How involved would/should you get?

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Rosiefell

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There is an elderly mare at my yard which I have welfare concerns over. She is in her late 30's, has lost a lot of teeth and appears to be quite underweight. Her owner has mental health issues so it can be very difficult to approach her as she will take it out on her horse by locking her food away (another livery helps out by feeding), taking rugs away etc. This owner can be quite evil to the livery who helps out by sending rude texts & leaving notes and has also been quite rude to the yard owner. The only reason she hasn't been kicked off and the other livery continues to help is for the sake of the mare. I don't want to interfere but on the other hand with winter approaching it is very difficult not to think about how she will cope if she doesn't put on more condition before then. I had thought about contacting a welfare organisation but I don't want any repercussions for the yard owner as she has tried to help.
 
That's a really tough situation. I don't know how much WHW can do in terms of confiscating the mare but possibly they could have a word with the owner. I think in situations like this it is very difficult for them to get involved. I really hope something can be done though. I ended up with BH through fairly similar (although far less extreme) circumstances and it was a constant head ache.
 
Tormenta said:
How old is the livery who owns the mare and how long has she had her?
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In her 40's and has owned the mare for a very long time AFAIK. It's almost like this horse is a burden to her now she can't ride her. If you make the decision to have an old horse in retirement (or any animal for that matter) then you should take responsibility for them. :(
 
tell your comcerns to yard owner then report to WHW happa etc - im a sort of simliar situation but frightened for my and my mares safety - as are others on yard - one person can ruin a yard
 
jesstickle said:
That's a really tough situation. I don't know how much WHW can do in terms of confiscating the mare but possibly they could have a word with the owner. I think in situations like this it is very difficult for them to get involved. I really hope something can be done though. I ended up with BH through fairly similar (although far less extreme) circumstances and it was a constant head ache.
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I don't believe in this case confiscating her would be the right thing. She is settled here with her companion (YO's horse) and with the best will in the world she isn't going to be around much longer. It would be nice to think though that the time she has left is more pleasant than the current situation. The livery who helps out thinks the world of this little mare but can't really afford a 2nd and the owner seems to like the "power" she has.
 
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babymare said:
tell your comcerns to yard owner then report to WHW happa etc - im a sort of simliar situation but frightened for my and my mares safety - as are others on yard - one person can ruin a yard
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YO is aware of everyone's concerns and has quite frankly had enough of this woman but is afraid of what might happen to the mare if she says too much.
 
Rosiefell said:
In her 40's and has owned the mare for a very long time AFAIK. It's almost like this horse is a burden to her now she can't ride her. If you make the decision to have an old horse in retirement (or any animal for that matter) then you should take responsibility for them. :(
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Thanks, I was trying to establish the relationship between the pair and any health issues the owner may have (I was thinking she may have mental health issues herself) If this is obviously not the case then a BHS Officer in to have a word (Or WHW) may push action one way or another and at least she may be monitored. Not sure how your YO feels about this but it is their yard but maybe not in the mare's best interests to push although I know at the end of the day, responsibility lies with the owner. Makes me sad to read of stories like this, for the horse's sake.
 
In this situation the horse has to come first. Could the people concearned - yourself, other livery and YO have a meeting with this person to discuss the concerns and be honest with her and say that if the mare doesnt improve then as a group you will be contacting WHW, HAPPA Ect.

I do find that peoples actions towards older horses a disgrace sometimes. I took on the care of a 30 year old mare - i never rode her but did care for her daily spending hours after work making sure she was looked after, fed and comfortable untill the day she died. I wasnt paid a penny by the owner but it was my absolute pleasure and honour and i learned so much it was invaluble.
 
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Thank you all. I try not to get involved but when it's potentially a welfare issue it's hard not too. If she was my horse I would be looking at whether another winter is fair, but she isn't so it's not my call. It is almost like the owner needs someone to blame for having the mare PTS ie "I got kicked out with nowhere to go so it's their fault" . The helper has a heart of gold but also the type of person to keep an animal going for maybe longer than is right.

Ets; I have told the helper that if I could guarantee no comeback on our YO then I will be contacting WHW or the BHS.
 
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