Help! Dog Walkers claim my mare has attacked them!!

[Toraylac]

Please can anyone help or advise me. A week ago the Clerk of our Parish council whose field I rent, informed that she had had complaints from a couple of dog walkers claiming that my mare had attacked them! (She is very supportive)They claim she was bucking and rearing and they were very frightened by her actions. The dog had not been on the lead on a previous occasion when she behaved like this so this time the dog was on a lead. I believe that my mare who is only 5 has been frightened by dogs crossing the footpath over the field quite recently, hence her behaviour. I despair of asking people to control their dogs - they just ignore me. Today our local rag has a letter from the dog walker warning people about my dangerous horses. What can I do? Nobody has ever approached me about this and as the horses are at home, they can't claim they don't know who owns them!

 

[Andalucian]

Blimey, I'm interested in the replies on this, my yearling has been accused of this behaviour as well.

 

[RuthnMeg]

Bucking and rearing is hardly attacking anyone! The non horsey people are not great at understanding horse behaviour. If I would you, I'd put up a notice on the gate or by the footpath saying, ''beware of the young horse''. Then while you have that up, go and see the council or CAB for further information on where you stand.

 

[Toraylac]

We did have signs up and they were torn down!

 

[ThePony]

Sounds like you are having a right mare (unintended pun, sorry!).

Does a public footpath run through your mares field? If so, then can you elec fence (with appropriate signage) the path to keep her off it so that any dog walkers and your mare need not meet. If there is no public footpath then those who are scared of your mare should just stay away from her! I can't imagine many horses would make a bee line for a walker and their dog so that they could jump around and scare them!

I really do dispair at thoughtless dog walkers, it is only a matter of time before my mare flattens one of their dogs. She is scared of dogs, but suprisingly tolerant of them bouncing and barking around her legs (I just try and keep her walking along so as not to make a big deal out of the encounter), while the bloody owner mumbles something along the lines of 'oh but he usually leaves horses alone'. I usualy smile and say 'I'm afraid she is rather scared of dogs, she may kick out at him' - well, I may as well declare 'I farm and eat small children' given the evil looks I get!!! I avoid the dogs, control my horse, and give a polite warning if a dog won't be called off. What on earth do they want me to do?!

 

[riding_high]

why don't you write into the local paper yourself and explain that your horse wasn't' trying to attack them but playing and (if it's not a public footpath) they should stay out. also point out that dogs should be kept under control and maybe say that you have seen dogs chase your horse?
it's obvious the person who has complained reads the paper so he would see your response and maybe understand a bit better.

 

[Toraylac]

Yes I have a footpath that bisects the field. I am looking at electric fencing the path on both sides but this doesn't stop the dam dogs running in to the field. I have even had loose dogs run in to our school when we riding our mare. The owner couldn't understand why I lost my rag!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Toraylac]

why don't you write into the local paper yourself and explain that your horse wasn't' trying to attack them but playing and (if it's not a public footpath) they should stay out. also point out that dogs should be kept under control and maybe say that you have seen dogs chase your horse?
it's obvious the person who has complained reads the paper so he would see your response and maybe understand a bit better.

Yes I will probably do this

 

[ThePony]

Yes I have a footpath that bisects the field. I am looking at electric fencing the path on both sides but this doesn't stop the dam dogs running in to the field. I have even had loose dogs run in to our school when we riding our mare. The owner couldn't understand why I lost my rag!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow, I would be livid.
Perhaps then along with fencing to at least stop people straying, you could put up poultry elec fence along the bottom strand to keep dogs on the path, or string it up with more strands right down to the ground?

not cheap, but something like this perhaps? http://www.farmcareuk.com/shop/product/-poultry-kits/poultry-net-50m-in-green

would also follow up the recent letter with a letter from yourself to the paper.

 

[Bug2007]

I'd fence the footpath off and if dogs still run in the field and they get injured then that is there fault as dogs should always be on a lead while going through livestock. Put up a sign to that effect saying all dogs must be kept on a lead.

 

[Natch]

I have no evidence to back this up, but I was told that unless the horse is a stallion or its a bull or heffer with calf at foot then the risk from livestock to someone using a footpath in a field is entirely on the walker's head. Be interesting to have this confirmed or denied.

I think the ramblers associations get nitsy when you tape off a strip for them to walk on, and I'm not entirely sure its fully legal - although again, this is mainly hearsay with some info from bridleways associations. Why not try contacting a local ramblers group and just explain what has alledgedgy happened, and ask them for their advice as to best solution, given that moving the mare isn't an option. I'd also ring the BHS's legal helpline which is A+. Its free for BHS gold members.

 

[Spring Feather]

There's nothing you can do about people who let their dogs run loose in your field apart from asking them to keep them on leads, however you should probably fence off the public footpath so that people are not at risk of your horse kicking or chasing them when they do have their dogs on leads. I had a field with a public footpath running through it and I stock fenced it so that dogs couldn't get into the field and it was wide enough so that if any nosy horses went over then the people were a safe distance away to not get hurt. People do have a right to walk safely on a public footpath but if they do not keep control over their dogs then that is not your responsibility if you have fenced the footpath off.

 

[AmyMay]

Horses will often 'play' like this when dogs enter their field.

Dog walkers are going to have to ensure they stick to the boundry of the fields - and I would ask the Parish Council to advise them not to cross the open field with any livestock in it. The dogs must also be under control - so on the lead at all times.

You will need to check the regulations regarding electric fencing - as I don't believe it is permissible.........

 

[Spring Feather]

I have no evidence to back this up, but I was told that unless the horse is a stallion or its a bull or heffer with calf at foot then the risk from livestock to someone using a footpath in a field is entirely on the walker's head. Be interesting to have this confirmed or denied.

No that's not the case. A person is always top priority and if they were to be injured or killed the owner of the animals will definitely be prosecuted.

I think the ramblers associations get nitsy when you tape off a strip for them to walk on, and I'm not entirely sure its fully legal - although again, this is mainly hearsay with some info from bridleways associations. Why not try contacting a local ramblers group and just explain what has alledgedgy happened, and ask them for their advice as to best solution, given that moving the mare isn't an option. I'd also ring the BHS's legal helpline which is A+. Its free for BHS gold members.

I don't know the stance of the ramblers association however when I had the footpath running through my field I checked the local bylaws and spoke to council people and at that time electric fencing was allowed providing it was signed correctly and the measurements of the strip followed guidelines. The OP should go to her local council offices and ask what the regulations are nowadays.

 

[PennyJ]

Well having been poo picking in the field this morning with my 3 1/2 year old heavily pregnant filly, who was doing exactly the same thing to me and my spaniel, I would have said she wanted to play. My dog found it a bit scary though...

I think "attack" is a bit dramatic. You make no mention of anyone being hurt, so how was it an attack? Sounds more like a curious youngster to me.

Good luck anyway. Some dog walkers can be a damn nuisance, certainly with all my worst horsey moments, there is a bloody dog walker as the root cause of the problem...

 

[Toraylac]

wow, I would be livid.
Perhaps then along with fencing to at least stop people straying, you could put up poultry elec fence along the bottom strand to keep dogs on the path, or string it up with more strands right down to the ground?

not cheap, but something like this perhaps? http://www.farmcareuk.com/shop/product/-poultry-kits/poultry-net-50m-in-green

would also follow up the recent letter with a letter from yourself to the paper.

What a brilliant idea - never thought of poultry netting.

 

[Trakehner]

The path is muddy too! I bet they got their Wellies wet and icky! And manure...that's disgusting too, especially when Fluffy eats a big turd or two...got to pick up the manure, it's just too horrid.

Don't forget the sliver they got when tearing your fence apart, hassle-hassle-hassle...so time off work to go to the doctors should be paid.

The grass was also wet and slippery, they could have fallen! All those nasty branches in the trees too! Just waiting to fall on the "tresspassers" demanding you make them happy.

Hmmm, maybe you should have a money dispenser for when people wander by...that would probably make them a bit happier with all the suffering you put them through.

Now where to buy the horse-nappies to hide your mare's privates...it's just too upsetting, all that animal nudity...oh, the children!!!

 

[ISHmad]

I'd fence the footpath off and if dogs still run in the field and they get injured then that is there fault as dogs should always be on a lead while going through livestock. Put up a sign to that effect saying all dogs must be kept on a lead.

^^^ This is what I would do.

 

[Toraylac]

Well having been poo picking in the field this morning with my 3 1/2 year old heavily pregnant filly, who was doing exactly the same thing to me and my spaniel, I would have said she wanted to play. My dog found it a bit scary though...

I think "attack" is a bit dramatic. You make no mention of anyone being hurt, so how was it an attack? Sounds more like a curious youngster to me.

Good luck anyway. Some dog walkers can be a damn nuisance, certainly with all my worst horsey moments, there is a bloody dog walker as the root cause of the problem...

No nobody was hurt and the mare in question is the soppiest thing you can imagine. I know it was just high spirits but the woman who wrote the letter is canvassing for other people to complain to the Parish Council

 

[pillion]

okay........

firstly a dog owner is resposible for their dog!!

you need to fence off the footpath with electirc/or some kind of fencing, clearly marked electric, you then need to put a few notices up saying that dogs should be kept on a lead at all times, you can not restict their access but they do have a duty of care, as dogs are not alowed to 'worry' livestock (including horses)

If you ensure your mare is safe from them, then likewise they have a resposibility to ensure their dog is safe (so its 50/50)!

you can not educate everyone about all things, and I would not bother trying to explain your mares behaviour

 

[Toraylac]

The path is muddy too! I bet they got their Wellies wet and icky! And manure...that's disgusting too, especially when Fluffy eats a big turd or two...got to pick up the manure, it's just too horrid.

Don't forget the sliver they got when tearing your fence apart, hassle-hassle-hassle...so time off work to go to the doctors should be paid.

The grass was also wet and slippery, they could have fallen! All those nasty branches in the trees too! Just waiting to fall on the "tresspassers" demanding you make them happy.

Hmmm, maybe you should have a money dispenser for when people wander by...that would probably make them a bit happier with all the suffering you put them through.

Now where to buy the horse-nappies to hide your mare's privates...it's just too upsetting, all that animal nudity...oh, the children!!!

At last something has made me smile. Actually last year we did have complaints about the mud and trees!!!!!! We have spent loads of money tidying up a field that had been neglected for over 20 yrs, cut back blackthorn and trees overhanging the footpath, repaired a stile, stopped feeding hay by the footpath as it was untidy, repaired fencing and actually saved the Parish Council money, but still we are the villains!

 

[flyingfeet]

As the above - electric fence in the walkers, so they are 'protected' (also stop the b*ggers from wandering off)

Then write to the parish council and inform them of your actions and advise that all walker keep dogs on leads for the safety of the dogs

Then hope your horse gets a rep and keeps walkers out !!

 

[Trakehner]

Personally, I couldn't care if my horse made their dog into pate'

If the horses are on my property, they live there, the happy ramblers and visitors had better not hassle/scare/bother/hurt/annoy/risk my beasts.

I had a mare who hated dogs (especially Corgis). She was attacked as a yearling and badly bitten. She loved cats...HATED dogs. I was at a show parked far from the crowds (more peaceful). An idiot woman walked her Corgi up, I warned her "keep him away from the horse, she'll kick him". "Oh, but Fluffy loves horses, she just wants to smell her" she whined. "Keep your bloody dog away from my mare!" I now yelled to no effect. Soon, I heard, "Whack!" followed by a "YIP!" with a quick, "Fluffy!" as her horrid dog was sent sailing away, fully kicked. Scratch one Corgi. The Steward came by, heard from everyone within 50 yards I'd warned her (I can be loud) and off she went to bury Fluffy.

My mare had a go at another Corgi a few months later...same twit type of owner, same idiot sniffing dog, same warning, same "Ooooo, Ahhhhh, look at the distance she got on that Corgi!" An amazing penalty kick. I've got two Corgi silhouttes painted on my mare's stall and horse box.

 

[Spyda]

Agree with all of the above but make sure you've good Public Liability cover too. Just in case one of those pesky walkers does let their dog get hurt. Personally, I wouldn't trust the law either way to protect you. Not in this day and age of Blame and Claim culture.

 

[pillion]

and to add................................

if you use pencil posts (wooden posts) driven into the ground with electric tape/string they are alot harder for people to remove (and easier to put notices on, laminated card nailed to the posts the best), I had this years ago when I rented a field beside a river and the local angling society used to own the river bank, the feckers used to stroll all over the place, but popped in some plastic posts, they would just pull them up but they never removed the wooden ones pmsl

oh!! and just because they have the right to access, they dont actualy have any other rights, they have to stick to the path, clear away all mess, shut gates and control their dogs

 

[touchstone]

I'm pretty sure that horses are classed as livestock in the case of dogs chasing them, and in such a case the dog's owner would be liable for prosecution if it had been chasing your horse.

My dad had two dogs that constantly chased his horses while the owners stood and watched fido 'having fun'. He warned them repeatedly and they ignored it and he ended up shooting one of the dogs (he had meant to fire a warning shot at it, but it ricotched off a rock and caught the doberman on the backside.) It was fine but sore poor thing.

The police were quite happy that he was within his rights and he has had no further problems with any dogs.

In your situation I'd tape off the footpath, and put up notices to keep dogs on a lead.

 

[pip6]

I used to hate those that threw frisbees for their dog in the field, & wondered why the horses reacted to excited dogs & a flying object. Electric fence (hooked up so they get a zap), those little warning signs on the fence, then another, sheep height strand to zap the dogs. Sign either end to say that both fences are electrified so it is the owners responsibility to control their dog. Normally the worry of danger/pain to poor pooches enough to make them do something.

 

[Toraylac]

Personally, I couldn't care if my horse made their dog into pate'
]
If they're on my property, they live there, the happy ramblers and visitors and better not hassle/scare/bother/hurt/annoy/risk my beasts.

I had a mare who hated dogs (especially Corgis). She was attacked as a yearling and badly bitten. She loved cats...HATED dogs. I was at a show parked far from the crowds (more peaceful). An idiot woman walked her Corgi up, I warned her "keep him away from the horse, she'll kick him". "Oh, but Fluffy loves horses, she just wants to smell her" she whined. "Keep your bloody dog away from my mare!" I now yelled to no effect. Soon, I heard, "Whack!" followed by a "YIP!" with a quick, "Fluffy!" as her horrid dog was sent sailing away, fully kicked. Scratch one Corgi. The Steward came by, heard from everyone within 50 yards I'd warned her (I can be loud) and off she went to bury Fluffy.

My mare had a go at another Corgi a few months later...same twit type of owner, same idiot sniffing dog, same warning, same "Ooooo, Ahhhhh, look at the distance she got on that Corgi!" An amazing penalty kick. I've got two Corgi silhouttes painted on my mare's stall.

OMG how this made me chuckle. Don't get me wrong I love dogs. In fact I breed, show and judge them all over the world, but I would never be so Bl***Y arrogant as to behave like the dog walkers round here.

 

[PollyP99]

We have taken on an 18month old filly and she does chase our dog who is very horse savvy and has yet to notice! She chases the dog and then if the dog turns she runs form it, its all a game, she also bucks etc. defo playing but I imagine could be intimidating.

The cheek of the woman that worte the letter though, some dog walker think they own the countryside! She probably wants you moved on and the when this filed is overgrown again she'll complain she's nowhere to walk the dog!

You cant win, just get advice and follow the law, dont give her any more room for manoevure.

 

[shadowboy]

I used to hate those that threw frisbees for their dog in the field, & wondered why the horses reacted to excited dogs & a flying object. Electric fence (hooked up so they get a zap), those little warning signs on the fence, then another, sheep height strand to zap the dogs. Sign either end to say that both fences are electrified so it is the owners responsibility to control their dog. Normally the worry of danger/pain to poor pooches enough to make them do something.

slightly different but new of a stud that had a footpath through their field- a dog walker allowed her GSD to play and it chased two of the pregnant mares- one lost her foal and dog owner was sued for the value of the lost foal- apparently close to £6000

They electric fenced field off and put warning signs that if any dogs stray under the fenceline they would be fined for any damage. Fencing must be 6 foot wide and have signes on stating it is electric fencing i think every 150 yards with those yellow signs!