Some people just over react or is it me?

[Depp_by_Chocolate]

Earlier today I took my 8 month old gelding for a little walk down the farm track as we usually do at weekends and decided to go a little bit further down the other short track as he had never been down there before so something different for him to see.

No problems until we turned to go back home and one of the horses in the field along side the track (which is a public right of way) comes cantering over. Obviously my foal not having seen this horse before plants himself so he can have a look and gave a little whinny (like he does when he sees any new horse). Literally a second later the other horse's owner comes storming out the barn shouting get your horse away from mine thats a 3 year old filly! And?

At no point were they that close to each, they weren't and couldn't touch and I wouldn't have allowed it anyway, they weren't trying to get to each other, no one was dancing about getting excited although the filly was interested in my boy she just stood there. Anyway after being shouted at I coaxed the little fella into walking again and the filly was taken into the barn as I can't imagine what horrendous things might have happened if she stayed out while we were around.

The thing is that track is on the farm where I keep my horses, its very popular with riders and they pass by that field every day, why get so upset I that walked my foal down it? Horses young and old like to stop and look about their surroundings, and the way I see it that filly is going to have to get used to seeing things in the way my horses have too, how else am I going to take my foal out and get him used to the sights and sounds when he lives? Or should I leave it until he is fully grown?

 

[eggs]

I don't think you did anything wrong as long as you had control of your chap.

The only comment I would make is that having had 10 foals over the years, some of whom got to see more of the world than the others, it didn't actually make any difference to them when they were older. Now I leave my youngsters alone except for learning the basics of being led and having their feet picked out. The ones who were more suspicious by nature stayed that way and the bold ones stayed bold. I have also found that the youngsters don't seem to be scared of anything until they get to about 3 years old.

 

[Meandtheboys]

erhhhhhhhhhhh............no!!!
i always walk my babies out, makes things easier for breaking.
its none of her business what you do, if she can't control her filly thats her issue!!

 

[cornwallexracers]

If you were doing something wrong, then I'm also guilty of the same horrendous crime!

My little six month old foal regularly goes for a wander up the lane to get used to the sights and sounds of the world. I did exactly the same as a foal with my now six year old, who, I have to say is the most unflappable and safe horse out riding, he isn't phased by anything.

I really don't know why this person had a go at you. Personally I'm quite happy in my decision to get my babies out and about, rather than wait until they're whopping great 16.3hh four year olds!! I would say carry on doing what you're doing, and you should have a well mannered, worldly wise horse in a few years time.

 

[canteron]

It might be he was trying to discourage you from using the right of way!!!

 

[indiat]

I've never had young horses but seeing as it is a public right of way I would have thought you could have led a bull by the ring if you so chose! Poor little foalie sounds like its got very strict parents who won't let her play.

 

[Donkeymad]

I met a woman like that one day, idiots. You carry on.

Eggs, how can you say it does not help taking youngsters out and about early? of course it helps!

 

[Depp_by_Chocolate]

Thanks for your replies I shall continue with our weekly walks then. I will be taking my 2 year old down that track tomorrow, she also likes to stop and look at other horses, in hindsight maybe that was the problem I shouldn't have let him stop.

 

[littlemisslauren]

I dont think you did anything wrong at all. Surely this filly needs to get used to horses walking past her field if its a common riding area?

 

[Chestnutmare]

of course you can let him stop and have a look at things..they have to learn about everything it's natural just dont worry about that woman seriously you werent wrong for what you did...

 

[soulfull]

I would ignore the nutter!!! you did nothing wrong you carry on having fun and showing them the world

 

[lilym]

Oh tell her to feck off - what a loser.

 

[gails]

Seems to me you are the one doing thing right. If her 3 year old is upst by another horse then what does she think will happen in day to day life, is that poor baby going to be kept in 24 hours a day 365 days ayar and never see another living thing ecept her.

IMHO that is why there are so many horses and ponies unable to cope with 'normal life' and flip out at every thing.

You keep going, you will be the one with the well rounded horse every one wants

 

[Storminateacup]

Unfortunately some people are plain rude, stupid and nasty and appear not to know the laws of the land.
Take no notice, or give her a mouthful if it happens again, after all she started yelling at you, but make sure you are condescending, not just rude.
There are lots of people like that in the world.
Morons.

 

[Echo Bravo]

You did the right thing and as it's a right of way have a word with the farmer you livery with about her maybe he could put her in her place.

 

[eggs]

[ QUOTE ]
I met a woman like that one day, idiots. You carry on.

Eggs, how can you say it does not help taking youngsters out and about early? of course it helps!

[/ QUOTE ]

I didn't say it didn't help but was pointing out my observation from my foals that it wasn't essential.

 

[rascal]

Talk about over reacting! Just carry on you did nothing wrong. I definatly think it really does help later on if they see more of the world as babies.