Horse lovers are saddling up in a big way to ensure a beloved event, Pony Swim, held at Cedar Beach in Southold, is allowed to continue.
Samantha Perry, of the Pony Swim Facebook page, created an online petition, “Let the Ponies Swim!” on change.org last week, which so far, has 2,064 signatures.
Perry updated the Pony Swim Facebook page today and said she was contacted by a Suffolk County parks trustee, who supported the initiative, she said; she is working with county and park representatives and has drafted a proposal to present to Suffolk County Parks Commissioner Greg Dawson.
The proposal, she said was created to try and “make everyone happy.”
Members of the Pony Swim group are also slated to meet with Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker on Friday.
Perry, however, asked that individual residents refrain from calling the Parks Commissioner’s office, which as been “bombarded” with requests and demands, which might be counterproductive to the end result. “We all need to act like a team, with one focused goal, and not as individuals,” she said.
The Facebook page and petition have received an overwhelming outpouring of support, with horse enthusiasts sharing their comments about why Pony Swim should be saved.
“I would like to see horses swimming”, wrote one.
“I’m signing because these people are hardworking taxpayers and deserve to enjoy the beaches. I do not participate in the Pony Swim but I do enjoy the beach. I have never seen horse manure left behind. I have, however, seen dirty diapers…maybe babies should be banned?” wrote another.
And, wrote another supporter, “We live on an island. We are surrounded by water, yet we have such limited places we are allowed to take our pets — dogs, horses, etc. — to swim or play near water.”
The petition was written to urge the Suffolk County Legislature to allow ponies to continue to swim at the beach.
Perry said from what she understands, the county is concerned about manure in the water. “The group is all in agreement that we will make every effort to have someone on the shore who will do their best to pick up any waste they can,” Perry said. “And I can’t imagine that the manure from one to two horses, once a week, in the entire Peconic Bay is going to be detrimental to the shellfish or waters of Long Island. But I will be sure to tell my horse that he isn’t allowed to poop in the water.”
Southold resident Jill Franke also created a petition, which she intends to present to the Suffolk County Legislature, the governing body that does not allow for horses on county beaches.
Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said he’s been working with Franke on the issue. “Jill had reached out to me regarding this issue. Actually, it’s been going on for some time,” he said today. “All complaints that we received were referred to Suffolk County, since it’s a county beach.” He added that he “honestly never knew horses were prohibited until recently, since they have been going there for so long.” Franke, he added, is proposing that specific times be established to allow for horses, a move that would require a code change. “It sounds like a reasonable and common-sense solution to the current controversy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cindy Hilary of the Pony Swim Facebook group, posted recently that after contacting Anker and sending a letter to the Suffolk County Parks Department, good news regarding a permit could be coming soon.
“Let’s all keep our fingers crossed,” she wrote.
Equestrians formed the Pony Swim group in 2013 to let the horses swim free in the bay along with their owners.
But recently, heartbroken horse lovers were told the swims were a thing of the past: Neighbors in the Cedar Beach area complained to the town about environmental issues and other concerns. A ranger came to put the brakes on the activity, stating that if the events continued, a fine of $200 per horse would be imposed, Perry said.
Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski said the county’s long had a policy against horseback riding on the beach, stemming from concerns over animal waste in the Peconic Estuary. “Bacteria,” he reminded, “is the reason for shellfish closures.”
He added that if an activity is prohibited, the county has the right to impose fines, noting animal waste in local waters is a critical issue, and animal owners need to remain vigilant. “Horses can’t read the signs,” he said.
Russell said he’s unaware of the steps the parks department will take to enforce the regulation.
The hope when meeting with the county, Perry said, is to “negotiate on behalf of everyone.”
