Reports differ on whether one or both riders apologized after a Halloween horseback ride in Huntington drew criticism. 21Alive reported that Mayor Richard Strick said one person had apologized; WANE reported that Strick said both riders had publicly apologized. The accounts do not resolve the discrepancy.
Officials condemn the ride
The incident took place on Halloween as families and children were trick-or-treating. Photos and videos showed a couple on horseback in costumes described as Ku Klux Klan-style, according to 21Alive. Huntington County Commissioners issued a joint statement condemning the behavior. Commissioner President Rob Miller told the station the incident should not be dismissed as a Halloween prank.
The woman disputes the interpretation and reports threats
In Facebook messages to 21Alive, the woman said the costumes were Halloween attire, were worn for about 30 minutes and were not intended to convey a message. She denied that she and her boyfriend were Klan members or racists, and said they had not physically harmed anyone. She also alleged that her family and animals had received threats, including death threats and threats to take the horses. WECT and 21Alive reported her claims; they have not been independently verified.
Community leader proposes a conversation
Roderick Parker, founder of Big Hearts Community Projects, told WECT that the display caused fear and outrage and invited the woman, her boyfriend and other community leaders to meet. He said a discussion could support education and help bridge divisions. Asked by 21Alive whether she and her boyfriend might take part, the woman said it was something they would need to discuss but remained possible.
