A few years back, I wrote an article about some of the weirdest, strangest, and downright wackiest equine laws in the United States that I have come across.  Now, we are back for part two.  This month’s article takes a look at some more of those bizarre and outdated laws that may still be on the statute books in many places.  Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse!

                  • In the town of Wilbur, Washington, you can be fined $300 for riding an “ugly” horse.  The same is true in Hartville, Illinois.

                  • Respect the quiet hours in Pocataligo, Georgia.  It is strictly forbidden for horses to neigh after 10:00pm at night.

                  • It’s illegal to tie a horse to a tree in alongside a public highway in New Orleans.  Anything else goes on Bourbon Street. 

                  • Down the road in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, men are prohibited from eating ice cream while on a horse.

                  • Watch what you say in Pattonsburg, Missouri where it is illegal to shout or use profane language in such a manner as to disturb a horse.

                  • In Burdville, Vermont, no horse is allowed to wander around between March 1st and October 20th.

                  • Also, in Vermont, it is illegal to allow a horse to run within enclosed burial ground. Violators can be fined $25. 

                  • Until the 1970s, a horse was required to wear a diaper in Charleston, South Carolina.

                  • In South Dakota, a diaper is not necessary, but a horse must be wearing pants before getting in a fountain.

                  • In Riverton, Wyoming, a woman is prohibited from riding a horse while wearing a bath suit unless she is escorted by at least two police officers or unless she is armed with a club.

                  • A married woman is not allowed to ride a horse down a street while wearing “body hugging clothing” in Upperville, Virginia.  A $2 fine can be imposed on any female rider who wears “clothing that clings to her body.”

                  • Regardless of clothing, single, divorced, or widowed women can be jailed if found riding a horse to church on Sunday in Bluff, Utah. 

                  • In Fort Collins, Colorado, it is unlawful for a male rider to wink at a female rider. 

                  • Flirting is also banned in West Union, Ohio, where “No male person shall make remarks to or concerning, or cough, or whistle at, or do any other act to attract the attention of any woman riding a horse.”

                  • Male riders in Basalt, Nevada, are prohibited from eating onions between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. while out riding. 

                  • In Marion, South Carolina, it is illegal to tickle a woman under the chin with a feather duster while she is riding a horse. 

                  • Still looking for your future wife? In Tranquility, New Jersey, it is illegal to distribute handbills while on horseback as a means of advertising for a wife.

                  • Once you have found your match, it is strictly against the law in Bicknell, Indiana, for a man to leave his new bride alone and go riding with his friends on his wedding day. The penalty is a week in jail.

                  • In Budds Creek, Maryland, a horse is prohibited from sleeping in a bathtub unless the rider is also sleeping with the horse.

                  • Likewise, it is illegal for horses to sleep in a bakery in Paradise, California.

                  • An attorney can be barred from practicing law in Corvallis, Oregon, should he or she refuse to accept a horse in lieu of legal fees.

                  • Finally, there is a misworded ordinance in Wolf Point, Montana that states, “No horse shall be allowed in public without its owner wearing a halter.”

The United States certainly has some unique laws when it comes to horses.  You can’t help but wonder what prompted lawmakers to come up with these laws years ago and why some may be still around today.  Nevertheless, it’s fun to take a look back and have a laugh. 

Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey law firm of Jarve Kaplan Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in personal injury and civil litigation, including equine related issues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.