BOISE, Idaho — When she lived in Alaska, 19-year-old Tabitha Darling used sled dogs to travel. So, when the blind woman and her family moved to southwestern Idaho last year, a horse seemed the likely replacement.
But when city officials began receiving complaints that Darling was riding dangerously through traffic, Nampa council members invoked an obscure prohibition on horse riding in the city. Her father, Rob Darling, says that violates her rights under federal law.
"Any animal that provides a service to a disabled person is allowable under the Americans with Disabilities Act," Rob Darling said. "People have used pigs, dogs, cats, ferrets, birds and miniature ponies. I don't see why Trixie is any different."
A seeing-eye dog is not an option because Tabitha also suffers from balance and hip problems, making walking painful and dangerous.
But city officials say Darling is putting herself, the horse and drivers in danger.
"We don't want to see a tragic accident," Nampa spokesman Dale Dixon said. "She can't even get her feet in the stirrups, the horse is not saddled properly and not shod properly, and the horse has been spooked and run in circles in the middle of intersections, holding up traffic for extended periods of time."
The Darlings concede some of the problems and say they are being dealt with. But they flatly deny stories of Trixie careening through traffic.
She has been ticketed twice since buying the 7-year-old Pony of America and Appaloosa cross three months ago.
Tabitha Darling likens Trixie to horses used by mounted police, but Nampa Police Chief Curtis Homer said there are major differences.
"Horses used by police in urban areas are bred for that purpose, and they're trained for that," Homer said.
"This is not a case where the Nampa Police Department is against horses," he added. "There are options that are safe, and we'll help her find those if she wants."
Offers of help have come in.. Two people offered to donate golf carts, Dixon said, and fellow horse riders have opened their pastures where Darling can ride safely.
She agreed to discuss a compromise with the chief but is also talking to an attorney about suing under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"I started riding in the sidewalk until the police told me to ride in the street, and now they say I cannot ride at all," she said.