Potomac Bridle & Hiking Trails Association (PBHTA), a nonprofit local organization founded in Potomac, Maryland in the 1960’s when Potomac still had many large parcels of land and equestrian activities abounded, including fox-chasing. The Potomac Hunt and Kennels were located on Glen Road and many of the landowners either rode or welcomed riders on trails across their properties. All this began to change in the ‘80s when many large parcels of land were subdivided. Seeing the need to keep the trails open, PBHTA worked with the County to record the trails as permanent, public paths for equestrians. During the ‘80s PBHTA added the “hiking “ component to that mission.

These paths are recorded as easements throughout many Potomac neighborhoods and are connected to form the Travilah Loop ensuring that residents can access neighbors, County and National parkland, and County equestrian facilities such as the Potomac Horse Center and Callithea Farm. PBHTA volunteers have kept the paths open, until recent years. PBHTA uses its members dues to for major bi- annual mowing and occasional treefall removals. However in recent years, PBHTA has been unable to restore much of the badly breeched paths that form the 4-mile Travilah Loop. A grant awarded to PBHTA from MD State Highway Administration in changing that. Contractors are working now, and appropriate signage will guide residents along the paths.

During November and December of 2007, PBHTA volunteers met with neighbors whose homes abut the paths slated for environmentally approved reconstruction.  Volunteers advised homeowners as to proposed work in the near future. Homeowners are more than welcomed to join, offer suggestions and certainly are expected to keep their paths free of landscaping debris dumping and “invisible” dog wire. The paths will provide a natural trails experience for neighborhood walkers, bird watchers, joggers and horseback riders.  It is hoped that those who enjoy these trails will become the stewards for their community and help to protect and preserve the paths.

The Travilah Loop is a unique, nationally recognized system of public paths. It provides the opportunity for neighbors to enjoy a walk away from paved streets.  Though the paths are open for public use they are recorded on private properties. Use of the paths incurs the need for respect for the private properties they traverse. The paths may not be obstructed by homeowners and there is no liability for homeowners as stated by Maryland law. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.

What is a Trail Easement?

1. What is an Equestrian Easement?  It is simply a permission for horseback riders to pass via a specific route.

2. Who owns the ground upon which the easement exists?  The ground belongs to the property owner

3. Who may use the easement?  Horseback riders ( usually your neighbors) may use the easement (trail); pedestrians are compatible with horses but motorized vehicles are not as they erode the soil and may frighten horses.  Homeowner’s covenants or associations should cover this issue.

4. What is the trail made of?  Horseback riders prefer natural surfaces.  This may be a single footpath through the woods or a grass verge along fence or floodplain.  Although 10’ to 20’ or more may be designated, a horse needs only 4’.  This extra footage is reserved in case the ground changes in the future.  Remember ,an equestrian easement must be rideable in safety; it cannot be through a bog or on the side of a cliff.

5. How will I maintain privacy?  The engineering firm works with the developer/owner and area riders to plan the most unobtrusive and mutually satisfactory route; usually the trail runs around the back of lots in the development or along the floodplain.  You may fence up to the edge of the easement or plant some bushed or trees for screening.  Keep in mind the growth potential of your plants so as not to block the easement in later years.

6. Who will maintain the easement?  You are under no obligation to maintain the trail unless there are covenants in your development to that effect.  Riders usually organize trail maintenance efforts though some homeowners routinely mow a swath of grassy areas so that they too may enjoy a walk.(we do request that you notify your lawn service not to obstruct the trail by dumping grass clippings or tree limbs on the trail.  They do not decompose and make a poor trail surface.

7. What about Horse manure and hoofprints?  Horse manure decomposed quickly and fertilizes the soil; There are no parasites or diseases like there are with dogs and cats. Horses should walk on grass verges when wet to minimize hoofprints.

8. Can I be sued if a rider gets hurt?  Maryland law clearly states that a property owner is not liable for anyone crossing his property for recreational purposes.  Please refer to Article 66 C 410 M (a) through (c) Annoted code of Maryland.

9. What provisions are made for horses at road crossings?  Horses crossing signs are being requested from County or State Highway Departments; in addition,developers must consider safety at the crossing site.  Visibility must be good and the “waiting” area made large enough and mowed to expose trash.  “Eqestrian Crossing Barrieres” are being designed for increased protection in the future.

10. “I’m afraid of Horses…”  Horses are timid and docile creatures and not aggressive toward man; their first instinct is to flee.  If you wish to approach a rider, please do so quietly.  If the horse has not seen you in a wooded area-speak up in a normal tone.