Rochester Trail Riders

The Finger Lakes National Forest is proposing expanded mountain bike access in the Hector Ranger District. No existing horse trails are being removed, but many will become shared-use.

Key Points:

• 9 miles of user-created bike trails proposed for designation
• 4 miles closed and revegetated
• 2.7-mile Sassafras Loop added
• 0.35-mile reroute on Backbone Trail
• 24 miles of existing trails opened to bike use
• Approximately 36 total miles would allow bikes
• Seasonal bike closure: March 15 – May 15
• Construction could begin May 2026
• No new motorized trails proposed

What This Means for Equestrians:

• Horse access remains intact
• Increased shared-use interaction
• New “Share the Trail” signage expected
• Greater need for communication and courtesy

Contact for Questions/Comments:
Matt Lark – Hector Ranger District
607-546-4470
[email protected]

Become a Rochester Trail Riders member at rochestertrailriders.com
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Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Hunting Season Safety & Exciting Updates from the NYS Horse Council

This week, Lindsay shares some exciting news—she’s stepped into the role of Regional Vice President for the Finger Lakes with the New York State Horse Council. That means our equestrian community now has another strong voice advocating for safe trails, fair access, and horse-friendly policies in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Seneca, Yates, and Steuben counties.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🎉 What this new role means for riders in our region
• 🦌 Key hunting season dates for the Southern Zone (October 1st through January 1st)
• 🐴 Which trails are hunting-free zones (like Monroe County Parks) vs. areas where you may encounter hunters (like the Genesee Valley Greenway)
• 🎃 Top safety tips for trail riding during hunting season:
  • Wear blaze orange or pink
  • Clip a bell to your tack
  • Stick to marked trails
  • Avoid dawn/dusk riding
  • Ride with a buddy when possible

Lindsay also announces a call for support: the Finger Lakes Region of NYS Horse Council is seeking a Regional Director. This volunteer position is perfect for someone passionate about horses who wants to:

• Attend occasional DEC or town meetings
• Monitor local issues affecting horse owners
• Share updates with riders in their county
• Strengthen our equestrian voice across the region

👉 If you’re interested (or know someone who would be a great fit), please reach out!

Resources & Links

• Full DEC Hunting Season Details (2025–26): NYS DEC Hunting Seasons
  
  
• Learn more about the New York State Horse Council
  
  

Stay Connected

🐴 Follow Rochester Trail Riders for updates, safety reminders, and equestrian community news.
📲 Share your fall riding adventures with us on social media using #RochesterTrailRiders.

Contact

• Facebook: Rochester Trail Riders
  (message the page)
• Email: [email protected]

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

🐴 Episode Summary:

Spring is finally here, and that means it's time to knock the mud off your boots and get back in the saddle. But is your horse ready? In this episode of Rochester Trail Riders, Lindsay walks you through the key areas to focus on when bringing your horse back into trail condition after a winter break. From rebuilding physical strength to improving coordination and mental readiness, this episode is your practical guide to making the transition safe and successful.

Whether your horse is acting like a sleepy potato or a fire-breathing dragon, this one’s for you.

🧭 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why a spring tune-up is essential—even for horses in light winter work
• How to gradually rebuild your horse’s strength and stamina
• Arena-based exercises to improve balance, coordination, and confidence
• Mental training strategies to ease spooky or distracted horses back into trail mode
• How to prevent injuries and monitor for soreness
• Real-life obstacle ideas you can set up at home or in the arena
• A weekly challenge to help you take action now

🏇 This Week’s Rider Challenge:

Pick one thing from today’s episode and put it into action. Maybe it’s:

• Setting up ground poles in the arena
• Planning a short conditioning ride
• Introducing your horse to a tarp, a bridge, or tying for a mid-ride break
• Doing groundwork or lunging before your next ride

Be intentional. Observe how your horse responds and make adjustments based on their needs. Tag @rochestertrailriders or share your story in the comments—we want to cheer you on!

📝 Resources & Links:

• Learn about all our local trails at https://www.RochesterTrailRiders.com
• Join the New York State Horse Council to support trail advocacy: https://www.nyshc.org

🐎 Subscribe & Share:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a barn buddy and leave a review—it helps other riders discover the show and keeps the trail talk going strong.
 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for updates and extra tips.

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Spring is here, which means mud season is in full swing! One minute, you’re cruising down the trail, the next—your horse is knee-deep in muck, and you’re questioning all your life choices. With so many RTR members asking about the best trails and how to handle the mud, this episode is here to help!

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ How to pick the right trails to avoid turning your ride into a slip-and-slide.
✅ Essential gear and hoof care to keep both you and your horse safe.
✅ Riding techniques for navigating mud without injuries.
✅ Trail etiquette and preservation—because we all want to ride trails that stay in good shape!
✅ Volunteer opportunities to give back to the parks and trails we love.

So, grab your waterproof boots, your best balance, and a sense of humor—because mud happens!

Want to get involved? Here’s how:

🛠 NY’s “I Love My Park” Day – April 4th, 2024
Help maintain parks like Letchworth & the Genesee Valley Greenway. Sign up here:
🔗 https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day

🗑 Monroe County’s “Pick Up the Parks” Day – April 12th, 2024
Let’s get RTR members at every major park we ride! Sign up here:
🔗 https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-pickuptheparks

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Spring is here, and if your horse looks like a shaggy yak, congratulations—you’ve made it through another winter! But now it’s time to help them shed that winter coat and get ready for warmer weather.

In this episode, we’ll cover:
 ✅ Why horses shed (hint: it’s about daylight, not temperature!)
 ✅ The best tools & techniques to speed up the process
 ✅ How grooming supports overall skin health, circulation, and bonding

Top Shedding Tips:
✔️ Maximize natural light – More daylight = better shedding response
✔️ Support with nutrition – Omega-3s, protein, and minerals like zinc & copper improve coat health
✔️ Groom regularly – Curry combs, shedding blades, and grooming gloves are your best friends
✔️ Watch for uneven shedding – If your horse isn’t shedding properly, check with your vet for possible health concerns

🐎 Plus, we’ll talk about clipping pros & cons, how to check for skin & body condition, and why grooming is more than just maintenance—it’s bonding time!

📢 Enjoying the episode? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with fellow riders!

🎤 Happy trails!

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

In this episode, we break down the March 5th public meeting about the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area trail proposal and what it means for equestrian riders. Right now, horseback riding is not officially allowed in the park—but that could change.

🔹 Why the trail system is being reviewed
 🔹 How the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) process will impact the timeline
🔹 What equestrians can do NOW to advocate for access
🔹 Why volunteer efforts will be crucial to making these trails horse-friendly

The deadline for public comments is April 1st—so if you ride, now is the time to make your voice heard!

📍 Submit Your Feedback & Get Involved:

 🔗 Send comments in by April 1: [email protected]
🔗 NYS Horse Council: https://nyshc.org/
🔗 Rochester Trail Riders Maps: https://rochestertrailriders.com/trail-maps/

🎧 Listen, share, and let’s get equestrians on the map! 🐎🌿 #RochesterTrailRiders #EquestrianTrails #TrailAdvocacy #HarrietHollister

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Hey there, I'm Lindsay LaBella, your fellow trail enthusiast and host of "Rochester Trail Riders." Join me as I venture back onto the beloved Lehigh Valley Trail, picking up where I left off in Rush, New York, and taking you all the way to Victor. Each episode is a mix of my personal trail riding and hiking adventures, sharing every step of my journey from trailhead to trail end.

Today, I'm back on the Lehigh Valley Trail, a trail that spans 17 miles and connects to the Genesee Valley and Auburn Trails. As I hike this trail, I discuss not only the path and its history but also dive into my personal goal of achieving a healthier weight to comfortably ride my horses again. I'm embracing this self-recalibration, enjoying the trails, and bringing you along for both the education and the entertainment.

Whether it's tackling the trail on foot this time or planning future rides, this podcast covers the realities of navigating long, flat, and straight pathways that require careful planning for either out-and-back trips or traverses with arranged pickups. Join me for trail tips, personal reflections, and the simple joy of a morning spent in nature. From planning and snacking to overcoming unexpected challenges, "Rochester Trail Riders" is your all-access pass to experiencing these trails through my eyes.

Tune in and let’s hit the trail together, exploring the natural beauty of Rochester’s countryside, one ride and one step at a time. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a casual hiker, there's something in each episode for you. So, saddle up or lace up, and let's make some trails!

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Welcome to a special edition of the Rochester Trail Riders podcast. I am Lindsay LaBella, and today I provide an important update from Mendon Ponds Park. This episode discusses the collaborative efforts between local riders, Monroe County Parks, and Tractor Supply of Caledonia to enhance the cleanliness and beauty of our park. Thanks to community involvement and generous support from Tractor Supply, and labor from Monroe County, we are equipped with new tools and preparing to install instructional signage aimed at maintaining our trails and parking areas. 

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into a not-so-talked-about yet critical issue impacting our parks and equestrian trails: horse manure management. We explore the ecological, health, and political ramifications of leaving horse manure unmanaged and propose a community-driven solution to ensure our parks remain beautiful and accessible for everyone.

What You'll Learn:

• The Importance of 'Leave No Trace' Principles:
  • How unmanaged horse manure affects local flora, waterways, and the overall ecosystem.
  • The connection between manure management and soil integrity, preventing mud pits and erosion.
• Health Risks Associated with Horse Manure:
  • The role of manure in spreading parasites and pathogens among horses.
  • The importance of regular cleanup to reduce the risk of disease and improve horse health.
• Political Impact of Manure Management:
  • How our actions influence park policies and the availability of trails.
  • The responsibility of the equestrian community to maintain good relations with park authorities and the general public.
• Community Pitchfork Initiative:
  • Introduction of a new initiative to place community pitchforks at trailer sites for manure management.
  • Details on how listeners can get involved and support the initiative.

Resources Mentioned:

• Rochester Trail Riders Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/rochestertrailriders
  • Support the cause by purchasing merchandise from our store. All proceeds help fund our community initiatives to keep our trails open and clean.

Call to Action:

• Get Involved: Consider donating a pitchfork or contributing to our cause to help expand our community pitchfork initiative to more parks.
• Spread the Word: Share this episode with other equestrian enthusiasts and park visitors to raise awareness about the importance of manure management.

Subscribe and Follow:

• Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media to stay updated on future episodes and community projects.

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Join host Lindsay LaBella, a seasoned trail enthusiast and the coordinator of Rochester Trail Riders, as she dives into the heart of the Finger Lakes National Forest to discuss a proposed mountain biking enhancement project. In this episode, Lindsay explores the delicate balance between enhancing recreational opportunities for mountain bikers and preserving the trail experience for equestrians.

Set in the scenic towns of Hector and Lodi, the project aims to adopt existing user-created trails and possibly change trail use permissions, stirring concerns among local equestrians. Lindsay discusses the project's current discovery phase, the upcoming scoping phase starting in September, and the decision-making timeline slated to conclude by December 2024. With the project implementation expected in March 2025, Lindsay emphasizes the importance of community feedback and responsible trail sharing among hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

Tune in to understand the stakes, engage with community efforts, and learn how you can contribute to the dialogue on trail enhancements in the Finger Lakes State Forest.

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LINK TO PROJECT
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FORM LETTER
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Dear Mr. Lark,

I am writing to you as a member of the Rochester Trail Riders, a local group whose followers enjoy the Finger Lakes/Hector Trails on horseback. I’d specifically like to discuss the proposed Mountain Biking Enhancement #65926. As trail enthusiast, I appreciate the efforts to improve and diversify the recreational opportunities available in this beautiful area. However, I have some concerns about the potential impact this project could have on the safety and enjoyment of the trails by equestrians.

The trails in this region are cherished by many horse riders and even host a 50 mile endurance race. Introducing enhanced mountain biking facilities could significantly increase bike traffic, leading to heightened risks of accidents. Horses can be easily startled by fast-moving cyclists, potentially causing dangerous situations for both riders and bikers.

I believe that the enjoyment and safety of all trail users can be maintained with careful planning and consideration. I would like to propose the following suggestions:

1. Designated Trail Days: Allocate specific days or time slots for mountain biking and equestrian activities to minimize interactions between the two groups.
2. Trail Segregation: Where possible, create separate trails for equestrians and bikers, or widen trails to allow safe passing.
3. Signage and Education: Increase signage to alert users of shared trail sections, and possibly provide educational materials on how bikers and equestrians can coexist safely on shared trails.

Thank you for considering my concerns. If there are any open forums or you would like to have a personal discussion, I’m open to a constructive dialogue on how we can continue to enhance our beloved trails without compromising the safety and enjoyment of any group. 

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME HERE)

RochesterTrailRiders.com

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MAIL TO:
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Matthew Lark
5218 State Route 414
Hector, NY 14841
479-667-2191 ext 2171
[email protected]

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com