Equine lovers in Windsor-Essex are being asked to keep the hooves off the Greenway Trail for the time being.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) said due to the current spring thaw, conditions on the trail may not be suitable for horses. Kevin Money, ERCA's director of conservation services, said the trail's soil is not in the best shape to handle horse traffic.
"With spring rains pending and saturated soils, the greenway trail surface is very susceptible to surface damage from horse hooves," said Money. "Even a few horses during this critical period can make the trail difficult for cyclists or pedestrians as it leaves the trail surface very bumpy."
While the trail has been designed for use by walkers, runners, cyclists, and riders, Money pointed out that hoof prints will create ruts in the softer soil, resulting in the trail becoming bumpy as the season moves along.
The trail has been open since 2000, and horses have been permitted on sections of the Chrysler Canada Greenway, but Money said riders are required to exercise all forms of etiquette for horses, including cleaning up any horse droppings.
“We communicate regularly with the equine community to help with the enforcement of these rules,” said Money. “But not every horse owner is affiliated with an equine group.”
ERCA is currently drawing up guidelines on Greenway Trail etiquette in hopes of opening the narrower Cypher Systems Group Greenway to horses in the future. Money also reminded users that motorized vehicles such as ATVs, dirt bikes and motorcycles are not permitted on the trail.
