EPIC Trail Courtesy Reminder

As the milder spring weather beckons us to hit the trails, we would like to ask your cooperation in permitting key portions of an EPIC trail to remain open for responsible use by all of us.

Due solely to the much-appreciated courtesy of Daphne Ross, the Dry Seneca Creek Trail runs along the border of, and probably is just within, the property of Daphne’s beautiful Tulip Pond Farm on Partnership Road in Poolesville. Unfortunately, some riders on the trail have, inadvertently we suspect, not observed basic courtesies in riding that portion of the trail. That has caused Daphne to be properly concerned about the safety of students and others at her farm.

Specifically, trail riders have been either (a) sufficiently loud as to bother horses and riders at Tulip Pond or (b) sufficiently quiet so as to startle horses there. We ask that riders alert others of their coming when riding along the ledge of the creek that borders Daphne’s property. We also ask that dogs not be included in any ride along that portion of the trail, as there have been instances of the dogs wandering into the farm. And, to state the obvious, we ask that no riders ride on Tulip Pond proper without advance invitation. We understand that there has already been one incident at Tulip Pond involving encroachment by non-resident riders where a young riding student fell, was concussed and had to undergo substantial medical treatment and miss considerable school time. So let’s appreciate that this is far more than a theoretical issue, and one we need to address promptly.

Thank you for your assistance in keeping our EPIC trails and the surrounding properties safe for all. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@epicmontgomery.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Help Ensure Maryland Trail Funding

Funding for Maryland’s public riding trails may be in jeopardy. If you enjoy riding on Maryland’s trails, your action is needed by this Thursday to help ensure their future.

From The Equiery blog:

Many Maryland equestrian trail projects have benefited from federal funds through the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which is set to expire and must be reauthorized in the next national surface transportation program (highway) bill. Chances are good that the trails you ride on have received some of this funding via the Maryland Department of Transportation.

A “Dear Colleague” letter in support of RTP is being circulated by Congressmen Petri (R-WI) and Michaud (D-ME). (View Dear Colleague Letter)

The American Horse Council urges you to call or email your Representative and ask him or her to sign the Dear Colleague letter in support of RTP being circulated by Congressmen Petri and Michaud.

The deadline for your Member of Congress to sign the letter is Thursday, April 14.

Read the rest of the post HERE.