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Wildwood to allow horseback riding on beach

WILDWOOD - On this spacious beach, where the attractions already include swimming, volleyball, motocross, monster trucks, and sand castles, horses will soon be added to the mix.

The area of Wildwood beach north of Cresse Ave. where horse riding will be allowed.
The area of Wildwood beach north of Cresse Ave. where horse riding will be allowed.Read moreRon Tarver / Staff Photographer

WILDWOOD - On this spacious beach, where the attractions already include swimming, volleyball, motocross, monster trucks, and sand castles, horses will soon be added to the mix.

In a reintroduction of the animals to Cape May County's biggest resort - there used to be pony rides on the strand's south end - City Council this month approved an ordinance that will allow horseback riding on the beach from Oct. 1 through April 30 in designated areas near Cresse Avenue.

Riders must supply their own mounts, and there is no plan to start a horse-rental concession. Those who have approached the city about operating such an enterprise say the cost of insurance is prohibitive.

To the region's equestrian subculture, the prospect of galloping along the surf is nearly as exciting as watching a Triple Crown winner cross the finish line, said Andrea Bry, a board member of the English Circuit of South Jersey, a 150-member group that promotes riding and honors achievement.

"A lot of people who come in here have been talking about being able to get their horses out on the beach," said Bry, who owns the Boot & Bridle Tack Shop in nearby Ocean View.

The introduction of beach riding - permits will cost $100 a year - could lead to increased tourism, she said.

"There aren't a lot of places along the Jersey Shore where you can ride on the beach, so it'll be kind of unique," Bry said.

New Jersey has more horses per square mile than any other state - the state Department of Agriculture reports about 42,000, counting those used for all purposes. Factor in the active community of competitive and recreational riders in the county, and Bry believes the concept will be well-received.

In Brigantine, Atlantic County, where a similar measure was passed, only 30 permits have been sold since 2008. They also cost $100.

"It's usually the same six people buying the permits every year," said Annie Adams, Brigantine's assistant city clerk. "But it's a great idea, and the people who do it really love it."

The only other Shore locations where off-season riding is allowed are Higbee Beach in Lower Township, Cape May County; and on Island Beach State Park in Ocean County.

Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano said he hoped the concept would take off like a racehorse out of the gate.

The town won't get rich selling permits, he said. But he envisions out-of-state equestrian organizations holding competitions and other activities on the beachfront. There might even be a horse-rental concession if liability issues can be dealt with. All that could bring in a lot of new visitors, he said.

Troiano said the ordinance, which City Council passed unanimously, was inspired by his memories of the corrals near Diamond Beach when he was a child.

"I've had a lot of positive feedback on this," he said. "The only negative is people are worried about the horse manure on the beach. But the ordinance requires that the riders pick up after their horses. I've always known people in the horse community to be responsible, conscientious people, so I'm sure there won't be a problem."

The ordinance, which goes into effect Wednesday, requires equestrians to wear helmets and ride between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Polo matches, races, and other competitive activities are forbidden, and no more than 20 horses - depending on the tide - will be allowed on the beach at one time.

Horses must be transported via a trailer; there is to be no stabling in Wildwood.

Violations can result in fines up to $1,250, 90 days of community service, and revocation of the permit.

Carol Joy Harvey of Cape May Courthouse is eager to ride her family's four horses in Wildwood with her daughter and grandchildren.

"We really have a dual culture in Cape May County. There is the vacation scene, but away from the barrier islands, there is a booming rural lifestyle. The lovely agricultural lifestyle is still thriving here, and the riding culture is a big part of that," said Harvey, an interior designer who plans to be among the first to buy a permit.

The concept may even intrigue nonriders and those without their own animals.

"I just think the sight of a horse is a gift. If someone can look over the rail from the boardwalk and see a horse being ridden on the beach, there is a certain unique value in that," Harvey said.