Someone has been in my fields and has ridden my 3 yo

[LadyGascoyne]

I went down to the yard this afternoon to find the immaculate, fully fenced-off spring paddock full of divots, poo and a clear circular track where someone has clearly been walking the horses in a circle.

Both the pony and my only partly-backed 3yo have clear marks on their backs where they have been ridden- the only benefit of the mud is being able to tell who has been ridden. The shed with headcollars and feed isn’t padlocked but it’s bolted and clipped closed with a lead rein to pony-proof it. Lead rein was on the ground.

I don’t actually know what to do. I am genuinely lost for my next actions.

The fields can’t be seen from the road or any footpath but local villagers will know about the horses as it’s a tiny village and some do bring their children to the gate (literally down the private driveway to a private house) to see them. The owner of the retired horse (doesn’t appear to have been ridden but is a big ISH so looks more scary) has had people share or feed him over the years.

I can only presume that someone has decided their children can have a plod around on them. The pony is what you’d call a ‘competent child’s second or third pony’ but probably ok on a lead-rein and my lovely filly is incredibly gentle but honestly, at rising four and having been sat on a handful of times, anything could have happened.

How do I know if anyone was injured? If anyone was hurt am I liable? I can’t tell how it ended. My filly let me sit on her without an issue this evening so I am immensely proud of her.

How do I stop this happening again? How do I go to work tomorrow? Can I use cameras? Is that going to be horrifically expensive?

Sorry, I am so all over the place on this.

 

[Desert_rider]

That is real worrying. I really don't know what goes through some people's minds to think that this sort of thing is a good idea.
Maybe you could put up some big cctv signs and some dummy cameras. It may be enough to deter the idiots from doing it again.

 

[HappyHorses:)]

So sorry to hear that. People are utter idiots sometimes.

Sure someone will be along with a better idea but I believe you can get wildlife cameras that may catch anyone going into the field. I’m sure there was a thread on here. They are motion activated, record day and night vision. Other than that put up signs saying no trespassing, unfortunately that probably won’t stop the Entitled idiots tho.

 

[bonny]

I suppose the main thing is that nothing appears to have gone wrong and the ponies are ok but you must be livid ......can the field not be seen by anyone ? I would look into cameras and put up signs saying they are there and lock the shed. Horrible situation for you.

 

[bonny]

Who owns the other pony ? What do they say about the situation ?

 

[dorsetladette]

Could you ask at the house if they saw or know anything?
I've got cctv notices on all my access points now which seems to have helped.

 

[Shay]

Cameras and signs. Sadly you would be liable if there was an injury. Any property owner is liable for injury caused to a trespasser (although a court might decide that the tresspasser's actions cuased or contributed to the extent that any award was minimal. Liability under the Animal Act for something done by your horse - whether you consented to the activity or not - is strict. It helps to reduce quantum if you have signs warning of danger - Horses are unpredicatable. Do not enter feild. etc. Although trespass is a civil offence (and really difficult to get the police interested in) theft and crimnal damage might be more compelling. But if you have CCTV you could bring a private civil prosecution - or at least threaten it. If you have sheep or other vulnerable livestock you are also entitiled to shoot people (or dogs) interefereing with them. Not horses sadly - perhaps co graze a sheep?!

 

[LadyGascoyne]

I’m looking after the older horse and the pony for the lady who owns them. She lives overseas so they are effectively my responsibility.

I have let her mother know, as I called to be 100% sure her mother hadn’t brought the grandchildren down but she hasn’t been down in weeks. I know it wouldn’t be her as she always calls ahead to ask if it’s ok, and would never ever ride my mare but I wanted to be sure before I leapt to conclusions.

 

[paddy555]

well today is Sunday and there are kids you believe involved in riding so it appears likely if there is to be a repeat performance it will be at the week end now the holidays are over. So, I would suspect you are safe until next week end.

My friend arrived at her field (not at her house) to find her ponies upset, electric tape broken etc. Luckily they had a camera on the field, took the chip home and played it to find hounds were the cause of her problem. She then had the evidence to confront the hunt.
I would suggest you do the same. Don't lock the shed, leave everything as it is and sort out a camera by next week (I have no idea what sort) and then set it up and try for a repeat performance. If you can get a camera you can view on your mobile then you may be able to keep checking and get down smartish to catch them in the act.
I would make sure you have insurance in place just in case.

 

[MrsMozart]

Bloody hell! Why are people such entitled and ignorant [insert word of choice]?!

CCTV? Lots of signs saying you'll take legal action? If it's a small village then get thr rumour mill going about your cousin-once-removed who's coming and s/he is not to be messed with.

 

[ester]

Post on the local fb page saying they might die (and that cameras are now installed)

 

[Velcrobum]

Wildlife cameras as a start. Padlock the the shed to stop any access to head collars and lead ropes. Can you padlock access gates and wrap with barbed wire to stop people climbing over???

 

[bonny]

Bloody hell! Why are people such entitled and ignorant [insert word of choice]?!

CCTV? Lots of signs saying you'll take legal action? If it's a small village then get thr rumour mill going about your cousin-once-removed who's coming and s/he is not to be messed with.

Can you take legal action though ? There’s no point in threatening something that isn’t possible and you would need to find out the legal position .

 

[MrsMozart]

Can you take legal action though ? There’s no point in threatening something that isn’t possible and you would need to find out the legal position .

No idea on the legalities, but then again 'someone coming' etc etc etc probably wouldn't be either - it's the dissuade angle rather than the reality.

 

[cobsandbassets]

Definitely cameras set up as soon as possible. Then make it your mission to find out who did it and have them kneecapped. I'll happily contribute.

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Post on the local fb page saying they might die (and that cameras are now installed)

What about...

Dear Trespassers

This is a private field, containing privately owned horses.

These horses are not here for you to execute your attempts at self-harm by climbing on the back of 400kg animal of unknown training and temperament.

If you are returning, it is clear that my horses are too mannerly to remove you from the gene pool. I assure you, I am not.

I am very protective of my hobbies which include looking after my horses, building complex surveillance systems, shooting moving targets at a distance, and long walks on the beach.

Please consider your options carefully and contact a riding school.

 

[ycbm]

If you have sheep or other vulnerable livestock you are also entitiled to shoot people ..... interefereing with them.

Surely that can't be true?


.

 

[ycbm]

LG I would be as upset as you. If the area is covered by a 4G phone signal, then cameras asap. And meanwhile multiple strand electric fencing too high to climb over.


.

 

[paddy555]

What about...

Dear Trespassers

This is a private field, containing privately owned horses.

These horses are not here for you to execute your attempts at self-harm by climbing on the back of 400kg animal of unknown training and temperament.

If you are returning, it is clear that my horses are too mannerly to remove you from the gene pool. I assure you, I am not.

I am very protective of my hobbies which include looking after my horses, building complex surveillance systems, shooting moving targets at a distance, and long walks on the beach.

Please consider your options carefully and contact a riding school.

possibly not.

your comments are only going to encourage someone even more. If they are doing this they will probably just think "arrogant cow, F*** Off.

I think you need to catch them and cameras are the only way.
I would post and ask for advice on cameras suitable for your situation (signal etc)

 

[hobo]

I am very glad your ponies are ok.

At the risk of getting black listed can I fess up to the fact in the early 70's there was a horse dealer near us and as a teenager we used to fill our pockets with apples, clamber on to the horses and throw the apples so the horses would wander around!!!
Please do not hate me!

 

[Blazingsaddles]

I went down to the yard this afternoon to find the immaculate, fully fenced-off spring paddock full of divots, poo and a clear circular track where someone has clearly been walking the horses in a circle.

Both the pony and my only partly-backed 3yo have clear marks on their backs where they have been ridden- the only benefit of the mud is being able to tell who has been ridden. The shed with headcollars and feed isn’t padlocked but it’s bolted and clipped closed with a lead rein to pony-proof it. Lead rein was on the ground.

I don’t actually know what to do. I am genuinely lost for my next actions.

The fields can’t be seen from the road or any footpath but local villagers will know about the horses as it’s a tiny village and some do bring their children to the gate (literally down the private driveway to a private house) to see them. The owner of the retired horse (doesn’t appear to have been ridden but is a big ISH so looks more scary) has had people share or feed him over the years.

I can only presume that someone has decided their children can have a plod around on them. The pony is what you’d call a ‘competent child’s second or third pony’ but probably ok on a lead-rein and my lovely filly is incredibly gentle but honestly, at rising four and having been sat on a handful of times, anything could have happened.

How do I know if anyone was injured? If anyone was hurt am I liable? I can’t tell how it ended. My filly let me sit on her without an issue this evening so I am immensely proud of her.

How do I stop this happening again? How do I go to work tomorrow? Can I use cameras? Is that going to be horrifically expensive?

Sorry, I am so all over the place on this.

I would be furious. Firstly a big sign needs to be put up at the start of the drive clearly stating ‘Private Property. No Public Access. Secondly all tack rooms/feed rooms need to be padlocked. Thirdly, a sign stating CCTV is installed. Fourthly, a serious amount of covert snooping to find out who the hell has the nerve to do such a thing and lastly, if the culprits are discovered, a visit to enlighten them.

 

[AmyMay]

Cameras, notices, and buy an old car pronto to leave parked at the yard, moving it around regularly. That will give the impression someone is there.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Post on the local fb page saying they might die (and that cameras are now installed)

Yup, this. A local near me posted on the 2 most local village groups, along the lines of:

Dear local parents, do you know where your children were today? Please be aware that children have TODAY been seen breaking and entering, trespassing, and sitting on ponies that have not yet been trained to do so.
All of this has been caught on the on site cameras.
We will not hesitate to prosecute if this happens again. Please also be aware that any injury sustained whilst on the premises will be at their risk, any injury to the ponies will see me not just prosecuting but seeking financial recompense for damages.

It worked, never happened again. She's always had CCTV signs up tho, like I do.

 

[scats]

I’m absolutely livid on your behalf!! Aside from the fact that the idiot could have hurt themselves, your beautiful 3-year old could have potentially been put in a situation that might have caused her a great amount of stress and caused you future problems in the backing process.
What is it with this culture of people just thinking they can have and do what the hell they like???

This happened locally to me a couple of years back. Teenagers climbed into a livery yard field and proceeded to start leaping on various horses backs. They were stupid enough to film themselves and put it all over social media, so names were found.

If I were you I would get CCTV installed ASAP and some signs made, although, to be honest, it would scare me enough to actually consider moving if I were you.

 

[AmyMay]

I agree scats. I wouldn’t be long there either.

 

[PurBee]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1080P-Wi...781432?hash=item4da3cfb978:g:CMQAAOSwnAJeALmT

The above camera has an app for your phone so you can detect and pick up live images...aaaand you can then talk through the mic on the camera, real-time, to your intruders “police have been called and are on way”
Thats very cool!

Put up signs, “keep away Dont touch horses/ Contagious Disease Warning”

 

[PurBee]

Depending on the fencing situation to the fields, you can get ‘vandal paint’ which is like a sticky tar, which never dries, so as people grab the fence to climb over they get the stuff all over their hands and leave forensic fingerprints.

Have a line of electric fencing within that so horses dont get it on them. But most horses tbh wouldnt be interested in it, and leave it alone.

 

[Millie-Rose]

Have recently done a lot of research into cameras as have a mare due to foal this spring. I bought one from eBay for £75 but have had to buy power lead, sim and memory card for it and set up myself if I had known before I would have bought one from equi optic on Facebook they are doing the same one I've got but set up ready for £135 at the moment. They use a leisure battery for power and a sim card can view footage on an app on your phone and also record to memory card. Solar equestrian do similar but powered by solar panel. My friend has one from Rydale horse monitor which can pan round she loves it and has it set so she can see her whole small holding, she even used it to check the horses in the fields on bonfire night. It is around the £400 mark though. I would get one up asap along with cctv signs and private property etc etc. A post to village facebook group would also let you know you're on to them!

 

[bonny]

If you have an unattended yard and a £400 camera is it not likely to be stolen ?

 

[ester]

It's an age old problem, I remember having a school assembly in primary because some kids had been riding some horses in a field (belonging to one of the mums).
Local fb does get around and those that know nothing generally don't understand the possible danger.