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Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Saturday, Nov 8, 2003 - 5:48 pm:

I board two horses that are both in a 8 acre pasture- and are continuosly beat up by a very mean horse in the same pasture( they are all geldings) My barn owner feels there is nothing she can do-and that it is"no big deal" but my horses have 10-15 open wounds on them at all time. I insisited on removing the shoes of the abuser- but biting and kicking continues. It is bad enough I am considering leaving- any thoughts or advice anyone can offer- I know these wounds are not life threatening- but my horse looks terrible- and I am tired of it-both my horses are 8 year old geldings that are just really laid back- the mean horse is a high strung Arabian that is 15 years old- much smaller and older than my quarter horses- but extemley intense. Help!!
Member:
Amara

Posted on Saturday, Nov 8, 2003 - 5:57 pm:

a suit of armour for your horses?
or a muzzle for the arab?

failing that, they really do need to be separated...
that arab sounds severely dysfunctional, and really needs some work to get him to act in a more normal manner...(i'll try to stay off my soapbox about this tho!)(*LOL*)

if there's not another pasture for the horses to go in, how about using some elec. fence to section off the pasture?... split it in half or something?..
with an 8 acre pasture there shouldnt be a food issue, unless there really isnt enough food being put out.. if there is hay being put out, is it being put into lots of piles?... at the very least 1 extra than there is # of horses in lot..
tho it sounds like its not food related, just dysfunction...

as a barn manager, even when i pastured horses into large group situations, if any horse was beating on another, i always changed the group around... right now the wounds arent life threatening, but one could easily become so.. a well placed kick-even with a horse without shoes, could be devastating...
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 12:07 am:

If it was my horse being bitten and kicked, I would think it was a "big deal!" How long have they been together? If it's been more than a couple of days they've had time to sort out the herd order. Melissa's point re: food is good. You know how even friendly horses feel about their food! If there is enough and it's spread out with at least one or two more piles than horses, than I'd try the electric wire if the barn manager will let you. However, if the ground is wet/snowy, it won't work very good. I think I'd be looking for another home for my horse. I'm sorry it's an Arab causing all the problems. Horses like him give other Arabs a "bad rap."

If your horse is getting as beat up as you say,I'm surprised the barn manager doesn't take it more seriously.
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 8:47 am:

I am looking for a new place- but we are "friends" I know it sounds like I am a wimp- and I guess I am- but I entered into this knowing nothing- and after three years of horse owning- I know a lot- and am starting to question all sorts of things- the horses have been together since April- there was recently a new mare added into the group - the ARab is nuts- I could go on and on about that- but they don't want to put him anywhere- I asked that he be separated- but that is more work for them---I am planning on taking my blanket out today- but that is frowned upon as well- again more work for the barn owners. I am interviewing for another barn today-I pay 270 per horse at my current barn- they basically come in to eat- that's it unless it is below zero-they have no shelter- which is an issue as well for me- the new barn is 400 per horse- but if they will take me-I think I will go....thanks for the advice!
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 8:52 am:

Forgot to add- hay is put out in piles- spread fairly far apart- but the arab chases everyone around the piles- so it is like musical chairs- they all move constantly while eating becuase the nut case won't leave them alone. There are seven horses in this pasture- and all but two are getting bitten- the odd thing is the really old gelding (33 and counting) he leaves alone- but this guy stands way off all the time.
Member:
Westks

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 9:27 am:

Cindy,
I don't think you can demand the other horses shoes be taken off. Unless you own the property. Your only choice is to move your horses or see if owner would be willing to let you build seperate pen for your horses, which I doubt they will agree to.
I put piles out for my mares and always put 3 horse lengths between them and they stay at their piles if closer they do some chasing and fussing.
The older gelding has seniority and does not challenge the arab is why he is not picked on.
Good luck , I must say this would never be allowed to happen to anyones horse at my barn!
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 10:27 am:

Cindy-what part of the country are you in that you are charged $270 for pasture board? I assume that's a month? Amazing! Worse yet, it doesn't sound like you're getting much for your money.

I agree with Janette; but if owner thinks it's too much work for her to have a blanket on your horse, she's not going to want to clean out a seperate pen either.
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 6:47 pm:

I am in Michigan-Detorit area- and it is a month. This barn is 45- 60 minutes from my home. I first requested that my horses be separated from the nut case- they did that until a new horse came for their daughter who they don't want with any other horses- so mine went back where they were before. After another horse was kicked so severly it was lame for weeks- I asked that at least the back shoes of the offender be removed- or he be separated. I just think my horses should be safe- if I am paying someone else to care for them-period. When they hay- the piles are about10- 15 feet away- but the nutty arab leaves his pile and chases everyone around so it looks like musical chairs. They put the 33 yr old gelding really far away- so he doesnt get bugged at all. I have seen my gelding let the old guy share his hay- he doesn't even mind that- he is just really sweet- and paying the price for it.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 11:23 pm:

I agree your horse should be safe. I personally think you need to move your horse asap. With your horse getting kicked and biten and other others getting injured also, the offender should have either been moved to a place alone, or told to leave. He obviously has some "social problems" but they should not be solved at the cost of other horses-esp. horses that don't belong to the property owners. I personally feel that when boarding someone's horse you have a responsibility to the horse and horses' owner. It doesn't seem these people feel that way. You need to find someone that does if you can't take care of the horse yourself. Too bad your not in our area. You can get a stall with run for $130/mo.! (sorry)
Member:
1sally

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 8:05 am:

Cindy, I am also in the Detroit area. You should check out Macomb County for stables. While I have my own place, I occasionally board out and pay $270 for indoor arena, stall, and turn out. Check it out.
Member:
Tlcstabl

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 8:31 am:

Hi Cindy,
I have a stable in Whitmore Lake which is just north of Ann Arbor. Our board is $225/mo for a stall, hay and grain 2x/day, daily turn out, indoor and outdoor arena and lots of TLC! We are small so we can give a bit more individual care. We blanket, fly mask, fly spray, etc. as owners wish.
If you may be interested, please e-mail me at: vavmusupervisor@yahoo.com and reference this site. I would like the opportunity to help you out if at all possible. (It was my post about the thin mare that I WANT to blanket and the owner doesn't want her blanketed.)
Member:
Westks

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 8:46 am:

Cindy for the price you have been paying what Sherry offers is what you should be getting.
This other place for $400.00 your horse better be polished for that price!
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 10:08 am:

Janette-right on! Even in pricey Calif. good trainers start around $600/mo and that includes board. Personally,I think you're "being took."
Member:
Jerre

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 11:31 am:

Boy, this could start a whole new thread! Around here, in southwest Washington, full board is $250-$450. It includes hay, grain, blanketing, turnout and at least an indoor arena. $250 is low-end with some limits on types of feed, hours of access and no outdoor. $450 is top end with a resident top trainer, lots of horse and people amenities and a cross-country course. I pay $350 for full care at a 10-horse barn with huge indoor and outdoor arenas, with jumps, cushy heated lounge for owners, blanketing, all the feed your horse needs, super clean and well bedded stalls, individual turnout in large grassy pastures (1/2 acre or larger), administering meds if you need them, heated tackroom, etc.
Member:
Aannk

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 11:40 am:

Here in suburban DC (Maryland) I pay 375 for a small indoor and outdoor, turnout with no grass, and not quite unlimited hay. We do get blanketing and worming for that too.
Maybe I should move to Washington state!
Alicia
Member:
Leslies

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 12:04 pm:

Hi There, just had to chip in here. I also boarded with Cindy at her current barn. My horse was injured while I was away on vacation. She laceration was not cared for, and I was not notified. This neccesitated a quick move to the $400 barn. This is an average priced barn for our area. Yes you can sometimes find a barn lower priced, but my experience is that you get what you pay for.
This $400 barn has a lot of amenities. Besides a beautiful indoor, 2 outdoor arena's, a heated 2 floor observation room, with washer, and dryer, 2 secured tack rooms. They even have a bed in the observation room in case your horse is ill, and you prefer to stay at the barn all night. They also will put blankets on or remove them as per your wish. Beautiful turn out. You can bring your own trainer, farrier, and vet, or use theirs.
They will get what ever feed you want, and feed as much as you want. You can have private turn out, or stall rest, or your horse can go out in small groups that are watched for compatability. These people have been wonderful with my mare and her injury. Of course I would love to have my horse at an less costly barn, but I do need the peace of mind that she is safe and happy.
The owners here really care about my horse. I have paid over $600 for the vet care, and had to pay off the 30 day notice plus pay for the board for the new place, but it is worth it.
I highly reccommend a move for Cindy, where ever she can find good honest care for her babies.
See the posting about proud flesh if you are interested in my ordeal.
Leslie
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2003 - 7:11 am:

Thanks everyone for your advice- Leslie is pushing me to move- I need her to because I am so conflicted over the friendship- I know sounds stupid- but with support- I will find a way- for my horses- they deserve it!
Member:
Westks

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2003 - 9:10 am:

Cindy i apologize in adavnce if you take offense at this.
I certainly would not consider someone who charges way too much for pasture board and leaves a horse in the pasture that is a danger to my horse A FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THAT WHO NEEDS ENEMIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2003 - 9:32 am:

I don't take offense- I know it seems crazy- but I came into this barn knowing nothing- I bought my first horse at 41 and had never even put a halter on a horse before- for over three years I have just taken what they said as gospel and I am just in the last six months realized I know more than I give myself credit for- and they are not right in everything they do. Remember- their horses are treated the same(with the excpetion of one new- expensive horse)- which started me thinking-if this is the only way to keep horses- why the contridiction here with this horse??He gets to stay in - has his own pasture with one of their other horses- all the things they said was really not necessary for my horse.... I have been told " that's just horses" for years no matter what my concern- and I had no other point of reference- I am a city girl wanting to move- but can't for 18 months or so. That is why this website has been so helpful- I can ask-and get a lot of different feedback-thanks!!
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2003 - 10:35 am:

Cindy-trust your instincts more!
Even though you are relatively new to horses, I bet you've either raised kids (lots of similarities to horses) or had experiences in the business world which carry over to the horse world.


Hats off to you for "following your heart" and getting a horse. A word of encouragement-there is a woman in Las Vegas who didn't get into horses until her mid-40's, she bought a 10 yr. old stallion (!!) finally had him gelded (wisely) and now the two of them are well known on the west coast jumping circuit! It's hard, imo, to get into something so new "later in life" but very rewarding. I once gave lessons to a woman who during her 3rd lesson started crying. I thought maybe I was going too fast and scaring her. She told me she was crying tears of joy because she was living out a life long dream to learn how to ride and own a horse.

So...you're not alone and are lucky (and wise) to be a horse owner for the first time at your age. (Don't take this as "you're so old" because I'm lots older!)
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 13, 2004 - 12:50 pm:

The last time I boarded was in a small nine stall stable. I paid $225 for a good sized matted stall, individual grassy turnout (no mud), smallish covered arena - big enough for canter work anyway, hot/cold wash stall, locked tack room, individual feed programs, and outdoor arena. The barn was kept scrupulously clean and the horses were all happy. This is in western WA also, north of Seattle.

I worked at a barn on Long Island and they charged $650 a month and this was 15 years ago. However, they did host shows with world renowned judges (Riener Klimke comes to mind), had a huge indoor with jumps, large outdoor dressage arena, and large grass turnouts. The stalls were on the small size though and I didn't care what the barn offered, they couldn't do enough for my horse to make it worth $650. But this was on the north shore of L.I. nicknamed the "Gold Coast" so you know people there could afford it.
Member:
Rose1

Posted on Friday, Apr 16, 2004 - 3:41 pm:

Cindy,
As any old horse trader will tell you..."What I know about horses you could fit in a thimble." Not that they don't know lots it is that there is always more to learn.
Keeping horses is a game of possibilities not probabilities. For example... Will my horse figure out in a day that my electric fence isn't working? Probably not but "it's possible" so I fix it as soon as I realize it and do not leave it for the weekend. If something happened to them in between finding and fixing it; I could not forgive myself.
The possibility is great that your horses could be seriously injured. Move them for there sake and yours.
Good Luck.
Regards,
Rose
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 - 6:38 pm:

Just a follow up..I moved my horses at Thanksgiving- and couldn't be happier. Much can happen that is unplanned- unavoidable and just plain life with horses. I feel much more in control of my horses care-- and I couldn't be happier... thanks all!!
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