The Latest News from the Bridle Path Conservancy

CONNECTICUT HORSE GROUPS TO GATHER IN SUPPORT
OF HORSE RIDING IN GUILFORD

January 19, 2008 – After recent news reports suggested that the Town of Guilford is considering a ban on horse riding on town trails, a number of area horse riding groups are organizing to help dispel the rumor. Members of the Bridle Path Conservancy, the Lower Connecticut River Valley Horsemen’s Club, the Connecticut Horse Council, and the Connecticut Valley Pony Club will be in attendance at the upcoming Guilford Conservation Commission meeting on January 23rd and will address any concerns that the public might have.

“The biggest misconception that we are hearing is that some in the community are fearful that horse manure may spread seeds of invasive species that could pose a threat to our forest ecosystems. Thankfully that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” says Pati Martin, co-founder of the Bridle Path Conservancy (www.bpconservancy.org). “The vast majority of local horses eat hay produced in local fields and harvested during the summer. Those who are eating pellet-type feeds are eating a food that is processed at such a high temperature as to eliminate any chance that seeds within the feed might germinate.”

Martin says that local horse owners have been teaming up with area hikers, mountain bikers and walkers to help improve trails in Guilford and surrounding towns and that there is a great sense of camaraderie among the groups and lots of support for horse riders in the community.

“The simple fact is horse owners are very responsible trail users and pose no threat to our local forests,” says Martin. “In fact, local horse groups are at the forefront of the efforts to help prevent suburban sprawl and over development from changing the rural character of our shoreline towns. We hope that our testimony at the Conservation Commission hearing will show town residents that all trail users deserve respect, whether they walk on two or four legs.”

The Bridle Path Conservancy is a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and acquisition of multi-purpose, passive-use, recreational trails on public and private land in Connecticut and southern New England. While the Conservancy was founded by equestrian enthusiasts, it seeks to support all open space and trail initiatives. By managing, educating and cooperating with others to create opportunities to facilitate and preserve trails, the Conservancy strives to keep recreational land available for present and future generations to enjoy. For more information contact Pat Martin at (203) 980-2712 or email ContactUs@BPConservancy.org

Media Contact:            Pati Martin
                                    (203) 980 2712
                                    pjm6680@comcast.net

Past Stories from the Bridle Path Conservancy

January 2005 -- Bridle Path Conservancy Cleans Up Webber Woods

May 2005 -- Bridle Path Conservancy Gears Up for CT/National Trails Day

June 2005 -- Bridle Path Conservancy Honored by State For Its Hard Work

July 2005 -- Bridle Path Conservancy Teams Up With SprocKids

August 2005 -- Bridle Path Conservancy Meets with CT DEP Commissioner

October 2005 -- Bridle Path Conservancy Wins National Award

March 2006 -- BPC Teams Up For Five Town Trail