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In defense of the Clydesdales

I think all of us would agree that one of the single greatest aspects of our town is that there are magnificent Cydesdales grazing just off the Plaza. These animals are show-stoppers and are an ever-present reminder of what makes our town unique in its agricultural history. Children and adults pause to admire their strength, beauty and quiet dignity, and they serve to remind us of a different time far from the stress and pressure of everyday life.

As much as we love them, though, do we love them too much? They are not only show-stoppers, but show-quality animals on a very specific diet that keeps them healthy and in their prime.

The owners of the property at East Spain Street and Second Street East have lately been struggling with well-meaning individuals who feed their animals apples, carrots and sugar cubes that, while seemingly in every horse's dietary wheelhouse, actually threaten their health in a very fundamental way.

The owners have posted tasteful signs to ask that the horses not be fed, to no avail. One individual, who is currently at large, has taken to throwing apples over the fence into the pasture with no regard, whatsoever, to the owner's requests.

I understand that we all have sentimental memories of feeding horses and receiving their undying devotion from a carrot or a sugar cube, but can we agree that feeding these horses, against the owner's requests, is a bit of an over-step?

This property is a gem in our downtown community and the horses make a large contribution to the bucolic setting that we all imagine ourselves to be living in.

If, however, feeding the Clydesdales becomes a habit, the owners of the Clydesdales will have to seek alternative pasture arrangements. I would be very sorry to see that happen.

Let's all try to respect the owner's privacy and property and refrain from treating the horses as our own. Let's admire them with our eyes and not with our carrots and apples.

Anne Appleman

Sonoma