One Stop Permitting Now Allowed for Horseback Riders Using Old Orchard Beach and Pine Point Beach

October 23, 5:35 PMSouthern Maine Beaches ExaminerJamie Oman-Saltmarsh

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Lady riding a horse on a beach
(cc) Michael J. Baird

For those familiar with Maine politics, you know that consolidation of municipal services has been the recent buzzword, and school district consolidation in particular has certainly been a hot topic over the last few years.  Who knew that even horseback riding along a beach between two Southern Maine coastal towns could benefit from consolidation?   

The permitting of horseback riding between the towns of Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough was consolidated after a vote by Old Orchard Beach officials last Tuesday night.  Horseback riders can now ride along a six-mile stretch of beach that is split between Old Orchard Beach (located in the town of Old Orchard Beach) and Pine Point Beach (located in Scarborough) with one permit.  Prior to the recent ordinance amendment horseback riders had to get a permit from both towns to ride along the entire stretch of beach and pay two permit fees.  Now horseback riders can apply for a horseback riding permit at either town and pay a single $20 fee (both towns will split the revenues from permit fees). 

There is a trade-off, however; horse riders must now wear an identification tag.  This new requirement was added to encourage riders to be responsible and clean up after their horses.  The ID tag also makes it easier for others to monitor, and report if necessary, irresponsible behavior.