In regards to the front page picture on your December 30, 2009 paper, we are concerned about Mary Jane’s first winter.

Firstly, we wish to say that the horse facility at Fort Steele is a first rate place to showcase the Clydesdale horse. It is especially nice to see a 7 month old filly after so many years of not having any young horses at the Fort.

We were saddened, however, to see this 7 month old filly being trained in full harness, including a bit in her mouth, especially when placed in such a dangerous position as this young horse was. The handler was in the wrong place, the harness incorrect and baler twine placed near the young horse’s legs. It was akin to looking at a children’s cartoon puzzle titled “Name 10 Things Wrong With This Picture”.

It would have made a nicer picture to have her tied to her mother, running alongside as the mother pulled a sleigh, or in a pasture of fresh new snow with the mountains in the background. The picture on page 3 of the same paper better showed how the horse program needs to be run.

It would be nice if Fort Steele would re-examine their horse program for the safety of the horses, public and staff.

Yours truly,

Lawrence and Caroline McGibbon

Doug and Dee McGibbon

Bill and Linda Smith

Bonnie Lennox

Bob Sheppard