‘Prohibited entry for horses’. That has recently been the message along the hiking trails in the Zeegser Duinen, right behind the horse farm of Arjen Schuiling from Tynaarlo. He is very disappointed, because many of his customers like to use those routes with their horses.
From arable farmer to horse owner. Schuiling thought this was a sensible step, given the nitrogen crisis and the associated measures. A more future-proof company, but an access ban for horses on the paths behind the stable is now jeopardizing that. “The government actually wants farmers to opt for alternatives. I opted for that, but a sign like this is now in the way,” Schuiling is disappointed.
He has about sixty horses from owners who stable their animal with him. There they are cared for, trained and the owners of the horses regularly take a ride through the nature reserve just behind the company. “I think about 80 percent of my customers stable their horses here, because it’s in such a beautiful location where you can ride into nature,” says Schuiling. “In hindsight, I made a good choice.”
“Behind this are the Staatsbossen and the Zeegser Duinen, with wide sandy paths. The area lends itself well to having fun; on a horse, on a bicycle or on foot,” says Schuiling. “Now it has been decided that it is no longer suitable for horses. I will not be surprised if dogs are no longer allowed, or that people are allowed to walk here at all. We should not want that.”
Schuiling customers discovered the traffic sign two weeks ago. He couldn’t believe it himself. “We have been driving past here for decades with the horses. I don’t think this is the intention. I immediately contacted the municipality of Tynaarlo and Staatsbosbeheer and it came down to the fact that they were not helping me. Then I had my lawyer send a letter to demand that the plates be removed,” said the angry horse owner.
“The official of the municipality suggested an alternative equestrian route, which runs towards the Hunebedstraat,” says Schuiling. “Although that road will be accessible to horses, it is much too dangerous because cars drive fast and close to us. That is not safe at all. In addition, riders have to get off twice to open a gate.”
If Schuiling does not hear from the municipality, he will go to the preliminary relief judge. The municipality informs RTV Drenthe that it will respond next week. Staatsbosbeheer was also unavailable for comment today.