At every barn I've kept my horse at, there has always been a problem with the public. People are knocking down doors to let us know our horses are dead (they're just sunbathing I promise), we've blinded them and it's cruel (it's a fly mask, it protects them from flies in their eyes and ears), to calling PETA on us because they're skinny (they just got here two days ago it takes some time!). Honestly I don't mind the public. I love days when someone stops me and asks where "that grey horse with the spots" went, and when I tell them I'm his owner they tell me stories of him resting his head on their shoulders, nudging and playing with kids, to their dog falling in love with him.
I love when the public come by and asks questions about the horses and get to know them. I love when people are curious and want to learn more about horses, and my favorite is when children tell me that they want to ride horses when they grow up. I love it when the public is respectful.
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My problem with the public is when people decide that these horses are a source of a good joke. My problem is when people decide to cause harm to the horses because it's funny. My problem is when people decide to let loose horses because seeing them run and slip and fall is so "cool".
It's not cool, it's not funny, my horse is not your joke. Your "prank" could cause my horse to be so severely injured I might have to make a decision regarding my best friend's life. He's not just a horse to me, he's my best friend, my partner, my baby. I take care of him and do my best to keep him healthy and happy and you interfering by deciding to let him loose endangers his life. When you let loose a paddock of horses they will venture out and then start to run as a herd because they're horses and their instinct is flight not fight. Then when they run, they will run onto the road, and they can slip and fall and skid. By the time I and barn staff are able to catch them something serious could happen.
If I could I would lock him up in a tower Rapunzel style, but I can't because he'd hate it. I worry every time I turn him outside and leave for the day. I worry every time he's out of my site. Even the most private barns can't keep out people who want to play with the ponies, as an owner you put a lot of faith in the common sense of the public and the good nature of humans. I'm terrified that one day some one will decide to mess with my best friend when he can't defend himself. He loves people and begs for attention and it terrifies me that it could get him into serious trouble.
To you "pranksters", my horse is not your entertainment. You can pet him, and love him, and feed him grass that he begs for but understand that if you dare cause him harm I will lose it. I will be angry and as soon as I have taken care of the mess you decided to cause, understand I am worse than a momma bear protecting her cubs, I am worse than a mom and her kids, I am an equestrian protecting her horse. Don't you dare mess with my horse.
