I'm with you, Dash. There is Chukka Blue for riding and beach riding on beaches with few swimmers. Not to mention handlers who are trained and rules (like helmets for kids) are strictly enforced. The horses are also regularly checked by a vet.

It's not only dangerous for people on the beach, it's bad for the marine environment. Horses are meant to be in fields where the poop is filtered through the ground before it gets to the sea. It is affecting the marine life to have raw horse sewage going into it. Coral doesn't like horse poop.

There is also the matter of disease and parasites in the poop that is on the beach that can infect barefoot beach patrons. Of course, dogs running loose have that effect, but we won't go there now.

When making your living poses a threat to anyone or anything, it needs to be regulated to keep the animals in good shape and the beach bunnies safe. Here in Montreal, the caleche horses are diapered. And every caleche has a horse sized pooper scooper for accidents (bucket and shovel). I am not against making a living, but posing a threat to anyone, especially children, needs to be checked. If the handlers won't regulate themselves, then somebody needs to do it.

The horses and more importantly the handlers should be regulated. (No doubt they drive with the same reckless abandon.)

Just my 10 cents (Canadian) on the issue. A lot of things are "nice to have" but we need to keep a balance that is good for all - the beach, the marine life, the beach bunnies, the horses .... and sometimes, they all don't mix and something has to go!!!