While everyone has strong opinions about how horses should be managed, trained, and handled, there have only been a few times in my life where I have seen horsemanship that scares me to death.
While working the Porsche in the arena, I looked up to see a LOOSE HORSE dragging his lead-rope in a full gallop in the open field. I stopped the Porsche and dismounted, in case she got spooked, and also to be able to be of assistance if needed to help recover said horse. The horse eventually came to a stop to eat grass, and the owner walked across the field to collect the horse. I chalked it up to a freak accident, and was happy to see no-one was hurt. However, when I saw this same thing happen again and again, I realized this was a thing.... This particular owner likes to "graze" their horse, letting the horse drag them around, and more often than not, flips the lead rope up over the horses back to let it freely graze (and bolt away!!)
The facility is not fenced and there is a very winding and dangerous road that circles the front of the property. Regardless of the fact that this owner is teaching their horse to have zero manners or respect, I find it impossible to understand why they would engage in such risky behaviour. This owner is a knowledgeable person, working under the supervision of a trainer, and who loves their horse dearly.. there is a well groomed round pen right next to the field, and many folks (including me) do liberty work in it.
I don't feel like I'm in a position to say anything, but every time I see them, I'm afraid for this owner and their horse.
What would you do?
Okay, so don’t freak out but I do the same thing. That said, my two don’t run off and I stay very close. I also do,it where getting to a dangerous spot would be difficult. And I don’t do it if they are tense. 😇 if my horses ran away I would stop and fix that issue.
ReplyDeleteIt really is the dangerous road that is just feet away that bothers me: people spin out on the long sharp turn all.the.time. I've had Tesla bolt away from me once at this facility: she stopped on command but my heart was in my throat - I can't imagine wanting to experience that on a regular basis.
DeleteI let Fetti graze loose, or drop a horse when I’m putting two away and let them stand, but it’s always supervised and knowing that mine don’t go far. I would be very hesitant to do it by a busy road.
ReplyDeleteCan you talk to the manager/owner and let them know your concerns?
I guess I'm extra sensitive to it, as at nearby local barn, a few years ago, several schoolies got onto the nearby freeway, and one of them was hit *sob*
ReplyDeleteI remember that sorry. It was terrible.
DeleteI'd talk to the B.O. Especially if the horse is bolting off. It's not fair to other people riding to have loose horses running around the place. And that might get the owner to stop doing it even if they should know better for their own horse's safety.
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