Farmer reseeding, and bird scarers

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

I'd lost track of the years, but it looks like our next door farmer is reseeding his silage field this year (he ploughed it in the autumn, and he's out spraying it just now). And obviously he needs to run his bird scares dawn-dusk until the seed takes.

I have no idea how the pony will take to this! The same farmer does have a shoot every week through the winter, and while that doesn't outwardly "scare" her (she doesn't run around, or sweat up, or tremble or anything) she will stand like a statue watching them and listening out for them all day, and she won't eat, so she is obviously stressed to a degree.

What would you do?! Just hope that she gets over it the same as all the cattle and sheep do? Is it realistic that I might find a short term livery for her, and might that stress her out even more? She's not been more than about 2 miles from home in the 18 months I've had her.

Does anyone know off the top of their head how many weeks these bird scarers go on for? It's been a few years, and I can't remember. (and yes, I *could* just ask the farmer if a) I weren't terrified of him, and b) I weren't completely socially inept ??)

 

[canteron]

The farmer next door to us is very keen on bird scareres - the horses do get used to it quite quickly - I on the other time jump every time!!
There are guidelines on their use - if you google - for example I think they should be moved weekly, only go off so many times an hour and within specific times.
Tbh can’t see the point of them, I think the pigeons and deer quickly recognise them and ignore them - I think they are a little bit cleverer than the farmer who has yet to read the guidelines ? those bird kites are much more effective!

 

[Leandy]

And obviously he needs to run his bird scares dawn-dusk until the seed takes.

Do you know he is going to do this? I've seen many fields reseeded without use of bird scarers so maybe you are worrying unnecessarily? I hope you are overthinking it but you will just have to wait and see won't you? I mean I wouldn't be moving my pony in advance in anticipation that there might be a problem. I'd only consider what to do if the problem actually emerged.

 

[Tiddlypom]

IME the neds get used to bird scarers going off near to where they live very quickly, though I wouldn't want to go by one out hacking.

I, on the other hand, jump out of my skin every time the darn things go off regardless .

ETA By far the worst bird scarer, though, was silent. It was a giant pink inflatable man which pumped up every half hour or so and waved about in the wind. Think it had to be silent as it was by a footpath. That terrified the steadiest of horses.

 

[Red-1]

The bird scarers have just started round here too. I used to time my ride by one that would go off in the hedge next to the bridle way!

However, as a rule they do get used to them. It can even be an advantage: one year at an event the neighbour had one going off in a field not far from the collecting ring and it caused carnage for some horses. I can only presume the neighbour didn't like horses, LOL. Mine, however, was a bit bemused at the antics of the others as we have so many round us.

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

Thanks guys, you've all been very reassuring. This farmer definitely does use them (I often have a small baby at this time of year, cue much muttering and cursing on my behalf!)

I'll leave her be then, and call it part of her "education" ??

 

[sport horse]

I have horses and I am surrounded by arable fields. The horses take no notice of the bird scarers when in their paddocks/stables - we are just a tad careful if one is sited near a bridleway - wait for it to go off then trot/canter past quickly!

 

[PeterNatt]

Please look at this link:
https://www.nfuonline.com/assets/4662

 

[JesterandPatch]

The local farmer here has just ploughed his fields in readiness for his maize seed, he uses bird scarers, doesn't bother the ponies out in the Paddock but when you're hacking it can make them jump, someone on here before suggested acoustic ears to muffle the sound, to be honest I think I jump more than the pony does

 

[Widgeon]

I think they are a little bit cleverer than the farmer who has yet to read the guidelines ? those bird kites are much more effective!

Haha, this did make me laugh! We have them all around us and the horses are bomb proofed to them now (unless they're *right* by the lane, which they usually aren't). I agree with the other posters who say that they startle the rider more than the horse.

Also, they tend to be set to go off every hour so if you make a note of the timings, you'll know whether to hurry up or dawdle so you don't end up right next to one when it goes off. Unless your horse is really very distressed I'd look at it as bombproofing training.

 

[Widgeon]

ETA By far the worst bird scarer, though, was silent. It was a giant pink inflatable man which pumped up every half hour or so and waved about in the wind. Think it had to be silent as it was by a footpath. That terrified the steadiest of horses.

 

[Hallo2012]

i have them in the field next to me so sometimes about 30-40m from my arena......they get used to them SO quickly and now they dont even jump......just me!

 

[scruffyponies]

They seem to scare humans mostly, crows very little and horses almost not at all.
Have literally almost ridden into one as it went off (didn't see it in long grass). Pony seemed less concerned than by, say, a pheasant feeder, which sits there quietly.