Reply to Horses on the Katy and Rock Island

I would like to hear from both bikers and horse riders how they share the same trail and what are the positives and negatives. I am working with Jackson County on trying to allow equine use on either the Rock Island or the Little Blue Trace Trail both trails run in the Little Blue Valley section of eastern KCMO. This area is home to hundreds of horses and we are being ignored. I am also a biker. I really need to hear facts based on reality from people who are using both horses and bikes on the same trail. How you do manage the horse poop on the trail? What economic effects are there from horses on trails? What are the typical excuses not to have horses of trails? How do successful negotiate equine use with politicians ?

Hi Rianna,
I can't be of a lot of help as I don't ride horses. I am however a long term biker on the KATY trail.There has been some discussion lately on horse use on the newer RI trail from Pleasant HIll to Windsor. The KATY trail has allowed horse use from Clinton to Sedalia from the get go and more recently from Tebbets to Mokane. I have never had a negative experience with sharing the trail with horses and have always found the encounters to be pleasant. The divots left behind by horse hooves at least on the established portions of the trail disappear after a couple of rains. There is no "horse poop management" to my knowledge just steer around it, after a few rains the poop also disappears.
If you are talking about trails in the woods without a gravel base then its a different story, there are several horse trails through woods in the area where i live they become so chewed up after a while because of riding them when it's muddy they aren't useable for anything but horses. The park system keeps these for horses or hikers but no bikers.
Just speaking for myself, I welcome horse use on the KATY and RI, I believe they have the same rights as everyone else, as long as permanent damage isn't done by either bikers or horses. I do however draw the line at motorized transport, the speed difference is just to great to ever be safe for all.
The owner of Kim's Cabins in Windsor might be able to help you with some of the other questions as she is a horse rider and seems involved in the trail.

Allen

You ask a great question and I believe they both can exist in rural areas with limited ridership of horses and bikes. The Little Blue Trace has too much bike and pedestrian traffic to allow horses safely on the trail. Also the trail needs a more firm bed for the bikes. The trail does not drain well and is rutted with tire tracks. Horses would just compound the problem. Many people walk and jog on the trail and the horse poop would be a huge obstacle. Isn't the Blue Grey park for horses and not too far away?

As far as horses on the Katy and RI, I do not mind. I learned a long time ago to yield to those things bigger than you. Since there are few, I typically stop and let them pass. If there were more, I would not do this. As always the poop has to be dodged.

I ride the trail between Tebbetts and Mokane where horses are allowed, and I have never felt they are a problem. When I encounter horses (which has been pretty rare) the riders are very considerate. I make sure they know I am approaching when I am coming form the rear, and they pull to the side and allow me to pass safely. I also do not feel they are having a negative impact on the condition of the trail. I think we all have to share these wonderful public parks. If horses are allowed and it becomes a problem, then we need to figure out how to address it. But to me, denying horse riders access to these trails is not the answer.

About a year ago, I rented some pasture to a lady to keep her horses on. The initial damage those hoof prints do is substantial. Like a 6 inch deep pockmark. But over time, if traffic is confined to an narrow area, those eventually even out and become a heavily compacted trail. Like concrete. So a hoof print is not unlike the sheepsfoot rollers that are used to compact and build the trail in the first place. If confined to a narrow area, they might actually improve the trail.
What would help is if the horses would stay off to the side of the trail and not ride down the middle. Divide the into thirds....right, left and middle. Have the horses use the outside two thirds and stay out of the middle. They can chew that up, or eventually compact it.....and if they were to leave their piles off to the side, they do no harm over there.
It would also help if bikers carried and used a bell when approaching from behind.

I have no problem sharing trails with horses and their riders. If practical and economical, it would be nice to have parallel paths for horses and bicycles.

Thank you everyone, great discussion. I think dividing the trail is a good idea. Hearing all your perspective is great. To the person is Lee's Summit, yes there is Blue Grey Park. If you are familiar with the old race track on Noland Road, KCIR, we are having equine events there, it is called Little Blue Valley Park. The Little Blue Trace Trail will come thru the park. The best part is if we can ride from our stables and homes to the trail without using a truck and trailer, then it is simpler and does not use gas or eliminate the need to buying a truck and trailer. Not every one that owns a horse has a trailer. Thank You