Healthy Horses doing nothing??

If mainly no's then its an RSPCA/WHW case as not being ridden is the absolute least of their problems, not something to casually discuss on the internet, if you are really concerned for their welfare. However I strongly suspect you are wrong and just substantiating your narrow minded views.
 
fleabittengrey said:
If mainly no's then its an RSPCA/WHW case as not being ridden is the absolute least of their problems, not something to casually discuss on the internet, if you are really concerned for their welfare. However I strongly suspect you are wrong and just substantiating your narrow minded views.
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Beleive what you will dear, not remotely fussed what people think either way.
 
If the answer is no then they are being neglected and whether or not they are being ridden is still irrelevant! Don't turn a blind eye, do something about it!
 
Roast_Spud said:
Questions:
Are they in good health?
Do they see the vet / farrier etc if and when they need to?
Are they fed a diet that meets their nutritional needs?
Do they have free access to clean water?
Do they have shelter of some kind from the rain and wind?
Do they have rugs if they need them?
Are they happy?

If you can answer yes to all of the above, they are very lucky horses, much luckier than many horses in the world and in this country, and whether or not they are ridden is entirely irrelevant.
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This. 100% this.

My pony isn't ridden. My health prevents me from riding so not much point my buying a ridden horse (bar the odd pootle round the school!) and I bought my little guy on a whim, mainly because I felt sorry for him. I must also add he's only 11.2hh so not even a possibility of riding him ;)

He's perfectly happy stood munching away in a field. Yes I do groundwork/lunging with him now and then, and did start a bit of longlining in the summer, but he's not really bothered either way!

As long he's he's happy, healthy and has everything he needs, I'm happy too :)
 
Every horse I've ever had has enjoyed being ridden and has become noticeably flat if out of work. With the recent bad weather they've hardly had tack on at all, but when they have, the difference in them is marked. They are out in huge fields running with a herd and yet, they are so much brighter when ridden.
Couple of years ago due to health issues that meant I might never walk again, I sold two of my horses just because I thought it was not in their best interests to become ornaments.
Prior to that I had to bring back into work a semi retired eventer and take him out and about to local comps as he became depressed and lethargic doing nothing in the field. He absolutely loves his job, he's good at it and he knows it.
 
havent read replies only OP but can I say I have 2 healthy horses - ok baby is limited to work cause of eyes - and yep I rarely ride but I love being around them spending time with them and having them in my life. They go out everyday regardless of weather and are loved and cared for. Yes its exspensive hobby but riding is not be all to me - its being with them,laughing at thier antics - I actually enjoy working them from ground then riding and always have - mmmmmmm maybe thats why i got all the babies when I worked with them lol
 
sorry i have now read many of the replies and wow some are so judgemental. So people dont ride thier horses but care love and spend time with them - does it mateer if horse is being ridden if they are going out in field. Not everyone wants to ride - it is the pure pleasure of having their beautiful horses in thoer lives that matters. My baby is healthy happy and fit but her sight is going - do I put her to sleep now when she is happy but cant be ridden? give most horses a choice - be ridden or play in the field with youre mates ? what would thier answer be. Horses needing jobs ? no horses need to be horses . I for one really dont care that I hardly ride - my horses want for nothing are loved cared for and time - quality time - is spent with them
 
jesstickle said:
Why is it a shame though? Not trying to fight. Just wondering why you think that.
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Don't worry I won't fight :-)
I just think it is a shame to have a horse and only seeing him few times a month, having him exercised every day by the grooms/mucked out etc...
The people I know only go there sometimes at the weekend, their horse is already ready for them to ride, so they ride -hack or lesson- put them back in the stable -job done-
They don't really have a relationship with their horses so why not just not have a horse and only have lessons or go hacking with a horse from the riding school. Would be a lot cheaper? But I guess when you have the money (again this does not apply to everyone who has money! Don't want people fighting!;-)) you can afford a full livery at £170 per week for riding only 2 or 3 times a month?

This is why I think it is a shame to have a horse and not to go and see him at least few times a week! :-)
Also, I don't have anything against people not wanting to ride their horse and only interested in fussing them/doing ground work etc instead, but the people I'm talking about don't even do that!!!
 
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Noel Sous La Neige said:
Don't worry I won't fight :-)
I just think it is a shame to have a horse and only seeing him few times a month, having him exercised every day by the grooms/mucked out etc...
The people I know only go there sometimes at the weekend, their horse is already ready for them to ride, so they ride -hack or lesson- put them back in the stable -job done-
They don't really have a relationship with their horses so why not just not have a horse and only have lessons or go hacking with a horse from the riding school. Would be a lot cheaper? But I guess when you have the money (again this does not apply to everyone who has money! Don't want people fighting!;-)) you can afford a full livery at £170 per week for riding only 2 or 3 times a month?

This is why I think it is a shame to have a horse and not to go and see him at least few times a week! :-)
Also, I don't have anything against people not wanting to ride their horse and only interested in fussing them/doing ground work etc instead, but the people I'm talking about don't even do that!!!
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I suppose it is a shame for the owner that they don't take advantage of the lovely relationship with their horse that they could. I'm sure the horse gets a nice relationship with whoever looks after it on livery though :D I wouldn't want my horse to like someone more than me but I suppose people like that don't care because as you say, they're just a status symbol
 
I thnk thats a little rash to demean their horses to just that of a "status symbol", I know people who have horses on full livery and don't love them any less than you love yours, but they are struggling to work miles from home, often abroad, drive kids to school, etc and just cannot feasibly keep their much loved horses on DIY and so do the best for them in all possible circumstances. People's lives and circumstances change, at least they are providing the best for their horse.
 
I think for the most part its a time issue, i love ,my horse to bits and spend alot of time with her- she is so pampered! but i do worry about the lack of time i will have to spend with her next year when i will have to travel long distance to do my PGD......
 
fleabittengrey said:
I thnk thats a little rash to demean their horses to just that of a "status symbol", I know people who have horses on full livery and don't love them any less than you love yours, but they are struggling to work miles from home, often abroad, drive kids to school, etc and just cannot feasibly keep their much loved horses on DIY and so do the best for them in all possible circumstances. People's lives and circumstances change, at least they are providing the best for their horse.
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I can't say anything tonight can I? It all seems to come out wrong!
 
rudolph bum13 said:
If a horse is happy and healthy is it such a major problem? There are far worse things that can happen to a horse.

As for having a "job to do" I doubt many horses dream of galloping around Badminton just like young, horse mad girls do.
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agree with this...why do horses need to be ridden? it's not cruel not to ride them..it's more cruel to ride them I believe....riding isn't essential for a horses wellbeing....I havent ridden for a year..my boy has had a lovely 'holiday' and he is healthy, young and perfectly capable.
 
If you think its cruel to rie why have a horse at all?? not being rude just generally interested, i come from a background where all horses have a purpose and if they do not fit that purpose they are sold on. does not mean i love my neds any less
 
stroppy said:
If you think its cruel to rie why have a horse at all?? not being rude just generally interested, i come from a background where all horses have a purpose and if they do not fit that purpose they are sold on. does not mean i love my neds any less
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for the same reason you would have a dog, cat, goat, donkey, goldfish etc etc for the pure joy....I ride but horse has had a break for different various personal reasons.
 
Along the same lines but i've noticed that some people don't seem to groom anymore and just tack up jump on and go. I use grooming as a bonding time as well as making him feel better, cleaner, massaged etc, doesn't seem that some people are as close to their horse as they could be.
 
all horses have a purpose? - yep some work and do well some just are loved cared for and do not come to harm not being ridden - i rarely get annoyed at threads as often i just laugh but this one does as its basically saying if you dont ride your horses they are suffering - mmmm whilst some horses love work - and both big lad and baby love it when they are by my daughter - most are just chilled going out in field with mates - so tomorow after i walk 7 miles in snow i will turn mine out and say have fun - beds will be fluffy and warm thier water and feed and hay will be there and they will be groomed snuffled and chatted to - not bad life hey
 
Is it just me or are posts like this annoying.
We all think we know best for our horses.Mine is enjoying a winter off because i wanted to have the winter off. I will ride him again when i feel like it. He is perfectly well behaved ridden but seems happy enough being covered in mud in the field all winter. I just dont see why anyone else would be interested in what my horse is doing unless of course he is being neglected or ill treated.
 
i try to ride my horse every day if not every second day but i do have some weeks where i am so busy with work he wont be ridden for a week or two. he doesnt seem to mind either way - if anything he perfers not to be ridden as if i take him to the tie up area where i tack him up he stops and planks his feet and refuses to move when he relises we r going in that general direction but if i turn him away from the area he is bright as a button with a spring in his step.

if the horse is healthy, happy and doesnt seem to b the type that wants to b ridden every day then i dont see a problem.
if someone wants a horse as a companion and friend then there is nothing wrong with that.

i have a dog that is a pet and not a working animal (sheep dog, gun dog etc) so is that a shame on them too?

as long as they are well cared for we cant complain or judge
 
luckyoldme said:
Is it just me or are posts like this annoying.
We all think we know best for our horses.Mine is enjoying a winter off because i wanted to have the winter off. I will ride him again when i feel like it. He is perfectly well behaved ridden but seems happy enough being covered in mud in the field all winter. I just dont see why anyone else would be interested in what my horse is doing unless of course he is being neglected or ill treated.
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what they said
 
My horses are currently wintering out in a herd in a field away from any yard facilities. We have grass, a watertrough, and some tall trees for shelter!. But what we dont do in the winter, I will make up for in the summer when conditions allow!!.

The lane parallel to the field is ungritted and resembles an ice rink, so the ponies stay put and are fed and fussed in the field. The idea of riding or leading the youngster out on that would be like a slippery pantomime performance and im sure the horses would find it most entertaining watching me with my lack of ability to stay upright on ice (and that's when im sober!).

I belive that as long as you visit ( grass livery DIYers) your horse everyday, give it a feed/carrot whatever, and a quick check over, flick of a brush (if theyre dry!) pick out the feet, quick hug etc, then at least you are keeping some routine going and letting them know that you are still there even though they are not being ridden at the moment.

I do agree that there is far more to horses than riding,especially when keeping horses out. After feeding them, you can take a stroll around the field, watch their herd antics, learn about their behaviour, who their friends are etc, and spot the odd buzzard, pheasant or fox if you're lucky.

However, I am very aware that it depends how important riding is to you. I can understand those who need to keep a level of fitness with their horse to compete/hunt etc and it must be fustrating with the weather conditions of late if you have no way of exercising, or hunt meets have been cancelled. But to some horse owners, the riding part of horsemanship is not so important.
 
Pheasant's and foxes are ten a penny round this way, don't have to be lucky to see them at all,
My mare is called Stroppling's Tempest, shortend to Stroppy.
 
Hels_Bells said:
I have to say, I think it's good for a horse to have a "job" if it's fit and well to do so. Whether it's doing groundwork with owner, hacking or competition, hunting etc. Just like it is important for a dog to have a job/go for regular walks etc, which they see as an essential activity - i.e. a job. I do think that horses with a job of some sort are happier just like people without a job or purpose often get depressed.
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too true ^

imo horses are too expensive too keep as pets

but each to their own....
 
All this worry over what other people's horses are doing! I don't consider letting a horse be a pasture ornament to be either cruelty or neglect. Therefore, I don't consider it my business. I would hope that what I'm doing with my horse is not so closely monitored but I suppose it is. There is always going to be someone who feels they've got it right and anyone who does differently is wrong.
 
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