Hi, I am very disappointed…

Hi, I am very disappointed to learn of the proposed changes.

Firstly, limiting trail use to horse back riders is discriminatory and unfair. As trail system users are aware of the right of way I have found as a horse back rider, it is not the hikers or the horse riders that break the rules or are a problem. Though some cyclists are fantastic, usually it is them who are not paying attention to their surroundings, going to fast and not yielding to the right of way. As a rider, if I know a cyclist is coming I will move over to let them ride on uninterrupted but in areas where this is harder or if they show up without warning it’s always the cyclists who move to pass before being given the okay. We all contribute equally to the trail system and therefore should have equal access.

Secondly, the use of manure bags is unrealistic and unfair. In carriage horses the bags do not attach to the horse and these horses are often out for full days. Most trail riders are out for an hour or two at the most. The bags designed for this use are expensive and unsafe for a lot of horses who aren’t use to carrying a noisy heavy bag in their blind spot behind them. This addition would lead to great scares to the horse resulting in increased chance of unsafe behaviour. Also the additional straps and material make it more likely for a horse to get stuck in the forests/trees and increase any damage to the environment and injury to the horse - including rubs from straps, heat stress and strain. Frankly, a manure bag is cruel.

Additionally, like with dog waste. Facilities would need to be set up for the dumping of waste.

Small amounts of manure on trails also helps to added nutrients back into the soil to increase plant growth and horses have been documented to increase wildlife comfort/
Minimize disturbance within an area.

As a horse back rider I would be willing to buy a horse riding pass to contribute to trail upkeep- in a good year I may be able to use the trails 2-3x month as trailering over does take considerable time and effort. However I would expect cyclists to be charged similarly or more as they use the trails generally 1-2+x a week. My husband and family friends are all very active in the mountain biking community and use the trails weekly if not daily depending on the time of year.

Already horse riders face discrimination from the trail systems with limited parking and entrances not conducive to allowing horses easy access. As well as off leash untrained dogs and cyclists that ignore the right of way. These trails should be a welcoming environment for all.