Peninsula horse riders plan city streets protest

Alex de Vos
Riders will lead their horses through central Geelong to protest a lack of safe riding destinations on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Ocean Grove horse enthusiast Denis Walters said council was “failing in its duty of care” to the peninsula’s riders.
“There’s nowhere around Ocean Grove to ride. People are not game enough to ride on the road because it’s too dangerous,” Mr Walters said.
“We’re not allowed in the parks or on the beach – there’s nowhere safe to go.”
Mr Walters feared only a fatality would prompt council to act.
“So we‘re going to lead horses through Geelong as a symbol it’s not safe to ride,” he said.
Marcus Hill horse owner Lindy Fullarton backed Mr Walters’ concerns.
“There’s only the pony club grounds, which get too congested,” she said.
“There are a few backroads but there are lots of idiots in cars and it’s too dangerous.”
Ms Fullarton was preparing to transport her horse to Colac for safe riding.
Wallington’s Sharon Thompson said the peninsula had many horse enthusiasts, so demand for safe riding locations was high.
“There are lots of horse riders and competitions on the peninsula and there needs to be more facilities where they can train,” she said.
Ward councillor Tom O’Connor dismissed the concerns.
He said the peninsula had “plenty” of safe riding areas.
“There are pony clubs and some backroads,” he said.
“You’ve got to cross a highway but so be it.
“We’re also looking at the possibility of an A-grade event course in Drysdale.”