The Potomac Bridle & Hiking Trails Association (PBHTA) hosted “A Spring Community Fair” at Callithea Farm on Sunday. The venue consisted of a “schooling show,” or an unjudged horse show, meaning that riders could jump the course and then, if they cared to, take another turn over the fences. These shows are popular with children, and with adults who have young inexperienced horses.
“There is no pressure or competition, just fun,” said Naomi Manders, treasurer of the association.
In addition to the schooling show, riders and hikers were encouraged to try out the trails behind the farm or just sit in sun and enjoy a picnic provided by the association. According to Shelia O’Donnell, president of PBHTA, there were approximately 50 students riding and numerous hikers taking advantage of the lovely spring weather. The Butler Equestrian School in Darnestown provided school horses for those who did not have a mount.
Money raised on Sunday will go toward matching a $20,000 grant from the Maryland State Highway Association to help restore the four-mile Travilah Loop trail network in Potomac. In order to fulfill grant requirements, PBHTA must match the $20,000 grant with 20 percent in funds or comparable volunteer hours. Sunday’s event brought out more than 22 volunteers and the proceeds went towards their goal.
“We call the Travilah Loop the ‘Equestrian Beltway,’” said Manders, who described the trail as a riding and hiking path connecting the Potomac Horse Center, the C&O Canal, various stables and county parks. “The restoration will be a community project,” she said. Homeowners will be encouraged to participate and the results will be a hiking trail for themselves and their dogs, if they don’t have a horse.
“If people don’t see the beauty of these resources, it is difficult to support the project,” she said. “Restoring the trails will help people enjoy the bounty hidden around them.”