Do I need to worry?

[HaplessHorse]

A bit of context:

The horses were out in the bottom field, where there is a gate and stretch of fencing parallel to a (just about) 2-car country lane that is frequently used as a shortcut to the main road.

Saus had dutifully covered herself with mud (no idea how, but it’s a daily occurrence). She probably would’ve looked, to the uninitiated, as though she’d been abandoned in a mud pit for months (I had brushed her the day before). She was also in her grazing muzzle, so she probably looked sulky as well. Saus was directly next to the fence at this point.

A bloke in a blue car pulled up, got out and said hi to Saus, I was unconcerned at this point because people locally sometimes like to pop by and say hi to the horses. However, this man took a photo of Saus’s muddy side with her muzzle on, (nothing else, as far as I saw). I started walking over to explain that no, she’s not neglected. I think the man then grabbed her muzzle because Saus stressed and bolted off, causing Cob to bolt as well. I started jogging over before the man did anything more stupid. The man saw me at this point, and hurriedly got into his car and drove off.

I didn’t get the impression that he was a horse thief casing the joint or anything. His car was a blue family-type car, not a 4x4 or anything that would’ve worried me. He was a relatively young-looking man from a distance, wearing a green hoodie (hood wasn’t up) or jumper. Blue jeans.

I just thought I’d double check with the hivemind anyway, just to be on the safe side.

 

[HaplessHorse]

This has also reminded me to see about getting my girls freezemarked, if it’s possible.

Does anyone have any recommendations/suggestions for freeze marking?

 

[littleshetland]

Possibly he has no knowledge of horse care/management, and thought the muzzle was some sort of cruel device…?

 

[Jenko109]

I wouldnt lose sleep over it.

 

[Pedantic]

Non horsey don't understand how horses love being muddy, and muzzles needed to avoid weight/health problems, but its better that people are concerned about animals welfare rather than not, as long as they don't come into the field and interfere and put themselves in danger, I wouldn't worry.

 

[Lady Jane]

I think he sounds like a non-horsey do gooder taking the muzzle of because its "cruel"

 

[Babypony]

Non horsey people can be a pita when they get all evangelical about welfare and have no idea what they’re talking about. I had to move from my last rented field because a group of villagers threatened to call the rspca because I didn’t have stables (for four native ponies).

I would suggest getting a camera set up if you haven’t already, and point it towards the road. The one I have is motion sensitive and will record and notify my phone if it senses movement. These people can be nuts and it’s worth keeping an eye on things.

 

[4Hoofed]

Personally I’d get a camera, if possible and also maybe pop a sign up? Hopefully the uninitiated may become slightly more initiated.

Something along the lines of “Horses are friendly/look but don’t touch/to your preference.

These horses are on special diet and may have a grazing muzzle on under veterinary advice! Please don’t remove.

In event of emergency contact number..”

 

[Widgeon]

Possibly he has no knowledge of horse care/management, and thought the muzzle was some sort of cruel device…?

Yep, almost certainly a well intentioned but ignorant plonker. I would keep an eye to avoid any trouble but not worry too much.

 

[SEL]

I had to pop a sign up when my field was next to an air bnb - people were forever taking the fly mask/ muzzle combo off. She does look like Darth Vader in it so I think they though I was mean.