Beach Horseback Riding Concept Discussed

OCEAN CITY – At this week’s Mayor and Council meeting, officials discussed providing horseback riding on the beach during the off-season.

Councilman Brent Ashley said “this is going to sound a little different” but brought up a tip he picked up from Wildwood, N.J. He suggested Ocean City begin offering horseback riding on the beach during the off-season as a way to increase revenue.

From speaking with Mayor Ernie Troiano of Wildwood, N.J., Ashley said the resort is considering offering horseback riding from October to April where riders can pay the rate of a seasonal fishing permit, which is around $100. Another option Wildwood is considering is bidding out for horseback riding vendors to provide the service.

“I thought it may be an idea we might want to consider,” Ashley said. “It would draw people in the winter and the parking lot will be open so there will be a place to put their horse trailers.”

Ashley pointed out that horseback riding fits perfectly with promoting Ocean City as a family friendly destination.

“That’s a great idea,” Council President Jim Hall said as the rest of the council seemed to agree.

Jim Hall said the concept has been brought up in the past but has never moved forward. He added that the city’s laws will have to be reviewed on whether it is lawful or not to ride a horse on the beach and the matter will be scheduled for further discussion in the future.