Beloved Pony Swim Potentially Not Dead in Water

NORTH FORK, NY - Heartbroken equestrians devastated by the loss of a beloved Pony Swim event at Cedar Beach in Southold may see some progress on keeping the tradition afloat.

Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski said recently that he'd reached out to Suffolk County Parks Commissioner Greg Dawson to potentially discuss the issue after a group of supporters pitched the idea for a group meeting to discuss possible ways to allow the activity to continue.

"We're waiting for a response," he said.

Southold resident Jill Franke, who has been working to keep the event alive, said she spoke with Krupski and looks forward to working toward possible solutions so that the ponies can continue to swim on the Suffolk County-owned beach.

"The weather is getting nice and soon it will be time to hit the beaches again," she said.

Samantha Perry, who launched a Pony Swim Facebook page and has also galvanized efforts to find an answer, said while she did not know Krupski was still working on the issue, she knew Franke and he had spoken.

"I am thrilled if he is still trying to get us access again," she said.

Last August, Pony Swim enthusiasts were forced to give up the beloved activity on the Suffolk County-owned beach when, due to noise and environmental concerns and complaints from residents, county officials said they needed to put the brakes on the event.

Franke began a petition and spoke with Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell about the issue.

Members of the Pony Swim Facebook page also launched efforts to save the Swim.

In the past, Krupski said he had concerns over water quality issues related to the horse swim.

Supporters of Pony Swim have asked for water testing to see if the Pony Swim did, indeed, pose any potential degradation of waters.

The members of the Pony Swim group as well as Southold residents have been taking their horses and ponies to the ”quiet and remote” beach for many years to swim in the Peconic Bay during the summer months, according to the online petition started by Perry to save the swim.

They were told that it is against the law and that anyone found there again with their horses would be fined $200 per horse, according to the petition.

Currently, in Suffolk County beach riding is only permitted at Smith Point County Park in Mastic Beach from November 1 to May 1.

“Horses along with their owners wish to enjoy the beaches and waters of Long Island during the summer months and warm weather, not in the dead of winter,” Perry wrote on her petition. “Many spectators enjoy watching the playful activities and the sights of frolicking equines. We do not visit beaches during peak times as to be respectful of beach goers, we are diligent with clean up and practice the motto ’leave no trace,’”

Photo: change.org