Rep Hovey Joins Equestrians’

Opposition To Trail Use

By Kendra Bobowick

Private opposition to proposed horseback-riding regulations reached the state level this week.

State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112), has joined the Connecticut Horse Council (CHC) and Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) in their recent protests against regulations limiting horseback riding on state trails.

Stressing her support, she said, “The equestrian world has a friend in me as a legislator and a lot of friends in the legislature.” Rep Hovey anticipates the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) proposed horseback riding restrictions along state trails as noted in a recent draft of regulations will fail.

The DEP’s Section 23-4-1 of proposed regulations states, “Trails are open unless posted closed to hiking, mountain biking or other types of trail-related activities. Horseback riding is prohibited on trails unless posted as permitted.

“Use of any trail, road or path posted as closed by the Department of Environmental Protection is prohibited.”

Rep Hovey does not approve, and has expressed concerns to Governor Jodi Rell and DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy.

“I have been assured that a compromise in language will be implemented and I am trusting that their word is good,” she said. Rewording the regulation will make the one important distinction.

“Language will be inclusive of horseback riding rather than exclusive as it is now,” said Rep Hovey. For example, CHC has proposed that the regulation should read: “Trails are open unless posted closed to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or other types of trail-related activities.” Essentially, equestrians are hoping for the same trails privileges as the others named in the regulation.

After meeting with Commissioner McCarthy, Rep Hovey feels the commissioner is “diligent and fair,” she said, and will trust that amendments to regulations will occur. “My perspective is that she is a new commissioner and I trust her on this.”

Many state residents’ trust is awaiting the outcome of regulation reviews scheduled tentatively for late March or April. Rep Hovey said, “I am trusting and the equestrian world is trusting that they’ll have access [to trials] as they have had.” Future trails also are of concern. She stressed that they should be blazed with horse access in mind when possible. Certain surfaces are prohibitive to horses.

Preparations are already in place if problems arise with the regulation.

As the time for regulation review nears, Rep Hovey explained, “It will go before a legislative body and I am talking to that body.”

With her own advocacy and contacts at the legislature, Ms Hovey added, “The more eyes on the regulations, the more thoughtfulness there is.”

Department of Environmental Protection spokespeople have stressed that they will work with the horse enthusiasts toward a compromise.

Spokesman Dennis Schain said last week, “We’re taking a deep breath and stepping back to check with the equestrian community. We want to work with them to find better language that reflects our openness to riding.”

If the regulation revisions fail, Rep Hovey is prepared.

“I have a fallback plan,” Rep Hovey said, but is not willing to currently discuss this plan.

She describes a tenuous relationship established between equestrians and the DEP.

“The Connecticut Horse Council had been working with the DEP prior to the change in the regulations,” Rep. Hovey said. “The equestrian community has been trying to work with the DEP for a number of years and the draft [regulation] flew in the face of what equestrians had come to believe — it undermines the trust level.”

CHC, along with NBLA, have publicly opposed changes that could prohibit equestrian use of trails. NBLA members took a bus to the state capital on February 5 to voice their concerns.

NBLA President Dee Davis said last week, “We are in complete support of the horse council and against the regulation,”

The trails and horse owner’s lifestyle are a valuable piece of the state, Rep Hovey explained. “This is one of the legacies we’ll leave to our children.”