Sticks and stones and children...

[Vindaloo]

Oooh, the old saying stick and stones may break my bones was especially relevant this evening. I was riding quietly in the field when up in the corner some little heads came peeping over the wall. This isn't unusual, they have often watched the horses in the past, sometimes they get a little noisy and have to be told to get off the wall and go away but on the whole they are not too much trouble.

However, they have discovered a new and blooming dangerous game which is, as soon as you get to the corner, throw stones and sticks! Great game, lots of horrid noise and the horses spook BIG TIME. One of the little horrors even chucked in a shoe for good measure.

I don't mind a bit of fun and kids will be kids but I am riding oated up thoroughbred ex racers who get no turn out (don't blame me, that's how it is in India) who go absolutely MENTAL at the drop of a hat (or shoe, I know, I know poor joke).

They all hide in the trees giggling and have perfected the art of making vile horse scaring noises. It was hell riding tonight I can tell you. They did get chased of with dire threats of visiting their parents but I think it's just made it more of a game to them. I cannot count the different types of Airs above the ground we managed this evening and I finished schooling liooking like i'd taken a shower fully clothed. Achieved nothing really other than staying on. Mind you, Crystal did FABULOUS half pass in Canter, with way more impulsion than normal so I suppose that was a bonus.

I am not fluent in Hindi so can't tell them in their own language to b*gger off. The YO did get after them but I am really hoping this isn't going to be the norm. It wasn't fun at all.

Sorry, guess this is nothing but a big old rant. If any of you have any ides of how to deter the little wotsits i'd love to hear them. We do have a big rottweiller but they aren't a bit scared of her!

x

 

[Zirach]

Soak the little toads with a hose/bucket of water - would be quite funny to see. Although maybe I need to check my geography if it is hot they might like that!

Poor you, I wouldnt know what to do apart from maybe threatening to call the police (kids wouldnt hopefully realise that you wouldnt bother them for something like that) and hope they get scared.

Little so and so's!!!

 

[Vindaloo]

Good idea but yep, it's plenty warm enough for them to enjoy the bath. In fact, some of them could do with one. Grubbly little gits.

As for the police... unless I gave them a big, fat bribe they wouldn't so much as look in the kids direction. They are useless out here.

Guess i'm just going to have to wait for them to get bored with this new game. Thing is, I bet i'll be waiting a long time. Watching me getting carted was probably hilarious from their point of view and all that snorting and farting followed by some nice, big bucks just a joy to behold.

What I wouldn't give for an old fashioned bobby who wopuld grab them by their ears and drag them off home to their parents. How old do I sound???? Oh dear.

 

[scarymare]

Kids love a game (I'm a depute HT) so the more rise they get from you the more they will persist (will love being chased by YO also). Try to find somewhere away to ride or better still get your horse to accept it - once they are bored they will find someone else to bug but all the time you are making it exciting they will continue.

Sorry, not what you wanted to hear - but true nonetheless

 

[Dubsie]

You need a large water pistol - the sort that takes a couple of litres and you pump up so it squirts for miles.

Also go and cut some thorny bushes and leave where they sit/hide.

Or wait, hidden under the wall with a large bucket of water, wait till you hear them giggling, waiting for you + horse to emerge - then drench them.

Put a line of chewing gum along the top of the wall.

Put a line of tar along the wall

 

[Vindaloo]

Hi Scarymare, yep I am sure you are right on this. In my heart of hearts I know i'm just going to have to ignore... it's just blooming difficult when the horses won't play ball. Trying to maintain that air of indifference while sitting on a lunatic isn't so easy.

Police horses have my greatest respect, remaining calm when all manner of missiles are hurled in their direction is incredible.

No other option of place to ride or i'd definintely do that.

Hey ho, will persevere. Just hope my stickability is up to the task.

 

[scarymare]

Hi Scarymare, yep I am sure you are right on this. In my heart of hearts I know i'm just going to have to ignore... it's just blooming difficult when the horses won't play ball. Trying to maintain that air of indifference while sitting on a lunatic isn't so easy.

Police horses have my greatest respect, remaining calm when all manner of missiles are hurled in their direction is incredible.

No other option of place to ride or i'd definintely do that.

Hey ho, will persevere. Just hope my stickability is up to the task.

I do sympathise though - had this with my neighbours kids but at least I could tell on them (I didn't though). Its really awful when you are getting uptight and communicates to horse too. Time to 'man up' I'm afraid but rather you than me cos I'd be wetting myself. Best of luck

 

[Vindaloo]

Dubsie! Thats not a bad idea at all. Tar on the wall or something equally nasty might just do the trick.

Will suggest it to the YO since he is getting really fed up with having to spend a lot of time picking the horrible sharp stones up (the ones they are throwing). It's only a matter of time before something goes lame standing on one.

My dog had a nasty bout of the runs the other night. Would have smeared the top of the wall perfectly ;-)

 

[BSJAlove]

i would fall off on purpose and lay still like your seriously hurt. let them run away and get a friend to knock on their doors and tell them what happened. or just opt for the water. that would be hilarious. on a serious note. i would be fuming and i would be on the door to parents. what IF you id actually fall off and get seriously hurt

 

[Kenzo]

Kids love a game (I'm a depute HT) so the more rise they get from you the more they will persist (will love being chased by YO also). Try to find somewhere away to ride or better still get your horse to accept it - once they are bored they will find someone else to bug but all the time you are making it exciting they will continue.

Sorry, not what you wanted to hear - but true nonetheless

Totally agree with above, it will be hard to bite your tongue but naughty children do stuff for attention, so I'd lie low and not react to it all for now, see if it works first, then string em up afterwards

 

[Vindaloo]

i would be fuming and i would be on the door to parents. what IF you id actually fall off and get seriously hurt

That's the more worrying side of their game isn't it. All very well to let them have their fun BUT it could have some serious consequences. I will ignore them mind you (as much as possible).

YO was riding his fella this eve and also had a few very uncomfortable moments. I hope that he will deal with it. He's ex cavalry and is scary as hell at the best of times.