All this talk of fluffies...

[Wagtail]

I wouldn't class myself as fluffy by a long chalk - for me, I have horses for a reason and I expect them to work in so far as they are capable, and I won't tolerate any nonsense. If any of mine tries to evade working, my first response is to insist that he works, by whatever means necessary - not to presume there is an underlying problem. However, I know my horses and I can tell if they're not offering something for a physical reason. I'm not afraid to slap, kick, shout out, spur, whip my horses if they need a reminder not to step out of line - I strongly believe they understand the difference between a swift, sharp reprimand and an unfair beating. By some people's standards, I'm harsh on them - they get fed straw and even that isn't ad lib, they don't get hard feed (unless I need to worm them or similar), they're naked or rugged only to keep them clean (except J who's a wuss), they live out despite being fully clipped, etc.

I actually agree with most of that, although my horses tend to love working and so if they are reluctant to do so then I tend to think there is a physical reason and I have so far never been wrong. However, if I had a horse that tended to be lazy, then I would push him through it and insist that he worked.

However, all of them follow me around like dogs, they love their work - despite the occasional smack - they love to be around humans, they're not whip shy, they're in good condition and they're happy.

I think that horses are happier and more secure when they are disciplined, as you say, fairly, than if they are allowed to get away with blue murder.

They will also all be allowed to retire for as long as they are sound and happy to be retired.

For me, the dangerously "fluffy" are those who are afraid to reprimand their horses (either fear of ned's reaction or fear of being hated) and end up with rude, ill-mannered sometimes dangerous brutes. They're also the owners who feed up / over-rug / underwork their horses to the point of obesity - because darling pony would be cold / hungry / sad to see his friends having dinner when he hasn't got any / doesn't like working. Those who keep unsound/pained animals because they can't bare to lose them. Those who teach their horses to misbehave under saddle by presuming every misdemeanour is a physical problem and never riding them through it (fine until ned becomes obese from lack of work / they sell it as dangerous / etc).

People who call themselves their pony's "mum" make me feel slightly nauseous, but calling your pony "mummy's ickle fluffy teddie-poo", while slightly vomit-inducing, is not a crime, nor does it make you dangerously fluffy, in my book. I might describe that sort of behaviour as "fluffy", but not in an insulting way

I think I'm rambling...

Agree with the above.

 

[Wagtail]

I completely agree with this, I believe that there is fine line not just in regard to the above comment on where do you draw the line but also in the term 'fluffies'.

I think it is one thing to care, love, cherish your horse by giving them the best whether that be the cleanest bed, a new rug or a treat to also taking responsibility for putting them in a stravation paddock if needed or keeping wormer up to date. Giving the best for your horse isnt always about the material things but letting him get muddy in the field or keeping his weight healthy for example.

It really irritates me when owners believe they are doing 'the best' for there horse just because they buy them lots yet neglect there health or well being through sheer stupidity!

I admit im probably a 'half fluffy' but my horses are well cared for in every way (and maybe just a little spoilt ) .

Completely agree.

 

[Wagtail]

what annoys me on here are people who are 'fluffy' (for want of a better word) who stand in judgement of those who aren't and claim they are selfish or don't care for their horse.

I think the judgement works both ways to be honest.

I don't see my horses as pets. End of. I love them on a certain level, but it's a different love to that I have with my dogs, who are with me for life. I also have many trials and sheepdog friends conversely who wouldnt think twice about selling a dog they weren't getting on with, or sending them to auction. I don't stand in judgement of them, they wonder why I have multiple 'free loaders' who can't work due to health problems and cost me a fortune in ongoing meds and therapies lol.

It's all a matter of perspectives. I think horses are equally as intelligent of dogs and equally deserving of our love and commitment. However, it is a fact of life, due to the horses' longevity, expensive upkeep and tradition, that they are not generally held in the same esteem. I think things are changing though, gradually.

I have bought and sold 6 horses in as many years due to various reasons; my requirements changing or the horse just not being what I wanted. Every horse I own is pampered! However if its not working then I will sell! Big deal! I wouldn't have sold any of them to the first person who walked on the yard... infact I've turned down buyers. I've always made sure any horse I've sold has gone to what I consider to be the right home, a GOOD home. I'm still in touch with most of them. I've always had a cry when I've sold a horse, I'm not emotionally detached but I do see them as a working animal, yes a luxury commodity to do a job! You can still have an awesome relationship with a working animal without viewing it as your 'pet' or surrogate child. If, however that is the way you choose to keep your horses then good on you! go for it! Enjoy and let live! However dont go wagging your fingers at those who god forbid say they are selling a horse because it isnt what they want, call them selfish and accuse them of showing no care for their animal. Unless of course they ARE about to shoot it and throw it in a hole, but in threads I've seen here we are talking about well cared for animals who the owner is taking responsibility for and will ensure they move on somewhere lovely!

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=517278

So long as good care is taken to ensure the horse goes to a good home then I have no problem with it. It's not something that I could do as I choose horses that I expect to keep for life, and so maybe I am a little more sure they are right before I buy, than if I was prepared to sell on. But then if there were not people prepared to sell, then I never would have had any of my lovely horses.

 

[AdorableAlice]

I do -

I pledge to always be penniless, always knackered, always cold or hot, always have backache after poo picking, usually smelly, always have to hide my hands under the desk in meetings because they won't do the painted nails look. I pledge an oath to be out of bed before sparrow fart, I pledge never to throw the fork at the foal after she picks the full skip up and empties it.

I pledge to paint over the worn out heels on my shoes and put new shoes on the horse. I pledge to get to them in deep snow last year even though the car got written off on the way back.

My current oath is to do a 10pm check because big boy is on box rest and I can't sleep unless I have seen him, did I mention knackered.

Then I pledge to have the money and courage to tackle the end at the right moment.

Wonder if anyone would notice if I had a little kip at my desk.

 

[Holly Hocks]

I have a TB mare who has so many problems the chances of her being a riding horse again are pretty remote (although trip to vet again tomorrow, so keeping fingers crossed I might be able to start leading her out!). I was told at one point that I should just get her shot. (Not by a vet - by a know-it-all with no veterinary experience whatsoever). She has navicular, spavin, and PSLD in a hind limb. Each on their own wouldn't be unmanageable, but all together it would be wrong to expect her to anything other than a gentle hack at some point in the future. She also had extensive sinus surgery 18 months ago. She isn't in pain as long as she is living the life she currently has - in her stable at night and out during the day until 24/7 turnout in summer (hurrah!). I don't miss the riding at all and she definitely doesn't miss being ridden. Am I a fluffy for giving her a life?

 

[Wagtail]

given that my beloved [ & not in a fluffy way ] 22 yr old mare was PTS last week as i was not prepared to heavily bute her so that she could go out in a paddock every day - i guess i'm not fluffy - but i hope i loved her & had enough respect for her as a horse to ensure that she lived a life of dignity, with her physical needs met and boundaries clearly kept,
in my mind fluffy tends to equate to a style of ownership which involves treating horses like over-sized toddlers

Yes, agree.

 

[Holly Hocks]

I do -

I pledge to always be penniless, always knackered, always cold or hot, always have backache after poo picking, usually smelly, always have to hide my hands under the desk in meetings because they won't do the painted nails look. I pledge an oath to be out of bed before sparrow fart, I pledge never to throw the fork at the foal after she picks the full skip up and empties it.

I pledge to paint over the worn out heels on my shoes and put new shoes on the horse. I pledge to get to them in deep snow last year even though the car got written off on the way back.

My current oath is to do a 10pm check because big boy is on box rest and I can't sleep unless I have seen him, did I mention knackered.

Then I pledge to have the money and courage to tackle the end at the right moment.

Wonder if anyone would notice if I had a little kip at my desk.

Brilliant!!

 

[Suziq77]

Am I a fluffy for giving her a life?

People make different choices, we're never all going to make the same choice.

 

[kirstykate]

I do -

I pledge to always be penniless, always knackered, always cold or hot, always have backache after poo picking, usually smelly, always have to hide my hands under the desk in meetings because they won't do the painted nails look. I pledge an oath to be out of bed before sparrow fart, I pledge never to throw the fork at the foal after she picks the full skip up and empties it.

I pledge to paint over the worn out heels on my shoes and put new shoes on the horse. I pledge to get to them in deep snow last year even though the car got written off on the way back.

My current oath is to do a 10pm check because big boy is on box rest and I can't sleep unless I have seen him, did I mention knackered.

Then I pledge to have the money and courage to tackle the end at the right moment.

Wonder if anyone would notice if I had a little kip at my desk.

Ditto!! But I am afraid you dont, for one you are a female, I hope i am correct No women is allowed to do it all I know is it involves a dead frog!!!!

 

[Wagtail]

I have a TB mare who has so many problems the chances of her being a riding horse again are pretty remote (although trip to vet again tomorrow, so keeping fingers crossed I might be able to start leading her out!). I was told at one point that I should just get her shot. (Not by a vet - by a know-it-all with no veterinary experience whatsoever). She has navicular, spavin, and PSLD in a hind limb. Each on their own wouldn't be unmanageable, but all together it would be wrong to expect her to anything other than a gentle hack at some point in the future. She also had extensive sinus surgery 18 months ago. She isn't in pain as long as she is living the life she currently has - in her stable at night and out during the day until 24/7 turnout in summer (hurrah!). I don't miss the riding at all and she definitely doesn't miss being ridden. Am I a fluffy for giving her a life?

No, you are a caring person who puts your horse's needs before your own. I hope that she comes right. I agree that each of her conditions would not be so bad in itself. Three of the horses on my yard have spavin. One has been operated on for PSD and I have known horses come back into full work with navicular. Have you tried any of the holistic vets? There is one near Newmarket, Donna Blinman http://www.donnablinman.co.uk/ She charges around £250 for a week of treatments and has huge success, I have heard.

 

[AdorableAlice]

AdorableAlice you are no where near a fluffy, but a good sound horseman with feelings

Well I try, very bxxxdy trying at the moment with my best horse on box rest since August 2011.

Kind words, thankyou but despite being in horses for 35 years I often feel I know so very little, there is no doubt horses never stop teaching us.

 

[Holly Hocks]

No, you are a caring person who puts your horse's needs before your own. I hope that she comes right. I agree that each of her conditions would not be so bad in itself. Three of the horses on my yard have spavin. One has been operated on for PSD and I have known horses come back into full work with navicular. Have you tried any of the holistic vets? There is one near Newmarket, Donna Blinman http://www.donnablinman.co.uk/ She charges around £250 for a week of treatments and has huge success, I have heard.

Thanks Wagtail, I'll have a look at that website. She is looking signifiantly better than she did three months ago, and I long-reined her for 5 mins at weekend along the road as I wanted to watch her move from behind. The pelvis is still dropping on one side, but nowhere near like it was....and she is clearly happy in the field as she goes hooning round!!

 

[kirstykate]

Well I try, very bxxxdy trying at the moment with my best horse on box rest since August 2011.

Kind words, thankyou but despite being in horses for 35 years I often feel I know so very little, there is no doubt horses never stop teaching us.

Sending positive vibes now to your horse and a big hugxxx No they dont ever stop teaching us or bringing us back in touch with reality with a BIG BUMP!!! Thats a very long time for box rest

 

[Wagtail]

I do -

I pledge to always be penniless, always knackered, always cold or hot, always have backache after poo picking, usually smelly, always have to hide my hands under the desk in meetings because they won't do the painted nails look. I pledge an oath to be out of bed before sparrow fart, I pledge never to throw the fork at the foal after she picks the full skip up and empties it.

I pledge to paint over the worn out heels on my shoes and put new shoes on the horse. I pledge to get to them in deep snow last year even though the car got written off on the way back.

My current oath is to do a 10pm check because big boy is on box rest and I can't sleep unless I have seen him, did I mention knackered.


Then I pledge to have the money and courage to tackle the end at the right moment.

Wonder if anyone would notice if I had a little kip at my desk.

Excellent!

 

[AdorableAlice]

Ditto!! But I am afraid you dont, for one you are a female, I hope i am correct No women is allowed to do it all I know is it involves a dead frog!!!!

Errr, sorry that's gone over my head !

I did have a dead frog once though, one hot summer a little frog lived on a pile of wet hay under the tap in the indoor boxes. The first day the weather broke and rained he hopped out and my horse of the time trod on him !

 

[Amaranta]

Thank you Amy. But I do often think that people who show compassion for their horses are branded as fluffies when people start to run out of arguments.

I do think there are some people that even I would think of as fluffies. These are the people who are so soft on their horses that they allow them to become dangerous, so much so that when they finally realise the horse is too much for them they think they are doing the kind thing by passing the horse on to an uncertain future. But I think very few people on here fall into that category.

I am not fluffy but I love my horses to distraction, care for them better than I do my OH (or so he says) and have a lovely relationship with them, they know that I am the leader and so they are confident and happy with their place in the herd.

I totally agree with your second paragraph

 

[AdorableAlice]

Sending positive vibes now to your horse and a big hugxxx No they dont ever stop teaching us or bringing us back in touch with reality with a BIG BUMP!!! Thats a very long time for box rest

It is, I joined the forum for the first time when he broke down with a post for any experience on Inferior Hind Check Ligament injuries, (it is quite rare apparently), but I didn't get a single comment. Never mind, I have enjoyed chatting to a lot of people since and learnt alot.

Scanning again end of month and fingers crossed, he starts walking, mind you, after 7 months it will probably be the nearest thing to sky diving I will ever experience. Where's that pot of ACP I hid away.

 

[Wagtail]

I am not fluffy but I love my horses to distraction, care for them better than I do my OH (or so he says) and have a lovely relationship with them, they know that I am the leader and so they are confident and happy with their place in the herd.

I totally agree with your second paragraph

You are right about leadership. I think it is so important for a horse. You only have to see the way an alpha horse will discipline the others to realise that they still like the alpha horse despite being bitten or squealed at. Some people think that their horse won't like them any more if they discipline it.

 

[Wagtail]

It is, I joined the forum for the first time when he broke down with a post for any experience on Inferior Hind Check Ligament injuries, (it is quite rare apparently), but I didn't get a single comment. Never mind, I have enjoyed chatting to a lot of people since and learnt alot.

Scanning again end of month and fingers crossed, he starts walking, mind you, after 7 months it will probably be the nearest thing to sky diving I will ever experience. Where's that pot of ACP I hid away.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you. You have my sympathies regarding the dreaded walking in hand!

 

[kirstykate]

It is, I joined the forum for the first time when he broke down with a post for any experience on Inferior Hind Check Ligament injuries, (it is quite rare apparently), but I didn't get a single comment. Never mind, I have enjoyed chatting to a lot of people since and learnt alot.

Scanning again end of month and fingers crossed, he starts walking, mind you, after 7 months it will probably be the nearest thing to sky diving I will ever experience. Where's that pot of ACP I hid away.

Dont mention ACP you will get shot!!! Its not licensed for horses!!! Easier to admin than sedalin fits in polo perfectly!!!!!! Do you have your parachute looked out?!!!!!!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I'm not 'fluffy' but I do have some fuzzy-furry's

Names only given to protect mine & their identity really........

They are all well cared for & also very cared about too, tho manners are expected on the ground & on board

 

[Sarah1]

Errr, sorry that's gone over my head !

Might be something to do with this...http://www.angelfire.com/pa/NewboldRevel/Horse.htm ?

 

[Sarah1]

Actually, I think that majority of horse owners consider their horses as pets, and are not considered 'fluffies' at all (whether they ride or not). They are considerate and caring owners, who do everything they can to give their animals a full and contented life.

It's the person who attributes animals with the same feelings as themselves, who I would consider a 'fluffy', and refuse to acknowledge some of the responsibilities that come with owning an animal - such as destruction.

As an aside, I suspect this post is a result of yesterdays discussion about welfare societies. And if it's any consolation to you, Wagtail, whilst we may not always agree on things - I don't consider you a 'fluffy'. But a person full of compassion and love for their horse. There is a big difference between that and the type of person many think of as 'fluffies'.

Agreed.

I don't consider myself a 'fluffy' - I love my horse and he'll have a home with me for as long as it's the right thing for him, whether he's ridden or not, but I do treat him as a horse, not a baby, not a dog but a horse and I allow him to be a horse.

He lives out as much as possible with little in the way of rugs etc, he'll hoon around the field with his pals, he's turned out even when the ground is hard/frozen (without boots), he gets only the feed he needs and is expected to have impeccable manners, especially on the ground.

He has a good life but for the short time out of a 24 hour day that I like to ride I expect him to behave and I don't think it's too much to ask, he has approximately 23 hours a day (more some days) to do whatever the hell he likes! He has a job, it may be only hacking and schooling/jumping for fun rather than competatively, he likes to have a job and I like him to have a job and I'm going to enjoy him now as you never know what's around the corner. I don't thrash him about the place but I do as much riding as I want, I don't not ride so that I can 'save his legs'.

People who treat their horses like surrogate children drive me up the wall and these are the people I would term as 'fluffy' for the most part, there are probably exceptions somewhere though I expect!

People need to realise that a horse is not a human, it doesn't think like a human and it doesn't have the same needs as a human.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Dont mention ACP you will get shot!!! Its not licensed for horses!!! Easier to admin than sedalin fits in polo perfectly!!!!!! Do you have your parachute looked out?!!!!!!

Yes, and I thought it might look more fetching on somebody else !

Vets are saying because he has been kept in a barn and has been doing the restricted exercise by himself they are hoping the walking can be done under saddle. So I need a sky diver with absailing experience really.

You would be amazed what I have stashed away in 35 years of horse keeping.

Hunt is next door on Saturday, big boy will enjoy polo's, radio 4 and a few hours tied up. Now where is that pot !

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Sense made NSN.

I have to say I'm not fluffy in the slightest. My horses get the best I can afford and their welfare is paramount but they are not my pets. Too expensive to be a pet.

I'm in the process of finding a home for my mare now that my gelding has gone to his loan home due to personal reasons and yes I am upset about it but I need to do this for me and unfortunately they need to go

When it comes down to it really as humans when we treat or look at our horses as humans then really that is the beginning of a slippery slope to disaster, they are not and never will be and that is where many people start making errors in judgement.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Might be something to do with this...http://www.angelfire.com/pa/NewboldRevel/Horse.htm ?

No wonder it went over my head ! interesting read though.

 

[Maesfen]

Errr, sorry that's gone over my head !

I did have a dead frog once though, one hot summer a little frog lived on a pile of wet hay under the tap in the indoor boxes. The first day the weather broke and rained he hopped out and my horse of the time trod on him !

Sorry, that had me in fits of laughter; ain't that just the way it goes! I expect now I'm a callous bitch of course, better shoot me now.

Great posts before Alice.

 

[AdorableAlice]

I have hit the heights of fluffiness now --

Ended up in hospital at the weekend, pnemonia, nice one. Needless to say I was telling everyone who would listen, how much I missed and was worried about my horses. Despite them being looked after by a small army of highly experienced people !

Got home and my dear friend had set up a cctv camera in the stable where my big boy is into his 7th month of box rest so i can keep my eye on him.

So I am now telling him how wonderful he his from my bed. I am going to give him a mobile phone so I can ring him when he is rolling too near the wall !

It's interesting watching him, horses are creatures of habit and I am learning his daily routine of eating, sleeping and winding his companion pony up. Certainly beats cash in the attic !

 

[Archangel]

That's brilliant AdorableAlice

 

[amandap]

I get the impression that 'fluffy' is a derogatory term and implies someone useless and attributing horses with feelings they don't have.

I see and read about many non fluffies that are aggressive to their horses and other humans and have horses with problems. What are they then? They might put many rugs on their horses, bath them daily/weekly, bring their horses in when a shower comes but still think their horses don't have feelings and need a good slapping regularly.

If horses don't have feelings then we cannot then say they enjoy their work then can we? We can't say racehorses love to run, or others love to jump... Horses must have feelings to be able to feel enjoyment surely?

To me the term fluffy is used to put someone down and implies they are useless, usually when the accuser is confronted with an argument that tells it from the horses possible point of view.

I would like to know what the opposite of fluffy is?