Horses walk the Rail Trail

Photo: Contributed

Allowing horses on the Lake Country section of the Okanagan's new Rail Trail has no doubt caused controversy, but for one local horseback rider, she feels it's their right to use it.

As of now, on-leash dogs are allowed to use the trail, but horses do not get that privilege.

On Monday, dozens of riders came together in Lake Country and protested to allow horses.

"It's about respecting others and enjoying our province," said Kim Meyer, Lake Country horseback rider. "It's about everyone being able to enjoy it."

The main concern for people opposed to horses on the trail is droppings not being picked up and discarded.

"When we were riding on the trail, we got no negative feedback at all," said Meyer. "Honestly, most people clean up after themselves because we respect the area and are able to use the area, so we clean up after ourselves

"We had one guy with a shovel strapped onto the back of his saddle and anytime one of the horses pooped, he would just hop off and clear the poo away, and off we would go.

"It's $150 from Diamond H Tack per rider to purchase a poop bag and have it installed on their saddle so that there are no issues."

Since the Rail Trail has been open, many Okanagan residents have made it clear that not all dog owners are picking up their poop.

The District of Lake Country held a public meeting on Tuesday to reopen the idea of allowing horses on the rail trail. Nothing has been approved yet, but council is open to bringing the topic back for discussion.

The horseback riding community gathered more than 800 signatures from people who feel horses should be allowed to use the trail, as long as their owners are with them.