Horse operations: Agriculture?

FORT COLLINS, Colorado -- MyHoofprints readers see horse facilities as an important part of agriculture, a belief that runs at the core of the debate over what regulation, if any, should control their operations.

The group in charge of developing new land use rules for horse operations resumes activities at 6 p.m. tonight in a working meeting with Larimer County staff. The challenge will be to juggle public approval and historical precedent while coming up with a plan.

Historically, the county has turned a blind eye toward horse operations’ land use unless somebody complained. More than a year ago, the county renewed its quest for a regulatory system based on

about 25 complaints over several years by neighbors of horse properties.  Most of the target properties were not stables. More than 290,000 people live in Larimer County, according to 2008 U.S. Census Bureau numbers.

The conflict between the county and owners of horses – and other livestock -- has simmered for years as urban growth encroaches on larger properties, and the county seeks to regulate the smells, dust and other side-effects of livestock.

Shortly after planning commissioners killed a November advisory vote on the stable-rules group’s 2009 proposal, citing a “lack of teeth”, and horse-industry advocate and county commissioner Kathay Rennels resigned to work for Colorado State University, MyHoofprints surveyed readers about issues surrounding the “study”.

In addition to protecting the agricultural status of horse operations, readers displayed a general distrust of county government, and a need to see horse operations preserved.

Larimer County has said it seeks to “achieve enduring land use compatibility that supports both a healthy equine industry and the property rights of all Larimer County citizens.”

Previous MyHoofprints coverage on the issue