There's no denying it, Lori Reagan loves her horses.
"Most woman like jewelry? I don't even have a wedding ring. This is my diamond," Reagan Explains.
For years the Abilene native rode at Abilene lake, before it was leased by the state park.
She says she's frustrated with the lack of resources for horseback riders in the area.
"My grand kids are wanting to ride, it's dangerous," Says Reagan.
This area wasn't developed 12 years ago when Reagan and her family moved to their home in far south Abilene.
Now, developments have popped up on all sides of them. The developments were originally supposed to be "equestrian friendly," but they say that hasn't happened.
"The neighbors of course don't enjoy the poop on the road, and they get upset if you get on their property," Says Reagan.
So they tried Kirby lake, and had a scary incident on a windy road leading up to the trails.
"A bunch of cattle come running up to the fence, spooked the horse. So he ran out in front of a car," Says Reagan.
Horseback riding at Abilene Lake is prohibited, but Abilene State Park's newest superintendent says he's been on horseback most of his working life, and has big plans for an equestrian program at the park.
"I understand the enjoyment of horseback riding. And when I retire eventually, I want my legacy to be that Rick Thompson got a good equestrian program going at the park," Thompson says.
It wont be easy, and it will take time. But, just 7 months into his new position, Thompson says it's a priority.
"I would hope that we could have some trails within the next couple of years."
"Most woman like jewelry? I don't even have a wedding ring. This is my diamond," Reagan Explains.
For years the Abilene native rode at Abilene lake, before it was leased by the state park.
She says she's frustrated with the lack of resources for horseback riders in the area.
"My grand kids are wanting to ride, it's dangerous," Says Reagan.
This area wasn't developed 12 years ago when Reagan and her family moved to their home in far south Abilene.
Now, developments have popped up on all sides of them. The developments were originally supposed to be "equestrian friendly," but they say that hasn't happened.
"The neighbors of course don't enjoy the poop on the road, and they get upset if you get on their property," Says Reagan.
So they tried Kirby lake, and had a scary incident on a windy road leading up to the trails.
"A bunch of cattle come running up to the fence, spooked the horse. So he ran out in front of a car," Says Reagan.
Horseback riding at Abilene Lake is prohibited, but Abilene State Park's newest superintendent says he's been on horseback most of his working life, and has big plans for an equestrian program at the park.
"I understand the enjoyment of horseback riding. And when I retire eventually, I want my legacy to be that Rick Thompson got a good equestrian program going at the park," Thompson says.
It wont be easy, and it will take time. But, just 7 months into his new position, Thompson says it's a priority.
"I would hope that we could have some trails within the next couple of years."
