After seven months of working to draft a new ordinance that would permit horses on the beach at Wildwood, a small parade of horses walked on the sand to become the first horses on the beach.
A new ordinance, approved Nov. 9, now allows horseback riding on portions of Five Mile Beach between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 1 through April 30. Riders must acquire the permits, which cost $50 each, and notify the city three days before they ride.
The rules say 20 horses are the most allowed on the beach at any one time. Riders also are asked to wear helmets for safety.
According to locals, the vast tract of property can now be enjoyed by people that have dreamed of riding horses on the beach for many years.
The horses that enjoyed the beach atmosphere all live at the 13-acre Okey Dokey Ranch in Clarksboro with 18 other equines
On Friday, Cindy Strati, Chris Saraceno, Sue Burns and Vickie Mattia, sisters from Clarksboro, Gloucester County, became the first to take advantage of the city's new ordinance and the second group to acquire the permits. They own and operate Okey Doke Ranch, which boards 23 horses and offers riding lessons in Clarksboro.
Although some fear that too many people will want to use the beach for horseback riding, others see it as an opportunity to bring tourists and visitors to the community which will help businesses in the area.