A grassroots petition defending Fort Worth’s cowboy culture crossed the 1,000-signature threshold this week, marking a new phase in a growing standoff over horseback enforcement in the Stockyards.
The Change.org petition, titled “Stop the Crackdown on Horseback Riders in Fort Worth,” had gathered 1,028 verified signatures as of the morning of August 6, just two weeks after it launched.
The milestone comes amid rising frustration from riders and ranchers who say city officials and private security forces have escalated their enforcement of horse-related activity in the Stockyards, a historic district known for its Western identity. Some riders claimed they were being threatened with $250 fines for standing horses on sidewalks or pausing in high-traffic areas, despite the absence of a new formal policy, NBC 5 DFW reported.
The Breakdown:
– Petition reached 1,028 signatures as of August 6
– Riders claim a crackdown is underway without public input
– Stockyards developer denies new rules, says it’s about safety
– Mayor and City Council have yet to comment
– Supporters flood social media to build pressure
“For generations, horseback riders have helped keep Fort Worth’s cowboy spirit alive — especially in the Stockyards,” the petition reads. “There’s been no clear new policy, only a sudden crackdown with unclear rules and zero public input.”
The campaign names Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, District 2 Councilman Carlos Flores, and District 10 Councilman Alan Blaylock as key decision-makers. All three were contacted for comment, but have not responded to requests from The Dallas Express.
A spokesperson for the Stockyards Heritage Development Co., which is overseeing a $630 million redevelopment of the area, previously told NBC 5 DFW that no new policies were in place. Instead, they said the company was reinforcing traffic and safety rules in coordination with city officials due to rising foot traffic.
“There has not been a new policy implemented, but rather a renewed effort to ensure safety for all visitors, riders, and pedestrians,” the company spokesman stated. “According to city guidelines, horses are subject to the same rules as bicycles.”
Still, many riders and local advocates say the new enforcement is disruptive and inconsistent with the Stockyards’ historic character. Some have taken to TikTok, Instagram, and petition comments to denounce what they see as the over-policing of a century-old way of life.
“By taking away the culture of riding your horse, you kill part of the experience and excitement of the setting,” one petition signer wrote.
With organizers now turning to targeted digital ads and community outreach, the petition’s next chapter appears to be about building sustained political pressure. For many, it’s not just about horses; it’s about what kind of city Fort Worth wants to be.
“Please don’t take away the western culture of the Stockyards,” another commenter pleaded. “People absolutely love the horses and the riders too.”