Anti horse people!!!

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mollymum

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Heartily SICK of 'horse' people these days - that's why I refer to myself as an 'animal' person! Over the last few years, and , specifically this year, I've grown to understand why many landowners, farmers, and those with a stable or two in their back yard are increasingly refusing to take on liveries. I rented out my small yard in January to a couple with one horse - which ended up being four by the springtime. Only have an acre and a small winter turnout, but it might have been workable if a) they had actually paid me regularly without me having to phone them and ask for my money and b) actually fed their horses, two of which are now nearly skeletons. Added to which: the yard became a tip, with headcollars and ropes chucked in the mud, along with MY yard tools; they put several chickens there without my permission which roosted on the stable doors and crapped all down them with a big pile, uncleared, collecting at the foot of the door. (Just found out chickens have been disappearing one by one - not the fox, but next doors dog which has been killing them off - wouldn't you just move them to save their suffering? Also, I was led to believe the couple were both working, which would obviously enable them to pay regularly. Over the past few weeks, people who live by the yard have apparently been having to feed the horses with carrots or other odds and ends because they have no hay. Have visited today and cannot believe how skeletal the two larger horses are. Shetlands ok (but doesn't mean to say he's not hungry) and small cob underweight. We've today contacted (loan) cobs owner and he's been taken back. The RSPCA has been urgently informed by at least 3 people and now it's a waiting and watching game. This is the first and last time I rent out my yard. I haven't actually made any money - the horses have eaten the new fencing, I've had to sacrifice hay that's supposed to be for cattle AND I'm still owed 2 months rent. Rant over!
 
What a shame, sorry to hear that. These dredges seemed to have ruined it for someone who would have taken that yard and treated it like the little diamond im sure it is. Its something I can only dream off. Good luck sorting it out.
 
What a horrible situation, I really feel for you and the poor animals involved. I hope everything is sorted soon.

IMO - they are not 'horse people' in any way shape or form, they are just people who happen to own horses and don't care about their welfare.
 
How awful :(

I do hate people like this and really sympathise. I hope you get it sorted sooner rather than later for your sake as well as the horses.

Although I was accused of not seeing to my horse daily, they even said they would fit cameras to check! All because I was going down very late after work/sorting the dogs and very early before work (before light, and well after dark).
 
You have had a bad experience - BUT not everyone is like it - yes I also know of some people like the above but I also know a lot of hardworking people that show respect & ensure that there animals are well cared for
 
I feel for you (and the poor horses) but not everyone is like that. We know how lucky we are to be able to rent a field for our horses and we lookafter it. The owners are not horsey but thy did put up a shelter, and are quick to repair the fence if needed. Their grandson loves to come and see the horses, although he knows not to go in the field alone.

We once had a nightmare family sharing our pony, that refused to return tack, stole the yard cats, refused to leave when we said and were giving the horses extra feeds when we had gone home. Our horses ended up very fat and we couldn't understand why at first. Never again.
 
I'd love a little yard like that, and I know how to keep places clean and tidy and looked after. Not all horse people are like that! Also forget about RSPCA, call WHW or BHS
 
Oh no I'm so sorry what a horrible situation. I'm lucky enough to rent a place that comes with a yard and a few acres and know the previous tenants where much the same, didn't pay, ruined everything horses feet where full of thrush with no treatment.
When we moved in we had to work so hard on the stables to make them safe as they had been kicked to bits!
We spent such a long time clearing rubbish from the fields I can't believe their horses are still breathing and they never paid a penny!

It took a long time for the owners to fully trust that we wouldn't trash the place and I'm sure they breathe a sigh of relief even now when the rent is paid on time...

We cherish this place and our horses. Today we spent the entire day trying to unblock the drains after so much mud and junk washed in from flooding just to try and save the owner a bit of cash having call someone out. I promise not everyone is bad it's just such a shame it's not easier to pick out the bad from.the good.

If you rent out again be sure to get as many references as you can.
 
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No I didn't. Simply because I'm of the generation (late fifties) when you asked the local farmer if you could keep your pony on the farm, he said yes, charged you a few quid per week and that was it. You kept your tack in a corner of the barn or an unlocked shed and it was completely safe. That's what comes of living in the past I suppose!
 
i know this is corny, but i feel so privileged to be on the yard I am now. It's one of those places that is like gold dust - very old, once the stables of a large house, complete with groom's house - arches, hidden steps, everything. I treasure the place.

I am so sorry this has happened to you.
 
How awful. I assume you've now put a feeding plan in place for the horses.

Why didn't you give them notice when more horses started appearing?
 
You're the landowner right? Don't facilitate their stupidity. Give them a weeks notice and tell them to jog on.

I'm anti people mainly. If you don't come to your horse twice a day, poo pick at least every two days, and have at least a healthy curiosity about maintaining a decent standard of health and welfare for your house, then you don't last at my yard.
 
Hi, yes I have asked them to leave several times over the past few months, since the horses bones started to show. I've also given them advice on feeding and, occasionally they have hay delivered. I've given them hay now and again, which is not mine to give, but nicked off the farm I live on, when the boss isn't looking! I've now given them one weeks notice, but, like they say, they can't find anywhere to put them. I could, in theory, take the horses and tether them on the grass verge but that's not really going to help the situation.
 
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