Riders seek horse sense in decision on trail use

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is looking at whether to allow horseback riding on the Cypher Systems Group Greenway trail from Amherstburg to Essex. There’s been increased interest from the equestrian community in the new trail, said a report to the conservation authority’s board Thursday.

Horses have been allowed in rural parts of the Chrysler Canada Greenway since 2000 but the problem with the Amherstburg to Essex trail is that it is about six feet narrower. There isn’t room to have a grass strip along the sides for horses.

“We don’t know if it’s OK to have horses and bikes and people within that corridor within that space limit,” Kevin Money, the director of conservation services, said Friday. Staff will look at how to reduce conflicts and liability if horses are allowed.

“We allow horseback riding. We’re not unsupportive of horseback riding,” Money said. “We just need to make sure that if we open up horseback riding on this particular trail we do it in a safe way.” On the Chrysler Canada Greenway, horseback riders are asked to stay on the mowed grass sides of the trail and pick up after their horses. The conservation authority reminds riders to stay off the actual trail surface especially when it’s wet since the hoof prints make the trail bumpy for walkers and cyclists. The Cypher Systems Group Greenway trail, which connects with the Chrysler Canada Greenway in MacGregor, was built last year and isn’t wide enough for the grass on either side of the trail. The authority didn’t want horses on the trail until the loose gravel was packed down and there was time to evaluate if having horses on the trail with other users was feasible. A report to the authority ’s board Thursday suggested a $25,000 study but the board decided instead to have staff look at the options and hold public consultation.