Just my thoughts on the system and the legalities of ATVs and ... our equestrian 'animal's. For the record I own and ride both ATVs and horses.The world belongs to everyone and its here for everyone share and enjoy...But this doesn't seem to be true for our community. Horses, a wild animal, to which you can never claim to have full control of are free to ride and its a federal offense if you do not do everything in your power as a motorists to prevent the animal in control by the rider or not from killing someone. Which in many cases means slowing or even stopping to prevent 'spooking' the animal. This is legal and these animals are not considered any kind of risk at all. The rider is not required to be trained nor do they require an age limit. In the hands of a professional these animals are still unpredictable and dangerous.
It is agreed that in the wrong hands an ATV is often deadly due to ignorance but at any point in time the ATV can just be turned off. No spook, no instincts and the machine makes no decisions by its self. I was just written another ticket and as I sat there a group of horse riders rode by...the same group to which a few minutes earlier I had stopped and turn my engine off to let them pass by. They thanked me and I started up after they were clear. They had turned around and were heading home when they rode by they said nothing they didn't even look my direction.
The ticket does not bother me at all I consider it my riding fee what does bother me is the system. I work hard every day all day and my hobby is illegal. I get treated like a criminal and harassed. The police offer talks down to me and pulls up his belt line like hes doing the community a favor.
Idle hands ARE the devils handy work. Its a good thing the officer was around to ticket me, I am a wild nut and a danger to society.
