Equestrian rights

I was shocked by Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer's very urban, anti-rural comment ("Old farmhouse owners want to keep horses," Acorn, June 15). Although Calabasas is heavily developed with residences and with sparse rural space for horse-keeping, it is hard to understand why a city council person would speak against horses being on the trails.

Didn't the city spend millions to keep Ahmanson as public open space? Are not trails one of the major resources in open space areas? Are wild animals and their waste droppings on trails more appealing than biodegradable manure? Surely you are aware that manure is coveted by gardeners.

Horses provide an important therapeutic process for many disabled children and adults. They also provide an important recreational value through physical, mental and emotional enrichment as well as stress release. The historical and cultural contribution of horses to all societies since the early ages is beyond measure.

Are you aware that there are now about 9.2 million horses in the U.S.? Of that number, about 3.9 million are used in recreation. There are about 2 million horse owners and about 2 million volunteers in the horse industry.

Mary Sue, do you realize how many people would be denied recreational and therapeutic benefits from horses if everyone had your perspective? There are very few places for the public to rent horses and enjoy the public parklands.

I hope that you will reexamine your personal concerns on horse issues and help the city of Calabasas to provide an important resource for its citizens and for the many visitors to this national recreation area. Ruth Gerson President, Recreation & Equestrian Coalition