by David Ferraro, Executive Director of the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, with photos by @khopshoots (first published in the January 2025 Equiery)
The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park (FPVSP) and the League of Maryland Horsemen (LOMH) are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at increasing equestrian involvement in the stewardship of the park and the support of its natural surface trail system.
The FPVSP, a 501(c)(3) affiliate organization with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, serves as the official nonprofit partner of Patapsco Valley State Park. FPVSP has been the leader in maintaining and improving the park’s nationally recognized trail system, contributing thousands of volunteer hours annually and investing more than $500,000 in direct spending over the past five years to enhance the trails for all user groups.
This new collaboration with LOMH underscores a shared commitment to preserving the multi-use functionality of the trail system, with a renewed focus on fostering equestrian activities and encouraging greater engagement from the equestrian community.
The partnership is built on a long-term vision to increase equestrian engagement in park stewardship. Through joint trail maintenance events, education programs, and outreach efforts, FPVSP and LOMH aim to encourage horse enthusiasts to take an active role in investing in the trails they use and love. These initiatives will help ensure the sustainability of equestrian access while fostering a sense of responsibility, collaboration, and equity community among park users.
The League of Maryland Horsemen brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for equestrian trail use. By joining forces, LOMH and FPVSP and LOMH can together we ensure that Patapsco’s trails remain a haven for horseback riding while promoting sustainable practices that protect the environment and bring our equestrian users into our invested trail community.
Through this partnership, FPVSP and LOMH hope to build on the established collaboration between park supporters and user groups. By working together, they aim to create a legacy of stewardship that will benefit equestrians and the park itself for years to come.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park to support and preserve this incredible trail system,” said Bradley Rumbel, Equestrian Representative from the League of Maryland Horsemen. “As members of the equestrian community that calls PVSP home, we are passionate about protecting the natural resource and ensuring that horseback riders can continue to enjoy these trails for generations to come. This partnership marks an exciting opportunity to deepen our involvement and give back to the park that provides so much joy to so many.”
Equestrians and community members are encouraged to support this initiative by becoming members of the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park (FPVSP)! Membership helps fund our efforts and keeps you informed about upcoming trail work events and other opportunities to contribute to the ongoing preservation of Patapsco Valley State Park’s trail system.
You can learn more about FPVSP at fpvsp.org.
