Editor,

Doggies and horses and humans, oh my. I read the article regarding horse manure on trails at South Whidbey Community Park citing the distress of the poor souls who have to walk around it on their daily recreational outings.

Horse manure, unlike dog, cat, bird manure or rat poop does not contain pathogens or any toxic or dangerous substances. Since horses are herbivores, their manure does not have the offensive smell that dog poop does. Most people do not find the smell of horse manure to be “disgusting” as it consists mostly of fiber and friendly bacteria; it quickly breaks down and turns into dirt. That’s why gardeners love it, by the way.

If the walkers at the parks are so offended by horse manure, they should probably stay home, as they might come into contact with something really scary … like dirt, or fleas, or owl pellets, or ticks or mosquitos or, heaven forbid, rabbit or deer pellets!

JENNIFER FULTZ

Clinton