kirkclaugh Riding centre

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Silent Knight

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I got sent a facebook petition link to shut down/ take action against kirkclaugh Riding centre .

I don't know anything about this establishment. Does anyone know if this a witch hunt or are there really grounds for welfare concerns?
 
Hi Silent Night

Kirkclaugh Riding Centre is in Dumfries and Galloway, and the owners have been the target of a personal vendetta for the last 3/4 years. They have been working with the SSPCA regarding reports of neglect, however the SSPCA report that there is no reason to remove the horses or have doubt over their welfare.

There are several other accusations being made against the owners, but as someone who has been visiting Kirkclaugh Riding Centre regularly for the last 12 years, and has over 25yrs experience of horses and their welfare, I personally have no reason to believe these accusations are true, and this is a witch hunt to satisfy a grudge.

Hope this helps! :)
 
The owner of Kirkclaugh RC has lost his RS licence, and is unlikely to regain it in the near future, hence he lost his source of income to support a large number of horses and ponies.
The situation is untenable.
The petition was set up, I believe, because of welfare concerns if horses were not rehomed before next winter.
SSPCA and Trading Stds AHO have been visiting this establishment for years and the owner has previously had his licence removed and then re-applied successfully.

There is no witch hunt--just concern for horses.
 
Loobylou might I ask what you have done at the farm for the last 12 years or were u just another regular visitor? It seems you you may be another person with those golden blinkers on seeing only what Robson allows you to see. The owners of kirkclaugh riding school don't even own the land or all of the horses, some were left in his care unfortunately. If you care to go on the group and have a look you will be able to attain that this is NOT a witch hunt and the only concern is the welfare of the horses. If it was a witch hunt then I think there would be a team of people outside his caravan with pitch forks and god knows what else! The awareness brought from the group alone and the growing network of support is getting bigger by the day. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion but the truth always comes out! Ask yourself this how does a yard that big with that many horses that has an income of less than £100 a week survive?
 
Over the last 12years, not only have I been a regular visitor, I have also stayed at the farm with some friends on various occassions, having access to the whole area and the horses.

The owner of the business owns the large arena and the surrounding field, whereas his brother owns the rest. The horses entrusted into the owners care also belong to his brother.

I find it interesting that people maintain this is not a witch hunt, yet any comment made on the facebook page stating that the information on there is incorrect or misleading, is immediately deleted and that member is blocked. I also find it interesting that even though the page was set up to help these horses, there has been no effort to assist the owner, ask for land or help in finding buyers for the horses. Instead, the page is full of horror stories and false accusations.

I received a letter from Russell Brown MP stating that whilst the sspca are involved, they are satisfied with the progress being made at kirkclaugh and are continuing to assist the owner in improving the conditions. Mr Brown also stated that on 27th June, the number of horses at the yard had been reduced to 35 following sale or revoking, and that only 4 horses had been taken away by the sspca. Two sadly had to be put to sleep due to one having a broken hip and the other had various ailments which the owner was trying to treat the best he could given his limited resources, but as the horse was not recovering, the owner voluntarily handed it over.

The owner did not lose his license, he gave it up in march and closed the business as insurance on the riding school was wasting his money as no one was going to ride. His horses are still insured.

Another interesting fact that may make you think, the girls who set up the page are all ex employees or ex girlfriends, they claim they have witnessed these acts of cruelty but yet continued to work there and have contact with the owner and even trust him to look after their horses and sheep. I'm sure if I had witnessed such events, I'd be straight out of there with all my animals.

I suggest though, before you sign any petition, you visit kirkclaugh for yourself and make your own mind up, as you will only ever have one person's word against another.
 
Sorry [Content removed] but I have already had this discussion with you! I has factual evidence of all of this and regular- ur no such thing darling u go up on odd weekends and u only see what Robson wants u too. I was not an employee as I did not get paid I was a friend! NOT in any kind of sexual way! You would know all about robsons ex's as you sister was one! I have nothing else to say to you, just watch this space and see when I see the result I KNOW I'm going to see then you can eat your words and pity on you for arguing his corner! You KNOW nothing and this letter you seem to haw sounds awful like the one Donna got that has been posted on the page! Did you gwt your references from that!
 
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Also might I add Robson only owns the riding school- NO LAND- you can keep your opinion of this being a witch hunt but I don't see no witch only horses that have died tragic deaths that could of been prevented constant breeding of bad stock and young stock. Answer me this LOZ do u think its correct for a barely 2year old filly to be found dead with her dead foal hangin out her NO should not of even been near a stallion!!!!!
 
Facebook page is

Kirkclaugh horses need our help. Check it out and make ur own opinion people. And LOZ you only know what he wants you to. Enjoy continuing to play his games but don't u dare try contradict me- I have proof- this will all be out in the open soon! I don't give two hoots about Robson it's the horses I care about. You obviously don't! I have witnessed things you couldn't even imagine. So away blow someone else's trumpet cause your tune is gettin boring doll face
 
I do care about the horses. Which is something you seem to be lacking as you keep bad mouthing other people instead of trying to help him. Like I say, if you want to help the horses that are there, do so.

You lot have taken away Robson's livelyhood by bad mouthing him. So how is he expected to sell the horses when his name is mud? Therefore resulting in them remaining in his care. He's has no business for over a year because of you lot, so how do you expect him to survive? There's no-one to blame for this but yourselves. Even if your stories come out as fact, you won't leave him alone. I have the letter from Russell Brown if you want me to email you it.

Unfortunately, because I voiced my opinion on your fb page, I have been blocked. Like many others who have stood up for Robson.

I still maintain that his horses are nowhere near in the state you're making out. So why don't you actually help find them new homes if you're so concerned instead if dragging up past stories that you were part of.

What exactly is the petition supposed to be doing? He has no business left because of this, so there's an accomplishment for you. And the sspca have said they are helping him as much as they can and will find the horses new homes by the end of august, as Robson wants them all gone so he can try to rebuild his life doing something else. So what exactly are you campaigning for?

And as for seeing what he wants me to see, I've had full access to the whole place many times, even when Robson hasn't been there, so if he was hiding anything, don't you think I would've seen it?

Stop your games and let the man alone. He's trying to live his life and you're stopping him. The sspca have things under control, so your involvement is jeopardising the welfare of these animals.
 
You were removed from the page because of what you were saying! We have taken his business away from him- hmmm ok then. Think he managed that himself through lack of skills and knowledge. I can assure you I done my dam hardest to help when I was there and Robson doesn't listen to no one his way is right- even when it BLATENTLY isn't. You have not worked one on one with him on daily basis like I have and seen what I have seen I know this for a fact! As robsn personally told me his opinion of you and the rest if your family. Look I quite frankly couldn't care what u say and think about me. I KNOW that I am doing all that I can. I am doin more than enough for the horses! I can see you still have your golden blinkers on so I'm done here. I have other things to be getting on with. Just watch this space when it all comes out.
 
Just stop your bitching...... What Robson has or hasn't said about me and my family or anyone else has nothing to do with the welfare of the horses, so why even bring that into it? So you admit you removed me from the page because you didn't like my opinion, even though you've just said everyone is entitled to it. Just not on your page yeah where others might see it and agree?
 
I have no connection with this riding school or the people involved.

I will say it is considered very bad form to use someones real name on the internet if they haven't used it themselves first.
Kimi2 I suggest you removed Loobylou's name from your post.
 
goldenmint said:
I have no connection with this riding school or the people involved.

I will say it is considered very bad form to use someones real name on the internet if they haven't used it themselves first.
Kimi2 I suggest you removed Loobylou's name from your post.
Click to expand...

Quite agree and Kimi you are coming across like a harridan.

Fair play to louby for maintaining a dignified and readable response.

Louby, does the owner want to rehome/sell/reduce the horses?
 
Thanks goldenmint and FfionWinnie.

Yes, he is wanting to sell the horses, his website has details (his facebook page for kirkclaugh riding centre has a link). They are all lovely, well mannered horses. He's done a great job in looking after them the best he can given the circumstances. I can assure you, if they were being treated as the petition states, they would be bad tempered, frustrated and unhappy but these horses are far from it. If I could afford it, I would buy them all.
 
LoobyLou, I am pointing out that you may seem to be dignified on this page, but you were removed from the Group because of the language you were using. You were not as dignified as you appear to be here.

I would also like to point out that there is a community concern about the welfare of these horses and other animals and that this is not a personal attack on the owner of the business. It is not about taking a business away from someone, but about pointing out that the circumstances in which these horses live and the way the business is being operated are now out of hand.
 
Erm..... I was not using any language any different to what I've been using on here. I understand there is a community concern, but as I've already pointed out, the business has been dissolved, but yet you continue to go at him spreading lies and stories and blocking anyone who tries to correct you or question you. Whilst I was on the fb page, I never once saw you asking for people to help take the horses or buy them or provide for them, just comments on horses who are no longer at the yard for whatever reason. There are comments on the page personally attacking his girlfriend and accusing him of things unrelated to the horses. People are welcome to go to the yard anytime they want to see for themselves, and if it is a COMMUNITY concern, why are people being added to thus page who have never heard of the place or the owners? You protest that people are entitled to their own opinion, but how can people firm their own opinion when they only have your word for it as any other comments are deleted?
 
I actually joined the group when it first started and saw some of the comments made by people. Many of the comments that I don't see now were people just being rude to each other. I ended up leaving. From what I can see, the owner has brought this on himself, through irresponsible breeding.

I understand that your comments Loobylou, on the site referred to people as bitches and that it was fckn jealousy that was the reason why these allegations were being made. That is your opinion, but there are way better ways of saying things. I think one of the replies to your comments was 'wow really intelligent, not!!'
 
For one, I dont use swear words on group social pages as there may be children who see it, and secondly I do believe that in some instances this campaign is jealousy rather than fact.

I corrected the admin on the fact a horse's belonging to someone else had 2 foals before she died, not one as the admin said which insinuated was a factor in her death. This horse's actually died from colic, which is common in horses and is responsible for 11% of premature deaths. It can be caused by many things, including muscle spasms, eating too fast and gas build up. Hardly the fault of the owner.

I was added to the page without my consent or knowledge, as were many people, which I find a bit underhand and irresponsible, especially as the local paper ran a story on the page quoting the number of members was the number of signatures on the petition!!! I have contacted them to correct this.
 
I am well aware of the causes of colic in horses and also well aware of how commonplace it is.

You may have been invited by someone to join the group, but you would have had to accept the invite. Anyways that is neither here not there.

I stand by the fact that you were swearing and that you were rude to other users in the group. End of story!!
 
I was added. I did not get any notification of the group until the admin changed the privacy from open to closed. Then when I looked at it, I saw I was added to the group by another member.

Think what you like ken2, but I think I should know what I have and havent said or written.
 
Wow! You say I need to get my facts right..... yet I think you certainly do.

For one, I have NEVER ridden Sky! That idea in itself is ridiculous. Like you say, she is 13'1. I am 5ft 8. Think about it?? Lol!

I have only ridden cobs or horses bigger that 15hh - Shannon, Bob, Guinness, Trevor, Sophie, Morph. None of which have been too small or I've been too heavy for.

I have only ridden on the beach on Bob and Ronnie - a total of three times (in 12 years!) The last time was on Ronnie, who was a cob owned by my sister (bought from Robson). Given the fact I have 20+ years riding experience, I do not think this accident was due to Robson's 'lack' of supervision. He would not leave me on my own if he didn't think I was capable. It was an unfortunate accident, in which Ronnie got spooked and I fell off, which could've happened to anyone on any horse. I damaged my Sacroiliac Joint, along with the Pectineus tendon and nerves. Therefore,was unable to ride for a long period of time. I tried on several occasions, including at Kirkclaugh, but found the pain too much as had to stop. Two and a half years later, I am still having problems with it. I met someone a few months ago who had the same injury caused by falling off a horse, and she is in a wheelchair most of the time, or on crutches the rest, so I am at least grateful I can still walk unaided and lead a relatively normal life. Unfortunately, this injury meant I had to give up my career in hospitality. However, I do not blame anyone for what happened and the consequences thereafter, as I was an unfortunate event. The horse even did the same thing with my sister about a year after my accident, but she came off and broke her ribs.

Regarding your comments about me not being a horsey person, you are very much mistaken. I have been around horses all my life, ridden for over 20 years. At one riding school I went to, I had lessons in horse care, stable management and worked in lieu of riding. We used to do jumping, gymkhanas, hacks, cross country. I even used to ride my aunt's shire x who was 17'2. I rode him from about the age of 8, and from about 11 used to take him about on my own through the country lanes and villages. I never once had a accident with him or fell off. I also had on separate occasions two other horses, who were both equally amazing and we had great bonds.

You say all Robson cares about is money, yet he refused to take any money from me when I offered to pay him for the beach ride when I had my accident - he told me to keep it. When my sister and I stayed at the yard, we took Bob and Trevor out for a ride (on our own) and Robson refused money for that too. He willingly takes in horses from people who can't look after them any more - due to finance, health etc - which is how he ended up with so many horses, as he just can't say no. He even looks after horses of another businessman in the area who is a well know horse trader.

I still, even to this day, question why - if Robson neglects his animals so badly - would anyone leave their sheep and horses up there for so long, only moving them when he announced his relationship with his current partner??
 
Oh, and I do have access to the whole place, and have been up the hill many times. But yet again, what I do or don't do, how often I ride, any other accusations against the owners, or anything else you have mentioned have nothing to do with the way he treats his horses.
 
And further information for you all, the girl who set up the petition has said to me that Robson would never hurt a horse deliberately.

Which to be contradicts her beliefs that he if neglecting, starving or mistreating his horses.
 
Erm..... when exactly have you witnessed me riding Sky, because this I fail to remember? Probably because I have NEVER ridden Sky. My mum and my sister has, which I questioned with Robson about them being too heavy, but seen as I know nothing about horses, presumed this would be ok(!)

I really can't believe the words coming out for you mouth about me! Not only do they have nothing to do with Robson, but tell me please, exactly how do you know what kind of bonds I've had with my horses down here? Were you there? No. Have you seen me with them? No. Did you even know I'd had them until I commented in my last post? Probably not! I am well aware a bond begins on the ground. That is why with both horses I have had, and when I used to go look after my aunt's horse, I spent endless hours with them doing ground work, grooming them, playing with them, doing join up with them. You have no idea what experience I have, so don't you dare call me out on it. As for saying I am a fair weather rider - that's hilarious. I will spend time with a horse in any weather, be it just doing ground work or going out for a ride. I have even ridden at Kirkclaugh in 60mph wind, pouring rain, and cold.

My sister's thoroughbred x did have some bad accidents, yes, but none of these surprised me given his temperament and typical behaviour. Yes, he fell into a wall, but this was whilst he was chasing the Shetlands round the field and they turned sharp, but being a 16'2 horse, he couldn't turn in time and slipped in the wet grass (as it had been raining all day) and slid into the wall. His accidents could've been avoided, yes, if he had actually had more thought himself and was less flighty. He was the cause behind all his accidents, no-one else.

My sister begged Robson to take her horse to sort him out, with the intention of having him back once she had got moved up to Scotland. Robson travelled down (free of charge) to Yorkshire and took Brigg. This was in the June. My sister didn't move up to Scotland until the October. When she got up there, she said herself that he was like a different horse and couldn't believe how well he looked.

Oh and yes, sorry my mistake. I DID get off Ronnie on the beach because I am an incapable rider, and pretended that I'd fallen off. Of course, I remember now..... that is why I have been on tramadol and morphine for the last two and a half years! That's why I had a month off work, that's why I had to give up my job, that's why I have been unable to ride like I used to, that's why I am currently laid up now in pain, that's why on the way to the hospital my heart rate dropped to 63/40 and my blood oxygen dropped to 90% - because I GOT off the horse!! Yes, I'm sure Robson said that, given he was the one who got to me first and he was the one who called the ambulance and he was the one who thought I'd broken my pelvis. Makes perfect sense!

But again, why I have to justify myself to you, I do not know!!!!!

Yes, I do think it is wrong to keep taking horses in the way Robson did, but like I've already said, he can't say no. His current partner put a stop to this and pointed out that they couldn't afford to look after any more horses and she told him to sell some. In fact, was it not you who said to me last year that he was going to sell them all off for £1 as he didn't care about the money, he just wanted to live his life??? And was it not you who said they were going to ring the SSPCA every day until he is shut down?

Yes, my stepdad has helped Robson pull ragwort from the fields, but what that has got to do with it I don't know?

All the times I have been there I have never seen a horse in 'piss wet shavings' as you put.

I am sick of arguing with you. Like I say, people are welcome to go up there any time and form their own opinion. So in answer to the original post, I have now reason to be concerned over the welfare of these animals as things are under control. Everything else is unrelated (i.e. any other accusations) as they have nothing to do with the horses, its just more fuel they are adding to the fire.
 
in utter disbelief said:
the quote above says it all, his horses are over workked underfed die when they shouldnt like getting burried under snow up a hill when they could have been brought down the hill to fields around his caravan, all the other farmers i know didnt loose animals as there was over a weeks warning of the weather change, so yet he had 4 die, one caught his hoof and couldnt flee and froze under the snow and 3 pneumonia, tutu, this is a man who is not cruel to his animals, im afraid to tell you if i had lost one of my animals in the snaw i would have walked in it til i died, not waited until the snow melted to find a dead one. can you answer me if its all a witch hunt why are the sspca involved and why has Russel Brown involved himself in it, no councilor will tie there name to a witch hunt, come on you have common sense im sure and dont think nearly 800 people are all involved in a witch hunt, if that the case we would all be outside the place with burning signs and pitch forks, no one cares what happens to him, we just hope that the animals are saved and the poor young girl how thinks she has no where or one else to go to see sense and goes home to her parents before she totally ruins her life and her name around here, and i know her parents agree with this cause as he mother has commented and also she has written about him being a pedophile on his and her walls on facebook. hopefully she gets to take some of the animals with her as she seems to care but gets pulled down by his ways and lack of funds, but for the time being calling herslef manager at kirkclaugh has brought her into this as people think shes not managing very well, u need to manage water feed, rugs and farrier, dentist and vet to be a successful one but shes not managing to do these things, and inturn shes failing her duty also the the animals shes managing, but its robson the owner of the animals that the blame lies with, no a young girl who he groomed and stole from her parents clutches as such a young age, shes to young to know any better. she wont realise coincidences that come from bad decisions in life and in caring for aniamls but robson has had 9 years of caring for animals and the last 6 have all been going down hill, while the previous manager of kirkclaugh always had it well ran and animals well cared for since her departure its went down hill each winter. if you cant see this you dont understand enough to cohere an opinion worth listening to really.
Click to expand...

I know plenty of farmers up there who lost stock during the snow. Yes, there were warnings it was coming, but came as a complete surprise how much there was. People were stranded in Newton Stewart for days, the A75 for closed for days, people had to dig themselves out, the paper ran story after story on how the area hadn't seen snow like that for years. One woman from Creetown was in labour and had to be airlifted to hospital. It took her husband four days to get to the hospital.

I highly doubt Robson has groomed her. She is an adult and capable of making her own decisions. She knows she can go home any time, but chooses not to because she wants to be with him. But their relationship has nothing to do with this.
 
I couldn't care less if I never speak to you again. I have not told any lies about my sister, and only tide Shannon for half an hour as it was the first time I'd ridden since my accident and I actually asked Robson if I could ride something smaller than I usually ride. As she is a cob, she was more than capable of taking my weight.

You can't have spent that much time in England then as it grows in pretty much every paddock. Or does it not grow in Bishop Auckland???
 
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