Date: Fri 16-Oct-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Maltbie-horses-Lewis-Runkel

Full Text:

Maltbie Road Residents Welcome Horseback Riders

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Two residents of Maltbie Road have invited horse riders to freely use the

horse trails that run along their property. Their hospitality toward horse

enthusiasts is in contrast to the reception horses and their riders have

received in another part of town.

Neighbors Charles Lewis and Scott Runkel are not horse riders. They simply

enjoy watching them trot on by. Recently, they cleared a trail along their

property line, welcoming all those who appreciate Newtown's system of trails.

Both the Lewis and Runkel families have been named honorary members of the

Newtown Bridle Lands Association.

It is a different story on Old Purdy Station Road where a dispute over open

space land has created tension between residents and horse riders. Members of

the Newtown Bridle Lands claim someone has been "sabotaging" town-owned land

in the recently developed area. Trails have reportedly been blocked with logs,

large stones and branches. Residents on that road say they have had their own

survey done, which disputes land claims made by the town. They assert the

survey indicates that portions of the trail are on their property.

Things appear more peaceful on Maltbie Road, which has become a popular place

for horse riders. The road, just off Castle Meadow Road, sits between the

nature preserve near Hattertown Pond and several acres of Newtown Forest

Association property.

Mr Lewis said his love of horses and trails goes way back to when the

Fairfield County Hounds were located on Huntingtown Road.

"They used to go out fox hunting. They'd have 80 dogs or more," Mrs Lewis

recalled. "You'd hear the toot, toot, toot and they'd be off. It's a shame

they're not there anymore."

Mr Lewis' grandparents owned several acres of land along Hattertown Road.

"We love watching the horses go by," said Mr Runkel, who is also clearing land

for trails on the opposite side of his property.

The two neighbors greeted two horse riders along the trail Tuesday morning.

Karen Demont of Monroe and Susan Hamilton of Derby were passing through the

area and thanked them for allowing them to pass on by.

"Horses are important to Newtown's history," Mrs Demont said. "Monroe doesn't

have any trails."

"Neither does Derby," Mrs Hamilton added.

Mr Lewis and his wife, Gloria, sold part of their property to the Runkel

family four years ago. Mr Runkel and his wife moved to Newtown from Greenwich.

They have three children: Scott II, 4, Ty, 2, and Sean, six months.

The Newtown Bridle Lands Association is currently celebrating its 20th

anniversary.