Originally Posted by rexxfan

As a recent new owner/snowbird I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all you year-round residents. Without you, The Villages simply wouldn't BE there for us to come back to. I'm very grateful to you all for that. Anyone who feels entitled to special treatment simply because they can afford to keep two homes is simply not worth worrying about. When someone insists on acting stupidly, I've found its often best to just let them. That said, if I had been away for the Summer and someone at the square welcomed me back, it would make me smile and feel like I was home again.

As to the pony, it does sound a bit out of place for a town square. If the appearance was pre-planned by someone, I'd certainly question their judgement as to the sort of entertainment appropriate for such a venue. But as to whether or not it was legal, I'd have to defer to someone more knowledgeable on the subject. I do cringe a bit when I observe crass exploitation of unfortunate animals for entertainment purposes, but unless there's obvious cruelty involved I doubt there's much that can be done from a legal standpoint. I don't see anything wrong with voicing your opinion though. If enough feel the same way and express theirs as well, maybe something can be done about it going forward. Good for you for speaking up.

Regarding statements about no coolers, seat saving and all the other behaviors that are generally frowned upon at the squares, I've never thought of them as laws per se (i.e. things that can result in fines or other penalties, that are "enforceable" in some official way), but rather more like standards of courteous, civilized behavior that we all wish everyone would observe. Sadly, there are always those who don't (and worse, the ones who don't are exactly the sort that might try to pick a fight with you if you try to convince them otherwise). To me, its just not worth the bother to try to rehabilitate them.
--
bc