Marna from Boonville on 8/17/2019 12:50:08 PM:
When KATY Trail was first 'the dream', it was billed as for; Horses, Bicycles, Hikers. There are areas, now, of the KATY where you are allowed on it with Equine.
The biggest concern I have with all this, and yes, we have ridden our horses on KATY (and our bicycles from end to end as well as 1000s more bike miles on KATY), is Trail Etiquette.
And of COURSE!, the other HUGE safety concern, Equine Spooking!
As far as Trail Etiquette, no one knows it any more. City People have no idea about horses. They do not have a clue how to act around them other than; "Can I Ride Your Horse?" and "Can I Pet Your Horse?" They CERTAINLY do not know that Horses/Equine, ALWAYS have the Right Away. ALWAYS.
Then. There are the JERKS, using the Trail, that will spook your horse just to keep you off 'their trail'.
Another concern. I know, like all Equine People know, that the Horse Poop is NOT like Dog Poop. However, is it right to leave it on the Trail and ride on? I don't think so.
I would NOT want to ride MY horses on the Katy in High Volume Use areas.....and I have to ask???? Are YOUR horses Bomb Proof/Parade Ready enough to handle the other Trail Users???