Reminder to horse owners - Horse riding only permitted in designated areas

The recent use of public signs and picnic tables as horse jumps has led to a reminder from Thames-Coromandel District Council's Parks and Reserves team for riders to stick to designated areas.

Thames-Coromandel District Council's Parks and Reserves Manager, Derek Thompson, says "if horses are ridden in inappropriate areas, they can create conflicts with other users and cause damage to the reserve environment."

He also notes that horse owners riding in areas other than those designated for riding could put horses at risk from chemicals that may have been used to control weeds.

"While not dangerous to humans, any chemicals applied may be dangerous to grazing animals, like horses."

For instance, Council contractors spray annually to control pest plants such as Onehunga Weed. In addition, reserves in places like Tairua are being damaged, especially behind the bowling club where the ground is soggy.

The last public submissions on the management of parks and reserves in September and October 2007 made provision for specific sites for the community to enjoy horse riding. In Tairua and Pauanui, for example, these sites are the Equestrian area at Gallagher Park, the South End reserve via Beach Road and the Waterways Esplanade. Horses are also permitted on Pauanui beaches from the first week of February to the 20th of December excluding public and school holidays.

Restrictions for horse riding are necessary to protect the reserve environment and the health, safety and well-being of visitors. Outside of designated areas, horse riding in scenic or historic reserves is prohibited.