I was left speechless....

[_OC_]

...this morning!

On my way to the yard,there is a small field with a collection of shetlands,small ponies and cob,and as I went by,I noticed the cob was wearing a head collar(Nothing strange about that you would say!)but I also noticed it appeared to have a rope through it,and I saw this as he was looking over the fence(A barbed wire I might add!!!!)...so on my way home 40 minutes later,I took a closer inspection,as this cob had not moved,and in it's mouth it had a bit,which was attached through the rope and head collar to keep it secure......I know it's a youngster and maybe their getting it used to bit,but(This is all I can think for this poor animal stood with an mullen straight bar in it's mouth!)and I mean,but what if that animal had caught it's mouth on some thing......I would just not like to think,well the thought is just horrible to put into words.......or is this normal,and I'm missing a point here....and where do I go with this?

 

[dwi]

World Horse Welfare?

 

[TS_]

No horse should be left in a field with a bit, there are plenty of ways he could be introduced to wearing a bit. I would call the WHW, RSPCA or the like.

 

[aregona]

thats not very nice, i would definatly enquire with the BHS or someone similar, im sure the owner doesn't want a horse with a broken jaw if it got caught x

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Yep, call the BHS. Someone needs to have a word with its owner.

 

[Bossanova]

I think calling in a welfare charity would be totally OTT at this stage.
We turned a horse out in a saddle on purpose for a few hours a day as he was so girthy, they may have their reasons.

 

[ester]

I chucked cal out in her travel boots for quite a long time......... not sure I'd be that worried about this.

What if they don't have stables and just want him to get used to being bitted?

 

[TS_]

[ QUOTE ]
What if they don't have stables and just want him to get used to being bitted?

[/ QUOTE ]

Alone in a field with barbed wire boundries? I really don't think it's acceptable. If they were there with it in the field then ok but alone isn't right IMO.

 

[_OC_]

I went past this field at 6am this morning there was no sign the owners had been,normally their car is at the gate around 7ish....Sorry this cob was left wearing that bit all night,I was not in a position to sit around waiting,but have tonight prepared a nice note to ask why it has been left wondering around a field with a bit in it's mouth.....these animals are very well looked after,with poo picking and careful care of grazing....this is why I was shocked to see this little cob standing with this in his mouth....besides the barbed wire fence,they have electric fencing down one side and a gate with a latch..TBH,matter that it is being 'Bitted' I think it should be done under a watchful eye,and not left unattended,I will report what responce I get back,then take the matter futher if I'm not satisfied.......as I went on route,I did see a woman walking her dog along the lane to take a look,and she appeared to walk away shaking her head,I know she also owns horses...so we will see!

 

[Vicki_Krystal]

Or like a delightful youngster at my old yard - they have bitted it and lost the damn thing!
Took over 24 hours, 3 lunge lines and 6 people to catch it in the end, but i know that was left overnight as they couldnt get anywhere near it.

Also the gypseys that have horses near me have their horses turned out in rollers a lot - the RSPCA dont have a problem with it as the horses are well fed and cared for otherwise.

 

[lauraandjack]

I think I would probably try to contact the owner before wading right in and calling the welfare gang. Whilst it may be unpleasant and potentially dangerous for a horse to wear a bit for this length of time I don't think it runs into mistreatment at this stage of the game, especially if the horse and its friends are otherwise well cared for.

You don't know the situation of how the horse has come to be like that? Perhaps it took fright at something, ran off and they couldn't catch it again? We all know that sometimes it is much better to leave a horse to calm down in this situation if it is in a safe enclosed space rather than chase it round for ages winding it up more?

None of us would appreciate a check up visit from the RSPCA over something that is actually very trivial and not actually harming the horse at that time.