Halter on in Paddock

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CanadianGirl

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Yesterday when I got to my barn my horse was out in her paddock with her halter on. I took it off her and hung it in the barn with her rope. Today when I got there, she's out again in her halter and there's a snippy note from the barn owner saying that she leaves her halter on so that she doesn't have to step in the muck (underlined to add emphasis). In reality the barn owner would only have to take 2 or 3 more steps in the muck than she had already taken. I'm on self-board (DIY Livery).

I grew up reading Western Horseman magazine which ran an ad in every issue with a picture of a dead horse that got it's halter caught in a fence. It made a huge impression on me and I've NEVER left my horse out with one on. I know that there are breakaway style halters, but the one that I am using is not a breakaway model. I wrote back saying that it really worried me to leave her out all day with her halter on especially since there are a couple of broken boards in her paddock. I know that what I wrote is going to piss her off, but it really does concern me. Am I over-reacting and being unreasonable? What would you do?
 
No, you're not being unreasonable. I wouldn't turn a horse out with a headcollar on unless I had to, keeping mud off my feet would certainly not count as a reason.
 
I never leave headcollars on. Ever. I saw a picture of a horse that had scratched it's head with a back hoof, got it's foot caught, and fell over, breaking a leg.

Also heard about 2 horses turned out together with headcollars on, playing together, they reared up to "box" at each other, and one got a front leg caught in the other's headcollar. One broken leg, one broken neck :(

Just not worth the risk in my opinion. But then mine are all good to catch, I can appreciate why some people need to leave them on...
 
I personally dont think you are over reacting but then I never leave a headcollar on and only would if it was leather.

My mare once got her headcollar stuck in a gate and ended up with stitches in her lip and face and had several scrapes. Since then I have also been paranoid about leaving them on. I dont even leave it on in the stable unless I am there as I know of a horse who hung himself.
 
I would be extremely p****ed if someone/ even yard owner left a head collar on mine, ESPECIALLY without consent, especially as they're good to catch.

For the sake of not wanting to step in muck, is no excuse for leaving in on, IMO.
 
Never ever leave a non-breakable headcollar on.

When I was young and foolish I did this to my beloved arab.

Nineteen years later and he still bears the scars down his back legs.

He caught the headcollar on a gate and, well I don't want to say anymore. It's too painful to think about. I am still mad at myself over it.

You have given a written notice to your YO about your preferences with regards to your horse wearing a headcollar in the paddock. If you remove it and she puts it back on - she will have to admit liability and the financial costs in the event of an accident and ensuing vet's bill.
 
If your BO is that neurotic, then it may be useful getting a cheap leather one for turnout so that if it does get caught on something, then at least it will break.
I have a Green Guard grazing muzzle on the Welshie as he is too fat but couldn't see the point of forking out for the Green Guard brand halter to attach it to so just bought an old 2nd hand leather halter so that it will break if it gets caught on something.
 
I don't believe your over reacting at all, personally it's your choice. The YO is just being lazy.

Now that you've made your opinion known, see what they say, but I'd suggest as a few already have, to buy a leather headcoller for turn out. At least leather ones break, and it may give you some piece of mind should the YO insist on wearing a headcoller.
 
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