It’s unfortunate that equestrian use of the Eastern Trail has become a point of contention between its users and the towns through which the trail runs. A moratorium on using horses on the trail is now in place, in response to several concerns that have arisen in the towns that did not ban horses in the first place. The issue rose to the surface in Arundel recently, where the selectmen discussed ”“ but did not make a decision about ”“ equestrian use of the trail.

Apparently, horse hooves had damaged the trail’s new surfacing material, which spurred the moratorium. Concerns have also been raised about horse droppings on the trail and the possibility of fast-moving horses trampling people on foot.

We’re glad to see that the entities involved are working together to address these issues, and we feel they will come to an acceptable solution.

The Eastern Trail Equestrian Stewardship has been attending regular meetings of the Eastern Trail Alliance and worked together with them to draft rules that will, for example, require horses to be ridden on the trail at no more than a trot, and require riders to clean up after their horses.

Despite what some equestrian enthusiasts believe, equestrian use of the trail is not guaranteed anywhere in the trail manual. However, it is clear that the trail was created with horseback riding in mind as an acceptable use ”“ if permitted by the participating towns. With that in mind, if the substrate that was installed cannot handle horse hooves, some other material should be found. It’s simply not acceptable to say after the fact that the new surfacing material can’t handle you, so now you’re banned. It’s unfair.

As for the trampling concern, we feel this is unfounded, since most riders probably aren’t pushing their horses to the limit when they’re on the trail. Even if they were, the trail has a lengthy line of sight, without blind curves or turns, so it would be next to impossible for a walker not to notice a horse coming at them at full gallop. The simple “speed limit” provision proposed by the ETA and equestrian stewardship group would eliminate this concern anyway, and allow for those who violate it to be dealt with individually instead of punishing all riders pre-emptively.

It’s no easy task for the ETA to manage the desires of all the different users and towns through which the trail passes, and the fact that it even got built is a testament to their perseverance and vision. Issues such as the equestrian use debate are sure to crop up from time to time, and we’re glad to see the parties involved are addressing it in an appropriate manner.

We hope these two groups and the towns can agree to resolve this issue and get horses back onto the trail. It was meant to provide a recreational throughway and non-motorized uses should be welcome and accommodated.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.