I am not changing your mind. But sometimes not everytime there is clear blame. This is that case IMO and it doesn't fit your narrative or cause.
Here's the deal. There are toxic plants and vegetation in all parks. We have one job if we have a horse in the park. Just pay attention. I've been documenting these people for 3 years. One of their biggest flaws is complacency and ignorance. This why so many loose horses and incidents. I actually know this driver and he's one of my favorites too. I always tell him he's one of the few who dresses the part and his horses look good. But he fucked up. He was also cruising for fares way off the path which breaks the rules too. They can only pick up and drop off at the three designated hack lines. He's the only one I ignore when he cheats too. Yes he's a nice guy, but this got by him.