EVANGELINE PARISH , LA — Trail rides, a cherished tradition in southern Louisiana, will now operate under new regulations following a recent vote by the Evangeline Parish Police Jury.

On Monday night, the police jury passed an ordinance designed to provide structure and enhance safety for trail ride events across the parish. The move comes after months of deliberation, sparked by community concerns about safety and organization at large-scale trail rides.

Dirk Deville, secretary-treasurer of the police jury, explained that discussions began approximately eight months ago after residents inquired about existing trail ride regulations. “About eight months ago, someone asked if we had a trail ride ordinance — and that’s when we started looking into it,” Deville said.

The ordinance defines a trail ride as any gathering of 50 to 1,000 horseback riders, or any paid, organized-for-profit group following a planned route on horseback.

Key provisions of the new rules include:

• Limiting the number of riders to no more than 1,000 per event

• Requiring approval from the Louisiana State Police if the route involves state highways

• Mandating at least two sheriff’s deputies per 100 riders for security purposes

• Requiring liability insurance from organizing groups

Deville emphasized that the ordinance aims to safeguard both participants and organizers. “It’s going to not only protect the trail ride participants, but also the organizations — so they’re covered if anything should happen,” he said.

Jamal Brown, leader of the Why Play Riders in neighboring St. Landry Parish, voiced support for the new regulations. Brown, who has participated in trail rides for most of his 31 years, said the added structure reflects the evolving nature of these events. “Just off of last year’s numbers, we probably had maybe 25 officers — and some more came that night just in case we needed them,” Brown explained. “In my opinion, it’s needed. The permits, the security — people say trail rides aren’t the same anymore, so this is what we have to do to adapt. Security is major.”

Some speculated that the ordinance was a reaction to the tragic Mamou Mardi Gras trail ride shooting in February. However, Deville clarified the timing was coincidental, noting that the ordinance had been in development well before the incident.

With this new legislation, Evangeline Parish joins other parishes such as St. Landry in adopting formal guidelines intended to preserve trail riding traditions while prioritizing public safety. Organizers who fail to comply with the ordinance risk losing their permits.

KATC is currently working to obtain an electronic copy of the ordinance and will publish it when available. According to Deville, the Evangeline Parish ordinance closely mirrors the existing regulations in St. Landry Parish.