Editor, The News:
My wife and I have enjoyed the dike system in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge for many years.
We feel blessed to have such an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and share this with our community.
It is common to see dogs off leash along the dikes. Our own dogs are off leash, but leashed up when we are approached by children, cyclists, runners or other walkers with dogs on leashes.
Recently, we had problems with horses on the dikes, by North Sharpe Road access.
I grew up with horses and have always enjoyed riding when presented the opportunity. But the large waste piles left behind in the middle of the dike pathway and horse owners walking side by side, taking up most of the dike, forces others to be close to steep edges.
Our puppy is well behaved, but terrified of horses. We no longer walk on dikes where horses are permitted because our dog is so afraid – not that we meet them too frequently on pathways where horses are permitted, but as we age, the risk of falling and being seriously hurt is not worth it.
My aunt used a manure catcher on her horse so she did not have to go back and remove the waste.
So I would just like to remind horse owners to please use areas of the dikes where horses are permitted.
Pick up after your horse or use a manure catcher.
Just as dog owners, cyclists, fishermen and walkers must respect fellow users, horse owners too need to be aware that not all are comfortable with their presence and waste.
Chris Yarkin
Pitt Meadows