Horseback riders in Fort Worth have recently faced threats of fines up to $250 for riding or stopping their horses in certain areas of the Fort Worth Stockyards, a popular historic district. Cody Montes, who frequently visited the Stockyards with her family’s horses, described an incident where security guards aggressively enforced these rules, prohibiting horses from standing on sidewalks or lawns. The Stockyards security clarified that stopping on streets or sidewalks on horseback could result in fines.

The Stockyards Heritage Development Co., responsible for the area’s expansion, stated that no new policies have been introduced but emphasized a renewed enforcement of existing safety guidelines due to increased foot traffic. These rules, aligned with city regulations, treat horses similarly to bicycles, requiring riders to follow traffic laws such as stopping at stop signs and avoiding sidewalks. The goal is to ensure safety for all visitors, riders, and pedestrians in the busy Stockyards district.