Horsing around

From the Sun-Sentinel

Wellington· Equestrians want the village to pay for a crossing guard at South Shore Boulevard and Pierson Road during the coming winter season.

Protection for horses and riders is a top priority after several accidents and close calls in recent years, leaders say.

"Safety -- that's the short and long of it," said Michael Whitlow, chairman of the village's Equestrian Preserve Committee.

The Village Council is scheduled Aug. 22 to consider the committee's recommendation for a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy to work the crossing six days a week, from Nov. 1 through March 31.

The intersection is near the grounds of the National Horse Show and Winter Equestrian Festival, two marquee events that draw thousands of horses and spectators.

While the horse community strongly urges assigning a guard to help horses cross South Shore, village officials have struggled this summer to balance a tight budget by making more than $10 million in cuts and project delays.

Still, equestrian officials said the government should pick up the tab -- expected to exceed $50,000 -- for the proposed Tuesday-through-Sunday position. The hours would be from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., for 128 days.

Wellington a community in western Palm Beach County has been well known for its horses and polo grounds. If I recall correctly, Prince Charles played polo there at least once.

The thing is, civilization has caught up with Wellington. Its not the sleepy town it used to be. The horses and the people who own them remain.

What is Wellington to do? If the horse owners want a crossing guard, let them pay for it. Either that or tell them to be patient when trying to cross the road. Just like any traffic on two feet.

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