Milton equestrian committee previews marketing 'mind‑map,' tables formal goals for edits

Greg Rathjen, the committee’s communications lead, presented a marketing "mind‑map" at the Feb. 10 Milton Equestrian Committee meeting that frames an "ideal Milton equestrian citizen" and lists branding elements ranging from signage to trail and parking considerations.

Greg said the map’s core message is that "Milton calls itself an equestrian community" and asked members whether the concept reflected local realities. He suggested tying the branding to existing city assets — roundabout signage, Birmingham Park trails and the Freemanville acreage — and to program elements such as large‑lot incentives and traffic rules for horse trailers.

Committee members praised the thought starter but urged refinement. One member suggested producing a complementary "anti‑equestrian" mind‑map to anticipate opposing viewpoints and to support targeted outreach. Members asked Greg to circulate the slide deck and a written draft; several said they wanted time to review wording and suggested tabling final approval until the next meeting so edits can be made.

The committee did not adopt formal goals at the meeting. Instead, members agreed to treat the mind‑map as a working draft to be revised and re‑presented; Greg will email the materials to the group for comment before the next session.

The committee’s next procedural step on branding is to receive a revised draft and to vote on a final set of goals and public messaging at a future meeting.