Bored foals

[Stephl07]

Our yard is split up into 4 stable blocks, on our block there is a palamino Sec D colt who is about 10 months old. The problem is his owners are not very good at handling him and he has been in his stable for the last 8 weeks so is now (literally!) climbing the walls through boredom.

When they handle him they just shout at him etc and I find it very unsettling (even when he is being good they do not change the tone of their voice, they are still being "shouty"). They say they cannot turn him out as he is worth too much (he is a very well bred show colt) but I personally do not agree with this.

This morning the owner had a huge hissy fit because he wanted to play with him (typical bargy and bitey colt!) and I do not agree that we should have to listen to the tantrums and constant shouting.

Do you think I should speak to the YO or just wind my neck in and ignore it until my friends yard is ready (this is all the tip of the iceberg with these particular owners, their 'best buddy' and their instructor!)
xx

 

[Rocky01]

You might want to repost this on the breeding forum. My boy (20 months) is turned out 24/7 and yes they do need to play. I agree that they should be turned out only with horses that don't have shoes on and make sure the field is foal friendly, but they really need the companionship and the discipline created by the older horses. If the owners are not good at handling the foal why not suggest that the YO that she might want to talk to the owners and explain. Colts are not typically bargy or nippy, they only become so if they aren't handled like all foals regardless of sex as his hormones haven't kicked in yet at 10 months. My boy is not cheap so I understand their concerns but they can't wrap him up in cotton wool and he will only get bigger and stronger. Good luck, feel free to PM me if you wish.

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you think I should speak to the YO

[/ QUOTE ]
Hopefully the YO knows what's going on on his own yard. And is prepared to take some affirmative action with regards to people who simply don't know what their doing........

But, if in doubt, yes speak to them. Why is it in - and not out in the field????

 

[Stephl07]

Our YO hasnt got a clue what is going on on her yard! Its a sham and I cant wait to get out of there! If I had the time (about a week!) I would list everything wrong with it!

They went away for 2 weeks and employed a YM for while they were away and loads got sorted, they unfortunatly havent kept her on now they are back though!

Ill give it to the weekend because I think I heard them say he was going back to the stud to be prepared for a show on Saturday, but then they started umming and aahing about it!

I think I will repost this on the breedig thanks Rocky!

 

[hadfos]

Personally i would stay out of it!!Yes they are turning a potential star into a nutter but it really isnt your concern!Yes it should be turned out as much as possible at that age,bad for development if not!!However it is the YO responsibility to pick up on this,dont make yourself out to be the enemy if you have to be there for any length of time!!Been there,for simpler issues than this and was told to take my horse there and then,fortunately already had a better yard lined up and was able to move that day!!I know it is hard but we cant secure the future of all horses and although you express concern it will still go on werever they go!!