Residents and riders clash in Glocester village; council asks chief to review ordinances

A long correspondence presented to the Glocester Town Council recounted repeated horseback riding on village streets and alleged harassment and threats during a recent incident. The letter, signed by residents Laurie Blanche Flower and Alan Rodgler, described manure left on sidewalks and in driveways, riders entering private property, and one confrontation that the authors said required a 911 call.

"It is absolutely disgusting and filthy," the letter read, describing waste left on sidewalks and the safety risk of horses on busy roads. The authors asked the council to strengthen ordinances on where and when horses may be ridden and to require riders to clean up after their animals.

Chief Joseph Del Prie told the council that officers responded to the reported incident, de-escalated the situation and that some conduct could rise to criminal charges if repeated. Riders who spoke at the meeting said they generally clean up after their animals and disputed parts of the written account. One rider said their group follows a set route, carries tools to remove waste and tries to avoid interfering with businesses.

Councilors heard both sides over an extended exchange and agreed there is a need for clarification. The council directed the police chief to review existing ordinances and signage—especially rules that already prohibit animals at town beaches and signage for parks—and to return with options to place the item on a future agenda. Councilors said any new rule should be enforceable and tied to traffic or public-safety provisions rather than symbolic language.

The council did not adopt any ordinance changes at the meeting; it asked staff to research what the town can enforce on state roads and to prepare formal proposals for a future session.