Someone should tell the county commissioners that horses are GREEN. I mean, the ones we rode near the Skyway Bridge did not pollute the waters with petrol and garbage (though there was MUCH trash along the shore) They ate only the floating sea grass… and they were fun to ride. It was amazing to walk on a submerged sandbar out to near by an island that was some 150-200 yards out in the water, to see the sea life all around, and to feel the horse swim as it carried you through deep water.
Meanwhile, some fear that the horses are trampling the sea grass beds and have taken it to the country commissioners to spread that fear. They are using this fear to condone shutting down these small stables. Once they have done this and set a precedent, they can go after other water activities such as fishing, kite surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and boating.
So while the fear mongers argued that the horses were damaging the ecosystem, the fact is that the horses follow a given path on the sandbars. This is no different that riding a trail through the woods or mountains. The horses (and the guide) know the path and will not let you stray from it. I would add that some of the horses from this stable are rescues, and that one in particular (Charlie) is not good with working carriages or riders. This horse is however good with when he knows he is swimming. However, closing this arm of the business down means a small business (and this horse) is being put out to pasture.
We were amazed at how well tempered Charlie was considering what he went through and what the guide told us about him and the condition he was in when they got him. After just four years, he not only takes riders, but is sometimes the lead horse (note the Charlie is the one Teresa (the camera girl) is riding).
I don’t know who in the community has pull, influence, or even an ear, but I ask that someone do something. The resolution to ban horse riding in the bay has already passed; however, it can and should be revisited.
