It can not possibly be my fault!!

[Irishlassie]

Short background....
Moved here bout 11 month ago... Small yard with 10 stables, YO seemed nice.small sand school, ( promised to get new surface!!) enjoyed last summer there. Pottering about Etc.. Things went down hill over winter.. Field turnout was limited to " chosen few " with unshod ponies or YO own mini/ Shetland.
6 liveries had to share 2 sand turnout that rapidly turned into a swamp with rain..
yO asked to borrow my lorry to take pony to vet... But she hit a gate with it, caused £500 damage but told me to claim on insurance! Still asking her for money.. School surface terrible, liner coming up
Stable roofs falling in and leaking, quality of hay terrible, (have buy of her)
Things going missing, tack room door broke, and lock replacement does not comply with my insurance, so I have to take tack home.
My horse has unexplained saddle sweat marks one day!! Found out her friend and herself rode out on a fun ride with my horse and hers. I was mad ! Quite a few other things not happy with, so me and 2 other livery came across a small 6 stable yard to rent, small school, hay barn, container for storage, it would cost us about £250 a month between us, good paddocks( 6 acres) so we took it and gave notice, we moved 10 days ago, and Friday one of the other liveries came over and asked could she join us with her horse and a pony, so we said ok as land will cope with 4 horses and a pony, we have had hay delivered, my hubby has built us a lean too for its shelter, we put hard standing down, (all with owners ok) we love it..we all signed a contract with land owner for 3 years( 6 months notice to leave)

Now old YO came round today, and started yelling that we have ruined her business, she has hardly any clients left, can't pay the bills ..ranting and raving at us, her brother has dumped 3 haylege bales at our yard entrance, so we need to get these moved soon as.. I have reported the harassment to police. She said she will make our lives not worth living.. That's on a mobile phone camera too, how can we protect our horses and our yard from her.? My hubby suggest cctv or get a yard dog, as the land owner lives further down the lane, but we don't want her to get upset by the crazy old YO and ask us to leave.. Had she treated us right, and done the yard repairs that needed doing I think we would have stayed.. She won't get any new liveries till the yard improves, as its gone terrible, looks like a junk yard! Any advice on what we can do.. We are taking it in turns tonight to stop there , we took an old caravan there last week for our tea room,,, and I've borrowed my neighbors fierce looking dog!
I am sleeping there tonight... And we installed a light outside today, will come on with motion.. None of us are sure what she will do. I am there 9 pm till 1 am!!! Then my friend takes over till dawn... It all sound crazy, but people have warned us this afternoon what this woman and her family can be like... On Monday I will call for legal adviceBHS GOLD MEMBER

 

[Goldenstar]

Another bat **** crazy YOer what is going on ?
My sympathies OP you have done nothing wrong the riding your horse thing has be one of the weirdest things I have go in a while what was she thinking .
You are doing the rights things I would also get some of those movement triggered wildlife cameras just in case .

 

[Spoiled cob]

Probably not much help but keep/get evidence everytime she approaches any of you ie filming her, write down what's said and keep reporting it to the police. CCTV would probably be a good idea but obviously doesn't stop them from doing anything just acts as evidence.

Perhaps an official letter from solicitor about the harassment and that you will take it further unless she stops what she is doing, might be able to get a restraining order against her.

 

[ROMANY 1959]

Omg that sounds terrible, there are some crazies about... No better advice I am sorry, just want to add , 4 or 5 people can roll a bale away from your gate.. And Monday do get legal advice, though if you have BHS gold that will be free I think.. Hope nothing happens tonight..

 

[rachk89]

Well I think you have done all you can really. She may just be all talk no action but fully understand why you don't trust her she sounds a bit crazy. Maybe phone the police again to say that she has threatened you which she has and that you are having to sleep at the stables to ensure your horses safety.

 

[cbmcts]

Do what you're already doing by watching the yard for as long as you can.

Ask the police to go and have a word with her - a lot of people will think twice about what they do if they think that it might cause them a knock on the door afterwards. Also ask them to do drive pasts the field as part of routine patrols.

Tell your new YO what's going on before they hear a garbled version on the grapevine. No need for details about the original yard (or you could sound like a moaner!) just that the YO is upset that so many have left, has made threats and that you have had to involve the police - it's only good manners as they could be contacted by the police. You never know, if the new YO has standing in the area that could be problem solved.

Don't leave anything of value other than the horses of course. Chain the gates both sides and make sure your CCTV is secure, decent quality and that you have signs up so that it can be used as evidence.

Let any neighbours know that you might have a bit of an issue (remember, no badmouthing old YO), give them your numbers and ask them to call if they see anything. Tell them that's why you have a light as that that may annoy them if it's going on and off all night.

Talk to the BHS on Monday and see if it's worth sending a 'cease and desist' letter from a solicitor.

The main thing to remember is that the old YO is probably just hot air although the haylege dumping is nasty - I would be tempted to get someone to pick it up and return it to her yard but that probably isn't wise (I have a foul temper!). Roll it into the field out of the way - maybe bedding for next winter??? The best way to deal with nutters like this is to keep your dignity, not saying roll over but to avoid the bad mouthing, the panic, understandable as it is and secure your area as best you can. I would probably remove the caravan for now, fire risk and insecure. Deal with anything that happens by coming down on her like a ton of bricks but legally (unless you know even scarier people who will back you up, that is very effective IME )

 

[EQUIDAE]

What a nasty piece of work! I don't know what more you could do - just stay strong.

But on the plus side you have got 3 free bales of haylage If you rock them you can flip them over and roll them into the field. Even if it's not good enough for nets they'll probably eat it in the field

 

[AmyMay]

Are the police going to pay her a visit?

 

[YorksG]

As a short term alarm measure, try taping a personal alarm to the gate and the lanyard to the post, the unwary opening the gate get a heck of a shock, as well as alerting anyone on the yard of an intruder.
Agree with keep the police informed of any disruption/hassle and try and avoid getting into conversation with this woman.

 

[skint1]

She obviously is unable to make the connection between the lack of clients and her dire management. Your new yard sounds beautiful, don't let her ruin it, hopefully BHS will give you sensible advice.

 

[rowan666]

Ask the police to pay her a visit ASAP and issue her with a restraining order (although maybe easier said than some re restraining order but if you dear for your/horses/property then they should visit her tonight) As for the hay bales, if they are the large haylege bales they can very easily be pushed over and rolled out of the way by one or two people, we do it all the time rolling them into the field. Good luck

 

[Irishlassie]

My uncle has a mate in force, he said he will ask his advice tonight. We left the bales there tonight, as if we can't get in neither can anyone else!!! We can get to the road via a field gate. Friends hubby has put up some cctv notices, and an old camera that don't work, but who would know... We will club together and get real thing up soon...
I've got 2 mobiles and an iPad with me for tonight, and a small heater and ext cable so I won't freeze... And a dog!!! Who does a lot of growling but nowt else!! . I've told our land owner all about it.. She understands, and said there's nothing worse than sour grapes!!! And a green eyed monster.. After all the ranting this morning, no one has heard from her... And yes, we will roll the bales onto grass verge, and if any good will likely use them up!! My landlady has put heavy duty chain and lock on the gate leading to yard and her place, and we have key for it.. Am hoping it's all a storm in a teacup.. We will see..

 

[Micropony]

Harassment is a criminal offence so definitely worth talking to the police, suspect there will be no need to spend money on solicitors. If you can get any evidence from motion activated cameras etc. that will also help. In your situation I am another one who would be tempted, without badmouthing anyone, to put new YO in the picture and apologise in advance to neighbours in case they are disturbed by the alarms and security lights you've had to get installed since you're having a few problems, which you're sure with the help of the police will be resolved very soon.
Hope it all calms down for you soon!

 

[MissTyc]

What a horrible situation.

We were threatened by a livery that had been asked to leave. Threatened to turn horses out on the road, threatened to burn the barns down, beat us up, steal everything, the full works. It was awful and I was distressed for weeks. We bought heavy duty chains and padlocks and locked everything; kept all the horses out in the fields and nothing down on the yard. Police were very helpful and did regular pass bys and got hold of a large Farm Watch sign for us. We also did the CCTV signs + an old camera (we have no electric!) .... In the end the only thing she did was smash in the barn windows. Annoying but at least it was only material damage and fixable. The police went to see her again after that and last I heard she'd moved on to argue with her new YO. I still don't always sleep though so I completely understand the strain it puts you under. You are doing everything you can, and the YO WILL get over it and move on to other things. Big hugs to you tonight xx

 

[Pedantic]

Typical, can't run a business and has no idea of right and wrong and how to treat clients, and it's all someone else's fault, seems a common occurrence in the horsey game, NOFA, def use police as much as possible until she gets the message, isn't fly tipping in a criminal offence, maybe a phone call to the council.

 

[Alec Swan]

Leave.

Alec.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Why should she leave, she hasn't done anything?
Hate bullies, hope the legal way works or your friends are bigger than hers if all else fails!
Good luck

 

[Alec Swan]

Why should she leave, she hasn't done anything?
Hate bullies, ……..

For her own peace of mind and safety. Does it really make sense for a girl (presumably!) to sit up and wait all night at a yard? My only concern is for the OP's safety and well being. I'd stand and face the threat, but wouldn't want my daughter doing it.

As you, I have an abiding hatred of bullies.

Alec.

 

[cremedemonthe]

For her own peace of mind and safety. Does it really make sense for a girl (presumably!) to sit up and wait all night at a yard? My only concern is for the OP's safety and well being. I'd stand and face the threat, but wouldn't want my daughter doing it.

As you, I have an abiding hatred of bullies.

Alec.

I understand your concern but if she leaves then the bullies win, I think she's made of stronger stuff than that and will stand her ground. Some girls/women scare me!
One of my ex girlfriends would have ripped her face off if this YO had threatened them!

 

[Hepsibah]

IME being an immovable object works wonders with bullies. Give as good as you get verbally and at least appear to be unbothered by threats. Tell them to do their worst, to bring it on, to go for it. It's unlikely they'll do anything but if they do, the police will be happy to deal with them. Oh, and fly tipping can be reported to the local council....

 

[Boulty]

I'd definitely discuss with the police (worked for some friend of mine who were having trespassers in their field and a suspicious van driving about at odd times of night) and speak to the BHS about it all legally. I would include the borrowing of your horse without your permission in with that (The lorry I would probably write that amount off / just pay the insurance excess if I were you unless you have something in writing stating that she would need to pay for repairs when she borrowed it as pursuing that further is likely to inflame your current situ). I think cameras of some sort and security lighting are also a sound idea. If big, heavy metal gates with a bolt-cutter proof padlock would be an option at the yard entrance then I'd look into it if this continues as well. As for the haylage I'd get a few people together and roll them into your yard, yeah ok may not be the best stuff but as other have said it'll likely do for putting in the field!

Hopefully she will get bored eventually once she manages to con some new people into filling her spaces!

 

[DD]

sounds like the original YO is desperately short of money and is hanging on by a thread. this doesn't, however, excuse her behaviour. Tell Police ring BHS and see a solicitor. You shouldn't have to put up with this harassment. Do please keep us posted about how things go for you.

 

[Irishlassie]

Well folks... Nothing happened last night ...but... Bleeding dog snores like a trooper!!
Was cosy in caravan , oh and btw... I am no spring chicken and I was quite safe... I even stayed there till 5 am..as my friends child was ill so she stayed home.. My hubby loaned me his hunting night vision goggles, it's interesting what mooches about at night... 3 cats, a fox and a few badgers in field behind the caravan, and something making weird howling noises !!! Just after 5 my landlords son came round with a bacon butty and tea for me, so nice, considering he only meet me last weekend! He was on his rounds checking his sheep.. , so will do same tonight.. As not working till tues, I am hoping she was all mouth and no action... A policeman is popping round later to talk to us.. We are going to ask him if the police would just have a word with her about her threats .
We are more confident about things going ok... But I've had messages from people offering help, and we are so thankful to you all.. The horses are all in a far field away from the yard, with no direct acces from the lane.. So we're sure they are safe.. I have a man putting up cctv and a monitor in the caravan on Tuesday, we are lucky as we have electricity and water on site.. And the container is really secure for our storage.. Thanks again for all your thoughts...x

 

[J&S]

What a shame you have to go through all this but glad you are feeling positive. So much in the world today is very disturbing.

 

[hairycob]

If you have a smart phone use it to record her if she comes round. That way you have hard evidence for the police. Often in these situations they can't do much as its all "he said, she said". I had a cracking result once when someone went to the police to complain about me. I played back the recording which showed I had said nothing, had tried to walk away and you could hear her running after me screaming abuse.

 

[fatpiggy]

As the old YO has dumped the bales outside the new YO's property, they would have a case for harrassment too. You could always tell the police that they "borrowed" your lorry keys and drove it without your consent - it would be her word against yours after all and not many people would allow someone to drive their vehicle without sorting out a days insurance cover etc.

 

[MagicMelon]

I would put up CCTV cameras at the entrance and on the yard, then write her a letter stating why you all had to leave her yard and that any threats have been logged with the local police, and there are CCTV cameras at the yard. I would also include an invoice for the damage to your lorry!

 

[Irishlassie]

Well ..uneventful night in the caravan last night.. Dog still snores!!!
This morning I spoke to BHS legal line, they told me I've done things right for now, the CPO came round this morning, brought us some ideas on what to do.. Tomorrow cctv goes up, the recording machine is going into caravan as we have electricity in there. Three cameras, one covering entrance, one looking at stables and yard and one that will cover the two closest field gates.
The biggest development that happened about 2 hours ago is that the mad old yard owners daughter came round, never knew she had one.. !! And apologies for her mothers behaviour, she had a visit from the police, and they addressed the threats and harassment, they have given her 48 hours to remove the haylege from the grass verge, (it's mouldy) or they will charge her with fly tipping, the daughter was nearly in tears, apparently her mother is having some sort of breakdown, no excuse for what she did, but it explains it.. She assured us we won't have anymore bother... But we still doing the cameras, as the insurance for the tack etc is lower if we do it.. So we will see... I am sleeping at home tonight... My landlords son said he will be checking his sheep a few times this evening and will check the stables.. Unfortunately he lost 3 lambs to a dog or fox last night.. Sad.

 

[Dave's Mam]

The landlord sounds like an absolute gem. How kind to bring you a bit of breakfast. Sad news about old YO, but I think you are in a better place now.

 

[Starbuck]

Your new set up sounds great with lovely owners. Shame about the lambs.

It must be awful for the daughter having to pick up this mess and support her mother, but I imagine you feel reassured now. Hope all goes well for you.