Getting nervous bringing in and turning out :(

Millie82

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Does anyone else on here get nervous when bringing in or turning out and any tips? At the yard I am on I have to walk my horse through another field with a couple of horses in before getting to her field. I know I am over thinking the situation, but the possibilities of what could go wrong frankly then end up terrifying me. It scares me when they all come over and I have to lead her through. I spoke to one friend who said It was the same set up at her yard so she only goes up once they are all brought in, but I can't do that. I feel like I'm being silly but I can't seem to control how scared it is making me :(
 
i completely understand and think you have a good right to feel worried and unsafe, i dont ever feel its a good idea to be walking horses through fields with other loose horses in especially in the dark windy weather, is their no way you could fence a small runway off so you can get to your field without the other horses been able to each you?? or maybe make sure you take someone down with you when bringing in and putting out so they can keep the other horses away.. they may well all get along great with one another but they are animals at the end of the day and you wouldnt want to get caught in the middle!!
 
Defo set up a run way with electric fencing if you can.

If that is not possible, I would ensure I had a hat and gloves on, keep the horse on the inside of me and carry a whip in the outside hand to fend off unwanted attention.

The other thing you could do is put out a few handfuls of hay to distract the others, which may be an a right royal pita, but might make the situation safer.

Good luck x
 
This is a very dangerous thing to do. Can you speak to YO about electric fencing a walkway through the first field?

I had a VERY nasty incident when a 17hh WB came & attacked a pony that i was leading, he was rearing & kicking out at the pony, i managed to unclip pony before i dived over the fence, suffered a couple of broken fingers but lucky not to get badly hurt.

Get it sorted out asap.

Good luck.
 
I don't blame you feeling like that as it's extremely dangerous. I would talk to the YO about changing it somehow, if not I would seriously consider moving elsewhere, it's not worth risking your life.
 
We had a problem with a bridlepath that ran through a massive field with horses in it. Those horses were a massive problem for riders and walkers alike. A few people complained and the landowner refused to do anything initially but had a sudden change of heart and fenced it off.

You are right to be concerned and I would ask the YO to either fence off a walk way, move you or you move to another yard.

It is not safe to do this.

I was also asked to do this at one livery yard and ended up getting another pony so I could be in a different field and not have to do this. Somewhat drastic solution but shows you are not the only one who would be worried by this.
 
Speak to the yard owner. I have to lead my own horses through also my own horses so know them all like the back of my hand but it can still be a little tricky on occasion. My horses also all know each other well.
Its just not on having to lead past unknown horses. Don't worry about feeling silly. When I used to be at a livery yard I sometimes worried about making a fuss over something I wasn't happy about but every time I did speak up it was taken seriously and without any judgement.
Alternatively could your horse go in the first paddock maybe?
 
I will ask if she can go in the first field or if a groom can turnout and bring in even if I am there. I can't help my anxiety, I just don't feel safe :(
 
I know how you feel!
At my last yard I had to do this with my tb- as soon as another horse got close to him he started kicking off, it resulted in me one day being squashed up against the metal gate post and badly bruised ribs. When I asked if there was any possibility we could work something out where I didn't have to walk my gelding through a field of mates, I was told I shouldn't have a horse if I'm scared of it....

I was gone a few weeks later!
I wasn't prepared to put myself in danger or pay a huge vets bill!
 
I don't balme you for feeling anxious about the situation. Horses are strong animals and even small ponies can be rather bulshy. (Trust me, I know from experience!) Like a lot of people have said, a walkway is a great idea as it will stop other horses coming right up to you. I don't know if there is any option of moving gates around so you can go straight out onto a path or even only have to walk through a quieter bunch. If none of these are an option, then I would consider moving yards or asking to move your horse to a different paddock, but for the time being just keep yourself and your horse safe with a hat, gloves and maybe a whip. Also - don't let the horses know you are anxious as they will pick up on it and take advantage!

All the best, Epona
 
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