Stuff really does roll downhill — just like the cliche says.

That’s the case in Manitou Springs where residents of Ruxton Canyon, especially Robyn Barker, are upset about the handling of manure at a horse barn owned by developer David Jenkins. Here is a map from the El Paso County Assessor’s Web site showing the properties.

The barn sits on a ledge — actually part of the old Colorado Midland Railway right-of-way. For decades, it appears manure was mucked out of the barn and into a gully on the edge of the ledge. Of course, when it rained the manure washed down into Ruxton Creek. Here is an image from www.FlashEarth.com of the neighborhood.

Neighbors are upset and want the manure cleaned out of the gully. And they are opposing an effort by Jenkins and two women, Deb Steddom and Debra Rose, to open a therapeutic riding center for at-risk youth on the horse property.

The issue of the riding center goes before the Manitou Springs Planning Commission on April 9. In the meantime, Steddom and Rose are inviting neighbors to see the barn and their operation, including their manure-handling process, at an open house, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., on March 29.

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