Horse Riding on Goose Rocks Beach

Commercial or Private Riding of Horses on Goose Rocks Beach

Purpose

The purpose of this ordinance is to allow for horses to be present on Goose Rocks Beach while providing for public safety, addressing environmental concerns and mitigating added congestion on Goose Rocks Beach between May and September.

Definitions

As used in this ordinance the following terms have the following meanings:

  1. “Beach” means Goose Rocks Beach from the Batson River to the Little River.
  2. “Owner” means anyone who keeps, has custody of, possession of, or control of a horse.
  3. “Rider” means any person who rides, leads or drives a horse.

Regulations

  • Horses are allowed on the beach from September 15th through May 14th. The Board of Selectmen may, after conducting a public hearing, modify the dates regulating access to the beach by horses.
  • Horses are allowed on the beach only on the area below the mean high water mark, except for gaining access to and egress from the beach.
  • Any rider or owner who allows a horse to be present on the beach shall be responsible for removing any feces left by his/her horse before departing from the beach or removing the vehicle used to transport the horse from its parking location, and for disposing of feces in an appropriate litter receptacle, except that disposal of feces shall not be into the town’s litter receptacles. Failure to clean up manure is a violation of this ordinance.  

Severability

The invalidity of any section or provision of this Ordinance shall not affect the validity of any other section or provision of this Ordinance.

Enforcement

The Chief of Police or any of his/her designated officers will enforce this Ordinance. Any officer who observes a violation of this Ordinance may summons that individual to District Court. Any Officer who receives a complaint and determining that sufficient evidence exists to conclude that a violation of the Ordinance occurred, may summons the offender to District Court.

Civil Penalty

Any person adjudicated in violation of this Ordinance shall be liable for a civil penalty.

  • First Offense:  Written Warning and a copy of this Ordinance.
  • Second and Subsequent Offenses: Fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).
  • Any second and subsequent offender of this Ordinance who is summonsed for violation may waive all court action by payment of the civil penalty to the Town of Kennebunkport within ten (10) days of the date of the summons.

If the penalty is not paid and/or if court action ensues, the offender shall be liable for all costs incurred by the Town in enforcing the Ordinance, including but not limited to court filing fees and cost of legal counsel.

If a horse is present on the beach in violation of this Ordinance and the rider is not the owner, the owner shall be jointly and severally liable with the rider for civil penalties.

Penalties Accrue to the Town

All civil penalties collected under this Ordinance shall accrue to the Town of Kennebunkport.