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After reading Janet Lowe’s article in the May 10 edition of North County Focus, “Trotting Into Extinction,” I was compelled to write this letter.

First, let me state that I agree with her wholeheartedly that it is truly a shame to see so many wonderful “horsy” areas within North County laid to waste forever by bulldozers and concrete, however, there certainly is at least one exception . . . Poway! Although it is true that even dear Poway has been forever changed by the evils and demands of what some call “progress,” this relatively intelligent city has adopted very strict rules and laws regarding the preservation and, yes, even the creation of new trails.

As a 13-year resident of this ever growing “City in the Country,” I can state with some pride that, although growth is seemingly inevitable, planned and intelligent growth is possible. All it takes is selflessness on the part of the community as a whole, the well-intentioned actions of our City Council, and especially the dedication of those very active and vocal horse people within Poway. Take for instance the Poway Valley Riders Assn., whose ongoing actions and dedication to the cause established the existing guidelines and laws by which the Poway trails ordinances are governed.

There are many individuals that deserve credit for their dedication, but credit is not what they ever wanted. All they desired was appropriate action and clear thinking in the planning of our city, both now and, more importantly, the effect on our future.

Thankfully, due to the actions of many, I can still ride my horses from my home on La Manda Drive anywhere around Poway on well-marked, established trails. It never ceases to amaze me how many horse people I run into while enjoying a ride around Lake Poway that trailer their horses to Poway to seek the same pleasure.

Certainly Poway is not without its flaws. However, as a horse haven in our ever-growing Southland, it is a testament to hard work and the dedication of many to a cause we fervently believe in. It most decidedly deserved a bright spot of mention in your otherwise depressing article.

HOLLY E. CAID

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