how to be tactfull???

[Holidays_are_coming]

Ok i have a problem and have no tact I just put my foot in it all the time!!!lol

There is a lady at our yard (A) who had a 14yr old gelding who she has owned for a few yrs and has always done a bit of everything with him, a few of us are planning to go to the newmarket 20 mile ride, and are getting our horses as fit as possible so they cope and finish with plenty of running.

A has noticed that her horse isnt feeling right and is being quiet out hacking and a bit stiff she got the farrier to check his feet the other day as she though he had a bruised sole, but farrier said it was fine. I rode him for her last yr until I kept thinking he was lame behind and refused to do it anymore I did tell he at the time and she did nothing. I spoke to her farrier yest who thinks he has hind limb problems.

now the dilema is Im taking her to newmarket in my lorry and realy want to enjoy it, do I tell her that unless he is right and fit he cant come? or do I not say anything and hope she realises, Ive dropped hints about the vet coming monday, dont want to fall out with her but she really needs to do something about her horse

thanks

 

[mattilda]

If she has already noticed a problem she is obviously concerned. Maybe mention you are having the vet out and would she like to split the visit to keep costs down.

 

[gails]

I would just be nice and say that in your humble opinion he is not fit at the moment.

If she trusts you to try him then she must trust your opinion.

I have done this recently with a friend, and although she asked a few other people, now agrees with me

 

[Fii]

Did'nt her farrier tell her he thought it had hind limb probs? or am i reading your post wrong

 

[Holidays_are_coming]

The farrier tells her that the horse is stiff behind, but I feel like she is sticking her head in the sand until its to late and something really goes wrong!

 

[Holidays_are_coming]

thats what I said to her yeaterday as we have the vet coming on monday with a free call out as there are so many of us!!

 

[ForeverBroke_]

Could you perhaps in passing say "So, how is X feeling at the moment? Is there something still not quite right?" To which if she replies no - maybe reply something like "Have you had any thoughts on whether to carry on with the ride?"

Then you could maybe add what people have said above , ie "i'd leave it personally til you've found the root of the problem," etc etc

If that made sence