CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
Shot gun instead of wip! not for the dogs but for the dog owners lol
Horses bolting from being chased by dogs
- Thread starter Devonshire dumpling
- Start date
Marydoll
Well-Known Member
SpruceRI
Well-Known Member
My horse is great with dogs...and my dog is great with horses.
This is not an accident, this is effort on my part to make sure they are that way. Unfortunately most non-horsey people don't have the opportunity to train 'horse interactions'. And why should they? So it's therefore the horse-riders responsibility to train their horse to be good around dogsisn't it
I don't have a dog so this isn't possible.
My yard owners now do have dogs, but only recently. Both my ponies have had some horrible experiences with dogs and it would now be too dangerous to try to mix them.
Shutterbug
Well-Known Member
My horse is great with dogs...and my dog is great with horses.
This is not an accident, this is effort on my part to make sure they are that way. Unfortunately most non-horsey people don't have the opportunity to train 'horse interactions'. And why should they? So it's therefore the horse-riders responsibility to train their horse to be good around dogs
A dog owner can come across many many distractions for a dog so the training for recall should work regardless of it being a horse or a sheep or cow - dog owners rarely have the opportunity to train for "cow" or "sheep" interactions either. Its a lot more challenging for horse owners to train their animals not to be scared of something, especially where a previous nasty experience exists, although I do think they should do their best to try and expose horsey to as many different animals in the same way they would tractors and other horse eating machinary. I do still think the majority of the responsibility lies with the dog owner though - dogs are much more easily trained.
Ravenwood
Well-Known Member
DD was that on Saturday? I trotted through on a hogged bay and noticed a lady put a black lab on a lead - thanks if it was you
Actually we were hunting around there and through the woods most of Saturday before the fog got too bad.
Surprised you haven't seen horses there before though, theres plenty about
Actually we were hunting around there and through the woods most of Saturday before the fog got too bad.
Surprised you haven't seen horses there before though, theres plenty about
Foxhunter49
Well-Known Member
Many moons ago, at a PC regional Horse Trials, some hounds got loose from the kennels and one of my fellow team members was on the CC course.
For some reason these hounds, about 8 couple, decided to lock onto this pony and were in full cry after her.
The great thing was that the rider whizzed around the course, unable to stop, hounds and two whips, riding bareback and with only halters in the horses, following in full cry!
The announcer was calling out for her to pull up but she had lost all brakes! Only when she got through the finish and onlookers all helped to get the hounds under a semblance of control could she stop.
Best thing was that this rider never went clear CC but she did that day! LOL
Hounds were all youngsters that had managed to escape. They learned a hard lesson that day because they were well punished by the whips.
We have a lot of dogs (mostly rescues) so the horses get use to them from a very early age. (My GSD will be there with the mother of a new foal licking it. Mares know the dog is not going to harm the foal and do not mind) One tiny terrier will go into the loose barn stand in a feed bowl and not allow the youngsters to eat. The terrier does not come up to a yearling's fetlock.
The terriers will be ratting and race through the barn, horses take no notice. It is a great learning curve for them.
The riding horses all go hunting and accept that hounds running past them, crashing through undergrowth is just another extension of living with dogs.
Although the horses here are well use to intermingling with dogs I realise that not all horses are the same and that is why, if I am out with them and see horses coming, they are called back.
For some reason these hounds, about 8 couple, decided to lock onto this pony and were in full cry after her.
The great thing was that the rider whizzed around the course, unable to stop, hounds and two whips, riding bareback and with only halters in the horses, following in full cry!
The announcer was calling out for her to pull up but she had lost all brakes! Only when she got through the finish and onlookers all helped to get the hounds under a semblance of control could she stop.
Best thing was that this rider never went clear CC but she did that day! LOL
Hounds were all youngsters that had managed to escape. They learned a hard lesson that day because they were well punished by the whips.
We have a lot of dogs (mostly rescues) so the horses get use to them from a very early age. (My GSD will be there with the mother of a new foal licking it. Mares know the dog is not going to harm the foal and do not mind) One tiny terrier will go into the loose barn stand in a feed bowl and not allow the youngsters to eat. The terrier does not come up to a yearling's fetlock.
The terriers will be ratting and race through the barn, horses take no notice. It is a great learning curve for them.
The riding horses all go hunting and accept that hounds running past them, crashing through undergrowth is just another extension of living with dogs.
Although the horses here are well use to intermingling with dogs I realise that not all horses are the same and that is why, if I am out with them and see horses coming, they are called back.
applecart14
Well-Known Member
I think the same kind of scenario applies driving a car. What if you are driving your car down a lane where you never meet a soul, and you are speeding as you are late for an appointment and you drive round a blind bend? There are wet leaves on the road, you cannot stop your car in time.....
Its the same principle. In my view, you should be as prepared with a loose dog as you are with a car down a country lane. I know the two aren't really comparable but you understand what I am saying surely?
I've been faced with three 'attacks' on my horse whilst riding my horse over riding club grounds and two of the attacks happened on one occasion. Each time I reported it to the club secretary. Luckily for me the dog jumped up at my horses legs and body growling viciously but did not bite and my horse stood his ground as he trusted me. If he had bolted one or both of us would have been seriously injured as we were in the middle of a deep wood at the time. The owner had no control and the dog had no respect for the owner.
The argument is that you cannot walk animals that cannot be trusted loose if you know 100% that they will not give chase.
AmyMay
Situation normal
People get hysterical over loose dogs. Get a grip I say....
Pedantic
Well-Known Member
Up until recently I used to call at the dog training sessions at the local park on sat and or sun mornings while hacking, we would spend 5 to 10 mins there, this was at the request of the dog trainer and his wife, any dogs that kicked off he would sort out, this was good PC all round and good for the puppies, my pony isn't frightened of dogs and only kicks dogs that threaten him, other than that he is fine with dogs, so all worked well, did have a problem with a stupid stupid woman who couldn't hold her Rottie, there were always 2 there, hers and her fathers, she let hers go a few times as she wasn't strong enough to hold it apparently it bit the dog trainer and he banned them.
The dog training finished there just after xmas, as some headdick complained about the amount of dogs, it was all legit, local for people, council sanctioned and council received money, plus the trainer kept the area clear of dog mess and litter, even if it wasn't from his training sessions, so he said ***k it and moved somewhere else too far for me to hack, so rather a shame.
apparently it bit the dog trainer and he banned them.The dog training finished there just after xmas, as some headdick complained about the amount of dogs, it was all legit, local for people, council sanctioned and council received money, plus the trainer kept the area clear of dog mess and litter, even if it wasn't from his training sessions, so he said ***k it and moved somewhere else too far for me to hack, so rather a shame.
Ranyhyn
Well-Known Member
People get hysterical over loose dogs. Get a grip I say....
I have to say I do tend to agree.
I am a dog walker, who sometimes despite my dogs living with horses from 7 weeks old, if outside influences are right might well go after a horse.
I am a horse rider, who has been chased while riding. Both with intent and simple gay abandon
We have a farm, with a public footpath going through it. Quite often we see people with dogs off leads, which we do have a sign asking them not to do. However, it's their own fault if their dog strays too far and meets our Texel ram who we keep up there
it'll be a lesson learnt swiftly and painfully...for the dog. For people who are of the opinion dogs should be trained unequivocally, not to chase. Then by that measure horses should be trained not to spook.
However, we all know animals can and will continue to be a law unto themselves so trying to live with a little give and take and common sense should serve everyone well
bobreader
Well-Known Member
To many untrained dos and untrained owners, to many untrained horses and untrained riders. end of !
AmyMay
Situation normal
However, we all know animals can and will continue to be a law unto themselves so trying to live with a little give and take and common sense should serve everyone well
Brilliantly put.
I too have been chased, it soon stops when you turn the horse to face the dog.
And as for the gay abandon - I'll never forget cantering upsides the most beautiful Red Setter, who decided that running alongside a chestnut horse was the best thing ever. We cantered the half mile circular track in unison and then I delivered the dog back to his owner, who'd been thrilled with the sight - and took the most wonderful photo's. It was a magical moment.
NOISYGIRL
Well-Known Member
I was told once by a snapping JRT's owner to hurry up, it was snapping at my horses heels so I asked if he could call it away, he said hurry up ! to which I replied well if you don't want it on the moon I suggest you do !
I ride regurlary on a horse route (not bridle path) we get lots of dog walkers on the path, even though they have the rest of the forrestry to walk on they have to use the only path we are allowed to use.
I have a dog myself so am not against dogs, just that they be under some sort of control, my horse doesn't mind dogs and I've got to know the people who are rugulars and if their dogs are ok or not, sometimes it causes me more hassle to stop and wait for them to put them on a lead, if I know they are ok I will just say its fine and just let them walk past.
We had an incident only the other day where a dog had gone for a pony out on a hack, pony got scared and bolted home, rider came off, luckily was ok, owner of dog said and did nothing !!
Then you get what I call the holiday walkers, like over xmas where they've decided to go for a walk and have no control over the dog.
We had 2 huskies chase us once, owner put on lead, only to let it off again and one of them came hurtling back at us, was very annoyed, my horse escorted said dog back to owner and had a few words.
I ride regurlary on a horse route (not bridle path) we get lots of dog walkers on the path, even though they have the rest of the forrestry to walk on they have to use the only path we are allowed to use.
I have a dog myself so am not against dogs, just that they be under some sort of control, my horse doesn't mind dogs and I've got to know the people who are rugulars and if their dogs are ok or not, sometimes it causes me more hassle to stop and wait for them to put them on a lead, if I know they are ok I will just say its fine and just let them walk past.
We had an incident only the other day where a dog had gone for a pony out on a hack, pony got scared and bolted home, rider came off, luckily was ok, owner of dog said and did nothing !!
Then you get what I call the holiday walkers, like over xmas where they've decided to go for a walk and have no control over the dog.
We had 2 huskies chase us once, owner put on lead, only to let it off again and one of them came hurtling back at us, was very annoyed, my horse escorted said dog back to owner and had a few words.
Ranyhyn
Well-Known Member
NOISYGIRL
Well-Known Member
I would love to take my dog out riding with me, but for this very reason I don't as I don't believe she would listen no matter what and I can't have that when I'm on the back of a horse, had I had her from a puppy I think it would have been better, as we rehomed her she had no recall and we've been working on it and she is really good but I wouldn't be able to garauntee (sp) her to listen, she would love it I'm sure (ESP) never mind
Luci07
Well-Known Member
I see both sides as have dogs and horses. Mine are pretty horse proof and wary of horses back legs. Only one out of three of mine will come hacking as she is well behaved. Never ever put them to the test in a field with sheep though as wont risk it bit with cows, mine regard them as strange horses so stay close to me anyway.
I must just be lucky where we are - loads of dog walkers and they always catch up their dogs for us. Had a couple suddenly arrive out of nowhere but pretty good!
I must just be lucky where we are - loads of dog walkers and they always catch up their dogs for us. Had a couple suddenly arrive out of nowhere but pretty good!
NOISYGIRL
Well-Known Member
Not much lol, just mumbled something, so I said keep it on the lead or I will report him as I am a horse warden for the area, never saw them again
supaspot
Well-Known Member
I love dogs... I own three and they are treated like babies and spoilt rotten but Im totally against having dogs off the lead outside of their own garden , I know lots (yes LOTS) of people that have dead miniature horses because of being chased and attacked by dog/s , I breed minis and during foaling time we never go out at the same time , there must be one of us at home to watch over them as several dogs have come onto our land in the past , luckily for us we were there and no damage done
BHS_official
Well-Known Member
If you have had problems with dogs attacking, or chasing your horses, the British Horse Society want to know about it! Please report your experiences using the dedicated online form available at www.horseaccidents.org.uk. You will also find a whole host of useful safety advice on this site.
DoonBug500
Member
Our horses chase our dgs,not the other way round!!!!!!
But once some silly person let their little dog under the gate and the dog went mad and it chased the horses round and round the field because horses didn't know what small dogs were. we were going to ask the owner to keep her dog on a lead, but he didn't do it again.
But once some silly person let their little dog under the gate and the dog went mad and it chased the horses round and round the field because horses didn't know what small dogs were. we were going to ask the owner to keep her dog on a lead, but he didn't do it again.
Last edited:
fidleyspromise
Well-Known Member
My horse is great with dogs...and my dog is great with horses.
This is not an accident, this is effort on my part to make sure they are that way. Unfortunately most non-horsey people don't have the opportunity to train 'horse interactions'. And why should they? So it's therefore the horse-riders responsibility to train their horse to be good around dogs
This isn't just aimed at you, but are my thoughts in general.
What about horses that have had dogs attack them? My youngster was chased out of her field by a dog when she was young. I have no idea how she will be with dogs, as yard policy is "No dogs allowed". I will be aiming to take her to a quiet wood and taking my dog up to start integrating them and test her with dogs. Not all horsey-people have the opportunity to train "dog interactions".
My other horse on the other hand is good with dogs - to the extent I've had a couple bouncing and growling at her but I've managed to keep her steady. I also had a fab day on the beach where I went for a canter and a lurcher came alongside us, happy for a run and totally nonthreatening. When I stopped, it happily ran back to its owner.
I expect my horse to be good with dogs = yes. BUT this doesn't mean I'm happy for any dog to run up to us, chase us or be in any way threatening to us. WHY is it MY fault if my horse is behaving calmly, and a badly behaved, uncontrollable dog comes to us?
I don't mind dogs barking if they're on a lead and I will stand my pony and chat to an owner as the dog has never met a horse.
My dog doesn't have recall so he is on a long line until he gets better. I would be livid with myself if he was out of control and chased a horse - or someone else's pet.
DoonBug500
Member
Do you think that it was possible to ride with the dog on the lead? But maybe the dog would get tangled up with the horses legs. I'd have to try some test rides in the garden.
galaxy
Well-Known Member
My dog is 100% with horses, he never gets too close as he's a bit scared of them. Same with cows (infact i have problems walking him through fields of young male cows who come over and I have to let him go to run out of the field!). But even though I know this I always recall him when I see a horse out. I know horses that HATE dogs and even if the dog did not approach, wuld go out of its way to cow kick/swing round to get the dog. So I always grab and H and get him well out of the way.
The question as to what to do when your dog is half a field a way.... well my answer would be i never let my dog get that far away from me. If you feel you couldn't recall your dog from that distance, don't let it go so far. A dog far enough away that you can't recall it is any situation is out of control.
The question as to what to do when your dog is half a field a way.... well my answer would be i never let my dog get that far away from me. If you feel you couldn't recall your dog from that distance, don't let it go so far. A dog far enough away that you can't recall it is any situation is out of control.
Devonshire dumpling
Well-Known Member
DD was that on Saturday? I trotted through on a hogged bay and noticed a lady put a black lab on a lead - thanks if it was you
Actually we were hunting around there and through the woods most of Saturday before the fog got too bad.
Surprised you haven't seen horses there before though, theres plenty about
nope not guilty or innocent lol.. We went Tuesday and had 2 x terrors and a collie... and the horse was grey!! haha XX
somethingorother
Well-Known Member
I get quite anooyed about this subject. I have been chased by dogs numerous times. Have always regained control of horse quickly, or kept control. But why should i have to struggle to keep control when the dog owner is half a mile away and the dog is snapping at our heels. I can't even count how many times it has happened. I especially got annoyed that people were stupid enough to walk their dogs along specific gallops, built and designed for horses. Nice country and woodland everywhere, or a twisty rubber/sand track where horses gallop fast? The dogs are more intelligent than the owners half the time. If it's not on a lead and can't be recalled then it is not in control.
CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
This was on the main page a few days ago! I might report my incident
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/310954.html
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/310954.html
happyhacking:)
Well-Known Member
whilst i agree 100% that dog owners should be able to recall there lose dogs at all times i also think there is some responsibility on horse owners to have done some basic dog training with their horse.
on my way to the yard this morning i saw a rider out who was passing a dog walker (dog was not on a lead but did not leave the owners side and barely gave the horse a glance) horse overreacted and rider almost came off and started hurling abuse at the dog owner about keeping his dog on a lead!
so i think it works both ways there is no excuse for having an out of control dog but nor should riders who know their horses have a problem with dogs deliberately head out on routes where they are bound to meet dogs
on my way to the yard this morning i saw a rider out who was passing a dog walker (dog was not on a lead but did not leave the owners side and barely gave the horse a glance) horse overreacted and rider almost came off and started hurling abuse at the dog owner about keeping his dog on a lead!
so i think it works both ways there is no excuse for having an out of control dog but nor should riders who know their horses have a problem with dogs deliberately head out on routes where they are bound to meet dogs
applecart14
Well-Known Member
People get hysterical over loose dogs. Get a grip I say....
I think thats a stupid comment to be honest AmyMay and I for one am very offended and angry by it. Dogs will attack horses, I once had a staffie attack my horse and after a prolonged five minute attack the dog got kicked in the mouth and practically mashed by my horse not before my horse had sustained a nasty bite wound to his flank. To give the horse his due he stood without kicking the dog for a long while before lashing out, the dog was continually trying to jump up at his jugular and latch on to his tail. It was a very frightening experience.
You can't generalise and say people get hysterical over loose dogs. Some loose dogs are not correctly trained and will attack or give chase to horses. If you are on a nervous or flighty horse then you have every reason to be 'hysterical' as you so kindly put it. Fortunately my two horses stood their ground on the ocassions they were attacked otherwise one or both of use could have got seriously injured or killed had they bolted.
When you see a dog galloping towards you, you have no way of knowing what that dog will do until it reaches you and it is very scary. A single dog bite could mean you could lose your horse, where a unrestrained continued attack could mean that your horse loses total confidence in hacking out. Why should we as a horse owner have to put up with that? If you can't control your dog, its not horse friendly and it will give chase PUT IT ON A LEAD!!! Simples!
Last edited: