Editor,
The controversy regarding freshly excreted horse feces on the trails of South Whidbey Community Park has generated many dubious assertions that demand clarification and comment.
Although horse to human transmission of disease is rare, it actually does happen. The Center for Disease Control website lists a dozen examples, including salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis and ringworm.
I grew up in a household with three horses. I always was aware when riding that my horse was having a bowel movement. Any rider who claims not to know what is happening behind by the sounds and altered gait is either asleep at the reins or deeply into doo-doo denial.
I seriously doubt that veterinarians, farriers, and feed stores will go out of business or that the Whidbey Island economy will fail if horses were to be banned from Community Park. No one complains about horse manure at nearby Putney Woods. So ride at Putney Woods. And by the way, horsemen are not the only ones to clear the trail of fallen trees. Mountain bikers and trail-runners share that volunteer activity.
Dogs have been made into “straw men” by some who argue in favor of horse poop on the trails. As a matter of fact, instructions are posted throughout the park next to poop-bag dispensers to clean up pet waste, and I have witnessed dog owners following through. I have never seen a horse rider clearing the trail of horse debris.
The park hosts a wide variety of events, including high school cross country running tournaments, Elf Chase, Children’s Day, concerts and next year Choochokam. Fresh horse droppings at this venue at the very least are inappropriate, unsightly, smell bad and reflect poorly on our community.
Someone said he would gladly pay a fine before making his horse wear a poop bag. Most of us do not want to see riders fined, nor do we care if your horse wears a bag. We just want clean trails for public recreation. Another writer stated that his horse poops on command, before they leave for public spaces. That particular skill is not widely practiced, judging from the recent increased volume and extent of horse droppings in the park.
Equestrians, please demonstrate neighborly consideration by cleaning up your litter, or ride elsewhere.
DAVID WELTON
Clinton
