Trail Riders of Today - Ride Calendar

Calendar

Contact the ride leader to reserve a space on the ride and for information about start time and directions. All ride participants must wear hard hats, be TROT members; membership forms will be available at the ride for non-members and is always available online. Current negative coggins must be provided for each horse. Bring snack, your own plates, silverware and drinks (unless otherwise indicated) for potlucks after the ride.

For any additional questions about TROT rides, please email our Trail Ride Coordinator Allison Abernathy at saabernat@hotmail.com. If there is ANY uncertainty about the ride status due to weather issues, be sure to contact the ride leader.

If you'd like to lead a ride we always seek more volunteer leaders. It's fun and a great opportunity to meet other TROT members and maybe find a new trail buddy. Contact Allison to volunteer.

TROT 2010 Trail Ride Challenge!! This year we are challenging all TROT members to participate in the 2010 organized trail rides and win awards! Click here to read the rules, and the details; then get ready to take up the challenge!

If you need a ride to a TROT event or can offer one please write to the TROT newsletter at nlosgood@verizon.net to be listed in an upcoming issue. Or contact the ride leader.

And be sure to take a look at photos from our our annual judged trail ride.

Ride Schedule for 2010

Here is the tentative schedule for 2010. Details such as time, location and nature of ride will follow but feel free to contact the ride leaders for any ride in which you have interest. If there has been significant rain prior to the ride please contact the ride leader concerning potential cancellations.

Liberty Reservoir - Sunday April 18 - Led by Mary Prowell
This ride will be a combination of a dirt fire road that goes around Liberty Reservoir and some woods trails that connect to it. The footing is mostly good although there are some rocks on the fire road and part of the woods trail is not well used. There will be a break for lunch or snacks around noon. The pace will be walking and trotting with a possible canter depending on the size and abilities of the group. The Reservoir is a pretty place to ride with views of the water and through a mostly deciduous forest. There can be hikers, bike riders and sometimes motor bikes on the fire road so horses should be able to deal with those things. Plan to be out for 2 ½ to 3 hours.
In the saddle at 10 AM
Location/parking: Park on Deer Park Rd
Contact: Mary Prowell @ 301-829-7709 or boprow@aol.com

Rock Creek Park - Sunday, April 25 - CANCELLED DUE TO EXPECTED WEATHER
Come ride the beautiful trails of Rock Creek Park. At this time of the year we will probably be treated to a display of the famous cherry blossoms. The pace will be a walk so that all may enjoy the scenery. We have parking permits for the Nature Center Parking lot off Military Rd. No fees but a $2 donation to the Nature Center is always appreciated. Trails have some rocks, but you can get by without shoes as I recall. Restrooms in the Nature Center! Bring lunch and make sure you have scoops to clean up the parking lot. This event is limited to 10 trailers due to limited parking.
In the saddle at 10:30 AM
Location/directions: Park at the Nature Center, Military Road, Rock Creek Park http://shadowsrider.com/trails/rockcreek.htm
Contact: Susan @410.446.3138 or shadowsrider6749@yahoo.com

Gunpowder Falls State Park - Harford County - Saturday, May 1 - Led by Karen Penharlow
Approximately 3 hours (maybe 9 miles?) starting at 10 AM on well maintained, well marked trails ... some hills, a few water crossings, some rocky ground. Horses must be used to hikers and bikers. Walk trot and a little canter but based on abilities present. After the ride we will supply hotdogs, hamburgers, buns and condiments. People need to bring their own chairs, drinks, plates, plastic-ware and, if they like, something to share with the group. Event will be canceled if we have significant rain 48 hours prior to the ride.
In the saddle at 10 AM
Location: Gunpowder Falls State Park/Sweet Air (Harford/Baltimore Counties)
Contact: Karen Penharlow @ 410-236-9365 or email - KlawPaws@aol.com

C & O Canal – Saturday, May 15 - Led by Anna Slaysman
There will be three different rides—a walking group, a moderate pace group and a fast group. Each group will ride from Anna’s farm and surrounding parkland to the C &O Canal. There is ample trailer parking and water for your horses. A potluck is planned for after the ride.
In the saddle at 10:30 AM
Location: Potomac Riverside Farm, Dickerson MD
Contact: Anna Slaysman @301.972.8187

Rocky Gorge Watershed Burtonsville/Laurel - Sat, May 22 - Led by Terry Ledley, Barbara and Denis Webb
Come join us on these spectacularly scenic (and actually non-rocky) trails along the Patuxent River’s
Rocky George Reservoir. Terry will lead a walking ride and Barbara and Denis will lead a faster paced
group. If we are lucky we might even spy our nesting bald eagles. A pot-luck meal at the Webb’s will cap
off the fun. Please call Terry to make your reservation.
In the saddle at 11AM
Location: Burtonsville/Laurel
Contact: Terry Ledley @301.776.2661

Agricultural History Farm Park - Saturday, May 29 - Led by Deneen Martin
The Agricultural History Park is a beautiful place to ride with its mowed grassy paths and shady forest trails. There will be creeks, woods, open fields and bridges.   We will have ride leaders for all levels of experience—both slow and faster paced groups.   There are streams in the park for your horse to drink from but no water at the parking lot so plan accordingly.   Your horse will not need shoes or boots. Bring your drink, chair, and something to share at a potluck afterwards.
In the saddle at 10 AM
Location/parking:   Agricultural History Farm, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood MD.   Drive to the end of the long asphalt driveway where it dead ends at the parking lots around the Cooperative Extension building. Turn left onto the gravel road and park in the grassy area by the asphalt parking lot.
Contact:   Deneen @ 301.253.2955 or @ deneenmartin7@msn.com

Susquehanna State Park - Sunday, June 6 - Led by Karen Penharlow
Duration 3+ Hours (approximately 10 miles?) starting at 10 AM on multi-use trails. Horses must be fairly fit and be comfortable with hikers and bikers. There is a short area on a public road (potentially with traffic), some steep hills, water crossings, stairs (you can dismount & walk down the stairs if needed), and a short area of the trail requires you to be comfortable with heights and a drop-off. Walk, trot, canter and potentially a hand-gallop but all that will be based on horse and/or rider abilities. After the ride we will supply hotdogs, hamburgers, buns and condiments. People need to bring their own chairs, drinks, plates, plastic-ware and, if they like, something to share with the group. Event will be canceled if we have significant rain 48 hours prior to the ride.
In the saddle at 10 AM
Location: Darlington, MD/Cecil County
Contact: Karen Penharlow at 410-236-9365 or KlawPaws@aol.com

Calithea Farm Loop – Saturday June 12 - Led by Naomi Manders
This is an easy 1 1/2 hour experience w/gentle slopes through the Park. Many Callithea horses are unshod, but the towpath is hard. Pace is walk only and single file along towpath between locks for about 2 miles (bikes, strollers, leashed dogs, canoes on canal) and then back through the Park to complete the loop. One solid, short bridge with rails. (The 2 locks have big wide bridges over the canal.) We have a nice gazebo for afterwards - leader will bring lemonade & cookies so plan to bring more edibles to share.
In the saddle at 11 AM.
Location: 15000 River Road, Potomac 20854.
Contact: Naomi Manders @ 301-279-7994 (cell for day of ride only - 240-994-8129) – or naomimanders0@gmail.com

Patapsco Fathers Day Ride to Woodstock Inn - Sunday, June 20 - Led by Susan Montgomery
We will leave from the Patapsco Park and ride to the historic Woodstock Inn for lunch. The pace will mostly walking with some trotting. There is a $3 fee per vehicle to enter the park. Restrooms are across the field from where we park. This is a busy park, there will be kids playing ball, frisbee, bikers, etc. Lunch will be at Woodstock Inn. There are places to tie your horse, so bring a halter and lead. You can eat in the Inn, or bring your own and eat at the picnic tables.
In the saddle at 10:30 AM
Location: Park in McKeldin area off Marriottsville Rd. Park in the field across from the Basket ball court.
>>From I 70W take Marriottsville Rd exit. Cross over river and up hill, park entrance is on your right.
>>From I 70E Take exit for 32. Can go north or south. If you go south, take left at first light (144) and then left on Marriottsville rd. Follow above directions. If you take 32 north, go right on 99 (Old Frederick Rd) the left on Marriottsville, follow above directions.
Contact: Susan @410.446.3138 or shadowsrider6749@yahoo.com

Morgan Run Mom n Me Ride - Sunday June 27 - Led by Melaney Hochheiser
Would you like to ride with and meet other parents who ride with their children? This is the ride for you! This will be an easy ride thru the wide grassy mowed paths and forest trails of this scenic park. There are minor stream crossings and a few rocky spots. The ride will last 1.5 to 2 hours and will be slow--- a walk or possible trotting if all parties are comfortable with a trot. The parking is ample and the park has picnic benches. There is no water at the trailhead—your horse can drink from the small streams we cross or you can bring water. Bring a lunch and sit and visit awhile afterwards. The ride leader will bring a variety of cold drinks.
In the saddle at 10 AM
Contact: Melaney Hochheiser @ 410.239.0614 (h) or 443.375.2593(c) or mah612@msn.com

Patuxent River State Park (Brown Church Rd) - Saturday, July 17 - Led by Lisa Troutman
The pace will be mostly walk, trot, with some canter. This will be a scenic ride along the edge of cropland and in the forest. There will be stream crossings and hills. There are a few rocky spots. Bring lunch.
In the saddle at 10 AM.
Location/parking: Park on Brown Church Rd by the park service sign. Parking is limited to less than 10 trailers.
Contact: Lisa Troutman at: 410.489.5101 or cat.home@verizon.net

Codorus State Park - Sunday, July 18 - Led by Ivy Smink
Bring lunch. The pace will be walk, trot, and canter. This is a 8 mile loop with variable footing (meaning occasional rocky sections). There is ample parking and a porta potty.
In the saddle at 10 AM
Location: Hanover, PA
Contact: Ivy @410.875.5691 or ivysmink@qis.net

Liberty Reservoir - Sunday, Aug 15 - Led by Ivy Smink
The pace will be walk, trot, and canter. The terrain is hilly and rocky and there will be multiple stream crossings. Shoes or boots recommended.
In the saddle at 9 AM
Location/Parking: Park off Deer Park Road. Parking is limited to 8 trailers.
Contact: Ivy @410.875.5691 or ivysmink@qis.net

Little Bennett - Saturday, August 28 - Led by Lisa Troutman
Beautiful trails in the forest and along some grassy fields. This park is fairly rocky so horses may need shoes or boots. The pace will be walk,trot, and canter. Ample parking. Bring lunch.
In the saddle at 10 AM
Contact: Lisa at: 410.489.5101 or cat.home@verizon.net

Fair Hill - Saturday, Sept 18 - Led by Ron MacNab
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. Afterwards stay for Maryland Horse Council BBQ. More details here or contact Ron for directions.
In the saddle at 11 AM until about 2 PM
Contact: Ron MacNab @ 301-622-4157 or rmacnab@comcast.net

Judged Pleasure Ride - Sat, September 25 - Coordinated by Deneen Martin
TROT’s Judged Pleasure Ride is our signature event and is always great fun for participants and volunteers. Come and enjoy the beautiful rolling fields and woods of the Park and try you and your horse’s ability to negotiate obstacles and conduct challenging maneuvers. Lots of fun and great camaraderie; you will find yourself talking about it all year. Bring a lunch. There will be lots of categories and lots of prizes. Please support this event, it is TROT's biggest fundraiser! The scores from last year are still available. And be sure to look at the hundreds of photos from the 2009 JPR courtesy of QHdal. See the September newsletter for the entry form.
Start time: ride start is 10 AM
Location/Parking: Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood, Maryland. See also http://www.mcparkandplanning.org/Parks/facilities/ag_farm.shtm.
Contact: Deneen @301.253.2955 or deneenmartin7@msn.com

Breezy Loop Boyds, MD - Sunday September 26 - Led by Ron MacNab
A beautiful ride through rolling farm land and woods. The length of the loop is 4.6 miles long and takes about 1.5 hours at a walk. The trail is on private land that has been graciously made available for trail riding. Since the trail is relatively short and well marked, some riders may want to traverse the loop a second time on their own, in the opposite direction. Bring a lunch. Current coggins test is required. Call in advance if you plan to attend.
Location: Potomac Pony Club Field/Breezy Loop Trailhead 19301 Bucklodge Rd., Boyds, MD 20841. This field is approximately 1.7 miles north of Md RT-28 Darnestown Rd, on MD 117 Bucklodge Rd. in Boyds.
Directions:
>>From Frederick and Points West: Take Rt 85 through Buckeystown, and continue on 85 as it becomes Rt 28. Continue following Rt 28 through the town of Dickerson and Beallsville (there is a traffic light - at Rt 109). You will pass Peachtree Rd, Lewis Orchards, and eventually come to MD 117- Bucklodge Rd on your left - there is no light. Turn left. Follow Bucklodge Road for approximately 1.7 miles, the Potomac Pony Club Field entrance will be on your right, just as you pass Moore Road.
>>From Rockville and Points East: Take Rt-28-Darnestown Rd West - you'll pass Rt 118, Rt 107 to Poolesville, and MD 117-Bucklodge Rd will be on your right. Turn right. Follow Bucklodge Road for approximately 1.7 miles, the Potomac Pony Club Field entrance will be on your right, just as you pass Moore Road.
In the saddle at 10AM.
Contact: Ron MacNab @ 301-622-4157 or rmacnab@comcast.net

Upper Patuxent River State Park (Annapolis Rock Rd) - Sat, October 23 - Led by Suzanne Anderson
Trails are hilly but not too rocky. There will be river crossings and, depending on the rainfall, mud or dust. The ride will be 2½ to 3 hours of medium pace (walking, and trot/gait). Bring your lunch and/or something to share for after the ride. We'll have a table, with cloth, flowers, burner for hot water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate. Bring water for your horse as there is no water at the trailer parking site. This will be a joint ride with the Chesapeake Plantation Walking Horse (CPWH) club. The pace will accommodate the least experienced rider. You must be a member of TROT or CPWH to participate.
In the saddle at 10:00 AM
Location/Parking: Cow Pasture off Annapolis Rock Road
Contact: Suzanne in the evenings @ 301.829.3881 or trailsendfarm@verizon.net

Little Bennett Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, October 30 - Led by Maureen & Jim Henry, Deneen Martin
Riders need to be at the parking field by 1 PM to register. At 1:30 prearranged groups will assemble to review rules for the Scavenger Hunt. Riders should be able to at least trot their horses so that the team can cover as wide an area as possible within the 1 1/2 hour time limit that they will have to find the items required. No one will need to collect anything, but each group will be given a pad, pencil, and map to note approximately where the item was located with some nearby references. The items will be flora, fauna, manmade items, or places within the park, but they must stay on the near half of the park and not cross Clarksburg Road to locate the items because of the limited time frame. The leaders of each of the groups will be chosen by having some knowledge of the park by previously riding there. Limit is 30 riders (first come, first served) and no more than 6 teams of 5. Should there be a tie there will be a mini hunt at the trailer area to determine the final winner. Winning team will receive individual prizes. Everyone will get small trick or treat bags with Halloween candy and I will have a large bag of carrots for the horses. We will have a potluck after the ride. Food brought could have a fall or Halloween theme. Jim and I will bring the paper products. Lawn chairs should be brought for individual comfort. Early notification is imperative to be able to participate.
In the saddle at 1:30 pm
Special Directions: You must RSVP by Thursday Oct 28 to attend this event.
Contact: Maureen Henry @ 301-371- 4868

Anacostia Park - Saturday, November 20 - Led by John Angevine
This is a favorite TROT ride that closes out our ride season. Folks who have
attended this ride say they are amazed with the spacious trails and beautiful scenes along the Anacostia River so close to downtown DC. The ride may encounter bikes, fishermen, some asphalt, as well as a scenic view of the historic Lincoln Cemetery. Ride leaders will provide water and granola bars.
In the saddle at: TBD
Location/parking: TBD
Contact: John at 301-937-0014

Trail Guides: There are a number of TROT volunteers who are happy to show Trot members their favorite trails on an individual basis. These are listed on our PARKS page.