I write in response to M Smith's letter printed in the Halesowen News (26.04.07).

How utterly ridiculous to suggest that horse riders should clean up their horses' muck like dog owners have to!

A more informed person would accept that since a horse produces a 'deposit' of muck approximately once or twice an hour.

Where does M Smith suggest the rider should carry this? Considering each 'deposit' will weigh between 3 and 8kg it's hardly going to fit in a 'poo' bag and popped in your pocket until you come across somewhere to rid yourself of it!

Perhaps M Smith thinks all horse riders should strap a huge garden waste bag to their backs or perhaps all horses should have some sort of 'poo' cart following them!

Dog mess needs to be removed for a very valid reason - it carries bacteria harmful to humans unlike horse manure which is both organic and harmless.

It is yet another dig at horse owners.

Can I just remind M Smith and anyone that shares this attitude - Britain's industry owes everything to the horse, from the humble pit pony to the great barge pullers, I think this gives them every right to deposit wherever they like!

A Maiden (horse and dog owner), Via email