It is our position that recreational horseback riding should not be allowed on the Monon Trail. On a daily basis, a combination of more than 4,000 runners, walkers, bicyclists and rollerbladers struggle to exist in harmony while navigating a mere 10 to 15 foot wide asphalt trail. The proposed addition of horseback riders to the mix will undoubtedly stir up nothing but trouble on the trail. As the cowboy saying goes, “If it has tires, testicles or hooves, you are going to have problems with it.”

If a darting squirrel on the trail can cause a dog to flee, stroller to squeal and bike to skid, imagine the presence of a 1,000 pound animal in the middle of the bustling city who is happiest when running through a field and not confined to a slow gallop in a crowd.

Recreational use of paved public trails is an outstanding benefit and an extremely enjoyable attribute of living in the community. It is not unreasonable to pass an ordinance clarifying reasonable speed limits, rules of the road and cleanliness for the safety of paved public trail users. It is unreasonable to complicate the issue by letting the horse out of the barn.