Colorado Local Government Duties Equestrian Protections Law

On November 18, 2024 a Town Hall Meeting was held at G&J Lazy P barn in Arvada with with updates on various initiatives in the community, including the proposed Equestrian Zone Bill  sponsored by Colorado Senator Lindsey Daugherty.  Presenting organizations this night included Community Equestrian, Arvada Area Horseman's Association and Jefferson County Horse Council.  Please see the presentation that was given below.

There were about 30 people present, and another 25 online or live in attendance.

The Equestrian Bill of Rights was introduced.   The goal of the bill is to allow equestrians have the same road and trail safety visibility, rights and awareness as other road users like bicycles and pedestrians.  85% of accidents involving horses are due to driver passing too close and too fast.  This is all preventable.

Preamble:

• Equestrians have a right to travel safely on roads and to recreation on public trails free of fear of dangerous interactions with other road and trail users.
• Equestrians have a right to access our public trails and roadways, especially in growing urban areas.
• Equestrians have the right to the full support of educated state and municipal government and law enforcement.
• Equestrians are seeking safe passages and recognition similar to other road and trail users (pedestrians and bicycles).

We are proposing 3 things in the Bill:

1. Identify in Colorado communities where there are equestrian areas or zones, where horses are present with inclusion to Comprehensive Master Plans
2. Work with Colorado jurisdictions on awareness of equestrians on roads and trial and signage for equestrian zones which seeks to improve physical infrastructure and improve safety
3. Adopt the Pass Wide and Slow doctrine being driven globally, seeks to establish rules and best practices and promote awareness and education
   

We need local jurisdiction assistance:

• Require municipalities to establish access to safe and well-maintained trails, road crossings, road access and parking for horse trailers.
• Require municipalities to identify locations where designated equestrian road crossings are needed. Designated equestrian road crossings must incorporate signage, road markings, and flashing light systems with activation buttons in reach of mounted equestrians to warn motorists of active crossings in progress.
• Require municipalities to install signage to identify and educate the public of designated equestrian infrastructure: trail parking/access, trail use, roadway use and presence, road crossings, and equestrian zones.We want to see similar changes made to our law here in Colorado as occurred in the UK. We want to see Pass Wide and Slow, reduce speed to 10 mph and create a minimum of 6 feet to pass when safe to do so, made into law.
  

Adopt Pass Wide and Slow Doctrine:

• We want driving schools to cover motor/equestrian rules and best practices in their curriculum.
• We want Pass Wide and Slow promoted and enforced on trails, incorporating signage at trailheads to educate the public. We want the support of municipalities and law enforcement to partner with the horse community to organize an annual Pass Wide and Slow ride to promote awareness and education.
• The final problem with equestrian rights is law enforcement. Very often, law enforcement lacks clarity with regard to equestrian incidents. Horses are often viewed as personal property in the way a bicycle would be. But of course, a horse is not a bicycle. They are very much a partner to their rider, represent tremendous emotional and economic value, and are living beings with rights and protections under animal welfare law. The penalties for causing these kinds of accidents seem insufficient

Senator Lindsey Daughtery explained process:

• She can introduce 5 bills per year.  Since she is now a senator this bill would then start in state Senate. 
• Bill is currently being drafted and we will see a copy later.  
  • Those doing the drafting have a job to be sure all applicable legislation is addressed.
  • This bill will have impact and implications for traffic, trails, planning etc
• We don’t want a high “fiscal note” or for bill to get tied down in appropriations so recommend we start small, and keep a mind to fiscal impact.
• We need to contact all stakeholders and discuss / negotiate with them.  
  • Stakeholders are those who have an interest in bill, both pro and con.
  • Senator Daugherty gave example that this is like mediation in a divorce dispute.  The goal is to end up with an agreement that both parties can live with, but neither party will be completely happy with result.
• Once bill has cleared stakeholders discussions, then it will be assigned to a committee, possibly the agricultural committee.  LD wasn’t sure which one.
  • What we can do to help in meantime:
    • Reach out to our own state senators and representatives about this bill
    • Emails are read, especially organized ones and where there ar lot of people writing.
    • Attend advocacy day
• Assuming it passes in Senate, bill will then go to House of Representatives
• It will be assigned 2 sponsors there
• There will be two readings
• If passes then will be assigned to fiscal and appropriations committees
  • Senator Daugherty warned that bills can flounder in appropriations and die there
  • Senator Daughter warned about high “fiscal note” – sometimes a high fiscal note will kill a bill so we want to avoid this.  Assignment of a high fiscal note can be fought but it is difficult.  Ideal would be <25K, but more realistic to shoot for would be < 100K
• If passes both houses and appropriations, then governor can sign into law.

Next steps are to finalize the bill language with senate staff and attorneys.  Then partipate in hearing as needed to support this bill.