What do you do as an owner that is slightly 'obsessive'..

[HarrietLong]

I don't have OCD - I still care very much about my horse and take pride in him.
Lets be clear - OCD behaviour is for the benefit of the owner to make them feel good. There is nothing wrong with that but many of the things people have listed add nothing to the wellbeing of the horse. It doesn't make them any better or worse an owner than many of the rest of us.
My horse receives a good standard of basic care - the fact that his bed isn't level, he's not colour co-ordinated and he's not groomed to within an inch of his life does not mean he is less well cared for. Anyone is welcome to come and see how well he looks - if they can find him under the mud!

Yes, but if the horse gets all the "extras" on top of the basic care, then surely that is even better for it. Whether you need them or not - it just shows you take even more pride in your horse.

I just know some people who (very wrongly), refer to people who just take general very good care of their horses, as OCD. As in I've known for my mother to be told rather nastily that she has OCD, when infact she was just skipping a bed out.

 

[blackcob]

I just know some people who (very wrongly), refer to people who just take general very good care of their horses, as OCD. As in I've known for my mother to be told rather nastily that she has OCD, when infact she was just skipping a bed out.

I was once called "anal-retentive", among other names in a horrible slanging match from an older well-to-do woman who should have known better, for daring to muck out my horse every morning and sweep the yard. To me that's a fundamental part of horse ownership, but as she was content to turn up well after midday (on one occasion after 4pm), leaving her horse in the same bedding with no hay all that time and then not sweeping up after herself, I was obviously rubbing her nose in it by daring to get everything done by 9am and doing it purposely out of spite.

As long as the horses aren't harmed I don't care what anybody does with their own, just don't pick on me for grooming thoroughly before a ride/wearing reasonably co-ordinating clothes/cleaning my boots before I get on board!

 

[TGM]

Yes, but if the horse gets all the "extras" on top of the basic care, then surely that is even better for it.

How is having its whiskers trimmed every week better for the horse? How is having level banks better for the horse? How is having matching bandages and saddlecloths better for the horse?

I do agree with the poster above that if you are running a professional yard then appearances are an important part of the yard's reputation, but it still doesn't mean the horses are any happier with their life than at scruffier establishments.

 

[winslow]

bolts, locks and lights, i would double check to the point of sometimes driving back to check that i had done it i knew i had locked everything up but would always have to check and the other thing i always have to say goodnight otherwise i get obsessive about forgetting to do something

 

[HarrietLong]

How is having its whiskers trimmed every week better for the horse? How is having level banks better for the horse? How is having matching bandages and saddlecloths better for the horse?

QUOTE]

The matching saddlecloths etc perhaps not (though it does show you take pride in yourself and your horse). However trimming - you are spending even more time with your horse. Yes it won't improve it's overall condition and wellbeing, but it does add to "quality time" that you spend with your horse, and therefore if you were nit picking, could argue that it adds to the horses psychological wellbeing.

As for level banks - it shows the yard takes pride in itself, if it takes that much care over banks, then it is likely to take just as much care over the horses wellbeing in general. However sloppy banks may suggest from the outside a slapdash yard, and possibilities that certain aspects of the horses overall wellbeing are slightly "rushed" as well.

 

[BayJosie]

beds have to flat.

water buckets filled right up to top with NO gaps (she never drinks it all but i always worry she won't have enough anyway)

Haynets spun round so the knot is facing the back

I only do black/white/blue/brown and am scared of all other colours being used on horses. ESPECIALLY PINK ARRRRRRRRGH.

 

[Hullabaloo]

How is having its whiskers trimmed every week better for the horse? How is having level banks better for the horse? How is having matching bandages and saddlecloths better for the horse?

QUOTE]

The matching saddlecloths etc perhaps not (though it does show you take pride in yourself and your horse). However trimming - you are spending even more time with your horse. Yes it won't improve it's overall condition and wellbeing, but it does add to "quality time" that you spend with your horse, and therefore if you were nit picking, could argue that it adds to the horses psychological wellbeing.

As for level banks - it shows the yard takes pride in itself, if it takes that much care over banks, then it is likely to take just as much care over the horses wellbeing in general. However sloppy banks may suggest from the outside a slapdash yard, and possibilities that certain aspects of the horses overall wellbeing are slightly "rushed" as well.

Actually I think my horse's psychological wellbeing is helped more by being out with his mates being a horse than being trimmed and fussed over by me. Also, people have partners, family, social lives, and want to strike a balance in their lives for their own psychological wellbeing - its not always desirable to spend even more time with your horse.

What you say about banks is nonsense - caring about your horse's wellbeing means doing the things that are most important for their wellbeing. If you are limited on time this would mean providing a deep clean bed but not in my view include levelling the banks.

Blackcob - I would never dream on picking on anyone for being fussy. I have fussy friends - I tease them about it, they tease me about being a slob. As you say as long as the horse isn't harmed each to his own

 

[HarrietLong]

Actually I think my horse's psychological wellbeing is helped more by being out with his mates being a horse than being trimmed and fussed over by me. Also, people have partners, family, social lives, and want to strike a balance in their lives for their own psychological wellbeing - its not always desirable to spend even more time with your horse.

What you say about banks is nonsense - caring about your horse's wellbeing means doing the things that are most important for their wellbeing. If you are limited on time this would mean providing a deep clean bed but not in my view include levelling the banks.

I have already stated that obviously people are constrained by time....
However, for those that aren't, taking pride in what you may consider to be irrelevant aspects (such as banks etc) should not be jeered at.

The first thing I have always looked at when choosing a yard is the state of the beds - and yes including whether banks are level and the front is straight. It is something I expect to be standard on a livery yard as it is the job of the person running it, so they should have the time to make sure everything is perfect.

 

[Hullabaloo]

I have already stated that obviously people are constrained by time....
However, for those that aren't, taking pride in what you may consider to be irrelevant aspects (such as banks etc) should not be jeered at.

The first thing I have always looked at when choosing a yard is the state of the beds - and yes including whether banks are level and the front is straight. It is something I expect to be standard on a livery yard as it is the job of the person running it, so they should have the time to make sure everything is perfect.

I'm not jeering - each to their own. But perfect yards do not automatically mean happier horses.

When looking at a yard I'm far more concerned about quality of turnout which I think is far more important - but then I'm DIY so the state of my horse's bed is my responsibility anyway.

Yes, but if the horse gets all the "extras" on top of the basic care, then surely that is even better for it. Whether you need them or not - it just shows you take even more pride in your horse.

Again I disagree. Personally I prefer a horse to have good basic care and be given time to be a horse than to be constantly fussed over and pampered. I take pride in having a fit, healthy, happy, well behaved horse - the fact that he has a bit of mud on him from time to time is neither here nor there. If someone else chooses to do things differently that is fine by me but please do not imply (as this post appears to) that horses receiving basic care are somehow missing out because their owners do not take pride in them.

 

[HarrietLong]

I did not imply that in any way at all. I am simply saying that if they get "extras" on top then it is even better. I am not saying a horse who does not get the "extras" is in any way a less happy horse.

Things liek turnout are what I take for granted though, and what I would put under basic horse care. Beds are not, which is why I am saying that with my horses I go above and beyond to levels of perfection.

 

[Arabelle]

I did not imply that in any way at all. I am simply saying that if they get "extras" on top then it is even better. I am not saying a horse who does not get the "extras" is in any way a less happy horse.

Things liek turnout are what I take for granted though, and what I would put under basic horse care. Beds are not, which is why I am saying that with my horses I go above and beyond to levels of perfection.

Wow - perfection in horse care.. I suppose it is always good to aspire....
Trouble is, perfection is so subjective. For me, level beds are not perfection - turn out 24/7 with access to a field shelter is. Do you see my point? We all have different priorities, but faffing about with matching clothes and bandages certainly does not represent 'perfection' by any measure. But if you enjoy doing it, go ahead - it is solely for your benefit, after all

 

[Hullabaloo]

Many of the extras might benefit the owner if they enjoy spending time with their horse doing those things, but I don't see that it is better for the horse.

See I would puts a decent bed under basic horse care (along with turnout, well fitting tack, shoeing, worming and feeding etc) - but for me that has to be deep and clean. Level is not essential and would not be a factor in my choosing a yard. Wouldn't be level long after my horse got on their anyway - he is more of a slob than me!

My horse hates being fussed over - I hate pampering so at least we're well suited!

 

[HarrietLong]

Suppose we will have to agree to disagree.

However, there are yards out there were people are prepared to pay ALOT of money to have perfection with there horses. And for most people who keep their horses on full livery the "perfections" are expected as standard.

 

[Katie__Connie]

I obsessively check that stable doors/gates are shut... i have to check them about 5 times and have been known to cycle the two miles home from the yard and then cycle back up 'cos i'm worried i didn't check the gate

Oh and sweeping the yard... i cannot have bits of straw or anything on it

 

[Hullabaloo]

Suppose we will have to agree to disagree.

However, there are yards out there were people are prepared to pay ALOT of money to have perfection with there horses. And for most people who keep their horses on full livery the "perfections" are expected as standard.

Suppose we will. I do understand what you're saying about livery yards looking professional and I can see why you would look for a good standard before you trust someone with the care of your horse.
I'm never likely to do full livery so I am quite happy to bumble along with my own imperfect standards.

 

[TGM]

However, there are yards out there were people are prepared to pay ALOT of money to have perfection with there horses. And for most people who keep their horses on full livery the "perfections" are expected as standard.

Unfortunately, I have seem quite a few yards that are 'perfect' in appearance, yet the horses actually aren't that happy. Yes, the beds are level, the horses neatly trimmed, there are hanging baskets in front of the stables, but the horses have restricted turnout and often insufficient forage with resultant stable vices. So the last thing I would look at in a prospective livery yard would be the levelness of the beds! Some of the best yards I have know have actually looked a bit shabby in appearance, but each horse gets the best individual care according to their own needs. Now that is 'perfection' in my book! But presumably you wouldn't deign to send a horse of yours to a yard like that ...

 

[LeneHorse]

My horse hates being fussed over - I hate pampering so at least we're well suited!

He He me too, and it's even worse as mine's a grey! (and turned out naked).

I am a bit obsessive about my tack though and will only use a leather girth with elastic at both ends and wool lined numnahs (nu -med?). However the obsession does not extend to cleaning tack and using a clean numnah each time I ride
On balance I am more slob than OCD.

 

[HarrietLong]

Unfortunately, I have seem quite a few yards that are 'perfect' in appearance, yet the horses actually aren't that happy. Yes, the beds are level, the horses neatly trimmed, there are hanging baskets in front of the stables, but the horses have restricted turnout and often insufficient forage with resultant stable vices. So the last thing I would look at in a prospective livery yard would be the levelness of the beds! Some of the best yards I have know have actually looked a bit shabby in appearance, but each horse gets the best individual care according to their own needs. Now that is 'perfection' in my book! But presumably you wouldn't deign to send a horse of yours to a yard like that ...

Decent turnout and ad lib hay etc is what I expect as standard. Unless this was garunteed I wouldn't even consider the yard. I am not saying I would have level beds etc over and above adaquate turnout. However there are yards that excellently manage to do both - the one I am currently on for example.

 

[TGM]

Ah, but you said that you thought that things such as unlevel beds would indicate a sloppy aspect to other aspects of management, whereas I am saying that I know plenty of yards where there is not the case at all! At the end of the day, it is your prerogative to choose a yard where the beds are measured with a spirit level every day, but please be honest enough to admit it is for your own sake and not for your horse's!

 

[HarrietLong]

It benefits me in no way for my horse to have a nice level bed - it is just a case of taking pride in the animal and giving it the best of everything.
Why if you have time, and take pride in what you do would you not ensure smart beds anyway?

 

[Equinimity]

I think everyone agrees as long as our horses are fed/hayed, watered and turned out as much as possible then they're happy. Everything else is just personal choice. I think we'd have the same sort of divide if we surveyed people's housework habits and had a snoop into their living rooms! I personally love the look of an immaculate yard with hanging baskets and it would sway my decision if looking for livery (as long as everything else was up to scatch) but I'm one of life's neat freaks and proud to be so- if you're not then that's fine by me too

 

[TGM]

It benefits me in no way for my horse to have a nice level bed - it is just a case of taking pride in the animal and giving it the best of everything.

Well it does obviously benefit you in some psychological way, as it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference to the horse, yet it is important to you when choosing a yard. You like things neat, that is fine, but it doesn't bother your horse at all, so please don't make out you are making a better choice for him than those who choose yards where the beds are not level!

I take a lot of pride in my horses, but don't feel I need to have level beds to demonstrate that fact!

 

[TGM]

I think everyone agrees as long as our horses are fed/hayed, watered and turned out as much as possible then they're happy. Everything else is just personal choice. I think we'd have the same sort of divide if we surveyed people's housework habits and had a snoop into their living rooms! I personally love the look of an immaculate yard with hanging baskets and it would sway my decision if looking for livery (as long as everything else was up to scatch) but I'm one of life's neat freaks and proud to be so- if you're not then that's fine by me too

Beautifully put, Equinimity!

 

[HarrietLong]

Well it does obviously benefit you in some psychological way, as it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference to the horse, yet it is important to you when choosing a yard. You like things neat, that is fine, but it doesn't bother your horse at all, so please don't make out you are making a better choice for him than those who choose yards where the beds are not level!

I take a lot of pride in my horses, but don't feel I need to have level beds to demonstrate that fact!

It does make a difference - it shows that the yard takes pride in EVERYTHING it does, whether it is down to the general basic care of the horse, or down to grooming it throughly. It all adds up and combines to make a better yard. I expect the majority of people would rather go to a yard with the added extras aslong as the level of "basic care" was the same.

 

[zefragile]

It does make a difference - it shows that the yard takes pride in EVERYTHING it does, whether it is down to the general basic care of the horse, or down to grooming it throughly. It all adds up and combines to make a better yard. I expect the majority of people would rather go to a yard with the added extras aslong as the level of "basic care" was the same.

I would actually prefer a yard like one I was once at- it was scruffy and there were random animals wandering around loose. The taps tended to leak too. But the atmosphere was amazing, so warm and friendly and helpful. Most of the horses were out 24/7 anyway. It was a place I felt really comfortable at, and all the horses were happy and healthy.

 

[TGM]

It does make a difference - it shows that the yard takes pride in EVERYTHING it does, whether it is down to the general basic care of the horse, or down to grooming it throughly. It all adds up and combines to make a better yard. I expect the majority of people would rather go to a yard with the added extras aslong as the level of "basic care" was the same.

Yes, it makes a difference to YOU because neatness is obviously important to you. However, please explain how level beds actually make a difference to the horse itself?!

Everyone has different extras that they like at a yard - neat people will like neat beds and hanging baskets, the social type might like a bar or cafe, some might like miles of off-road hacking, shopaholics might like an on-site tackroom, some might like the yard to be surrounded by beautiful scenery. However, these 'extras' are things we choose for our own benefit and just because different 'extras' are more or less important to different people doesn't mean that they take more or less pride in their horses than others! Different strokes for different folks!

 

[jaypeebee]

Yes, it makes a difference to YOU because neatness is obviously important to you. However, please explain how level beds actually make a difference to the horse itself?!

I dont think Harriet Long understands you because she keeps answering your questions with answers that imply she doesnt know what you are talking about. I understand what you are saying TGM and of course you are right. I have a very tidy and clean yard. Everything is neat and in its place and as nice as it is to see the stable yard looking pristine I in fact do not keep any of my horses in my stables because I know that this would only be for my benefit so I keep them out in their pretty fields because I know it is much more beneficial to them and that they dont care whether I have flowers growing in the flower boxes and that there is not a whisper of a piece of hay lying on the paving stones.

This thread is interesting as others have said many of the things mentioned are just standard horse care and yet other things I would never do in a century of days like putting hoof oil on or using hay nets.

 

[bertandbeans]

I worked as a professional groom for 20 years. Now I'm 'retired' the people I keep my horse with think I'm a bit fanatical about most things to be honest. I too think it's more about standards. If you know the correct way to do things then it's fine to be a bit slack. I have issues with people that don't know how to groom properly or clean tack correctly. It used to drive me nuts too when working on a full livery yard which was kept spotless, to have clients lead their horses out of their stable without picking their feet out first - accross my freshly swept yard - grrrr! Another pet hate - badly fitted bridles. Even in catalogues selling tack etc, the equine models often have poorly fitted bridles. I could go on. Obsessive? Me?!

 

[Hullabaloo]

Well it does obviously benefit you in some psychological way, as it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference to the horse, yet it is important to you when choosing a yard. You like things neat, that is fine, but it doesn't bother your horse at all, so please don't make out you are making a better choice for him than those who choose yards where the beds are not level!

I take a lot of pride in my horses, but don't feel I need to have level beds to demonstrate that fact!

Thank you TGM - you've summed this up in a nutshell.
I did apologise to my horse earlier that he wasn't getting all the "extras" that would suggest I took a pride in him. He seemed more interested in his tea though!

LeneHorse - I feel your pain. I have had 2 greys. One day one of them was mistaken for a piebald when we were hacking! In my defence it was autumn and it was groom or ride before the light went!

 

[LazyS]

WOW what a glorious thread. There seem to be a lot of ladies (like me) who perhaps don't have children and tend to treat their horse(s) like their children. I always thought I would have been a dreadful mother as I like everything to be as neat and tidy as I have time (and sometimes not) to do! But gave up on square banks in the stables when I got a colt who is now a 6 year old stallion. He goes straight in and digs the banks up and rolls and those neat haynets make a great itching post!
In other ways I like to look at the place with a stranger's eyes and wouldn't want to be looked upon as a slob. I have planters either side of the trough and have rhubarb growing out of prime stallion poo! I hated the winter when I decided it would be nicer for the horses if I used straw and because we are at the top of a hill as you walked to the muck heap it blew everywhere, so I had to then clean that up! The muck heap has to be tidied because 'someone' might see it! Oh how sad I thought I was but looks like I am not the only one! Problem is I can't stop it and it usually becomes more 'obsessive' at a certain time of the month - it has been referred to as "feathering the nest!" I would like to put a grinning face here but can't make it stay here!!! Will create my own (Is that neat enough?!).