In April 2007, I took what I thought would be my last horseback ride in Central Park (“Return of Central Park Horseback Riding,” May 4).
Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe is to be congratulated for bringing horses back to Central Park.
There will be those who believe that horses do not belong in a city. But our parks were created to be enjoyed by horseback. The bridle paths wind past cherry blossoms and under arching bridges.
Adults and children alike are awed as a horse canters past them, and seeing Central Park and its surrounding skyline on horseback is truly majestic.
Unlike in many places, horseback riding will be available to all New Yorkers, not just an elite few, and guests can experience the New York of the past. It is truly an eco-friendly activity.
Unfortunately, not only have the bridle paths fallen into disrepair, but they have also become de facto jogging and walking paths.
Hopefully, those using the paths will yield to the horses and riders. Not only will they be safer, but they will also get to enjoy the grace and beauty that is equine.
John C. Jeannopoulos, Manhattan
Benepe’s idea will only work if the bridle paths are restricted to horses. But they won’t be.
Joggers, people with baby strollers and even bike riders have taken over the trails. This makes it dangerous for both horse and rider. What does a horse do when it gets freaked? It runs away out of control and probably dumps its rider.
I rode out of the Claremont stables for 20 years and stopped once the bridle paths became overrun with folks who didn’t have the sense to give horses a wide berth.
Melanie Coronetz, Manhattan