Took him home - what would you have done?

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skewby

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I went out with a different pack yesterday, lovely friendly lot and had barely started when as we were cantering up a field a horse passed us and kicked my horse square and hard in the shoulder :(

The young lad riding was horrified and apologised. I went to carry on but my horse (unsurprisingly) came up short on that side.

I made the quick decision to take him home. I did wonder if he was just "dead legged" and would loosen off. But I wasn't happy so brought him back.

The hunt has kindly offered me another day, which is wonderful.

Horse is ok, just swollen and stiff. I just felt so awful for him that he had to come home! He hacked back to the wagon like an angel bless him but he's been so dying to get out and we only managed half an hour/45 mins or so!!!

He is my only horse, I adore him, it's not his only job and I won't risk him. However I know many friends who would have carried on and are often on hirelings as their own are recuperating!!

So, what would you have done? Did I do the right thing in being careful with him, or was it in fact more unfair on him as he'd rather have carried on?!
 
You definately did the right thing. Its very kind of the hunt to offer you another day so go and enjoy it :)
FWIW after i got very badly kicked by a (chesnut) mare who actually attacked my cob as we were about to take off for a jump :0 i tend to assume ALL horses will boot me and keep well clear of everything.
 
Thanks all, I don't feel so mean now!!

Dex it really was a freak accident, I steer well clear of anything now. But we were happily cantering along, minding our own business, plenty of space, as was the poor lad on the kicker. He didn't pass me too close, or too fast. But the mean flipping thing twisted its backside and landed one on us! It wasn't even a buck, it was so deliberate. However I must say, as I was with a new pack I was in the middle of the field, whereas we are usually at the front. I bet that wouldn't have happened at the front!! Lesson learned there methinks :)
 
Thanks all, I don't feel so mean now!!

Dex it really was a freak accident, I steer well clear of anything now. But we were happily cantering along, minding our own business, plenty of space, as was the poor lad on the kicker. He didn't pass me too close, or too fast. But the mean flipping thing twisted its backside and landed one on us! It wasn't even a buck, it was so deliberate. However I must say, as I was with a new pack I was in the middle of the field, whereas we are usually at the front. I bet that wouldn't have happened at the front!! Lesson learned there methinks :)
Click to expand...

Sorry if it appeared as a dig-it wasnt- i wanted to say that i had had a similar problem.

It was intended as a demonstration of how you can get hurt by a spiteful act when you are minding your own business :-/ and how it has changed how i ride in a group TBH i really try to avoid the middle of the field now. If i am on my own then i ride at the front but if i am with someone then will ride towards the back or wherever there is space.
 
Lol no I didn't take it as a dig! But yes what you say is dead right - perhaps I was complacent as horse goes so well now, I can put him where I want. He used to only go well at the front. So yes, you are right, I shall avoid the middle from now on! :)
 
I would have gone home too.
I'm the same as Dex, been booted so many times when I've been stood in a perfectly acceptable place I tend to be more wary now, especially as I'm not on my own horses this season, I'd be mortified if anything happened to OH's horses!
I hate going home early, you always doubt whether you should have done- I remember my coloured once chewing through the gag rein about an hour into a day- I had to go home but it didn't make it any easier!
 
Yep, would have done the same.

How frustrating though, after all the crap weather etc I bet you were well psyched up for a blast!
 
Oh no what a shame, after all that time off as well. Did you get my PM about hunting with the VWH this coming Monday? Who were you out with? Hope Dylan is feeling ok again now.
 
It was soooo frustrating. Glad I am not the only one who is careful, and doubts herself! I just felt sooo tight on horse, he was so bloody pleased to be out!

Aniseed no I haven't got a PM - can you resend?? Swelling has gone right down and I'm dead pleased and thinking of going out next week so Monday could be perfect :) can you send again? (Sorry no idea where it went but def not there?!!) x
 
You definitely did the right thing. If you only have one horse, you have to look after him. There will be another day, and another season! I had a clanky shoe at 1.30 the other day. I know lots of people would have carried on til it fell off, and maybe it wouldn't have done, but I went home, and felt like a real wuss for it. But I know it was the right thing cos I needed him sound for the next week!
 
Well done Skewby. Its not a question of was it right or wrong. You made a hard decision ,in the interests of your horse and his welfare. I wish more people had the integrity.
 
Would have done the same. My brothers pony booted mine really badly on her back leg catching her on the bone, she came up a bit stiff and was fine when we got her back, but stiff the next day... better to be safe!
she was the same- just twisted and caught her! one of those things!
 
Thanks all. I wasn't worried about my day out - I was worried about his. He really loves it!

Shoulder looking good. Lucky he is such a chunky horse, a lesser creature would have come off really quite badly :(
 
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