Livery Yard Drama..

[muckypony]

Absolutely disgusting!!

The YO should be ashamed of herself, let alone the groom... Totally unacceptable!

I would leave as soon as you can. I personally wouldn't tell them because I imagune people like that will ride your horse into the ground if they know you are leaving - this is if they aren't already!

I know you have to rely on your dad, but is there anyway you can show up unnanounced quite often? I would love to catch them doing it - if I showed up and my horse wasn't in the field, first thing I'd do would be call the police saying its been stolen, they wouldn't ever do it again!

 

[zoelouisem]

The question was asked because the op said she had to wait for her dad to take her up, so it does change things of how we answer, cause otherwise we would have been saying turn up un announced.

poor kid, poor horse

It wasnt a dig at anybody my answer, i just get the impression from the Op shes getting pushed around a bit by the older girls at the stables. And in an earlier reply the Op said she didnt want to think she was been childish by them not letting them ride her horse. It was reassurance that i think she is in the right. Regardless of her age or experience its her horse. But tbh i think everybody is agreeing with this.

 

[Gingerwitch]

No Zoe -i did not take it as a dig.

And anyways the girl is being a lot more grown up than me, i would have had a right temper tantrum down the yard if it were me.

I am ashamed that this is an introduction to livery - it is dispicalbe and no the girl has every right to say no !

 

[Grinchmass]

The question was asked because the op said she had to wait for her dad to take her up, so it does change things of how we answer, cause otherwise we would have been saying turn up un announced.

poor kid, poor horse

Ahh my mistake, I thought that it was insinuating something to do with age related, more to the point of op being selfish. Which she most certainly is not.

Thanks for pointing it out, it's been a long day.


Oh and as other have said, move ASAP. Don't give notice, they broke the contract, just give I written letter detailing why you are leaving. Also I would refuse to pay any out standing livery if there is any, to cover vets bills, as you may struggle to get any money covering vets fees out of them when they obviously don't have common decency. As with the farrier, if it was even brought up that you owed money I would be blowing my mind with rage. After all you have proof with the farrier stating that your horses feet havnt been shod.

 

[measles]

I am a YO and am horrified in your defence. Never ever should that happen and the yard manager or owner is as much responsible if it has happened more than once.

Move to somewhere with a good reputation, trust them and don't be afraid to explain you are the customer paying for a service.

 

[zoelouisem]

No Zoe -i did not take it as a dig.

And anyways the girl is being a lot more grown up than me, i would have had a right temper tantrum down the yard if it were me.

I am ashamed that this is an introduction to livery - it is dispicalbe and no the girl has every right to say no !

Haha yer i would not be as grown up as she is i would have gone there screaming and shouting and calling them every name under the sun if theyd ridden and lamed my horse!!!!!!

 

[yeeharider]

I've worked as a groom for 6 years and this is one of the reasons why I will never have my horse on anything other than diy livery. You just can't trust people.

Excuse me!!! please dont tar us all with the same brush I pride myself on running a happy yard most on part mon-fri livery but have some on DIY who I help out as needed,bringing in when they are late back from work etc. All horses on yard are treated same as my own 5,and all are very happy horses. Even on full livery your horse would not be ridden,would be on schooling/competition livery for it to be excercised.

 

[Burmilla]

Just wondering where this nest of despicable low life thieves is situated. Feel like going up mob handed and riding their horses and seeing how they liked it! Perhaps take the 18yr old brat groom's eventer cross country schooling a long way away so she wondered where s/he had gone when she got to the yard and found her horse gone - like you could have done. Sitting here stewing murderously on your behalf!

 

[mynutmeg]

Prim not actually sure they haven't committed a criminal offence to. E honest. It's the same as driving someone's car without permission legally - and morally a lot worse.

Paula

Driving someone else's car without their permission is called TWOC (taking without owner consent) and is a criminal offense as it is otherwise called stealing, even if returned.
Riding someone elses horse probably isn't a criminal offense however in law, a horse is property, by riding without permission and damaging said property (making the horse lame) then you can persue them through the small claims court or sue them should you not get anywhere yourself.
I completely agree with the poster who said to remove the horse (tonight or tomorrow if possible before they do more damage to your horse) and then put everything in writing to the YO and ask for an explanation of the behaviour they allowed on their property by theri employees. Even if it's not in writing you have stated clearly that no-one else was to ride your horse and although harder to enforce a verbal agreement or instructions is still legally binding.

Good luck and get your horse out asap, also ensure you have your dad or a friend with you for support as it may get a little heated when you leave.

 

[Gingerwitch]

Is your mum and dad of the horsey background - if not i would suggest you show them this thread before you go to the yard tomorrow - just so he/she understands how badly you have been treated.

It is appalling - totally totally appaling - and the damage to the horse could be very very serious !

If he/she needs to chat to someone about it, please pm me, and i will arrange to talk to your mum or dad and explain - as i am sure many on here would on your behalf.

 

[Mardy Mare]

Laoscar- if you are anywhere near Oxon, please let me know- I am furious on your behalf and would happily defend you should you need it

If anyone ever rode my horse without my permission- god help them!

 

[AmiRobertson]

Yes I asked it because it sounds like this 18yr old is seriously taking advantage and the OP needs to know that! As everyone else has said LEAVE asap!
It is not ok that she is riding your horse without permission, in fact the fact she is hacking him and therefore taking him off of the yard it could almost be considered theft (not sure on the legalities of this). You are completely right in being angry about this an if you need to take your dad for reinforcement! It's a horrible lesson to learn about how awful people can be and they should be disgusted with themselves for ruining your first livery experience.
However I applaud your mature and caring attitude towards your horse! You are a much better horsewoman than this groom will ever be because you know your horses abilities and care about him not pushing them to far! Move yards and enjoy your boy without this worry!

 

[Echo Bravo]

Troll anyone??

 

[Bikerchickone]

This is awful! They're taking advantage big time because they think at 17 you won't do anything about it, despicable behaviour.

Is there any chance your dad will go with you when you do next go there if you're planning to confront the yard owner?

Personally I would keep quiet about the fact that you know the farrier didn't shoe your horse too. Give them enough rope to hang themselves by billing you for something you haven't had. It's yet more proof of wrongdoing and neatly presented in written format it'll really push the point home about how despicable they've been.

Please if you can, get your horse out of there tomorrow. Don't leave it any longer, and don't mention to anyone what you're doing until you've done it. Then you can present the yard owner with a letter detailing the finer points and giving a copy of the photo.

Not all yards are like this. My two are on the same part livery arrangement you have and they're very well looked after. I hope your next yard is much much nicer. Good luck x

 

[laoscar]

So glad you all agree I am doing the right thing!
I have only gone up once unexpectedly and that was when she told me he had been ridden - probably because she thought i was going to ride but he was clearly knackered (fortunately i wasn't planning on riding that day) but i bet I would never have been told otherwise.
This sounds lame, but owning this horse was supposed to be the best thing thats ever happened to me but instead i've just been stressed and paranoid! Its basically like the groom has a new horse and doesn't have to pay a penny but instead gets paid for wrecking him!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Prim not actually sure they haven't committed a criminal offence to. E honest. It's the same as driving someone's car without permission legally - and morally a lot worse.

Paula

Not going to be able to arrest for that, in the opinion of my OH (police). You'd have to prove that the owner had not given permission, so one person's word against another's. Most police have little horsey experience and unless a horse is stolen, they don't tend to get very involved.

OP, take your parents down there tomorrow, get them to go crazy at the YO/YM then move the horse.

 

[yeeharider]

Troll anyone??

that did cross my mind

 

[laoscar]

OP do you mind me asking how old you are? Just when you mentioned ou rely on your dad to get to the yard suggests to me you maybe quite young (please correct me if I am wrong!!!)

Laoscar- if you are anywhere near Oxon, please let me know- I am furious on your behalf and would happily defend you should you need it

If anyone ever rode my horse without my permission- god help them!

Funnily enough I am in oxfordshire!

 

[AmiRobertson]

Argh this thread has made my blood boil! This 18yr old spoilt 'groom' needs a slap and taken down a peg or two! I hate it when people take advantage of other people under whatever circumstances!!! Especially this where the well being of an animal is concerned!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

So glad you all agree I am doing the right thing!


Its basically like the groom has a new horse and doesn't have to pay a penny but instead gets paid for wrecking him!

Of course you are!

What I don't get is why the groom thought she could ride your horse at all? Was it ever discussed?

 

[laoscar]

Is your mum and dad of the horsey background - if not i would suggest you show them this thread before you go to the yard tomorrow - just so he/she understands how badly you have been treated.

It is appalling - totally totally appaling - and the damage to the horse could be very very serious !

If he/she needs to chat to someone about it, please pm me, and i will arrange to talk to your mum or dad and explain - as i am sure many on here would on your behalf.

My mum used to ride but my dad knows nothing although both understand how bad this is. There's two parts to this, the fact my horse could be injured and i'd be left a horse i couldn't ride, and that i've been decieved and lied too. My parents will support me in the confrontation as I'm sure they just laugh in my face if I said 'i'm leaving because i saw a photo of you on my horse'

 

[FionaM12]

My mum used to ride but my dad knows nothing although both understand how bad this is. There's two parts to this, the fact my horse could be injured and i'd be left a horse i couldn't ride, and that i've been decieved and lied too. My parents will support me in the confrontation as I'm sure they just laugh in my face if I said 'i'm leaving because i saw a photo of you on my horse'

It's really good that your parents are behind you. I would definitely take one or both of them along if you confront the YO or groom on this, or give your notice. Rightly or wrongly, parents do command more respect in these cases.

 

[lhotse]

Troll anyone??

See page 1...

 

[weesophz]

i would be absolutely raging. id be up giving them a piece of my mind. are they insured?

my policy says that if someone is riding my horse without my knowledge or permission theyre not covered..

 

[Gingerwitch]

Just forget them, move the horse and spread the word locally - tell the yo or ym that you will be taking them to court for the vets fees as you will be calling the vet as soon as horse is at new yard - you have photographic evidance - and if they dont care well it just proves they are not a proffessional outfit.

Seriously move your horse, spread the word and leave them with the very real threat of a huge bill via the small claims court - and in any event they sure as hell wont want the bad press.

Then when your horse is safe go back and beat the s h 1 t out of that smug groom !

 

[FionaM12]

Troll anyone??

Possibly, but equally likely to be a genuine young person in a distressing situation and in need of advice. Surely it's better not risking driving her away?

I guess that's why others ignored the insinuation on page one.

 

[Burmilla]

Earlier this year, (27/07/2012) posting under the same name, you said you had sold your four assorted horses/ponies because "hubby has been made redundant" which is hardly consistent with being 17 and having to depend on your dad for lifts to see your poor happy hacker, etc. please could you explain why you are doing this?

 

[weesophz]

Then when your horse is safe go back and beat the s h 1 t out of that smug groom !

^^

 

[lhotse]

Earlier this year, (27/07/2012) posting under the same name, you said you had sold your four assorted horses/ponies because "hubby has been made redundant" which is hardly consistent with being 17 and having to depend on your dad for lifts to see your poor happy hacker, etc. please could you explain why you are doing this?

I'd give 9/10 for reactions, very good.

 

[FionaM12]

Earlier this year, (27/07/2012) posting under the same name, you said you had sold your four assorted horses/ponies because "hubby has been made redundant" which is hardly consistent with being 17 and having to depend on your dad for lifts to see your poor happy hacker, etc. please could you explain why you are doing this?

Oh. Well that is pretty odd.

Laoscar, could you explain please?