What a day ragworting!!

hannabanana

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Well I organised a day to do ragwort picking with the girls whos horses share the same field as my lad. I frequently facebooked and texted them to make sure they didnt forget. Even though they all said yes, out of 5 (inc me) only me and another girl showed up. 2 had valid reasons, other girl did not (shes pretty lazy), she will try and wiggle her way out of anything, she NEVER goes to see her horse whos out 24/7 even though she lives 5 mins from yard. But thats a different matter.

Anyway me and other girl had a laugh ragworting, we are both tired! We took a wheel barrow up with bags, forks etc and speakerphones to listen to music and packed lunch. We left our belongings in the wheelbarrow and off we went around the very big field to pick ragwort. What we didnt realise is the horses showing an interest in the wheelbarrow! When we got back my friends cheese sandwich had been eaten, apple, actimel drink and my yogurt. The horses all had yogurt on their noses and doing the lip curl thing. I have to admit it was funny! Then they began picking my speakers up and swinging them around.

Eventually we got tired and called it a day, we didnt finish all of the field (considering it was just the two of us doing a huge field!). But I have texted the other girls, talking about pulling our weight etc. It was mainly aimed at the lazy girl...I am determined to get them all doing it!!

You've gotta love ragwort!! (not)
 
Well done! It's such hard work, esp when you are doing more than your fair share. I used to have this problem at a yard I was at. There were 50 plus horses there but only around 5 or 6 people would turn out to pick ragwort. Drove me crazy that people could care so little and be so lazy! I have my own place now which is easy to keep totally ragwort free! Yay!!!
 
Well done! It's such hard work, esp when you are doing more than your fair share. I used to have this problem at a yard I was at. There were 50 plus horses there but only around 5 or 6 people would turn out to pick ragwort. Drove me crazy that people could care so little and be so lazy! I have my own place now which is easy to keep totally ragwort free! Yay!!!

You poor thing!! I know its a pain, but I think if their horse is in the field, its their responsibilty for its welfare. Which is why it boils my blood when no one gives a toss. The 'lazy' girl replied on facebooks saying 'Dont worry lasses, the ragwort isnt as bad as it used to be! Itll be fine'.....Yeah because We have been keeping on top of it, and I did it all my self last year! And if Its left, it would just multiply again! silly!!
 
Well done,but please tell me you both wore gloves,(or promise me you will in future). The alkaloids in ragwort can be absorbed through the skin. Its definately not a good thing. I wish more people were so conscientious as you two.
 
I did yes :), and washed hands and arms thoroughly afterwards, as some of it touches my arm now and then, I always feel itchy afterwards but I think its just phycological :).

One of my pet hates is leaving ragwort in field, its just a no no! I think I will talk to YO about sticking some sort of info leaflet up so that people will realise its not to be taken lightly. I dont want to seem like miss bossy boots (especially on the yard im at because its quite laid back in a nice way, apart from the odd few things) But it has to be done !
 
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