As a horse rider who frequently rides in Island Center Forest, I would like to share my opinion on off-leash dogs. 

Anyone who uses the park should be aware of the possibility of running into other users. So horses should be tolerant of well-behaved dogs, and vice-versa. Horse riders should know when going into the park that there might be walkers, runners, dogs and bicycles — even baby strollers. And people who walk, run or bike should know there might be horses. 

If your dog is not good with horses, keep him on a leash until he learns to get along. Anyone riding a horse in Island Center Forest should be able to ride their horse calmly past people, dogs and bikes.

Some people don’t know how to react to a horse on the trail. If you hear a horse coming, sing out! Let the rider know you’re there. My worst experience with a person and dog happened when the person picked up the dog and tried to shrink into the shrubbery. It’s never good to surprise a horse.

Well-behaved dogs should be allowed to run off-leash. But dogs who could be aggressive to anyone, person or animal, must be leashed.

— Linda Kozak