Horse lovers in Norco find new fencing offensive

First, the city started installing curbs and gutters along what were once country roads. Soon, horse owners will be required to have  their animals' manure hauled away instead of simply spreading it across their property. Now, in the most recent sign that the Inland Empire town of Norco is losing its rural flavor, officials are looking at replacing the wood fencing that lines about 120 miles of horse trails with plastic posts and rails. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but it's not going over too well with the tradition-bound horsemen and women of Norco, reports the Press-Enterprise.

"I think in a way we're being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century, but I'm sure we're not the only city that is having to comply with many things," said Bonnie Slager of the Norco Horsemen's Association.

-- Jesus Sanchez

Photo: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times