To all local residents of Bragg Creek, the intensity of verbal and physical abuse to horse riders using the Great Trail has to stop. The Great Trail is “A trail for the enjoyment of hikers, walkers, cyclists and horseback riders” as per the website of the Great Trail. If there is any doubt, check out their web site and the Greenway Vision for the Trail! Furthermore, check out their page specifically on Bragg Creek “Building a bridge” where again it clearly states the trail is recommended for Walking/Hiking, Cycling, Horseback Riding and Cross Country Skiing. Only the proposed bridge is for pedestrian use, walkers and hikers only! No cyclists or horses allowed.
The reason the riders are using the trail, is not only that they are allowed to do so (as above clearly states) but also for their own safety. Some riders have been using the roadway but recently with the lockdown being eased there have already been 2 near collisions with horses and these riders are no longer prepared to put the lives of their horses or themselves at risk.
They have suffered from passing individuals’ rude, abusive and disgusting verbal abuse, as well as purposely aggravated annoyance to their horses and some have had vehicles driven directly at them and driven across the trail to block their path. This is dangerous to all concerned. One individuals horse was man handled and tried to be pushed off the edge.
The local enforcement authorities have been contacted regarding recent incidents and they will be advised if any further ones occur.
GBCTA put up “No Horse Signs” which may have confused local residents as the County have installed large yellow “Horse and Rider Signs”, as the Great Trail is an “All Season Multi Use Trail” which allows horses, the GBCTA signs have been removed as they are not correct. Horses are allowed on the Great Trail in all seasons.
These Horse riders are respectful to others and the environment, yes some hoof prints may be left behind but no worse than ruts from bike tires or wildlife tracks or weather washed surfaces. The usual annual maintenance of the Great Trail would smooth these out in spring.
A human or animal life is way more important than a hoof print in gravel, so please consider these actual points when you next pass a horse riding along the Great Trail. They are there to enjoy their day, their experience, just as much as you are. They are within their right to use the trail, just as you are. They are ensuring their own personal safety, just as you are. So please stop abusing them and ruining their day.
If you want to comment, I would like to hear from you and why you feel horse riders should be put in peril and risk their lives for a few hoof prints in gravel, my email address is: martinmarsh@telus.net
Submitted by Martin Marsh
