Council members will consider plans on Tuesday to restrict horse riding on city beaches, a proposal that has previously generated strong outcry among avid equestrians.

City leaders have long sought to examine the rules for horses on the popular stretch of beach between Kelly Avenue and Poplar Street and tighten the guidelines that have given horse riders more or less free rein.

The new ordinance gives council members three separate options for how to restrict horses. The first option would put up safety signs, limit all horses to staying within 20 feet of the coastal bluffs and restrict commercial horseback tours to essentially follow a one-way path. The second option is similar but would only restrict riders on commercial horseback tours from the local ranches.

The third option would put no restrictions on horses, but would only post warning signs and establish a new volunteer group to help promote safety.

The City Council will examine the proposed ordinance on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Ted Adcock Senior / Community Center.