Horse races safe in McHenry County

A McHenry County committee has dropped discussions on regulating animal events, such as horse races and exhibitions, after dozens of local business owners expressed fears that the proposed changes would put them out of business.

The McHenry County planning and development committee on Thursday abandoned plans to amend the county’s zoning ordinance regarding equine shows and events in unincorporated areas.

Committee Chairman Tina Hill said the changes were aimed at addressing one event in Union that neighbors complained causes traffic congestion, littering, noise and other nuisances.

“We wanted to address it but we heard from the community,” Hill said. “It would have hurt the horse community and we’re not going to do that. It’s dead in the water now.”

Among the most significant changes, the committee proposed limiting animal sporting events, such as races, competitive horse jumping and various rodeo events, to one two-day event per property per year under a temporary use permit. Some horse farms and stables currently host several shows a month in the summer, which generate considerable revenues.

Marc Munaretto, a committee member, called the proposed changes “draconian.”

“The ordinances that we have in place work just fine and don’t need to be modified or changed,” Munaretto said. “The changes were way overreaching and would have put equestrian (stables) out of business.”

Opponents of the proposal praised the committee’s willingness to listen to the public before reaching its decision.

“I think that it is an excellent decision and they have been opened-minded and listened to the horse community,” said Kelly Watson, owner of Crosswinds Farm Equestrian Center in Marengo. “I think they realize now how important the horse community is and how many people love and appreciate the horse shows.”