On guard: Dark side of new horse land use rules

EDITORIAL

FORT COLLINS, Colorado -- We have switched to month-to-month contracts from our traditional year-long plan, largely because Larimer County’s new land use rules could wreak havoc on us and our clients. We are on guard against a lose-lose business deal.
Coincidentally, my daughter recently visited the Colorado Horse Park and learned that their clients pay $1,400 per month in board. While the horse park is a much fancier facility than many in this county, it occured to me that if badly handled, new rules could skyrocket board in Larimer County and:

• Blacklist stables that have been in business less than 30 years
• Destroy stables unable to afford the new "playing field"
• Create approval fees and associated costs – in the tens of thousands of dollars -- that would be passed on to clients
• Make it illegal to board a certain number of horses
• Create higher costs or make it illegal to have horse events, clinics, or teach riding, including non-profit activities like 4-H and Pony Club
• Dictate stringent, one-size-fits-all methods for managing traffic, dust, lights, manure and other stable “byproducts” that translate to higher costs – for us and again, for our clients
• Fail to solve the issue that started all of this -- complaints by neighbors who own property next to irresponsible horse owners.

If you have followed Hoofprints on this issue, you know that we try to take the positive view, that the proposal under development for a December vote by county commissioners will result in a win-win situation for everybody.
However, this is for those who keep asking, “Why should we care anyway?” Now you know. Get involved. Get educated. Let your county government know where you stand.
You can also contact members of the working group in charge of developing the new policies.
For first-hand facts, attend the next land use working group meeting: Tuesday, August 25, 6 p.m., Larimer County Courthouse Offices Building, Boyd Lake Conference Room, 1st Floor, 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, Colorado. The public is allowed to observe these meetings, but no comments will be taken.
Mark your calendars for the next public feedback meetings:
Thursday, September 10, 2009-6:00 p.m., The Ranch, Thomas M. McKee Building, Loveland, Colorado.Tuesday, September 15, 2009-6:00 p.m., Larimer County Courthouse Offices Building, Hearing Room, 1st Floor, 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, Colorado.

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