This scientific study is being submitted for publishing in an appropriate veterinary journal. This scientific study, along with other studies and anecdotal data, indicates that recreational use of horses on public lands does NOT pose a significant risk to the public water supply or other backcountry users. The equine community is a large and viable part of America's agriculture, sports, entertainment, and recreation industries. The horse has been an integral part of America's heritage and continues to play a vital role in maintaining open lands, providing a recreation outlet, and creating income for state economies and individuals interested in professional employment with horses. Each day we see horses used to police our cities, parading in commemorative and celebratory events, horses and riders recreating in our parks, enjoying the outdoors and touring historic areas, and used for therapy for physically and mentally challenged people.
Horses provide entertainment as a sports option and an education alternative for our troubled youth.
Horses will continue to be a sport and a passion, and our love of this animal is why we are part of this ever-expanding and diverse industry. According to an AVMA 1988 research study there are 6.6 million equine in the United States. Many of us have cherished the beauty and solitude of the back country for years while others have yet to experience this opportunity. The issue of Cryptosporidium in the equine industry may not be of concern for affliction of the horse itself but rather one of the supposed environmental impacts of recreational horse use. My introduction to the issue of Cryptosporidium in horses came from the inquiry of fellow recreational horsemen following restriction of horse access to trails in a watershed in Southern California.