BRLA bake sale tag sale

When I first moved up to the Bedford area about 10 years ago, I asked neighbors and friends where to walk with my dogs to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.  I was directed to Reservoir Road in Katonah and to Ward Pound Ridge reservation.

 A client mentioned the Bedford Ridings Lane Association but he told me it was a private organization and he had no idea how to join or who to call. He told me they had an annual party and I should try to get invited but that was the extent of his direction. So I walked  mostly on some dirt roads with a friend and our dogs. We occasionally went to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation but that was more of a chore with parking and fees. We never ventured on to the trails and had no idea how to join the BRLA or what the organization was all about.  

Having grown up riding my own pony and working in barns during high school (affectionately known as a barn rat), I missed  riding. In 2005, I started riding again at a barn in Bedford and was introduced to the trail system and the Bedford Riding Lanes Association (BRLA).

I then leased a horse from a private individual in Katonah and rode the trails in Lewisboro. The person I leased my horse from was a bit like mountain man on horse and knew the trails in Ward Pound Ridge and Lewisboro like the back of his hand.   We would ride for hours on trails all over Lewisboro.  Most of the time, we rode right from his backyard barn but occasionally, we would load our horses on to his trailer and head over the John Jay Homestead and ride the BRLA trails from there.  

When I got involved with Westchester Land Trust (WLT), I co-chaired the gala auction for a few years, joined the advisory board and met several members of the BRLA through WLT. It was actually through meeting members that I began to learn more about the BRLA and the trail system.  What a treasure we have right in our backyard!  

The BRLA maintains over 130 miles of trails. Local landowners are kind enough to provide access through their properties and many of the trails connect. You can ride for hours and miles through gorgeous woods, meadows, streams. Up and down hills, narrow trails, wide trails, behind huge mansions, onto dirt roads and back in to the woods.   While some trails are restricted to riders only, most of the trail system is open to walkers as well.

I am amazed at how many times I can ride for 2-3 hours and not meet another rider. My horse is very calm and we go everywhere together. This is my respite from my hectic life. Riding in the trails lets me relax, think about things and be at peace with nature.  

The BRLA collects dues from their members annually with various levels for walkers, single and family memberships. While there is one part-time employee who helps to maintain the trail system, they rely heavily on volunteers to keep the many miles of trails in good shape.  

There is an annual trail clean up where members get together, walk the various trails, pick up debris and clean up the damage from winter storms. Afterwards, one of the local barns hosts a party for all the volunteers with a big spread of salads and sandwiches. Twice a year, the BRLA sponsors a Pace which starts from the John Jay Homestead.  

The past few years have been brutal as we have had many storms and hurricanes which have uprooted trees, brought down large branches and damaged some equipment.  To help offset the additional costs of maintaining the trails, the BRLA decided to host a “horse stuff” tag sale with a bake sale component. We held the first one in March 2012 in an indoor ring at a barn on Katonah Woods Road.  This year, we have moved the tag sale to the same weekend as the annual Memorial Day pace and will hold the event under the tent at John Jay Homestead on Rt 22 in Katonah.

We have a number of tables with folks selling used (and some new) tack, saddles, blankets as well as riding clothing. A 20% donation of proceeds is asked of each table and BRLA has a few tables selling items which were donated directly to them.  A few vendors will also be selling their wares. The bake sale will have goodies to eat on the spot as well as things to take home to enjoy with your family and friends. We will have hot dogs and soft drinks for sale as well as a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids.

All proceeds will help the BRLA continue to maintain the trails so walkers and riders can enjoy them year round. Please stop by and pick up some goodies, shop and bring the kids to enjoy the petting zoo. Rain or shine as the tent will be up so stop by between 10am-3pm on Saturday, May 25th.