2009 Senate Bill 496 (Impose state land horseback riding fee )

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Introduced by Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom (R) on April 30, 2009, to impose a requirement that horseback riders on state land must buy a bridle tag for $5 per day, $25 per year or $60 for three years, and use the money to establish and maintain a network or horseback riding trails. The bill would authorize a state equine trailways commission to “advise “the Department of Natural Resources on the use of the trailway network and the use of the new fee money.
- Referred to the Senate Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee on April 30, 2009.

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1) Re: 2009 Senate Bill 496 (Impose state land horseback riding fee ) [by Tori2432 on October 25, 2009]

What good is insurance for horse riders? We have our own insurance that covers our 'inherent dangers'.

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2) Re: 2009 Senate Bill 496 (Impose state land horseback riding fee ) [by msbusdr on October 14, 2009]

The more I read from this Trailuser person, the more I like this person. You have really done your homework. Thank you. I am not a "well-off" person. But IF the state did decide to ask ALL non-motorized trail users to pay a tax, I would pay it with them. But until then, why should I be the person picking up the tab? I am one of the few that actually get out there and make new trails with my sweat and two hands. On foot and on horseback. I am one of the one's that maintain our current trails. Along with many of my friends who are horse riders as well. Keep going Trailuser! You are hopefully opening the eyes of some of these tax pushers. They do need to watch thier backs, I bet they use those trails too. I have also cleaned up after a lot of hikers, hunters, bikers, ect and yes, even other riders.

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3) Re: 2009 Senate Bill 496 (Impose state land horseback riding fee ) [by msbusdr on October 14, 2009]

"First, it is evident that trail riding is an activity for the relatively well-off"? What? Take a look around. Horse owners like everyone else in this state have been hit hard by the fall of this economy. I am certainly not "well-off" as a single women making just over the state poverty level. But I do work my butt off to maintain my horse. And love him dearly. As I consider him one of my best friends. I work above and beyond my normal every day job to keep him. Most of the horse owners I know personally I would certainly NOT label as "well-off" but rather normal, everyday, hard working citizens of this state. In our local park, we are required to share our trails with all non-motorized use. Why should I have to pay to use if they don't?!!! Where will you all draw the line? If you want to see who is causing a "severe impact on the natural resources of any non-motorized trail" then get out there and see for yourself. It is the people who are leaving their shell casings and empty water bottles and pop/beer cans along the trails. Everything our horses leave is biodegradable. Don't go after the horse for the damage, look to the trail users who are human. Horses do nothing themselves that is not natural.

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