember a time when people could ride up to the Surrey and hitch their horses outside the store.

In more recent years, The Surrey has faced serious financial difficulties due to Internet competition, increased rent in the Potomac Village and the recession. Last year, Lyne made the difficult decision to close the doors on the Potomac location. Fortunately for area residents, she was able to find a more affordable location closer to the heart of horse country, and The Surrey was reborn at the corner of Darnestown and Seneca Roads in Darnestown last October.

The new location has forced Lyne to make some concessions, but there are certain things about The Surrey that won’t ever change: The consignment section (everything but helmets) is still there, as well as the many unique equestrian-themed gifts. The Surrey offers embroidery, custom boots, special orders and even fitting and reflocking saddles. And unlike websites and catalogs, you can actually feel the leather and the fabrics and try things on. It’s also a great place to run into your horsy friends you may not see otherwise.

The Surrey has also recently become mobile. Look for the trailer at local shows and events such as Loch Moy and the Hunt Races. Lyne continues to support local groups and be an integral part of the community. Her face is as easily recognizable as is the smile with which she greets each customer.

While making room for progress in our community, it’s important to retain those things that make us unique. Support the local family businesses that make our equestrian lives so much richer. Next time you’re at The Surrey, be sure to ask for a 10% discount on purchases just for being an EPIC member!

Click here for more information about The Surrey. Want your business written up in this space? Become an EPIC Business Member today!

President’s Message

What did you think the last time you saw an NRA window decal? Many people associate the NRA with assault weapons or Second Amendment rights. But the NRA is also a major conservation organization, investing millions of volunteer hours and dollars to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. Along with groups like the Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Wildlife Forever, Trout Unlimited, Wildlife Management Institute and scores of other national groups, all with thousands of local chapters or affiliates and countless individual members, the NRA partners with public land and other government agencies charged with land and habitat protection, as well as with private landowners. In the course of doing so, these groups build an enormous amount of good will, political and otherwise, which translates directly into assuring that future generations of hunters and anglers will have access to land and wildlife critical to their outdoor recreation of choice.

Hunters and anglers come in all shapes and sizes, and represent a broad spectrum of demographics, but on this they agree … their future depends on having a strong collective voice. Through their volunteerism and by paying their membership dues they can sleep at night fairly confident that their outdoor activity of choice will have a future.

Equestrian life in Montgomery County is pretty good, exceptional in fact, thanks largely to the existence of the Agricultural Reserve, the Park system’s extensive natural-surface trail system and the generosity of landowners willing to make their land available for equestrian use. But there are no guarantees that future residential development or changes in the zoning laws don’t threaten our equestrian future.

When was the last time you mourned the loss of a trail or found yourself having to drive farther and farther to visit your boarded horse, or found yourself stuck on an impassable trail because of lack of maintenance (or lost because of lack of signage)? But even more importantly, when was the last time you thought about your equestrian future? Will the trails you enjoy today still be here tomorrow? Will we lose horse farms and boarding stables to suburban sprawl? Will opportunities to ride or compete become fewer and fewer?

There’s only one way for equestrians to enjoy the comfort — and opportunities — that hunters and anglers get by joining their respective advocacy groups, and that is to support the only equestrian advocacy network in Montgomery County, Equestrian Partners in Conservation. Become a loyal member today, display your EPIC sticker proudly and sleep better tonight knowing that your equestrian future is that much more secure.

Trail Emergency! Wounds

By Javier Donatelli, DVM

There are many objects for your horse to hurt himself on during a trail ride: rocks, barbed wire or sharp tree branches, to name just a few. It’s helpful to know what to do while waiting for your veterinarian to arrive if your horse cuts himself while away from home.

Assess the Wound
• Where is the wound located? An open wound over any joint, sensitive blood vessel or on the back part of your horse’s leg from his knee or hock down to the hoof (flexor area) can be very serious. If a joint, tendon or tendon sheath is affected, the injury could cause permanent damage or even be life-threatening.

• Is it bleeding? Wounds may just ooze or bleed profusely. A puncture wound that doesn’t bleed much or at all may be just as dangerous as one that bleeds profusely, because of the risk of tetanus. Your vet may want to give a tetanus booster.

For a bleeding wound, is it from an artery or from a vein? Arterial blood is bright red and pumps out of the wound with the frequency of your horse’s heart. Blood from a vein is distinguished by its dark red color.

• Can you see bone, ligaments or tendons? These structures are usually white in color. Lameness or unconventional movement in a limb or joint may indicate a fracture. Avoid touching the wound more than necessary, to decrease the chance of infection.

What to Do
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call (or have a friend call) a veterinarian immediately. However, if an artery has been nicked and the wound is spurting blood, you need to control the bleeding first.

This can be achieved by applying direct pressure to the wound using a shirt or other soft material until the vet arrives. If the bleeding cannot be brought under control with pressure, consider applying a tourniquet. A tourniquet can be made with the shirt, belt, a leather stirrup strap, a rein or even a polo bandage.

Before applying a tourniquet, it is important to know how to properly use one, because done incorrectly, it can cause secondary damage. Ideally, a tourniquet should be applied 4 inches above the wound. Tighten it just enough to stop the bleeding. The pressure on the tourniquet should be released for 1–2 minutes every 10 to 15 minutes to allow blood to flow to the rest of the extremity. Do not move your horse; wait for the vet to arrive.

If the wound is serious but not bleeding profusely, clean it with plain water (if available) and cover with a bandage or any clean fabric you might have. Hand-walk your horse to the trailhead or farm and call your veterinarian.

Javier Donatelli, DVM, of Poolesville, Maryland, runs a private equine veterinary practice, Javier Donatelli Equine Veterinarian, LLC. He specializes in lameness, dentistry and general medicine. He has done extensive work for many local horse rescues, and he is an EPIC Business Member. Dr. Donatelli can be reached at javdonatelli@hotmail.com or by phone at (301) 330-5035 (office) or (240) 676-1990 (cell).

You Are Invited to the Ambassadors’ Cup Polo Match!

Enjoy an exciting day of polo while supporting  the scholarship fund of the Jose M Estrada School of Argentina.

Join guests (ambassadors and/or players) from Argentina, Brasil, Afghanistan, USA, England, France, Greece and Malaysia to honor the Guest of Honor, His Excellancy Said T. Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan.

Sponsored by the Embassy of Argentina

September 25, 2010 (Rain Date: September 26th, 2010)
Gates Open 11:00 a.m., match 1:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free
$20 suggested donation per car
$400 Box Seats (4 people)
DONATIONS AND BOX TICKET SALES AT THE GATE

LOCATION:
Capitol Polo Club
14660 Hughes Road, Poolesville, MD
at the intersection of Hughes & River Roads

For more information, visit www.CapitolPoloClub.com or click here.

Help Shape the Future of Equestrian Activities in Montgomery County!

SEPTEMBER 7, 2010, BOYDS, MD — You have an opportunity to speak up for and help shape the future of equestrian activities in Montgomery County, Maryland!

Montgomery Parks, M-NCPPC and the Montgomery County Department of Recreation are currently participating in a process to develop a vision and strategic plan for park and recreation services in Montgomery County. The project is being coordinated across both departments by GreenPlay, LLC and will take up to 18 months to complete.

Montgomery Parks, M-NCPPC and the Montgomery County Recreation Department are hosting two public meetings this month.

They’re seeking feedback from the public on which types of activities and programs they should be offering, which should recover all costs through user fees and which services should be primarily covered by your tax dollars. Your input will help guide the long-term planning for our county’s parks and recreation services, facilities and programs.

• Public Meeting #5
  Monday September 13, from 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM
  Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center
  2450 Lyttonsville Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910
• Public Meeting #6
  Tuesday September 14, from 7:00- 8:30 PM
  UpCounty Regional Services Center
  Meeting Room A
  12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, Maryland 20874

Past meeting information and links have been posted on the project calendar. Focus Group meeting notes are also available for you to review here.

Please plan to attend a meeting and make your voice heard. If YOU don’t speak up for the future of equestrian activities in our county, YOU risk losing them!

Fairfax County Requests Proposals for Riding Program

September 4, 2010—Fairfax County, Virginia, is soliciting sealed proposals to establish a contract or contracts through competitive negotiation for Horseback Riding Classes and Camps for the Fairfax County Park Authority and other Fairfax County departments. The contract will begin on the date of award and terminate March 31, 2015. All proposals are due on or before September 20, 2010.

To download a copy of the Request for Proposal, click here.

Naomi Manders to be Honored at MHC 4th Annual BBQ

EPIC board member Naomi Manders will be presented with the Anne & Gilbert Pumphrey Memorial Award in recognition of and grateful appreciation for her dedication to the equestrian trails of Montgomery County & Maryland at the Maryland Horse Council’s 4th Annual BBQ Picnic, September 18, 2010, in Fair Hill, Maryland.

In honor of MHC’s 25th anniversary, TROT will be sponsoring an informal, horseback tour of the 5,633 acres sold to the state by the DuPont family. The tour will include a visit to the cattle operation, the steeplechase course, the covered bridge and the remaining vestiges of the fox pen including the foxhound kennels. Louisa Emerick, a local who has spent many hours riding driving and walking these grounds since the early 1960′s will lead the trail ride and share many anecdotes about the grounds and its history.

Ride to begin at 11 a.m. and ends at approximately 2 p.m.
Helmet and negative coggins required.
(trail ride is free and open to non-members)
Please contact Ron MacNab for the start location and directions to the ride: (301) 622-4157 or rmacnab@comcast.net

BBQ is from 4 to 8 p.m. (registration required)
Location: Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center, 720 Training Center Drive, Elkton Maryland 21921
To register online visit www.mdhorsecouncil.org by September 10.

For more information or to print the event flyer, click here.