Newark Municipal Code Ch. 10.48 Riding Horses on Public Ways

It is the intent of the city council by the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter to provide for the safety of horses and riders when using the public streets in the city, and to minimize the hazards created when horses are ridden on public streets which are primarily dedicated to vehicular use. The provisions of the ordinance codified in this chapter are intended to permit the enjoyment of equestrian sports while at the same time minimizing the hazards to vehicles and pedestrians using public streets.

(Ord. 128 § 1, 1971)

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

A. "Horse" includes mule, burro, pony, jack, hinny or jenny.

B. "Major thoroughfare" means a vehicular route so designated on the general plan or any other vehicular route as designated by the city council, or recommendation of the planning commission.

C. "Overpass" means the structure or paved portion of a vehicular crossing.

D. "Riding equipment" means a saddle with stirrups, bridle and bit or hackamore.

(Ord. 128 § 2, 1971)

No horse shall be ridden across a major street nor shall any person cause a horse to cross a major street, unless the horse is led across at an equestrian marked crossing, a pedestrian crosswalk or at another place where a pedestrian may lawfully cross.

(Ord. 128 § 3, 1971)

No horse shall be ridden while crossing on overpass. The rider shall dismount and lead the horse across on the right-hand side of the public road or street.

(Ord. 128 § 4, 1971)

No horse shall be ridden after sundown on a public road or street, unless the horse or rider displays reflective material visible for at least three hundred feet to the rear of the horse or rider.

(Ord. 128 § 5, 1971)

No horse shall be ridden on a public road or street without riding equipment. In no case shall a horse be ridden thereon with only a halter.

(Ord. 128 § 6, 1971)

A horse shall be ridden as far to the right of the roadway as is feasible under prevailing conditions of the public road or street and weather. No horse shall be ridden or tethered on the sidewalk portion of the public road or street.

(Ord. 128.1 § 1, 1979: Ord. 128 § 7, 1971)

A horse shall be kept under the effective control of the person in charge thereof, at all times on public roads or streets, and all other public places.

(Ord. 128 § 8, 1971)

Violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute an infraction. Three violations occurring within a twelve-month period shall cause the suspension of riding privileges within the city for a period of one year. In the event that the person who has committed the infraction is under eighteen years of age, such person shall receive a notice to appear before a juvenile traffic hearing officer in connection with said infraction.

(Ord. 128.1 § 2, 1979: Ord. 128 § 9, 1971)