Tensions rise over horse estates
It’s easy to categorize Wellington as an equestrian community.
The village that sits a 20-minute drive west of the coast is the Winter Equestrian Capital of the world, after all. It is home to some of the biggest dressage, jumping and polo competitions. It has hosted two princes and even has a horse in its logo.
People around the country and even the world know about the fifth-largest municipality in Palm Beach County because of horses.
However, that equestrian moniker is a bit of an oversimplification.
There is a second — even larger — faction that doesn’t know or care much about horses. Some don’t even like horses.
The Equestrian Trails project is bringing some of those tensions to the forefront when residents are complaining about noise and smells.
The proposal for nine Matt Morgan equestrian estates with barns, owner’s apartments and grooms quarters is not designed to pit horse lovers against the rest of the community. Some equestrians are against it and some non-equestrians think it’s a great idea.
But problems became evident when some homeowners in Lakefield South said they would rather have another zero-lot-line community that could bring more traffic than live next to horses.
A couple speakers who supported Winding Trails at a recent meeting went as far as to say that people who didn’t want horses shouldn’t have moved to Wellington in the first place, drawing grumbles and some snide remarks from the crowd.
People move to Wellington for various reasons and, for many, the equestrian lifestyle is not one of them.
Horses didn’t even finish in the top three reasons people love to live in Wellington, according a recent Budget Challenge survey that got more than 500 responses.
It turns out some people move to Wellington for the low crime, the beautiful parks and the vibrant neighborhoods. Young families head there because the schools are among the best in the county.
The concerned residents of Lakefield South worry that having horses for neighbors will surround them. But those who favor the project anticipate their property values increasing and figure the development is a good compromise for the defunct Wanderers Executive golf course.
When both factions turned out for last week’s meeting, people yelled out of turn and made rude remarks to speakers.
Yes, Wellington is horses, but it’s not just horses. And people are starting to get upset.