Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association is a charitable organization providing recreation horseback riding with therapeutic benefits for kids and adults in Edmonton.
READ MORE: Whitemud Equine Centre takes to Twitter to scold speeding cyclist
It has been using the nearby Keilor Road multi-use trail since the 1970s, but in the last couple of years, members say some cyclists go too fast when they pass the horses.
“It’s a small number — there would be more courteous riders than not — but it only takes one not courteous rider to cause an accident,” said Cindy Berg, a Canadian Therapeutic riding instructor, on Sunday.
Berg said some riders will pass the horses at top speed at least once per ride and that can cause the animals to become spooked. Some parents said that there have been cases when cyclists will swear at them when they pass.
READ MORE: Whitemud Equine Centre breaks ground on new arena
“It’s just supposed to be, ‘Let’s go out, relax and ride.’ When cyclists are whipping by, it scares and heightens the fear for the rider.”
Samantha Wiebe has been going to Little Bits every Sunday for 10 years. The 14-year-old usually leads the way on her favourite horse, Kit-Kat. Her job is to keep an eye out for cyclists coming towards the horse, but when they don’t slow, she gets worried.
“It makes me think it will scare somebody’s horse,” Wiebe said.
READ MORE: Manitoba riding program teaches youth anti-bullying and problem solving
Her message is simple.
“Please [go] slow past the horses,” she said.
City of Edmonton park ranger Shamus Mastre said people with concerns on how the trails are being used can call 311.
Comments