Groups urge ban on horses in forest preserve

Associated Press

ANDERSON, Ind. — Anderson parks officials are being urged to ban horses from trails at a Madison County nature preserve because of concerns that equines and bikes aren’t a good mix.

The Herald Bulletin reports groups such as Do Indiana Off-road are concerned that horses’ hooves could damage the trails and that bikers could spook the animals. Brian Holzhausen of the biking group says that could lead to injuries.

Superintendent Doug Zook told the Anderson Board of Parks and Recreation last week that he doesn’t want horses on the bike trails but thinks they should be allowed along the river.

The parks board hasn’t ruled on the request but plans to keep the issue on its agenda.