MITCHELL, S.D. — A state lawmaker from Mitchell says he thinks potential legislation aimed at improving safety in parades that have horses is a knee-jerk reaction.

Democratic state Sen. Frank Kloucek of Scotland says he plans to introduce a bill to require an outrider with every team of two or more horses in public parades. An outrider is a single horse and rider that helps keep a team under control.

Republican Rep. Lance Carson of Mitchell says horses occasionally get scared and react accordingly. He says adding another animal to the mix could make the situation worse.

The debate has intensified because three people were injured when two horses pulling a wagon were spooked and ran into Labor Day parade spectators in Wagner. But Kloucek says he was thinking about legislation before the Wagner incident.

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Information from: The Daily Republic, http://www.mitchellrepublic.com