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 designation4 miles closed and revegetated2.7-mile Sassafras Loop added0.35-mile reroute on Backbone Trail24 miles of existing trails opened to bike useApproximately 36 total miles would allow bikesSeasonal bike closure: March 15 – May 15Construction co...
Mar 3
7 min
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 f...
Oct 1, 2025
4 min
🐴 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 you...
Mar 25, 2025
9 min
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 technique...
Mar 18, 2025
15 min
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 day...
Mar 11, 2025
12 min
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 mak...
Mar 6, 2025
11 min
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 Aub...
Nov 9, 2024
12 min
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 instruct...
Aug 12, 2024
2 min
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 overal...
Jul 24, 2024
12 min
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 ...
Jul 9, 2024
9 min
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