Hackie
Well-Known Member
That's true, but calling me mean hearted isn't actually helping in anyway !
FWIW I don't think you are mean. Horse owner is not synonymous with babysitter...
That's true, but calling me mean hearted isn't actually helping in anyway !
I must admit I haven't read all the posts so I could be repeating something already said. But as a horse owner, I am only too happy to see children interested in horses. Too many kids are only interested in playing virtual computer games and checking their mobiles. I was once a horse-mad child without my own horse. I was so grateful if anyone let me stroke theirs, or let me (attempt!) to help them. Horsey children should be encouraged, or there'll be no riders in 50 years time.
Also, I think horse owners have a snobby reputation. Being friendly to kids is the one way to prove we're nice people!
I don't think OP is being mean at all. I love kids and will happily chat to them about horses. But it would start to grate on me if they were bugging me everytime I went to see my horse and were leaving field gates open etc.
I find it very sad.
Fides it takes a community/extended family to raise responsible kids not just parents, everyone expects kids to know how to behave in different circumstances and social groups but how can they learn what they never experience.
maybe speak to the people responsible for the kids and say not the 6yr old due to responsibility and safety but give set days and times that the 12yr old can help if you are there, make the boundary that the field is off limits when you are not there known to everyone then everyone can take responsibility for it in your absence
I think some posters are being rather unfair to the OP. What if the little girl gets kicked by one of her horses? And injured? You can bet the grandparents will suddenly take a great interest at that point. Along with lawyers and lawsuits.
The child should be supervised by her own parents/ grandparents, not by the OP. And then possibly be allowed to visit the horses.
OP I totally agree with you.
Infact I think you have been more than patient. I don't like children either and while I always try to be polite with them, ( too well brought up not to be) I am quite happy to tell them to leave me alone.
If being polite isn't working however, I think you may need to be more blunt to both the Grandparents and child. A written request to be left alone, with explanation of the dangers perhaps, to the guardians, (keeping copy) and telling the child to her face to go away and leave you alone and not come back.
I would back this up with a notice on your gate, something like "private no entry" and as it's children involved I think you might be wise to add a non verbal notice like the ones used on building sites to warn off those who cannot read, (look up Occupiers Liability Act) a padlock would also be a wise precaution.
If you still get pestered, then I think you will have to shout, swear, get angry, anything to scare her enough to get her to push off permanently.
Ultimately a solicitors letter although hopefully unnecessary could be considered later if things do not improve just to cover yourself, and before people jump up and down at the idea, it's a last resort and better than being sued later.
I support your position completely, you are far from unreasonable, your life your, choice, don't feel bad if you have to "upset" the poor little darling, other people's children should not be anyone's else's problem. I don't subscribe to this very odd," society is responsible" idea, parents chose to have them, THEY should look after them
I guess from the tone of some of the replies that the suggestion "turn the hose on her" wouldn't be universally appreciated..
It wouldn't bother me.
Sorry, I think the op is quite frankly, mean spirited.