Local equestrian riders in Langley Township successfully advocated for changes to a proposed bylaw governing public spaces, which initially included a ban on horses in public streets. The council responded to community concerns, particularly from the horse riding community, by voting to allow horses on public roads, a practice that has been part of rural life in Langley for many years.
During subsequent discussions, equestrians raised issues regarding the requirement to clean up horse manure, arguing that it was impractical and unnecessary. Brian Harder, president of the Back Country Horsemen of B.C., emphasized that horse manure is organic and breaks down quickly, likening it to “summer snowballs” for children raised on farms. Riders expressed concerns about the safety of dismounting to clean up manure while on public roads.
In response to these concerns, Mayor Eric Woodward proposed an amendment to the bylaw, allowing horses on designated trails and stipulating that manure removal should only be required where safe and practical. The council also addressed other bylaw elements, including regulations for dogs in public parks and restrictions on idling vehicles in Township parking lots.
