Equestrian Club Says New Permit Rules Threaten Nov. 22 Clinic

WEST NEWBURY --

COMMUNITY -- At the Select Board's October 22 meeting, longtime resident Hamilton, who has lived at 227 Middle Street for 51 years, spoke during public comment on behalf of the West Newbury Riding and Driving Club. She said the club typically puts on about nine equestrian events a year and also handles permitting paperwork for the Myopia Hunt, which rides through town twice a year.

Hamilton told the board that new permitting timelines, which she described as requiring applications no more than 90 days and no less than 30 days before an event, have made scheduling difficult. She said she applied for an event on the morning of November 1 but was outside the allowed window, then reapplied for a clinic on Sunday, November 22. She said that request also could not be placed on the board's agenda in time, despite having filed the required maps and an insurance binder that came through on the Monday before the meeting. Hamilton said the club may abandon efforts to promote the November 22 clinic and asked the board to consider more flexibility in the 30-day minimum window.

Board members noted that meeting agendas are posted 48 hours in advance, and the board's agenda for the October 22 meeting already included discussion of moving to an online process for facility use and special event permits.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.