UPDATED AGAIN ON PAGE 1 - Arrive Home - Strangers Riding My Horses!!!!!

[OneDaySoon]

..so we just arrived home after 4 days on vacation. There is a strange car in the drive-way...but our house door is locked and I call out "hello" thinking this must be Kristin's car who is farm sitting for us.

A man's voice yells back at me from down at the barn. "Huh?" I think to myself. So I wander down to the barn and there is the guy I bought Oskar from 8 months ago...with a young woman. So I figure he stopped by unannounced to show the girl his old horse and say hello to him. ...oh, but he is also giving Oskar a hose down. "Oh, that's nice" I think to myself.

Then he goes and gets Fritz out of his stall and I notice Fritz has wraps on !!!! "Oh, did you put those on?" "Yes", he answers. So I ask why and he says "oh, we went riding".

Turns out the woman is not a rider, but he when in the tackroom, saddled up both horses, and off they go for a ride.

I am absolutely mortifed. I have spent the last 16 months rehabbing Fritz and Oskar has been in rehab since February and is only allowed to walk for 30 minutes at a time. So the guy proceeds to tell me he cantered Oskar and he was "great".

How is it that anyone can put helmets in their car, drive over unannounced, find no one home to ask permission, then walk into a barn, tack up the horses, and take a complete non-rider and stranger on a ride on someone's horses on their private property???

Is this crazy or what? ...we already have locks on the gates...so they rode around the fields and in our ring!!!!



UPDATED:

Last night I emailed the guy a No Trespassing message with a requirement that if he did not respond, that I would follow up legally.

I did not hear from him, so today we went to the police station and asked what we should do in our jurisdiction. The requirements were as follows:

1. Notify the trespasser not to come on private property. Police say my email is sufficient even if I do not have confirmation that he received it.

2. If the guy comes back, I am to call the non-emergency police number and when the police arrive I am to present the email showing he was duly notified.

3. If the guy leaves and police do not arrive in time, I can press charges via the police commissioner.

4. Post No Trespassing signs. (We are doing that now).

...And tell all who you meet, whether a friendly neighbor or kids selling girl scout cookies, that property visits are by appointment only. But seriously folks, how many people do you know whether it was someone you met 10 years ago, last week at the grocery store or you bought a horse from 8 months ago, that would actually come to your house unannounced, catch your horses, saddle them up and ride them? Most of us never expect something like this to happen.

UPDATE TWO

Since so many people had questions about all this, I wanted to add some more info:

1. My initial reaction when I went to the barn was that something was wrong with the horses and the guy happened to be driving by and noticed. Since he didn't immediately volunteer what was going on, I continued to assume that something had happened and he was being a good samaritan. When the 2nd horse came out of the stall with wraps on, I immediately asked "is something wrong, why does he have wraps on?". Remember I had been away for 4 days and we all worry about our horses.

2. The tack room was not locked and our barn is set back from the road. He had access to saddles, bridles and saddle pads. We put a lock on today. As my mother said "well, he could have come over with his own sadde, he brought helmets!".

3. We happened to come home from vacation a day early. Had we not come home early, we would never have known what happened.

4. The guy is 6'4" and plays football...my husband is the same size and not always the most welcoming person...hubby also happens to work for "the government". Another day, another reaction could have been a very different result which you might have heard about on the evening news.

5. The horses all seem to be fine, the neighbors are not. Since we put up all the "No Trespassing" signs they are all asking what happened and when we are having a community meeting.

6. I also happen to be Canadian so shoot me for not weilding a gun, going legal, and calling 911 at the first sign of impropriety. I also grew up in an age when neighbors drop-by to share vegetables and eggs and I try to carry on the tradition now. In a perfect world, the stranger would have been looking out for my horses which in an odd convaluted way he was - he put on wraps and hosed them down afterall!

7. I broke a rib in a horse trial 4 weeks ago and today got back on and enjoyed a much missed ride with my beloved horse, who seems no worse for wear having been ridden unexpectedly by a complete beginner and new person to him!

So what can I say?

"God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy".

[pintopiaffe]

Um, they would've met Mr. Glock along with Me should such thing have occurred at my farm.

[SmartAlex]

:eek: That's a good one! :D I would have been tongue tied... for about 30 seconds. !

[LexInVA]

That's ****** up! Who did those nutbags think they were?! :mad:

[katarine]

I hope you are typing this after wiping up the blood in the aisle? You DID kick his ass, right??

[Arcadien]

Not sure if I understand the whole story but if it is how I read it, I would be calling the police and pressing charges for tresspassing. This is even worse than coming home to find some casual acquaintance sitting in your living room enjoying your food and watching your TV, without invitation.

Did you ever tell him he could come ride the horse?

If not that is way over the line, and yes, freaky...

[SteppinEasy]

I just want to hear what you said/did!!! Hopefully it was something along the lines of "ARE YOU INSANE??" followed by a stern warning never to do it again.:eek:

[tazz001]

ummmm OMFG...the nerve of the man!!

Time to get a registered letter sent to him that he is NOT allowed on your property and if he is found on said property he will be arrested for trespass and responsible for any of the animals injuries...


I would also call your local police and tell them what you are doing...get a name of said cop and make a note about it with your registered letter...


Or you could get a lawyer to do it for you..

The nerve of some people....

[Woodland]

I just want to hear what you said/did!!! Hopefully it was something along the lines of "ARE YOU INSANE??" followed by a stern warning never to do it again.:eek:

:yes::eek::eek::eek:

I would have unloaded two barrels of WHOOPP A$$$$$:mad::mad::mad:

[analise]

Yeah, and can you imagine what might have happened if one of them had been hurt while riding the horses? OMG. That's just nuts. Who even begins to think something like that is okay? Even if maybe the OP had said something like "and if you want to you could come by sometime to ride {horse}." That still should be predicated on the guy calling and setting up a time to do so and making sure the offer is still open and...gah!

People. Are. Nuts.

[cloudyandcallie]

Not sure if I understand the whole story but if it is how I read it, I would be calling the police and pressing charges for tresspassing. This is even worse than coming home to find some casual acquaintance sitting in your living room enjoying your food and watching your TV, without invitation.

Did you ever tell him he could come ride the horse?

If not that is way over the line, and yes, freaky...

Call the police now. Make a report. Comply with the criminal trespass laws in your state (ask the cops when they come to take the report) and follow the instructions and give Mr. Balls and his girlfriend each a criminal trespass notice to never darken your (barn) door again.
If they had been injured riding your horses, they'd be at a lawyer's office filling out the lawsuit against you. And adding loss of consortium.

[arabhorse2]

Seriously, OP? I'd have gone crazy, batshit, evil owner on that asshat.

I can't believe you even had a rational conversation with him!

I'd have been so mad, the only thing I could have done would be to try to beat him senseless with my dressage whip.

What part of 'sold' and 'doesn't belong to you' didn't this guy understand?

Good Lord, I'm not a particularly violent person, but you do NOT mess with my property or animals!

[2DogsFarm]

:eek:
OK, Agreed that is Hands Down the weirdest story I've read here in a long time.

But OP: What DID you say to this guy?
And what answer could he have possibly given that might have justified his action?

Even if you HAD said "Come on over anytime..." finding you not home would have made me think a helluva lot more than twice about taking the no-longer-my horse out and then another horse he never owned, for a joyride with a non-rider.

Where has the fruitbat gone?

[OneDaySoon]

It is so crazy, I am still in shock.

Actually, I did not figure out what had occurred until he walked the one horse out of the stall with the wraps on, and then was so stunned when it dawned on me what had happened, that I forgot to load the bullets and start the welcome party for the a**hole.

[arabhorse2]

So, did you go Medusa scary on his ass once you figured it out? That's the burning question.

I'd also like to know what conversation led to his belief that he could, at any time, just come over and ride YOUR horses.

I sure hope you did your best crazy woman impression and ran him off the place with threats of bodily harm if he so much as stuck a toe onto your property ever again. If you didn't, shame on you!

[horsetales]

I would definitely call the police and at least get a report made. That way if it happens again and they get hurt, there is a record of him trespassing and being warned/punished. I hope your horses are OK and you're enjoying a good stiff drink.

[msj]

:eek: That's a good one! :D I would have been tongue tied... for about 30 seconds. !

Yea, me too :eek: and then the tongue lashing and cussing and tongue lashing and cussing would have started! :mad: And if his butt was still on my property it would be because he could barely move after I beat the living $hit out of him! :yes: :yes:

[blue phlox farm]

Please tell us what you said to him. I'm always stressing to people to never stoop to the lowness of their adversary but with this one, I'd have made the exception. I would have parked his car in, called the cops and locked myself in the house. Then with cop as back-up, let the words fly from my mouth!

[Equibrit]

I think I would have beaten the man severely with anything that came to hand, preferably a bullwhip.

[Jaegermonster]

OMG I can't believe that. Another whoop ass can opener here. That is some major balls.
But then I am always armed and would have shot them as horse theives.

[OneDaySoon]

OK, I am going for my stiff drink and will report back later. I cannot think straight about what just happened.

In the meantime, would you please help me draft the email to the guy.

Dear ____________:

[drmgncolor]

This is positively the most unacceptable thing I have read in a while. The NERVE of some people. I almost can't believe it.

I would have called the cops immediately, after I beat him to a bloody pulp, of course. Oh and after I filed charges for trespassing and joyriding (haha), I would have been on the phone with my vet to come check the rehabbed horse that was cantered. And then Mr. Asshat would have gotten the bill, along with a letter from my lawyer.

[johnnysauntie]

I had to read this a few times in order to really comprehend the reality. I hope that horse you've been rehabbing is OK.

Agree with the others who suggest taking action (e.g. filing trespass charges etc.)

Stunning. :mad:

[analise]

Dear Guy-With-A-Lot-of-Balls,

Never ever darken my doorstep again. What you did in coming to and trespassing on my private property and taking out horses you do not own for a ride with no permission whatsoever was so completely insane and irresponsible I cannot imagine what possessed you to think it was okay. Henceforth, I neither wish to speak to you nor see you and I will be reporting what you did to the police.

No love,

OneDaySoon

[thatmoody]

If you didn't immediately throw him off your property (and I can understand being flabbergasted) you're going to have to grow a pair before you contact him again. First, send the e-mail, just so that he can't say that you never told him not to, or worse, that you told him that he could. Then call the police. Blech, that just turns my stomach. It's not like he came into a public boarding barn, either - he came onto your property.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

In the meantime, would you please help me draft the email to the guy.

Dear ____________:

Do you have any other way to get in touch with him other than email? He never responded to the ones you sent him - maybe he didn't get them or doesn't read his email.

I'm guessing that you didn't say anything to him at the time? If not, then I think you need to make this a face-to-face or at least a phone call. Then follow that up with a letter memorializing your conversation.

You don't have to be confrontational. Simply say "I was so shocked to come home and find you riding my horses without my permission that I didn't know what to say at first. But I want you to understand that you should never, under any circumstances, do that again."

Then you write a letter saying, "Dear _____: This is to memorialize our conversation today and make perfectly clear that you do not have my permission to enter my property or ride my horses." Include anything else from the conversation you feel relevant - like maybe how whatever lame-ass excuse he comes up with for why he thought it was ok is NOT OK. Of course, date the letter and keep a copy.

[littleum]

Forget the email.

Call the police, report it and maybe press charges. Start that paper trail. Ask the officer what to do next- registered letter? Email? Lawyer? Treat this like it's going to happen again and start protecting yourself in case it escalates.

I'd have been so furious I would probably have called 911 right there while screaming for them to GET THE $*(#)$*(#) OFF MY PROPERTY.

[vacation1]

Wow. I can almost see having the temptation to sneak onto the horse he'd owned and go for an impromptu ride himself, but to actually tack up (presumably with the OP's tack) and take his girlfriend? Boggles the mind. I can see how the OP was taken too off-guard to react - who would even think of someone doing that? I'd definitely call the police and tell them what happened, so if it does happen again (and frankly, he seems a bit unstoppable) they'll at least know there's a history.

On the potentially amusing side - it opens the question of how he views previously owned houses, vehicles, etc. And how successful the girlfriend will be breaking up with him, some day...:eek:

[MistyBlue]

Email???? :eek:
Now is not the time to be nonconfrontational. :no: ;)
At the least, call on phone and rip him a new.

[MunchkinsMom]

I must say that is the most bizzare thing I have ever heard of!

I'd have been so furious I would probably have called 911 right there while screaming for them to GET THE $*(#)$*(#) OFF MY PROPERTY.

I would have had the same response!

I hope your horses are okay, and that you can resolve this so that something like that NEVER happens again!

[JSwan]

NO.

First - you contact the police and file a report. You MUST do this. There must must must be a record of someone trespassing on your land and vandalizing.

Your state may also prescribe a procedure to be followed in certain types of trespass - including if, how or when to send a letter.

Seriously - this is no different than had you come home and found that they'd been joyriding in your car, or had broken into the house. It's a CRIME - first and foremost. Treat it like one.

Do you want to risk this happening again? Guess how the cops are going to react when you tell them it isn't the first time it's happened.

Call the police.

OK, I am going for my stiff drink and will report back later. I cannot think straight about what just happened.

In the meantime, would you please help me draft the email to the guy.

Dear ____________:

[RedMare01]

Also add that he will be responsible for any vet bills caused by his little "joyride" of rehabbing horse(s). That might cure his happy a$$.

Caitlin

[fooler]

Dear S for Brains,

This is to advise you to never visit or touch any animal residing on this property without written authorization from me. Should you repeat your actions of today I will contact the authorities.

A copy of this letter will be forwarded to my lawyer along with documentation of your actions.

Regards,


Send it registered mail or FedEX so the receiver must sign for the package. Talk to the lawyer about your options should either horse show injury from this escapade. Keep track of all info & good luck!

[CatOnLap]

I am really surprised the guy could ride at all with balls that big.
I would have been dumbfounded like the OP and probably just hustled them on their way out the door, to sit down and realize what just happened an hour after they had left.

I do hope that you contact the police and make a report and deliver the no trespass order, even if you actually like him.
A related story:
One kid, about 15, was volunteering at a local stable/horse rescue. She decides, while drunk, to take her 13 year old friend and "borrow" 2 horses in the middle of the night, ride them into the middle of the town, and when the cops give chase, jump off the horses and leave them wandering in the street. The stable owner forgives her and allows her to keep volunteering...till she does it again 2 weeks later, this time, leaving the horses grazing at the side of the biggest highway at 3 AM and again the stable owner forgives her, doesn't lay charges, but tells her she is no longer welcome. A month later, 10 miles away at a different horse rescue, 2 horses go missing in the middle of the night and are later found in a local park about 2 feet from the kid's foster home. And AGAIN the owner of this other stable does not lay charges, feeling sorry for the " poor kid in foster care". And has done it again since then. Still no charges laid. Sometimes a good swift kick in the pants is needed, although I don't know where to start.

[twofatponies]

You really can't be a doormat about this OP! It's not okay!!! Think about it in terms of horses: if a horse does something he is not allowed to do (bites you, tromps on your foot) and you don't react, he doesn't know it was a naughty thing - he thinks "well, it must be fine, because she didn't react badly." This guy obviously has a thick head as it is, and if you didn't act mad (really obviously mad) he is probably thinking "well, that was nice - she wasn't even mad about it - maybe I'll drop by again another time!"

You have to be clear with people when they do crazy sh*t, or they really just won't know - there are a lot of people out there who don't think clearly for themselves, or get the wrong idea, but you can't blame them for being idiots if you never tell them they've crossed a line.

[twofatponies]

And next time you go away, hire someone to stop by your house twice a day and check on things - you can even ask the local police to drive up your driveway at random and check things, especially if you've filed a report about this situation.

[RainyDayRide]

Forget the email.

Call the police, report it and maybe press charges.. .

yup..

[Hunter Mom]

One kid, about 15, was volunteering at a local stable/horse rescue. She decides, while drunk, to take her 13 year old friend and "borrow" 2 horses in the middle of the night,

COL (typing with a cat on my lap now, BTW) we had a similar situation at our barn earlier this summer. Parks & Rec has a horse summer camp at our barn. Our barn gets a % of the money they get. Yippee. Some trail folk allow their horses to be used for this. Two of teh "counselors" took it upon themselves to come out after the camp was over -as in during the evening and on a Saturday - and take a couple of the horses for a ride. They were discovered when the horses' owners came out to ride, and here came the kids off the trails, horses dripping wet & panting.

OP - I don't think I'd have had words just then either. I would contact the police and file a report to CYA in eh event something happened/s that you're not aware of. Here is the letter I would send, dated today...

Dear Ballsy Sh*t 4 Brains,

When we visited earlier, I was so taken aback by your actions, I did not sufficiently explain my position. Your unexpected presence on my property, along with the unauthorized use of my horses (and tack) shocked me. I trust that you will never do this again. I will let you know if any veterinary care is necessary for the inappropriate use of my horses during their rehabilitation, and expect you to pay the bill for such.

I will also be filing a report with the local police regarding your trespassing. AT this time, however, I do not intend to press charges. Any further entrance onto my property will be conisdered criminal tresspass. If you have any questions, please contact [Police officer] or my attorney, Joe Blow.

Sincerely,
Speechless

[Foxtrot's]

I hope the horses are none the worse for the experience - how is the one in rehab?

If it was me, I would only now be thinking of what I would have/should have said, I would have been so stunned. Later on the perfect barrage would enter my mind.

Do the letter thing - it is then on record. Oh my, just wow.

[Bluey]

NO.

First - you contact the police and file a report. You MUST do this. There must must must be a record of someone trespassing on your land and vandalizing.

Your state may also prescribe a procedure to be followed in certain types of trespass - including if, how or when to send a letter.

Seriously - this is no different than had you come home and found that they'd been joyriding in your car, or had broken into the house. It's a CRIME - first and foremost. Treat it like one.

Do you want to risk this happening again? Guess how the cops are going to react when you tell them it isn't the first time it's happened.

Call the police.

Exactly, this is a very serious situation and if not handled right, it will keep happening.

First, police report.
Second, spend a little bit on an attorney and have the attorney contact the fellow, or if he tells you to do it, do it the way he tells you.
Don't you go saying anything in an e-mail or phone or anywhere to him without counsel, because people that would do what they did will do more stupid, incredible things, so don't mess with them, handle them with the police and attorneys between you two.

Seriously, that fellow is deranged to have done something like that and if the horse comes up lame again, you better have that police report and an attorney so the fellow will have to pay for the vet.

I hope you are not pulling our legs with that story, it is not April 1st, this is August.;)

[OneDaySoon]

Ok still stunned here.

I am really worried about what this guy might do if I call the cops. Our horses are on a road where too many other crazy things have happened...like last year when a wanted drug dealer drove his 4 x 4 through my neighbor's
fence and did a joy-ride all over their golf course. I called the cops then and they drove me all over the County chasing the guy who we never found...but he knows where I live and what's to say that crazy guy isn't going to drive through my fence and send the horses galloping down the road?

OK, and what about today's crazy case? He marched right onto private property, caught my horses, helped himself to whatever tack, somehow got his non-rider girlfriend on my 17 HH horse, then they had themselves a nice little pony ride.

Last week, I looked out my front window and there was a couple stood 100 feet from the road on our property with their dog, petting our horses. ...did I mention we have locks on everything and electric wire with the fence?

OK, so I think I should send this guy a Certified letter to his address (hopefully it is still the same) and also hand deliver a copy to his place of work. He happened to mention his new job as he was putting away (my) saddles!!

If I present him with a no trepass letter will that work legally?

I don't think he is truly B-A-D.... just completely irresponsible and oblivious to adult responsibilities.

[Foxtrot's]

I still think there should be a record with the authorities as well.

[Stellaspeed]

Do you understand that you have just exposed yourself to a potentially life threatening situation ? This guy now knows that you have fuzzy boundaries, no immediate male presence to kick his ass, no weapon in hand to confront intruders, you are nothing but vulnerable right now. His DNA is everywhere that a casual boyfriend's might be, so if he does pay you a midnight visit, and tells the police that it's obvious that he's been wlecomed there before ..... get my drift ?
Forget the polite email... take Dad, husband, brother, brother in law, big scary neighbor...and pay HIM a visit on his turf, home or at his place of work to drive the point home that he is NOT EVER to set foot on your property again.
NO sane person would think that what he did was acceptable, so be careful.

[JSwan]

Why are you piddling around with a letter?

The man is a brazen, unapologetic criminal and you want to send him a card?
Are you serious?


CALL THE POLICE. If you don't - you're allowing yourself to be a victim, and you may be a victim again. Only this time - what else will he do?

Don't be wishy washy and don't be a weak crybaby. That guy knows you're weak and he's exploiting your weakness. That's what criminals do - and he's not going to stay away if he thinks you're weak and afraid.

[kdow]

Why are you piddling around with a letter?

The man is a brazen, unapologetic criminal and you want to send him a card?
Are you serious?


CALL THE POLICE. If you don't - you're allowing yourself to be a victim, and you may be a victim again. Only this time - what else will he do?

Don't be wishy washy and don't be a weak crybaby. That guy knows you're weak and he's exploiting your weakness. That's what criminals do - and he's not going to stay away if he thinks you're weak and afraid.

I have to agree with this. I don't really see how sending him a letter saying 'wtf?' is likely to cause less trouble overall than getting the police properly involved, except that if he knows the police are not involved, he might feel like he can deal with the situation by coming over and trying to intimidate you in some way.

Call the police, and push it up the chain of command if you have to to get someone there to take you seriously. Also, I would look into increasing security on your property. Perhaps cameras in strategic areas, so you have a record of anything that happens?

(Btw, it's often possible to hire off-duty police to provide security - it's done a lot on movie sets and so on. So it may be worth investigating that option if you have to go away again - if the police won't do a drive by to check things out, see how much it would cost to have an off-duty officer do it.)

[drmgncolor]

I am really worried about what this guy might do if I call the cops.

I'd be more worried about what this guy would do if you DON'T call the cops. Seriously, why would you not?

This is NO different than someone breaking into your house and eating all your food, watching your TV, sleeping in your bed and wearing your clothes while you are on vacation.

This guy thinks that everything is fine and that since you didn't do anything it was OK for him to not only ride YOUR horse (I don't give a rats behind that the horse used to belong to him, unless of course you are leaving something out like you didn't pay him, etc...), but to bring into the equation someone who doesn't even know anything about horses to ride your other horse. All without permission.

As someone else said, this is a CRIME. Treat it as such.

I know you are still in shock, but if you do not call the cops, like 5 minutes ago, you are setting yourself up for this to happen again and when it does it will be your fault. Because you did nothing to begin with.

A letter/email/phone call ain't gonna cut it.

Oh yeah, and as soon as you get off the phone with the cops, call the vet.

You are the only one who can protect what is yours. Good luck. I feel for you. Hugs.

[fooler]

Why are you piddling around with a letter?

The man is a brazen, unapologetic criminal and you want to send him a card?
Are you serious?


CALL THE POLICE. If you don't - you're allowing yourself to be a victim, and you may be a victim again. Only this time - what else will he do?

Don't be wishy washy and don't be a weak crybaby. That guy knows you're weak and he's exploiting your weakness. That's what criminals do - and he's not going to stay away if he thinks you're weak and afraid.

In addition. . .
Get thee into a Self-protection training class. Also contact the police or NRA for local Conceal Weapon Protection (CWP) Training course. They will provide best advise for your personal weapon(s). The two classes will teach you how to see situations coming and how to best to react. You may be surprised to learn the best response is to "get out of there!"

Then "Let' your neighbors know your actions. Amazing how quickly that knowledge gets around & how it makes most mind their manners in your presence.:winkgrin:

[twofatponies]

Why are you piddling around with a letter?

The man is a brazen, unapologetic criminal and you want to send him a card?
Are you serious?


CALL THE POLICE. If you don't - you're allowing yourself to be a victim, and you may be a victim again. Only this time - what else will he do?

Don't be wishy washy and don't be a weak crybaby. That guy knows you're weak and he's exploiting your weakness. That's what criminals do - and he's not going to stay away if he thinks you're weak and afraid.

Even if he's not a "dangerous criminal" type, and just an idiot, it really does open up the door for more problems - maybe next time he'll decide he wants a pizza, and help himself to your house. Or he'll "borrow" some equipment or a car, or bring his friends by to party on your deck. Seriously - if he thinks it's fine to ride your horses, why would he not think it might be just dandy to use the rest of your stuff? Freaky weird - report it, and get a dog.

[GoForAGallop]

WTF is wrong with you?! Seriously? How are you NOT already on the phone with the cops? Why on earth do you think a casual letter, which he might just toss in the trash, is going to do anything!?

Nobody on here is going to feel bad for you when he shows up next week expecting to go for another trail ride. From what you've typed here, you've basically told him that that's okay!!



Geeze. I would have blocked him in, and kept him in place with my shotgun as I called the police. Grow some balls, lady!

[LoriO]

Call your local police department and make a report about the incident and then request that the police contact the man and notify him that he is never to return to your property and if he does he will be arrested for trespassing. Make sure the officers take a case number and document that the man was warned. Once you have that done, if he ever returns again the police will have grounds to make an immediate arrest since he was already told my them to never be there.

[foundationmare]

that there is a group, or class, or generation of people who have absolutely NO social graces or sense of shame/responsibility/hubris. I try not to paint people with a broad brush but tell me that there ISN'T a boatload of young people who don't feel entitled and insulated from common courtesy. I'm guessing that this young man and his girlfriend felt completely entitled to using your horses because he had a history with one of them.

That said, and I'm a non-confrontational person, I'm pretty sure that I would have been unhinged by their flagrant and heinous breach of privacy. I agree with the majority of posters that law enforcement should be enforced immediately. No e-mail is necessary. Let the law do that for you when the asshat receives a restraining order that prevents him from having contact with you and access to your horses. It wouldn't hurt to have your horses, especially your rehab, evaluated by your vet and sending the bill to him.

I am constantly shocked by the actions of others and immediately chastise myself when I do so. I should know better by now!

[joiedevie99]

Call the police. Get a report. If you don't want to file charges, tell the police that- you just want it documented in case it happens again.

It's up to you if you want to have the police talk to him- i.e. scare him a bit - without filing charges. If you don't want that, send the certified letter.


ETA: Ditto what LoriO said!!!

[Ambrey]

Are you certain he hasn't been doing this all along while you were gone?

[Larksmom]

having just read the first two pages, is that he was probably trying to impress this girl. Wonder how impressed she would be if OP went whoop a@@ on idjit man. I wonder if this woman, who must not have known him well, or she would probably know he had SOLD the horse[!] would have gone if she understood the real situation? I do agree with all the others, tho, file papersand contact the POLICE!

[Bluey]

I would not have let them go away, would have had the police right there when I found him there.
If I had a gun handy, I may have held it on him also, seriously and he would have known I was not kidding.
The police would have found them sitting on the floor, quietly, or worse, if I had to use that gun.

That is clearly, absolutely not acceptable.

Those people have to be scared of you, they are taking terrible advantage and your life really may be at risk, if they don't have boundaries and you don't set them for them.

[MILOUTE55]

sorry but I don't quite get it....

What was the exact discussion with the guy? What were the words used and, most important, what were the last words and conclusion?
I mean, if you were still talking to him while he was putting away your saddles that means he didn't even realize that you were upset... the guy might be stupid as dirt, but if he had felt guilty and realized that what he did was terribly wrong, he would have run away instead of sticking around and discuss with you as if nothing happened...

Did you make it obvious that this was never going to happen again? Does he know how upset you were, and still are?

Sorry but I'm puzzled as to how you managed to remain calm and just let the guy leave after waving him good bye... :confused:

[Bluey]

sorry but I don't quite get it....

What was the exact discussion with the guy? What were the words used and, most important, what were the last words and conclusion?
I mean, if you were still talking to him while he was putting away your saddles that means he didn't even realize that you were upset... the guy might be stupid as dirt, but if he had felt guilty and realized that what he did was terribly wrong, he would have run away instead of sticking around and discuss with you as if nothing happened...

Did you make it obvious that this was never going to happen again? Does he know how upset you were, and still are?

Sorry but I'm puzzled as to how you managed to remain calm and just let the guy leave after waving him good bye... :confused:

That is what is puzzling.

They may be crazy, but I would want them to be scared of me, think that I was crazier than they are and they better leave me alone.

The police backing you helps.;)

[MILOUTE55]

Last week, I looked out my front window and there was a couple stood 100 feet from the road on our property with their dog, petting our horses.

and that... I mean... put "do not pet horses" signs around your property if you want to avoid it.... A couple and their dogs petting your horses cannot really be compared to someone riding your horses without your authorization.

I used to go pet horses all the time (not feed!) when I didn't have one... not all horse lovers can afford to have horses. I don't see any harm in going to see and pet someone else's horses (unless there is a sign, of course)... and you know very well that the horses would just walk away if they didn't enjoy the company...

[AnotherRound]

Do you understand that you have just exposed yourself to a potentially life threatening situation ? This guy now knows that you have fuzzy boundaries, no immediate male presence to kick his ass, no weapon in hand to confront intruders, you are nothing but vulnerable right now. His DNA is everywhere that a casual boyfriend's might be, so if he does pay you a midnight visit, and tells the police that it's obvious that he's been wlecomed there before ..... get my drift ?
Forget the polite email... take Dad, husband, brother, brother in law, big scary neighbor...and pay HIM a visit on his turf, home or at his place of work to drive the point home that he is NOT EVER to set foot on your property again.
NO sane person would think that what he did was acceptable, so be careful.


OP Did you read this?? Are you out of your mind?? Somebody invades your boundaries, your home, endangers your animals, and you want to write him an email?? You are afraid of calling the police because he is creepy??? What is wrong with you? Get an attorney, file charges, protect yourself. Otherwise this tool will come onto your property again. Don't think he wont. You have some very basic problems with your boundaries. Nobody I know would respond as you have. I can't imagine your lack of appropriate response and your lack of appropriate boundaries. Call the police.

[foundationmare]

OP may be hard-pressed to find her inner whoop-ass--mean-bitch-no-sympathy-I've-got-your-grave-dug personality because she has been conditioned to be non-confrontational and look for the brighter side of life! Ask me how I know!?!

[Chall]

OK, lone ranger here BUT... you met him once, you emailed him twice with updates after the purchase and he is the former owner of one of the horses.
Go into your sent folder of email and reread your messages.
Its entirely possible that you wrote something that could be interpreted wrong, like 'You should see him now' or something similar. I'd review those first before going legally balistic on him.
I'd definately post signs (Eng and Spanish) NO Trespassing.
But IMHO this is different from a complete stranger doing the same thing.

[PalominoMorgan]

Call the police, sheriff, whoever. If you don't own a gun you might want to at least consider a STRONG paintball gun (and frozen paintballs). However, it doesn't sound like you gave the guy any indication he as to stay the eff off your property. You need to file a report and make it clear to the officer you talk to that he is NEVER to come near your place again. Without doing so you have basically given him a green light to stop back again. Good luck. It sounds like you are not going to do anything and you're going to come home to find them again or just find a LAME horse and yourself wondering "hmmmmm".

[twofatponies]

OP may be hard-pressed to find her inner whoop-ass--mean-bitch-no-sympathy-I've-got-your-grave-dug personality because she has been conditioned to be non-confrontational and look for the brighter side of life! Ask me how I know!?!

For sure. I've been there too - I was a very timid person when I was younger, very passive and afraid to speak up. Had one of those dads (though I loved many things about him) who got royally p-o'd if you spoke up to him about anything. A few years of practice once I'd moved away from home, and I can now pretend to be a complete a-hole if I feel like it. :D

I was thinking about this story while out just now, and thought of something that I've noticed with horses. I have an alpha mare and an omega mare. The omega mare is big, strong and fast. She could kick alpha mare's a$$ any time she pleased. But something in her nature makes her timid. If any other horse so much as looks at her, she drops her head and looks away. Bam. Right there, the rank is determined.

The surprise is, people back right down too - all you have to do is speak your mind and be firm about it. Very few people will cross boundaries if you set them.

[OneDaySoon]

OK, hubby and I read all your encouraging advice and reviewed what happened etc.

First of all, I do have a Bill of Sale and cashed check. I did also say to the seller/young man in February that he should come see his horse and to "let me know". I have never heard from him since eventhough he lives within 5 miles.

Hubby was here when all this happened and neither he nor I understood what had happened until 2nd horse walked out of the stall...we simply thought young man had come by unannounced to show off old horse to new girlfriend. Being "nice" people we could understand that part of it.

We never felt in danger, and we feel the young man and woman were embarrassed by the situation and had some idea that what they had done was wrong.

So I am going to send a letter and email asking for receipt confirmation from him which if not received and acknowledged states that we will take legal proceedings. We will also copy our attorney and state in the letter that we have notified police. The letter will address no trespassing etc etc etc.

We are also going to increase all our security, I need to be way less friendly, and learn to use a gun.

I checked on the horses and tack, and right now they seem fine.

THANK YOU COTHERS. I know you all want us to go out there with the troops and teach this guy a scary lesson he will never forget, but we also need to teach him a lesson about respect and humanity, and sometimes the less-is-more-approach can be more effective, and my instinct is that is more appropriate in this particular situation.

[JanM]

OP-if you are afraid to file charges, or have your lawyer send a 'cease and desist letter' because he'll get mad at you then when you send an email he'll know it's you and get mad also. Plus if you don't document now this will keep happening. What's next? He'll drop in again and cripple or kill your horses, sue you into the next county for his injuries, and you'll be living in a cardboard box next to the railroad tracks because he sued you and won. Call the vet, get a full workup and send him the bill by certified registered letter, and when he declines to pay it sue him in small claims court. Have your lawyer send a 'cease and demand letter', and see if you can get a restraining order barring him from your property (your attorney can advise you on the course to take). And I agree with the other poster-I bet he's been doing this the whole time you were gone. And advise any neighbors and other visitors that if they see anyone near your horses that they call the police immediately-give the neighbors your numbers at work and your cell so they can reach you at once. If you don't protect yourself and your animals now this will only get worse.

This fool sounds like my brother-he gets upset and act contrite when he gets caught, and with him it changes nothing-he's always been indulged and spoiled and thinks the world owes him whatever he wants. Actually I always thought my brother learned his behavior from watching Eddie Haskell on Leave it to Beaver

[Las Olas]

Wow, I'm stunned as well, and sorry that happened to you/your horses. I didn't read through all of the replys, so I apologize if someone already suggested this. Since you didn't shoot them (which I would have), my suggestion is to call the police and file a report. Unlikely they will do anything other than go talk to the guy. But, once you have the report, I would take it to your attorney, have him file a restraining order and have it delivered to the guy's place of business. You usually need a witness for the restraining order, which I assume you do as you said 'we' returned home. Restraining orders are not very expensive and you will get your point across. Embarassing him at work would be icing.

[Zu Zu]

CALL THE POLICE ~ FILE A REPORT ~ CONTACT A LAWYER IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shea'smom]

OneDay Soon,
Jeez. I think your approach sounds reasonable. I think calling the police is too much. You are right he was probably embarassed. It isn't as if it was a total stranger, as you say.
I live in the south and I totally get the redneck revenge. I'd say a straight forward you are not welcome would be the first step.
Maybe security cameras will make you feel better?

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

When the OP arrived home and found the guy and the girlfriend on her property riding her horses, she didn't protest. Now y'all want her to call out the storm troopers? :confused: Seems to me that would be the fastest way to really antagonize this guy. Act like everything's fine to his face and call the law after he's gone.

She needs to let him know, straight up and in person, that he is not to ride her horses any more. Yeah, he knows he's taking advantage of her. And I bet he'll stop if she calls him on it. If she's physically afraid of him, she can do it over the telephone. But she needs to impress upon him, in a calm but assertive manner (no name-calling!;)) that she is not putting up with anymore of his foolishness.

[JanWeber]

Maybe I'm too relaxed about stuff - but I'd call the guy and tell him, yes, I was taken by surprise to find you at my home riding my horses. Be direct, be polite - tell him that you do not permit anyone to ride your horses unless you are present and they have been explicitly given permission. Tell him about the rehab and let him know your concern that the horse may not have been ready for work at that level. Then? just let it go unless it happens again or you have some indication that this person will be, uh, vindictive. The guy was stupid - handle it gracefully and it shouldn't happen again. DON'T give him something to fight against... Private security and police reports after the fact won't keep you from looking over your shoulder if you piss him off while explaining this is NOT okay.

[shea'smom]

This sounds reasonable to me.

[Cindyg]

OneDaySoon,

You mentioned that everything was locked up. How did the previous owner get to your tack, wraps, etc.?

I assume the fence-gate was locked and they didn't take the horses off your property?

I really sympathize with your momentary freeze up. Something like this is so shocking, so unprecidented, I can totally see why you were speechless. You should mention this in your letter to him -- that you were so shocked that you couldn't address it properly at the moment (but that doesn't mean you were OK with it!)

Yikes. I can't even imagine!

People pet and feed my horse over the fence all the time. I don't really mind this. I did the same myself dozens, maybe hundreds, of times when I was a horseless kid. And at that time in my life (KID), I would have seen nothing wrong with slipping on one for an unauthorized ride. But for a grown man...:no: just YIKES!

[BarbB]

Call.The.Cops.

If he does come back and then you want to press charges, they are going to think something fishy is going on when you tell them it happened before and you didn't report it.

You will have trivialized it from a CRIME to some sort of misunderstanding between friends/acquaintances that NO cop wants to waste time with.

Report it now.
Decide what other action to take later. Get it on the record.

[Cielo Azure]

OneDaySoon,

People pet and feed my horse over the fence all the time. I don't really mind this. I did the same myself dozens, maybe hundreds, of times when I was a horseless kid. And at that time in my life (KID), I would have seen nothing wrong with slipping on one for an unauthorized ride. But for a grown man...:no: just YIKES!

Many years ago, when I lived in Goleta, CA, I had a friend and neighbor, (Ms. Babs Wells), now deceased who bred, trained and showed in cart, her Welsh ponies. She had some neighbors that would walk up her private drive and feed her horses through the fence. This was not a person who tolerated such behavior and she asked them not to do it. Well, they did it anyways -when she wasn't home.

One of the ponies bit the son on accident when taking the carrot from his fingers. The finger was not injured badly and it barely broke the skin (I didn't see it), but they took the kid to the hospital, got it radiographed (no brakes). But the neighbors filed a police report, wanted the cops to euthanize and test the pony for rabies (which they wouldn't). With the cops there, she read the family the riot act for trespassing and petting her horses. She explained that horses can be dangerous and should not be fed by people who don't know how to act around horses. The cops filed a report. AND THEN...My friend then got sued by the parents for pain and suffering.

It went to court. My friend lost. She had to pay a couple thousand bucks to the family. You know why? The judge said she was in the wrong for having a "dangerous" horse on the property. The judge looked at the police report, where the policeman wrote down that the owner said the horses were dangerous. End of story.

[AiryFairy]

Call.The.Cops.

If he does come back and then you want to press charges, they are going to think something fishy is going on when you tell them it happened before and you didn't report it.

You will have trivialized it from a CRIME to some sort of misunderstanding between friends/acquaintances that NO cop wants to waste time with.

Report it now.
Decide what other action to take later. Get it on the record.

I'm in disbelief here. Breaking and entering, theft by unauthorized taking, trespassing, what the hell are you thinking by not filing a police report?? Call the cops, NOW. You need to document everything, and put the fear of God into that fuckwit. He would not have left my property except in handcuffs or on a stretcher. Good grief, I feel violated just reading what he did to you!

[katarine]

how anyone can be so blase about this, is beyond me.

If I found any one of the peeps who sold me any of My horses, here, on my horses- I'd proceed with caution, assuming they must be rabid in their stupidity, arrogance, or rabid. Either way, I don't want to be bitten.

So no, I wouldn't call the cops- I'm pretty good at the Fear of God moment when needed.

This has to be a leg puller, I honestly don't believe the OP anymore, sorry, I don't.

[Bluey]

how anyone can be so blase about this, is beyond me.

If I found any one of the peeps who sold me any of My horses, here, on my horses- I'd proceed with caution, assuming they must be rabid in their stupidity, arrogance, or rabid. Either way, I don't want to be bitten.

So no, I wouldn't call the cops- I'm pretty good at the Fear of God moment when needed.

This has to be a leg puller, I honestly don't believe the OP anymore, sorry, I don't.

I agree.
Not to react seriously and let them go like that is beyond me.
They were riding your horses, not just the one he sold you, having to enter past closed and locked gates, using your tack.
They rode your injured horse on layup!:eek:
I would have had heads rolling right then.

They could have walked off with everything, too, if the mood hit them and may still.

I think someone is pulling our legs here.:lol:

[jazzrider]

how anyone can be so blase about this, is beyond me.

If I found any one of the peeps who sold me any of My horses, here, on my horses- I'd proceed with caution, assuming they must be rabid in their stupidity, arrogance, or rabid. Either way, I don't want to be bitten.

So no, I wouldn't call the cops- I'm pretty good at the Fear of God moment when needed.

This has to be a leg puller, I honestly don't believe the OP anymore, sorry, I don't.

I agree. I just read through these pages and kept thinking, how could the OP have NOT reacted when it happened. Ok, maybe you could not react to his old horse being taken out, but your OTHER horse too? :eek: Nope, don't really believe it happened. But it makes for an interesting thread...:winkgrin:

[Beverley]

I agree with J Swan and others- you MUST call the police and document this with a report. And pay a lawyer a couple of hundred bucks to send a certified letter saying simply- your unauthorized entry to the property and use of the horses without permission is illegal, unacceptable, and won't be tolerated.

Don't worry about what this guy might think or say or do- provided you start with the police. If you don't, you will be sorry. You can bet that if his girlfriend had taken a fall off of YOUR horse- even though riding without permission- you would be hauled into court, if not by he or she, then certainly by her health insurance carrier.

If I were you, I'd also invest in a couple of remote wildlife cameras- there are decent ones at Cabela's that I use for work purposes, that take color during the day and infrared at night- AND put a time and date stamp on each picture. Position these so that anyone approaching your horses is going to trip the sensor. Should the need arise, you would have further evidence of trespass when neither you nor your husband is around- and with your initial police report, these would provide pretty good evidence if you need it.

This is truly one of those situations where the nice guys not only finish last, they end up getting screwed for being too nice.

[asterix]

Wow. this is very interesting, to read these responses.
I know the OP and I assure you she is not making this up. Not that kind of person.
I think it is reasonable to both alert the cops AND firmly, clearly, but without extreme language alert this guy, in writing, that he does not, did not, and will not ever have permission to do what he did.

OneDay, I know you don't want to get all crazy on this guy, but this obviously crossed a whole lot of bad boundaries -- so pick a middle course. Protect yourself vis a vis the authorities but don't use inflammatory language to the former owner.

Probably if you haven't, posting no trespassing etc signs on your property is not a bad idea. Ditto with signs about how NO riding allowed without written permission in the barn....

Hopefully your guys are fine. I'm sorry you had to deal with such a completely crazy and scary incident!

[twofatponies]

I have to say if I went to the barn and my dear friend who is a lovely rider and a nice person was in the middle of finishing riding my horse, the first words out of my mouth would be "What are you doing????" followed by "You can't just ride my horse without asking!!!" And this is a person who I actually would allow to ride my horse, if she asked. It just isn't done where I'm from. I can't imagine.

Even my trainer, whom I pay to ride my horse when I am away or need help with something would NEVER ride her without asking, and she would ask politely and well in advance, too. I've even told her she can use her for hacks if she needs a horse to go out with a student or something, and she would still ask every single time. In fact she's never asked, even though I've offered! Because it's just a line we all know you don't cross.

So it just baffles me that some people aren't too fussed about this kind of thing, and with a near-stranger! Oh well.

[AiryFairy]

Probably if you haven't, posting no trespassing etc signs on your property is not a bad idea. Ditto with signs about how NO riding allowed without written permission in the barn....!

That shouldn't even be necessary, he went around locked gates! Signs only keep honest people out, with this guy, the only fix for his 'stupid' is a visit with the police and a mug shot for all the numerous violations of the law. How can anyone so obtuse about boundaries that they'd even THINK about doing something so insane?

[fivehorses]

I recently found out that when you don't take legal action for something that has been going on, then you are considered to be acquiescing to the situation.
I was told by the lawyer it was called the Law of Latches...maybe lawyers here will know what I am talking about.

I am usually loathe to take police or legal action, but by not doing so it can work against you, as I recently found out.

I think many on here have suggested filing the police report and asking a policeman to go over and explain it to this man.

I am as stunned as everyone else. I don't even know how I'd react if that happened to me I'd be so seeing red. This guy is not playing with a full deck.

As far as some of the other issues you have with the property, maybe its time to move.

[gieriscm]

I am really worried about what this guy might do if I call the cops.

Yeah, so are a lot of people in the inner city, which is why the crime rate is so high.

If this guy lives only a few miles away he will be back if you don't make it very clear that his presence is not wanted. Call the cops and file a report.

Frankly, a strange male voice coming from my barn will be greeted with a question and a shotgun... and not necessarily in that order after sunset.

[Katy9532]

My only question is if he did it this time, how do you know he has not done it before. He may bother himself with knowing your sched and just show up when he KNOWS you will not be there.

I can understand your fear of getting the cops involved, but I would stop hesitating and care more about my animals safety than what this guy is going to think of you!

[cssutton]

If you don't call the cops and pursue this as a crime, you deserve whatever happens from here on out.

So grow up.

As for all of the gun slingers that have posted that they would have held him at bay with a gun or that they would have shot him, I would like to point out that except for Texas, I don't know of any state where you can shoot a person unless that person poses a serious threat to your life or severe bodily harm. Were he to pick up a pitchfork, it would be considered a deadly weapon.

But you just don't shoot a person because he acts like a 13 year old.

As for the paintball suggestion; have you not heard that one should never go to a gunfight with a knife?

Point a paintball gun at someone who just might have a concealed weapon on him and you will get shot.

The most important part of carrying a weapon is having enough sense and having thought out various scenarios ahead of time that one protects oneself without hurting anyone unnecessarily or putting oneself on the wrong side of the law.

That said, if you don't call the law and file a report pushing the case to the point of prosecution, you deserve whatever happens.

CSSJR

Protect your privacy. Replace Google with IXQUICK at www.ixquick.com.


If we do not wish to lose our freedom, we must learn to tolerate our
neighbor's right to freedom even though he might express that freedom
in a manner we consider to be eccentric.

[cssutton]

I forgot.

The cops may tell you that you have waited too long for them to charge him.

Even so, a good cop will write it up in the record and go see the guy and make him aware that he is just a hair line away from big trouble.

That will put it in the record as well as scare him if he has that much sense.

Letters return receipt have their place in building a case and showing intent. However my experience has been that they have no influence on anyone who lacks moral character in so far as causing them to perform as they should.

What the letter will do for you is help build a case should it ever get to court, that you followed all of the steps and made your wishes clearly known to the jerk.

In other words, it puts him on notice but it will have little or no effect on his behavior. That is why the cops are required.

Think of it this way: If a letter, return receipt, would solve our problems we would need no cops and no army.

Just write a letter and all problems would be solved.

CSSJR

Protect your privacy. Replace Google with IXQUICK at www.ixquick.com.


If we do not wish to lose our freedom, we must learn to tolerate our
neighbor's right to freedom even though he might express that freedom
in a manner we consider to be eccentric.

[pintopiaffe]

But you just don't shoot a person because he acts like a 13 year old.

No, but ANY stranger shows up on my land, I don my jacket, my vest and my duty belt.

Yes, I have wandered down the driveway in pajamas under vest and duty belt. (the vest is always put away such that you can throw it over your head and protect your non-gun side... as you'd always keep your gun side protected by your stance... )

I have also shown up on my back lawn--the front lawn of the barn-- in a big bath sheet with Mr. Glock in a hand tucked under my arm. Sheet woulda had to be dropped... but there was someone BIG and male and stranger messing with my horses. (turned out to be the new ACO. I reminded him about curtilage. ) I was in the shower. Not my brightest move--but I couldn't figure out the vest and the towel, and time was of the essence... :uhoh:

[FatPalomino]

Seriously, this is one of the craziest things I have ever heard of.

I would have been speechless, just like the OP.

OP, if I were you, besides letting the proper authorities know, I'd get a camera (and maybe a bunch of extra fake ones), and the meanest pit bull or big scary shepherd mix they make. We have dog pens in the barn (came that way) and it's worked out great. The dogs can see anyone driving in the driveway.

Keep us updated, OP, on what happens. This is nuts!!!

[millwrightmomma]

I'm with J Swan And Bluey.......call the cops, and file a report. Then proceed with whatever else they tell you to do.
Hope your horse is OK

[cssutton]

No, but ANY stranger shows up on my land, I don my jacket, my vest and my duty belt.

Yes, I have wandered down the driveway in pajamas under vest and duty belt. (the vest is always put away such that you can throw it over your head and protect your non-gun side... as you'd always keep your gun side protected by your stance... )

I have also shown up on my back lawn--the front lawn of the barn-- in a big bath sheet with Mr. Glock in a hand tucked under my arm. Sheet woulda had to be dropped... but there was someone BIG and male and stranger messing with my horses. (turned out to be the new ACO. I reminded him about curtilage. ) I was in the shower. Not my brightest move--but I couldn't figure out the vest and the towel, and time was of the essence... :uhoh:

There is nothing wrong with being prepared. Ready means more than having a weapon.

My comments were directed to those who were not mentally prepared.

"The sheet woulda had to be dropped".

If you are who I think you are, at least he would have died with a smile on his face!

LOL!

CSSJR

[Aimee Thanatogenus]

Do you understand that you have just exposed yourself to a potentially life threatening situation ? This guy now knows that you have fuzzy boundaries, no immediate male presence to kick his ass, no weapon in hand to confront intruders, you are nothing but vulnerable right now. His DNA is everywhere that a casual boyfriend's might be, so if he does pay you a midnight visit, and tells the police that it's obvious that he's been wlecomed there before ..... get my drift ?
Forget the polite email... take Dad, husband, brother, brother in law, big scary neighbor...and pay HIM a visit on his turf, home or at his place of work to drive the point home that he is NOT EVER to set foot on your property again.
NO sane person would think that what he did was acceptable, so be careful.

Best advice yet.

I am quite amazed at your sanguine response to this whole situation. Is there subtext to your relationship with this person that you are not relating to the board honestly? Honestly.

I don't know 1 person in 100 who wouldn't have grabbed him by the short hairs and deposited him into the back of a squad car. What are you afraid of?

He'd be afearin' for his self if he tried that on my property: criminal trespass, vandalizing, pain and suffering lawsuit.

I've had people come onto my property. There are load of short straws in this world who think that everyone who owns horses runs a pony ride. I caught a couple teenage girls once trying to harvest some of my horse's tail because she needed it for an art project.
She was crying when she and her friend left....in the back of a squad car.

Please get real. This isn't a Noel Coward play, it's a stranger with strange boundaries.

[Liberty]

Definitely file a police report, NOW. Put up No Trespassing signs and send Mr. JoyRide a "Letter of No Trespass" via certified/registered mail. If you have his GF's name and address, send her one too. Include in that letter that any future trespassing will result in a police arrest. Also mention that your horses will be receiving a complete vet work-up to ascertain if any injuries were incurred and that Mr. JoyRide will be billed for it.

Granted, the vet bill reimbursement may not be enforceable, but this unauthorized trespass MUST be documented with law enforcement.

Doesn't matter that you didn't jump in his sh*t when it happened (although I cannot imagine not doing so; I would have been LIVID, and folks in the next county would have heard the commotion). The important thing is that you take official, legal measures from this happening again.

[JSwan]

If you don't call the cops and pursue this as a crime, you deserve whatever happens from here on out.

So grow up.



Agreed. The OP is either a liar or a doormat, and I waste my time on neither.

And I feel sorry for the horses belonging to a person that will not move heaven and earth to protect them.

If that comes across as harsh, I'm sorry but I stand by it.

[kookicat]

I've been through something a bit like this, with someone coming onto my land. She didn't ride my horses, though.

One big thing I learned is you have to protect yourself!!! What would've happened if Mr. dung for brains or the GF had fallen and been injured? You would've been in court PDQ getting sued for anything he could damn well think of!

Bottom line is- Get the cops involved, cover your own ass before the jerk comes back and decided to cause real trouble for you.

[RockinHorse]

Agreed. The OP is either a liar or a doormat, and I waste my time on neither.

And I feel sorry for the horses belonging to a person that will not move heaven and earth to protect them.

If that comes across as harsh, I'm sorry but I stand by it.


I must say that I agree with the above.

I would imagine there is more to this story than is being told here. I would love to hear from the guy that rode the horse.

[sid]

I recently went through something similar with a neighboor (not riding my horses though!) who was preventing me from safely moving my horses to a certain pasture. He decided to use my property for some high-flying 4 wheeler fun.

When I flagged him down he came flying over, screaming at me, swearing at me and physically threatening me....he was on MY land when he did that. I high-tailed it back to my house, really shaken up.

I was intially fearful of retribution if I called the police, but realized I could not live that way. The next day I filed a "No Tresspass Order" with the police and the Sherriff's office had two police hand deliver it.

Not a peep from him since. He was a bully and a coward -- knowing full well I had no "male presence" at my place. I hate that!

File a report. You'll feel much better.

[Bluey]

If you don't call the cops and pursue this as a crime, you deserve whatever happens from here on out.

So grow up.

As for all of the gun slingers that have posted that they would have held him at bay with a gun or that they would have shot him, I would like to point out that except for Texas, I don't know of any state where you can shoot a person unless that person poses a serious threat to your life or severe bodily harm. Were he to pick up a pitchfork, it would be considered a deadly weapon.

But you just don't shoot a person because he acts like a 13 year old.

As for the paintball suggestion; have you not heard that one should never go to a gunfight with a knife?

Point a paintball gun at someone who just might have a concealed weapon on him and you will get shot.

The most important part of carrying a weapon is having enough sense and having thought out various scenarios ahead of time that one protects oneself without hurting anyone unnecessarily or putting oneself on the wrong side of the law.

That said, if you don't call the law and file a report pushing the case to the point of prosecution, you deserve whatever happens.

CSSJR

Protect your privacy. Replace Google with IXQUICK at www.ixquick.com.


If we do not wish to lose our freedom, we must learn to tolerate our
neighbor's right to freedom even though he might express that freedom
in a manner we consider to be eccentric.


People that have guns will not use them to shoot indiscriminately some trespasser, but you have to be aware that you can't tell if someone is a good guy being stupid or some mad idiot high on something, that may kill you in his fantasies.
As our sheriff tells us, no one can tell who is a good guy at that moment, even if you think you know them very well, much less a stranger you have never seen.
Of course you don't want to escalate a situation, but guns tend to calm most situations, in your favor if you are the one with the gun.

When you confront someone that is obviously doing something wrong in your property and have to show a gun, you better be ready to back it if they become aggressive, but no one of course would go haphazardly shooting anyone, unless they came at you.

Even in TX, there are rules of engagement and you can't just go shooting someone just for trespassing, but you sure can if you feel seriously threatened by them, especially on your place.

Now, here a gun was not needed, but some very strong reaction and a police report sure seems the least that should have happened, really, if we don't want such repeated or worse.

There are ownership laws so people can enjoy what they have and others stay off it.
I can't believe someone just uses whatever they want that others own, out of the blue.
The whole situation really doesn't make much sense as told.:confused:

[ChocoMare]

To borrow the vernacular of our friends in England: "I am gobsmacked" :eek:

An intruder on my property, riding my horses, would be met by either me or Mr. C'Mare with whatever loaded weapon we chose in one hand and the other dialing 911 on the cell phone.

A smart person seeks good counsel.

A WISE person heeds it.

[MsM]

Bizzare! I, too, can't understand the reluctance to get this on record. At the very least, the OP should get advice from a lawyer regarding any communication with the jerk. Writing the wrong thing (like saying you filed a police report when you didnt) may be worse than doing nothing.
The bane of Animal Contol Officers' existance are the dog roaming/attack/bite reports which state that there have been numerous previous attacks or even bites. When the ACO cant find any record of them, the people then admit that they didnt want to "cause trouble" or "turn them in". Now they want the issue treated like a the dog is a chronic offender but legally it is a first offense - often with just a minor fine (depending on what happened).
Document correctly and legally! Get good legal advice!

[sid]

I'm not sure why the OP would need to get legal counsel. The whole thing, from what the OP posted, it pretty cut and dried.

The offender trespassed and used the OP's personal property, as well.

This is exactly what the police are for. To enforce the protection of your person and your property.

In my situation, once the No Trespass Order was filed, the police told me to have a camera handy, should I see my neighbor trespass again. This would be cause for an arrest, so it does have teeth in it. I'm sure the neighbor knows that as well. Thus, my problem stopped.

[strawberry roan]

I think it is a mistake not to have called the police. It should have been documented. I would be a real nervous nelly ever leaving my property again.

[imissvixen]

Also can't believe you didn't call the police.

Do you have high speed internet? You can set up a video security system for less than $1000 if you want to keep an eye on what is going on at your place when you are not there. You can also record the video to review or use as evidence.

[sid]

Just because the incident is over, doesn't mean the OP can't file a report with the police or get a No Trespass Order after the fact. (which is what the police suggested I do).

The police do not have to be present to prove anything.

[cssutton]

Just because the incident is over, doesn't mean the OP can't file a report with the police or get a No Trespass Order after the fact. (which is what the police suggested I do).

The police do not have to be present to prove anything.

Probably.

Except that this wishy washy nonsense could indicate to the police that the behavior was not really so unacceptable as it is made to sound now.

In other words, as someone said much earlier; to allow an act to take place indicates an acceptance of the act.

The cop will ask himself why it was not such a big deal to begin with but now all of a sudden it is?

CSSJR

[asb_own_me]

As for all of the gun slingers that have posted that they would have held him at bay with a gun or that they would have shot him, I would like to point out that except for Texas, I don't know of any state where you can shoot a person unless that person poses a serious threat to your life or severe bodily harm. Were he to pick up a pitchfork, it would be considered a deadly weapon.


Thanks for that tip. If such as asshat were to show up in my barn, I'd politely ask him, "would you please grab that pitchfork over there for me?"

Then I would introduce Mr. Sig to the conversation ;)

[sid]

In my case, when I filed the report the next day, the police did ask me why I didn't call them at the time. I said that I was in the middle of a pasture with no cell phone and the guy had finally left. BUT I added that I was afraid of retribution via my horses (that pasture borders theirs).

When you have live animals you think twice about what some whacko who has a raging temper, like this guy did, will do.

They were extremely understanding of that concern, which ironically, turned out to be MORE reason to document the incident by filing a police report.

[RacetrackReject]

Honestly, you are going to live in fear either way. You can fear the guy coming back and doing something with your horses and injuring them when you aren't there to protect them or you can fear retaliation and try to protect them, but can you live with the guilt of doing nothing?

If you search my name, you will see my post about my neighbors. I chose fear of retaliation and so far everything is fine (except 1 of the neighbors tried to kill himself after the authorities left his home). There was 1 night where the neighbors were drunk and screaming things across my pasture at me, but I just locked my horses in the paddock immediately around the barn and the barn area. Luckily, they were already in the barn as one of them gets upset when people are yelling so he had taken refuge in his stall and the others had followed him.

Call the police, at least file a report.

[RacetrackReject]

Thanks for that tip. If such as asshat were to show up in my barn, I'd politely ask him, "would you please grab that pitchfork over there for me?"

Then I would introduce Mr. Sig to the conversation ;)


In Texas they just tell us to make sure you kill them. When the offender is dead, your story is the only version =O. Seriously had a cop tell me this when my home was broken into years ago. The police said there were signs they would be back and there had been cars in the drive when the house was robbed and they criminals cut the phone lines, so they were coming in whether people were home or not. The cops said to shoot first and make sure it counted.

[sidepasser]

The OP may be fearful of retaliation - there are people who will do really bad things and never get caught, just to "show them" that they can. Personally I would file a complaint and hang a ton of no trespassing signs, engage the services of a large barking dog, and upgrade my security system. To do nothing would not be something I could live with, but I would try first to be reasonable and phone the offender and possibly meet with him to explain why he could not ride my horses period. Sometimes there are mean people and just dumb clueless people who don't think..it is wise I think to treat the matter as if you have dumb and clueless while preparing for mean and hateful.

I hope your horse is fine OP and doesn't have any health problems related from this unauthorized ride.

[cssutton]

In Texas they just tell us to make sure you kill them. When the offender is dead, your story is the only version =O. Seriously had a cop tell me this when my home was broken into years ago. The police said there were signs they would be back and there had been cars in the drive when the house was robbed and they criminals cut the phone lines, so they were coming in whether people were home or not. The cops said to shoot first and make sure it counted.

Texas, as do several states, has the Castle Law. In a state that does not have such a law, you can only shoot a person who poses a real and provable danger to you.

Texas goes even farther. In Texas, you can shoot a person for attempting to steal from you even though you are not in danger personally.

Cops in many states are now treating home invasions as a threat to your person, which is as it should be but the Castle Law takes it out of their hands in that it gives the homeowner immunity against anyone who enters the home.

In NC, VA and most other states you had better be very sure you know what your rights are or you will end up in more trouble than the crook.

CSSJR

[Brigit]

Oh my. I can't believe you were as civil as you were to this guy. I don't care who it is, even if it was a friend that showed up and decided to ride my horse I'd be livid. You just don't do that, ever.

I think it's time to take the metaphorical balls out of the purse and use them. Something has to be done so this guy knows what he did was very wrong and WILL NOT happen again. Perhaps you're holding back because he seemed embarrassed by what happened, that's not really your problem, it is GOOD that he feels this way becuse hopefully it won't happen again.

I don't know if you need to go as far as shoving a gun in this guy's face or dealing with lawyers but a police report wouldn't hurt and neither would a certified letter or a phone call to him. It's just to protect you.

I had another idea too, more of a passive agressive type solution, can you put a lock on your tack room and when you aren't home lock up everything, including halters in there?

[midwestrocket]

PRESS CHARGES PRESS CHARGES PRESS CHARGES!!!!! I once caught a teen in my field on a dirt bike and I nearly took his head off with a baseball bat. What a irresponsible, STUPID individual that man is....

[LisaB]

I smell bullshit on this situation.
She knows the guy and yet she states that there are strangers riding her horse. When you give differing descriptions of the intruder, it means that you're withholding information.
And then she doesn't call the cops.
I think there's so much more to this story that we aren't hearing.

[cssutton]

Thanks for that tip. If such as asshat were to show up in my barn, I'd politely ask him, "would you please grab that pitchfork over there for me?"

Then I would introduce Mr. Sig to the conversation ;)

That is exactly why the advice for the OP to take her husband or some other tough guy and go to the perp's house and confront him, giving him orders never ever to....etc. is bad advice.

If it goes bad, for instance if he claims the OP "reached for the pitchfork" and it goes bad, the courts will want to know why you went to the guy's house to begin with. To look for trouble? To start a fight?

You can get away with a lot more on your own front porch than you can on the other man's front porch.

Send the cops. Do not set foot on his property. He does not sound violent, but if you are wrong and he turns violent on his front porch you are in deep doo-doo.

Even a mean dog rarely will fight out of his own territory, but the timid pooch will bite if crowd him too much on his own turf.

There is a lot to be learned from that, if you think about it. You don't want the court to look upon you as the meaner than hell dog that will fight outside of your territory.

So stay on yours and stay off of his. Send the cops. That is their job.

CSSJR

[SmartAlex]

OneDay Soon,
Jeez. I think your approach sounds reasonable. I think calling the police is too much. You are right he was probably embarassed. It isn't as if it was a total stranger, as you say.


Embarrased? Yeah... because he got CAUGHT not because he broke the law. And I tend to agree with everyone who thinks he probably has done this before. After all, he only lives 5 miles away. Pretty convenient actually.

And what the heck is all the balking about calling the cops? If you don't want to enforce the laws of the (your) land that's fine. It's not your job. It is, however, the job of law enforcement. That's what we pay them for. That's how it works.

[see u at x]

In Texas they just tell us to make sure you kill them. When the offender is dead, your story is the only version =O. Seriously had a cop tell me this when my home was broken into years ago. The police said there were signs they would be back and there had been cars in the drive when the house was robbed and they criminals cut the phone lines, so they were coming in whether people were home or not. The cops said to shoot first and make sure it counted.

My ex's grandmother (who lives in Burkeville, TX) lives by the exact same theory. She always used to say, "Remember, dead men can't talk."

[fivehorses]

I think Cloudy and Callie first recommended going to the police, followed by others.
However, I must say I appreciate CSutton's posts. I was thinking there are an awful lot of gun carrying individuals on this BB that take a position of shoot first, ask later. Sounded from reading the posts very very macho indeed.
I also want to comment Bluey, not everyone who owns a gun is as responsible as you prescribe, you don't need much but a license and money to buy one. You aren't required to go to 'class' or pass a test, etc. There are many, and from reading here, more than many who throw the gun language around like its a toy gun, and not deadly force.

As far as the OP. I can understand your niceness, and also your fear. I have in the past reported incidents to the police, only to have it escalate. Once, the individual tried to break into my home to retaliate, while I was knowingly inside. thank God for big dogs. Lastly, by stealing two of my dogs, and another time, trying to poison my dogs. These were 3 separate incidents, so...people are unpredictable.

Alot would depend on my police...not all are competent. On the other hand, the OP and hubby seem to be the very nice, kind people who this guy has either misread or read correctly and knows he can take advantage of them.

In no uncertain terms, I would make it very clear to him, as well as filing an incident report with the police. If the police are competent and can 'talk' to him, then I'd go that route. If not, I would have someone else write a letter or call him, preferably an attorney or someone who is a clear communicator of the OP's position.

[katarine]

I am going to guess that those of us going for our guns- live in rural areas where that is not a bad idea. My house, everything: is invisible to a passer-by. It's just something you think about when something Odd Happens. No one can see to help in a drive by scenario. So, you live prepared is I guess what I'm saying.

call the friggin cops already. Our county sheriffs have been nothing but professional, prompt and courteous when I've called them a few times over the years (trespassers shooting on the timberland behind me, drunk neighbors I could hear, but not see through the woods, whom I thought were about to kill each other, etc). Good heavens, CALL THE LAW.

or chicken out and get what you asked for...which by acquiesing...was, sure, come on over.

[Angela Freda]

AND THEN...My friend then got sued by the parents for pain and suffering.

It went to court. My friend lost. She had to pay a couple thousand bucks to the family. You know why? The judge said she was in the wrong for having a "dangerous" horse on the property. The judge looked at the police report, where the policeman wrote down that the owner said the horses were dangerous. End of story.

THIS is why you should file a report. IF he or girlfriend ever come back and do something stupid again and get hurt, think of all you could lose. Get it on file that their presence on your property when you are not present is considered trespassing and will not be tolerated. CYA.

[chai]

Oneday, I think cloudyandcallie gave you excellent advice, and you should follow up on it with a police report if only to have the incident on file should he return. It's easy for us to tell you to kick him in the figurative b's or load up the shotgun, but unless you have ever been in a situation where someone has retaliated against you by hurting one of your horses, the truth is it is extremely scary and you have to treat lunatics like that very carefully for fear of upping the ante. My evidence that going up against a sociopath can be dangerous:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/eastmeadowfarm/DSCI0004.jpg
I went up against the man who I believe killed my sister and I gave information to help in an investigation against him on an unrelated situation. A week after he was deposed, where he knew questions they asked could have come from information I shared, a man showed up at my house with a bag of carrots for my horses, asking questions and dropping a well known scary name. I was unnerved by such a weirdo driving into our farm like that but I kept telling myself not to be paranoid, that my would have been ex brother in law wouldn't actually retaliate by sending some kind of scary hit-type man to hurt my family. But a little voice kept saying, 'how many 30 year old city guys in leather actually buy carrots for a stranger's horses and drive into a private farm, full of questions?'

Four days later, my dogs went crazy in the middle of the night when mr. chai was away on business. I heard a car door slam on the road in front of our house and a car drove away. I told myself it was nothing to be scared of because it's a busy road, and when I looked around, too scared to go out of the house, everything seemed quiet. But that photo is what I found when I went to feed the horses a few hours later. There was no blood on the walls, no evidence of source of an injuy in her stall. My mare was just standing there holding her leg out to me. Two vets looked at it and said it looked like a surgical slice. It missed a major artery by a centimeter, and she made a full recovery after four months of intensive treatment.

I thought I was all big and bad, taking on this monster of a man to find some justice for my sister, but the cost has been too high and I get his message. When you run into a true sociopath, the danger is much too real. It is very odd behavior for this man to trespass onto your property with a stranger and ride your horses. If you have any feelings that he may retaliate if you challenge him, please use caution and follow cloudyandcallie's excellent advice. You must document this event. Good luck to you and stay safe.

[mkevent]

I'm all for "live and let live" but I think you are being way too passive in this case. File a police report-if you don't press charges, he probably won't even know the report was filed (at least that's how it works where I am). You NEED that report on record!

You've gotten some excellent advice here and I think you should take it seriously into consideration. File a report and send him correspondence and keep documents of everything. If he never bothers you again, great. If he is truly a scary kook, then at least you've quietly started your own paper trail to CYA. Honestly, I think anyone over the age of 8 would know just how wrong what he did was-and being embarassed over the situation is not enough!!

PS-If you're willing to forgive him because he was embarassed over the situation, why are you also afraid of him?

[RacetrackReject]

And that is how criminals win. I'm sorry that happened to you, but you did the right thing by going to the police. It's a shame this is what our society has become. In self defense classes you are taught to scream fire instead of help because people won't come if you yell for help.

It's like some people I know here. Their high school daughter was terrorized and black-mailed by a man for 2 years. He forced her to have sex with him whenever he wanted and DOG only knows what else. She finally decided to come clean with her parents what had happened when she found out the guy was trying to do the same thing to one of her friends and she feared for what would happen to her friend more than herself. The parents decided not to press charges (and the father is a police officer) because it would "ruin their daughter's life if it got out". I said, "so you are going to let him do it to someone else's daughter? " Which is basically what they are doing by not stopping him now. They didn't get it.

Sorry, rant over.

Just get everything on record. No one says that you have to file charges, but get it documented. If something else happens down the line and you don't document this, it could cause problems.

[ReSomething]

Christ, Chai, that's just awful.

OP, you have to get it on record and CYA. That's what the police are for, let them do their job.

Take my word for it, if you bring the cops in they will be much more likely to take you seriously if anything else happens in future, and they are quite capable of using their best judgement on how to approach the young man.

I'd also suggest locking up your place a little better. Crud, my DH locks the car in the driveway and it is over three hundred feet from the road!

Sorry this happened. Trust me, I understand the various points of view, but please call.

[arabhorse2]

I have both a handgun and a rifle. The last thing I'd do with either of them is play 'Dirty Harry'. Guns are deadly tools, and I respect that.

In some situations they're warranted. If what the OP said is true, they weren't warranted in this case. She knew the guy, and there wasn't anything really threatening going on.

I agree with documenting this with the police, and getting a 'no trespass' order against this guy. Even more so, if she's afraid of retaliation.

[MILOUTE55]

Guns are deadly tools, and I respect that.
In some situations they're warranted. If what the OP said is true, they weren't warranted in this case. She knew the guy, and there wasn't anything really threatening going on.



I totally agree!

It actually scared me to read on this thread how many people would take their guns out so quickly :no:

[meupatdoes]

To help prevent further unauthorized riding:

Lock the tackroom.

[Beasmom]

Am I nuts? Where's the update from OneDaySoon?

[MILOUTE55]

Am I nuts? Where's the update from OneDaySoon?

post # 64? is that the one you're looking for?

[JoZ]

Am I nuts? Where's the update from OneDaySoon?

Not unless I'm crazy too, and I'm SURE that's not the case! :cool:
Title says "updated on page 7"...

[arabhorse2]

She didn't update on page 7. She updated her original post.

[Mozart]

Okay, I admit I did not read every post. But inquiring minds want to know.

Although I would have been as gobsmacked as you, did you ever ask him
"What are you doing?"
What did he say?
Was he surprised to see you? Did he know you were away (does he know your house sitter?)
Expect it would be okay?
Or seem embarassed and sheepish?

Really, what was the conversation?
Exactly how young is this person?

He put wraps on the horse?????

[JSwan]

I totally agree!

It actually scared me to read on this thread how many people would take their guns out so quickly :no:


It's probably all talk. I have many firearms and would never use them against a fellow human being unless my life was in danger. Truly in self-defense.

But you know what is really sad?

That a person would choose to do nothing.

I think back to the horrific death of Dorothy Sullivan, an old woman. She was attacked by a pack of pitbulls and mauled to death.

The media went after animal control for doing nothing about the dogs, because everyone in the neighborhood knew about these dogs and many had had problems with them being aggressive or injuring their pets.

Well - turns out no one notified law enforcement/ACO. And that woman died because people chose to do nothing.

[MILOUTE55]

She didn't update on page 7. She updated her original post.

oh, I see... well that makes the thread harder to follow for those who have not been reading it since the beginning....

[JSwan]

She didn't update on page 7. She updated her original post.

I'm glad she at least found out what the process is.

[Beasmom]

Well thanks! That explains it! I've read through the whole thread, but did not revisit the original post.

Thank God -- I'm NOT crazy. NOT!

[arabhorse2]

Thank God -- I'm NOT crazy. NOT!

Oh I am, but not because of this thread! ;)

It's taken a lotta things and a lotta years to make me this batshit nutso, so no one person or event can take all the credit! :D

[OneDaySoon]

Sorry, I fixed the update on Page One.

[asb_own_me]

Cops in many states are now treating home invasions as a threat to your person, which is as it should be but the Castle Law takes it out of their hands in that it gives the homeowner immunity against anyone who enters the home.


My husband has told me for years, that if anything were to happen, not to shoot until the perp had SET FOOT IN OUR HOME. Not on the property, not on the porch, IN THE HOME.

My question, now that we are out in the country, is "does the barn count?" Say I'm out there alone and someone surprises me there. It's not the house, but is it the same principle?


I was thinking there are an awful lot of gun carrying individuals on this BB that take a position of shoot first, ask later.

In the case of immediate danger of harm to myself or my horses, YES. In the case of what the OP came home to, absolutely not. A few folks brought up the possibility of retaliation if the police were contacted and charges filed. If this guy is as crazy as my neighbors to the NW, retaliation by harming the OP/her horses unfortunately wouldn't be out of the realms of possibility.


I am going to guess that those of us going for our guns- live in rural areas where that is not a bad idea. My house, everything: is invisible to a passer-by. It's just something you think about when something Odd Happens. No one can see to help in a drive by scenario. So, you live prepared is I guess what I'm saying.
Bingo.


I'm glad to see the OP contacted the police, although it still seems that not enough was done. Shouldn't this idiot be punished for what he did?

[stryder]

But seriously folks, how many people do you know whether it was someone you met 10 years ago, last week at the grocery store or you bought a horse from 8 months ago, that would actually come to your house unannounced, catch your horses, saddle them up and ride them? Most of us never expect something like this to happen.

Uh, no. It would be like coming home from work, to find an acquaintance and date eating dinner in my house, several months after I'd said, "let's get together for coffee sometime."

So they thought it would be OK to come onto my property, into my house, use my kitchen, cook my food and sit down at my table when I'm not even there?

Some people don't have any sense of boundaries. And in this case, both parties.

I hope everything's been squared away now, and the OP has the information needed to protect herself and her property in the future.

[MILOUTE55]

I also want to comment Bluey, not everyone who owns a gun is as responsible as you prescribe, you don't need much but a license and money to buy one. You aren't required to go to 'class' or pass a test, etc. There are many, and from reading here, more than many who throw the gun language around like its a toy gun, and not deadly force.



now I understand!!!
One of the things I miss most from France are all the friends that just come by unannounced and end up spending a few hours talking around a drink. It happened all the time and I used to love it! I thought it was so great to just stop by someone's place on the way back from grocery shopping... and yes, you sometimes had to enter and walk through the house to find your friend in the backyard. And nobody thought it was awkward! (well, ok, my parents' village is 60 inhabitants and my current one is... well, it's Los Angeles ;) )

I was wondering why it never happened in the US even though I encouraged my friends to do it.... Now I get it, everyone is just scared they'll have a gun on their head and drop the box of cupcakes they brought to share... :D

[arabhorse2]

Miloute, if you show up with cupcakes, I'm definitely going to invite you in without gunfire! :D

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

..
UPDATED:

Last night I emailed the guy a No Trespassing message with a requirement that if he did not respond, that I would follow up legally.

I did not hear from him, so today we went to the police station and asked what we should do in our jurisdiction. The requirements were as follows:

1. Notify the trespasser not to come on private property. Police say my email is sufficient even if I do not have confirmation that he received it.

2. If the guy comes back, I am to call the non-emergency police number and when the police arrive I am to present the email showing he was duly notified.

3. If the guy leaves and police do not arrive in time, I can press charges via the police commissioner.

4. Post No Trespassing signs. (We are doing that now).

...And tell all who you meet, whether a friendly neighbor or kids selling girl scout cookies, that property visits are by appointment only. But seriously folks, how many people do you know whether it was someone you met 10 years ago, last week at the grocery store or you bought a horse from 8 months ago, that would actually come to your house unannounced, catch your horses, saddle them up and ride them? Most of us never expect something like this to happen.

This thread has blown my mind a bit. Up until now my fear was someone feeding something to the horses over the fence. I think you did the right thing. It's never good to escalate things too much--you never know who is mentally ill and how they will retaliate. I'm glad you have something on record.

I hope your rehab is still doing ok. I just can't even express how upset I would be if this happened to me! There isn't language foul enough to describe how pissed I would be (and then subsequently how weirded-out). It's such a violation on multiple levels. Ugh.

[MILOUTE55]

Miloute, if you show up with cupcakes, I'm definitely going to invite you in without gunfire! :D

I'm on my way arabhorse {creepy scary laugh }

:lol:

;)

[danceronice]

now I understand!!!
One of the things I miss most from France are all the friends that just come by unannounced and end up spending a few hours talking around a drink. It happened all the time and I used to love it! I thought it was so great to just stop by someone's place on the way back from grocery shopping... and yes, you sometimes had to enter and walk through the house to find your friend in the backyard. And nobody thought it was awkward! (well, ok, my parents' village is 60 inhabitants and my current one is... well, it's Los Angeles ;) )

I was wondering why it never happened in the US even though I encouraged my friends to do it.... Now I get it, everyone is just scared they'll have a gun on their head and drop the box of cupcakes they brought to share... :D


I'm a single female living alone. I would never walk into someone's house without loudly and clearly announcing my presence and not attempting to enter if I didn't get a response. MAYBE my neighbors, who are like my grandparents, if I'd called and they knew I was coming over. Not only is that illegal entry and trespassing, if someone just walked into my house you bet I'm going for a weapon of some kind (in the state I live in now it would have to be a bat or a knife, as the only people who can easily get even pepper spray are criminals--in Boston in particular they'd rather you call 911 and they can clean up afterwards. You literally have to have a permit for pepper spray here.)

If you live on a country back road, or worse if you live in a place like LA, Boston, DC, Detroit, etc, if someone walks into your home unannounced, they are NOT coming over for cookies and milk. Especially if you are a single female living alone. An alarm system, a big dog, and a twelve-gauge with a tight choke or a slug are your best friends. My elderly neighbors have a boxer and a mastiff for a reason. (Okay, the mastiff's a puppy and at worst right now she might lick you to death, but still.)

The real secret to using a gun in self-defence is not waving it around, it's being ready to use it. Never draw unless you are prepared to fire, and you never aim to wound--as the cops and my dad who taught me to shoot said, there is no such thing. It's a deadly weapon, you only shoot if you are prepared to kill your target. The cops were all pretty hardcore about it for women in particular--tell them to stop, if they keep coming, shoot them, don't play nice.

In the OP's situation, no need for deadly force as they left the property when asked, but yeah, absolutely time for a C&D, trespass charges, and clear signage. Thanks to the person on the thread who suggested signs in English AND Spanish--these days you probably do need both.

Too bad hotwiring the gates (and shutting it off before you open it, of course!) would fall under booby-trapping, which IS illegal....

[Giddy-up]

so how are the horses who have been on walk only rehab for months after their who know what went on trail ride?

I still can't believe the OP didn't lose it upon arriving home to find a guy she's met once & a unknown girl had ridden her horses. :eek: And of course they were slightly embarrassed for being caught--they KNEW what they were doing was wrong & you acting "accepting" of their behavior by not addressing it immediately only means they'll be back.

Glad you spoke with the cops & got them involved.

[SmartAlex]

RE: Update

Yay you! You handled it well.

I'll be you are still just a little speechless though. I know I am. :D

[arabhorse2]

The real secret to using a gun in self-defence is not waving it around, it's being ready to use it. Never draw unless you are prepared to fire, and you never aim to wound--as the cops and my dad who taught me to shoot said, there is no such thing. It's a deadly weapon, you only shoot if you are prepared to kill your target. The cops were all pretty hardcore about it for women in particular--tell them to stop, if they keep coming, shoot them, don't play nice.

Dancer, this is the principle I live by. If I pull it out, I'm planning to use it.

The least sign of hesitation, and you'll find yourself shot by your own weapon.

I was also told to empty the gun. If you leave bullets it means you weren't panicked, and thus weren't in fear for your life. If you fire all shots, you were obviously terrified. This particular tidbit was told to me by more than one police officer.

Miloute, still coming? I have milk. ;)

[MILOUTE55]

Miloute, still coming? I have milk. ;)

my lunch break is too short for that :D (yeah, I'm working even though it might not seem that obvious.. oh well, it's almost Friday, right?)

But I've added you to my "buddy" list and you're the first one there :yes:

[arabhorse2]

Cool! :D

Yeah, Burbank, CA to Lynchburg, VA would make a rather longish lunch hour. :cool:

Yeah, I'm 'working' too. Need to get my A/P vouchers in for payment.

Ever heard of a bloodthirsty bean counter? Don't get us accountants riled! :lol:

[cloudyandcallie]

Go ahead and mail that letter
"certified, return receipt requested" say that at the P.O. and get the little card to fill out. Then if he refuses, the postman will put that on the letter, and if he accepts (maybe he'll think it is publisher's clearing house:lol:) you have proof of receipt or refusal, either is sufficient for court. Keep a copy of your criminal trespass notice letter.
He'd be suing you if he or his friend had been injured while trespassing. And for loss of consortium too. :lol:

Good work by you to contact police and get it on the record. In today's litigious society, people will trespass and sue. Plus he could have ruined your horses.:eek:

Oh the letter, better the certified return receipt requested letter than an email, altho emails are admissible in court, if he signs the card or refuses it, that is sufficient in court, the letter should state:
dated
Dear Mr. X:
You are hereby notified that you are not to enter the premises known as (street/road address, city county and state) for any reason. Your trespass of (date you caught him there) has been reported to the police (name the police department).
You are further notified that any damages to the horses or premises that occurred from your illegal trespass upon my property and illegal use of my horses will be paid for by you.

Sincerely,

your name.

now you want to send a letter to the woman also. so she won't bring some of her friends over to ride.
post signs "Private Property, Posted, No Hunting, No fishing, No trespassing" 50 ft apart if you can.

[Bluey]

For those that think they would never become a statistic, don't think they need to be somewhat wary of strangers, a 67 year old farmer was killed here a year ago.
Someone walked up to his house as he was outside doing something, pointed at an old pickup on the highway and said he had run out of gas, could he help him and when the farmer said yes, I will take over to the gas station and went to get in his pickup, the fellow stabbed him, left him to die and took off with his pickup.
He went 100 miles, found a bar and got drunk, where the police found him and when asked, still drunk, about the stolen pickup, he told them about it.

Anyway, our sheriff always tell us that the only way we will be safe is to be aware of all around us, where we are and where others are, if someone is approaching us and just be wary, no matter how nice someone may seem.

No, you don't need to meet every stranger holding a gun on them, but don't dismiss being careful and not exposing yourself needlessly either.

Good that the OP did something and good luck that it will be the right thing to do.
At least it sounds like the OP had a second person there, so it is not the real dangerous situation that having happen onto those people alone would have been.

There is really no excuse for what they did, it is wrong in all levels, I think it would also been wrong in France, where I lived.
Even there no one would have come to your place and gone on a ride on your horses, not even family, without arranging it first.:confused:

[MILOUTE55]

There is really no excuse for what they did, it is wrong in all levels, I think it would also been wrong in France, where I lived.
Even there no one would have come to your place and gone on a ride on your horses, not even family, without arranging it first.:confused:

I never said that what they did was ok and I never tried to find excuses.

I was just talking about the way people tend to take their guns out pretty fast + comparing different cultures as far as visiting friends/neigbors unannounced... just because the discussion made me think of that.

In France the gun discussion would never occur because carrying guns is forbidden by law.

[tx3dayeventer]

4. Post No Trespassing signs. (We are doing that now).



Another good thing to do is this:

"POSTED PURPLE"
Many states have laws providing a certain color paint to be used in place of costly signs for posting property. You may have noticed "posted purple" paint on trees and rocks in Arkansas and wondered what all the marks were for.

These marks, when placed properly, are assumed to be "posted - no trespass signs". The state of Texas recently has enacted a law (Texas Penal Code, Article 30.05) providing for the use of purple paint to post property boundaries (Texas Statutes, 2001). The use of written posted signs are still recommended at access points, such as gates. Unlike signs, marks are not easily removed or torn down and do not have to be replaced often. In order to post your property using this paint method, the following is required:

* Place purple paint marks on trees or fence posts
* Marks must be vertical lines at least 1" wide and 8" high
* The bottom of the mark must be between 3' and 5' of the ground
* Marks must be placed at locations readily visible to person approaching property
* Marks must be no more than 100' apart on forestland and no more than 1000' apart on non-forestland

The major drawbacks to this method are concerns over excessive amounts of paint on trees ruining the visual quality of our rural areas and the public's lack of knowledge of the law. Each landowner will have to make his or her own decision on whether or not the paint is visually offensive to them and their property. With increased use of this marking practice, and perhaps some publicity from landowner associations, the public should become aware of the meaning of "purple" boundaries, making them as effective as posted signs.

and this:
Purple Paint Posting
* Markings must be on trees or posts
* Vertically at least 8 inches long (tall)
* Bottom edge must be between 3 and 5 feet from the ground
* No more than 100 feet apart
* Readily visible to any person approaching the property

[middy]

I was also told to empty the gun. If you leave bullets it means you weren't panicked, and thus weren't in fear for your life. If you fire all shots, you were obviously terrified. This particular tidbit was told to me by more than one police officer.


I used to date a police officer, we are still great friends. When I moved out to the country he bought me my first gun and told me the same thing. Luckly I have never had to use it yet but I wouldn't hesitate if I did.

[TessaQ]

The gonads some people have, wow! WOW!

[CaliforniaDays]

I totally agree!

It actually scared me to read on this thread how many people would take their guns out so quickly :no:

Whoa a minute. I took my Glock out with me when I saw a man on my property walking through a lower pasture -- albeit I didn't know this man like the OP did; but he was an UNINVITED trespasser nonetheless (he turned out to be a hunter tracking a buck). I am alone on my property about 90% of the time and I am a small female. But I also have had the training to handle my weapon without overreacting.

All of that said, I would've gone into the house and retrieved my gun once I heard an unfamiliar male voice ON MY PROPERTY. What if it hadn't been the guy that sold her the horse? What if it had been someone there with the intent to do harm and/or steal an animal or tack?

AND I would've gone [verbally] postal on the guy just like I did the hunter -- with gun on hip in plain sight. I'd rather be perceived as a crazy horse woman than be a victimized woman.

[CanterQueen]

In France the gun discussion would never occur because carrying guns is forbidden by law.

Yeah, but that's in France. :rolleyes:

Here in the good 'ol USA we are granted the right to bear arms. And it's okay to do so IMHO.

[arabhorse2]

Calm down ladies, Miloute isn't trying to take our guns away from us! :lol:

It's a cultural difference, nothing more. She's right; there wouldn't be any discussion about guns in France, because the general populace isn't allowed to own firearms. It's a moot point.

Isn't that the case in England, too? Even their police don't normally carry weapons from what I understand, or has that changed? What about hunters? Thomas or anyone else from the motherland care to elaborate? :)

I'm not bloodthirsty, but I do know my way around firearms. It's merely part and parcel of being a single woman living alone in the country.

[mkevent]

OneDay- I'm so glad you followed up!!! I hope all goes well and that this creep never shows up again and that your rehab horse is doing ok.

Didn't mean to jump on you but I was really concerned. I think treating people the way that you'd like to be treated only works with polite rationale people!! Just wishing you good luck and no more contact with this a$$hat!

PS-I'm the type that gets dumbfounded by extreme behavior so I'm not absolutety sure what I would have done in your case, either. I can be a crazy nutbag after I get riled up but sometimes I'm too much in shock for it to register an immediate response.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

I'm the type that gets dumbfounded by extreme behavior so I'm not absolutety sure what I would have done in your case, either. I can be a crazy nutbag after I get riled up but sometimes I'm too much in shock for it to register an immediate response.

Oh, I know what I'd have done if I'd come home and found someone had ridden Bram and Quanah.:yes: If that someone was dumb enough to let me lay hands on him, he'd be the one hollering for the police, not me.

But I accept that we all react to things differently.:) And this thread was about what the OP should do after having initially not reacted in a negative manner. Which I find astounding. But I have practiced family law long enough to know that some people's reaction to the most outrageous things is, well, dumbfoundedness. I guess that must've been what happened to the OP?

[MILOUTE55]

Yeah, but that's in France. :rolleyes:

Here in the good 'ol USA we are granted the right to bear arms. And it's okay to do so IMHO.

:confused:

I never said it was better or worse to not have the right to bear arms... I was just stating a fact, in answer to the post below:



There is really no excuse for what they did, it is wrong in all levels, I think it would also been wrong in France, where I lived.
Even there no one would have come to your place and gone on a ride on your horses, not even family, without arranging it first.:confused:

[fivehorses]

If he comes back, the pd has advised you to call their non emergency line.
Guess what, if he comes back, I would call 911. It absolutely is an emergency.
If someone after doing what he did, and getting the letters you have sent comes back to your property, I'd be calling 911 and reaching for my gun. He is not making a neighborly visit.
I don't get cops...why on earth would they tell you to call the non emergency number?!?!?!

[cloudyandcallie]

If he comes back, the pd has advised you to call their non emergency line.
Guess what, if he comes back, I would call 911. It absolutely is an emergency.
If someone after doing what he did, and getting the letters you have sent comes back to your property, I'd be calling 911 and reaching for my gun. He is not making a neighborly visit.
I don't get cops...why on earth would they tell you to call the non emergency number?!?!?!

This is why you should know and make friends with your beat cops, you probably have 3 beat shops, with three watches. Then the cops will come by and check on you and your place. Don't wait till an emergency to meet your cops! They appreciate it if you say hello to them and if you ask how their families are, etc. Some might want to hunt or fish or just visit on your farm and let me tell you, people notice when a cop, even an out of uniform off duty cop shows up at your house. Northing like having a uniform car cruise up the driveway and say hello. A cup of coffee or a Coke would be appreciated anytime. Find out what your cops like and don't like. I found out that one animal control officer's mother had grown up riding Arabians near where I lived when I was growing up. And the A/C officer thought my WB was goodlooking, well ok, maybe they don't have such good taste. And one cop came over and staked out one private barn and caught a trespasser, and ran him off for good.

[Nezzy]

i do not even allow my FRIENDS to ride my horse. it is as much for their safety as it is for his- but mostly for his safety.

I still cannot comprehend -after the second update- how the OP can be so nonchalant about people showing up uninvited, and just doing whatever they want to the horses, and go on without ever saying 'boo' while the guy was there. I would have lost my flippin' lid!

First words out of my mouth would be "What the Hell do you think you are doing?.."

I'm all for being friendly neighbors. But even friends have boundaries. This guy is not even a friend and he crossed the boundaries.

You don't mess with my horse, my dogs, or my husband.

[camohn]

There really IS no excuse. I really doubt if you sold that guy a car and then turned up to take it for a joyride he would think it was OK>

[MILOUTE55]

You don't mess with my horse, my dogs, or my husband.

in this order of preference? :D

Sorry, I couldn't help it ;)

[vacation1]

6. I also happen to be Canadian so shoot me for not weilding a gun, going legal, and calling 911 at the first sign of impropriety. I also grew up in an age when neighbors drop-by to share vegetables and eggs and I try to carry on the tradition now.

There are Americans whose first reaction to seeing strangers within a 3-mile radius of their house, kids or car isn't to check their holster and call their lawyer:lol: So you're not alone. My grandmother never locked her house during the day and the entire neighborhood wandered in and out at will.

[Jaegermonster]

It's probably all talk. I have many firearms and would never use them against a fellow human being unless my life was in danger. Truly in self-defense.

[/B]


Well, I can tell you that in my case it's not talk. If I came home to something like that, you can go to the bank that you WILL be seeing the business end of some type of large bore firearm, pronto. Whether it gets fired or not depends on if you make good life decisions or not.
I only have 5 acres, so being on the back 40 as opposed to by the house are very different than being on my place. My barn and house are within about 100' of each other and if someone is in there that isn't me, my husband, or one of my two boarders, there are there for no good reason.

But if you are on my property uninvited you will not get a ticker tape parade that's for sure. You will get a greeting you will not soon forget.

[AiryFairy]

Something that really bugs me about this (and yes, I still feel violated just reading this story), OP please chime in - how did this asshat know you weren't home? Is he monitoring your movements, did he deliberately wait till you were gone or did someone tell him in passing that you were on vacation when he may have mentioned going over for a look at his old horse?

You came home early and surprised him, which obviously wasn't in his plans, so how did he know you were gone so he could go there and not get caught?? This was a deliberate act, I dont' think it was a spur of the moment decision.

I find this whole thing far more sinister than apparently the OP does, someone deliberately showed up on your property to take liberties with your property and your horses, and assumed you wouldn't be there. I find that extremely disturbing, and you could bet your last buck that I would be calling 911 if I ever saw his face again, and would be pressing charges for this offense so that the message was clear and he never forgot it. If I have learned nothing else in my life, I have learned to listen to my 'gut', and this story just sends me off the deep end, saying "this is beyond wrong, and you're not safe".

[Bluey]

Each one of us live in our own realities, of our own making.;)
Some just live in more out there realities than others.;)

What difference did it make that he took good care of the horses and even gave them a bath and put bandages on them?:lol:

That seems as absurd as if you come up on someone with your cat hung up and torturing it, would be ok if he had put some papers under the cat, so he didn't get blood on your floor?:eek:

The OP's trains of thought just don't make much sense to me, with the facts of the situation.:confused:

Glad to know that it all makes sense to you and that your horses are not any worse for the illegal rides.:cool:

[Sithly]

The OP's trains of thought just don't make much sense to me, with the facts of the situation.:confused:

Same here. Either something's been left out, or this story doesn't pass the smell test.

[OneDaySoon]

Why do some people want a Hollywood ending? And if it doesn't happen they suspect someone is "lieing"? What could I have left out of the story? That the guy took off from the front lawn in a UFO...and left his girlfriend behind to fend off our 'attack' dogs? ...and we expect him back tomorrow in a US Postal office truck delivering the "mail"? I'll beam down the MayDay call if I get stuck "up there". In the meantime, I hope you are all following local police protocol if something like this crazy incident happens to you. I am counting my blessings and locking the front door.

[Bluey]

Why do some people want a Hollywood ending? And if it doesn't happen they suspect someone is "lieing"? What could I have left out of the story? That the guy took off from the front lawn in a UFO...and left his girlfriend behind to fend off our 'attack' dogs? ...and we expect him back tomorrow in a US Postal office truck delivering the "mail"? I'll beam down the MayDay call if I get stuck "up there". In the meantime, I hope you are all following local police protocol if something like this crazy incident happens to you. I am counting my blessings and locking the front door.

I think we understand where you are coming from, you did what you did for your own reasons and it made sense to you at that time and you seem happy with the results.
No one can say anything to that.

Now, just hearing the story as told, it does sound very strange, that's all, that everyone was so polite in such an absurd situation.
Most people would have had to make a point to show their displeasure, in no uncertain terms.
For most, that was not the time to show how civilized and polite we are, but that we are very serious about defending ours and mean it.

That is what seems to some of us to be missing there, but that doesn't mean you were wrong at all.
Our way may have been wrong, but it is our way and I think that is what many are saying here, no disrespect meant.:no:

[Sithly]

The whole story is bizarre, and so are your reactions.

Your post title says, "Strangers riding my horses!!!!!" but it turns out you know the guy. You come home early from your vacation unnanounced to find a "stranger" in your barn, casually hosing off your horse. And when you catch the guy in the act, you stand around making small talk (??) while he hoses off your horse, and let him continue casually walking around your barn, putting your stuff away and taking your other horse out of his stall.

I don't know, maybe you are for real. I just can't imagine someone being that much of a pushover. What I suspected was "left out" of your story was some sort of previous relationship with the guy that would explain your really strange reaction.

[twofatponies]

I didn't know you were Canadian! That changes everything! LOL. ;D

[bf1]

OP, lock the tack room too! I don't care that your barn is way back from the road. That is even more reason to lock things up!

[strawberry roan]

Glad to read your update! :)

[Cita]

ODS, I totally understand your lack of "flipping out." In situations where we're shocked, our default behavior patterns tend to kick in - apparently your default behavior is to be very polite. ;)

Of COURSE the guy was totally out of line. Of COURSE what he did was completely unacceptable.

But he clearly didn't have malice on his mind - he was polite to the OP, considerate of the horses, did his best to take good care of them, and didn't steal (or even try to steal) anything. He was neither mean nor threatening. Unacceptable behavior, yes, but... when confronted with a polite person, in a totally shocking and unexpected situation, it makes sense to respond with politeness! The guy probably didn't have his brain turned on (the presence of girlfriend-types can do that to guys sometimes) and just wasn't thinking about how crazy illegal/inappropriate/intrusive he was being. He probably just wanted to impress the girl by taking her for a nice ride. :rolleyes:

ODS I'm glad you went to the police, and I hope peace is now restored to your property :)

[RainyDayRide]

5. The horses all seem to be fine, the neighbors are not. Since we put up all the "No Trespassing" signs they are all asking what happened and when we are having a community meeting.


Sorry, I know this situation is serious, but this one made me laugh. Guess stapling/nailing signs really got your neighbors' attention. (glad your rehabbing horses appear to be ok.)


and bf1 - OP said in the 2nd update on the first post that they got a lock for the tack room today.

[Sithly]

I didn't know you were Canadian! That changes everything! LOL. ;D

LOL! Totally explains the politeness. :lol::lol::lol:

[JSwan]

Well how nice for you. I live in a different state with different laws, and I live on 28 acres with no one around except me (usually). I'm probably more rural and isolated than you are. Help is far away - I know because I've dialed 911 and... waited.

I still don't chase people around with loaded weapons, "large bore" or not.

In case you're wondering if I'm some shrinking violet - I'm not.

I just think bellicose posturing makes all firearms owners look like paranoid lunatics who cannot be trusted to use good judgment.

Responsible firearm ownership means knowing when NOT to use or brandish your weapon, and knowing what the laws are in your state.

Run around your yard with your loaded six-shooter if you want. Just because some of us prefer to use our brain as well as our brawn doesn't mean we don't respond to intruders.

Well, I can tell you that in my case it's not talk. If I came home to something like that, you can go to the bank that you WILL be seeing the business end of some type of large bore firearm, pronto. Whether it gets fired or not depends on if you make good life decisions or not.
I only have 5 acres, so being on the back 40 as opposed to by the house are very different than being on my place. My barn and house are within about 100' of each other and if someone is in there that isn't me, my husband, or one of my two boarders, there are there for no good reason.

But if you are on my property uninvited you will not get a ticker tape parade that's for sure. You will get a greeting you will not soon forget.

[MILOUTE55]

The guy probably didn't have his brain turned on (the presence of girlfriend-types can do that to guys sometimes) and just wasn't thinking about how crazy illegal/inappropriate/intrusive he was being.

that's a good one :D
and I believe it could be close to the truth!
The guy might have been telling this girl that he was still super friends with the people who bought HIS horse and blablabla... and got stuck when she asked him to take her out for a ride...
Again, not trying to find excuses, I just think the situation was maybe much less dramatic than interpreted by some.

[amylmac]

Anyone out there have any advice on neighbor's horses coming onto your property? My neighbor, and I use that word loosely, has very inadequate fencing for his three feral horses. They get out on an average of three times a month and cause damage to my property. They have bull dozed through my new fencing, broken into my hay barn, run through my garden etc. etc. The worst was when I had to go after one who was dismanteling my gate with his teeth to get in with my mare and VERY fancy colt.I have called the police and SPCA. I am getting ready to take him to court for the damages but hesitate for fear of retaliation. This is just a sampling of the drama. I tried talking to them but they are idiots.

[JSwan]

[QUOTE=fivehorses;4289256
I don't get cops...why on earth would they tell you to call the non emergency number?!?!?![/QUOTE]

Because, they have classified this as a civil trespass and not a criminal one.

Which is truly unfortunate - though I hope in this case the problem is solved and the OP is never bothered again.


OneDaySoon - forgive the skepticism. Many of us have been drawn into dramatic stories about crimes or unusual incidents only to find out later that the poster was lying. People would offer all kinds of assistance, go out of their way to help the poster, provide advice - and they were made fools of.

[Woodland]

I am not from Canada I am from the USA.

I do not own a gun - I am a pacifist. I believe in diplomacy and peaceful resolution.

The only thing close I can describe from personal experience to your story is apprehending someone caught in the act of stealing a horse from my stables. From personal experience i can tell you the police do not come to 911 calls regarding a stolen horse - not at change of shifts not in my county. I can honestly say never swore or threatened her. She did plenty too me. I was shaking, scared witless and hung on to him for dear life! I did not want to lie to "escalate" the need for the police. I maintained my dignity and I won the day. The horse came home with me - I was never able to get the State's Atty even remotly interested in prosecuting her. Despite many witnesses and a badly torn(still is ) rotator cuff.

I was brought up by "diplomats" My Dad, haunted by his memories from WWII taught me there must be a better way to resolve things.

Not all USA citizens are gun totten whoop a$$ types. Many of us are horrified by that depiction!

I was able to resolve the crime at my home stable without uttering a single cuss - unlike what I did above. The horse was safe - my diplomatic efforts made her landlord evict her - it was all i had. She now lives in another state Thanks Be to GOD!

[MintHillFarm]

Um, they would've met Mr. Glock along with Me should such thing have occurred at my farm.


Right... And I would have had my 357 Magnum, with the laser grips pointer turned ON when I went out to the barn, along with the portable phone dialing the police.

[MintHillFarm]

Something that really bugs me about this (and yes, I still feel violated just reading this story), OP please chime in - how did this asshat know you weren't home? Is he monitoring your movements, did he deliberately wait till you were gone or did someone tell him in passing that you were on vacation when he may have mentioned going over for a look at his old horse?

You came home early and surprised him, which obviously wasn't in his plans, so how did he know you were gone so he could go there and not get caught?? This was a deliberate act, I dont' think it was a spur of the moment decision.

I find this whole thing far more sinister than apparently the OP does, someone deliberately showed up on your property to take liberties with your property and your horses, and assumed you wouldn't be there. I find that extremely disturbing, and you could bet your last buck that I would be calling 911 if I ever saw his face again, and would be pressing charges for this offense so that the message was clear and he never forgot it. If I have learned nothing else in my life, I have learned to listen to my 'gut', and this story just sends me off the deep end, saying "this is beyond wrong, and you're not safe".


I think I would get a couple of video security cameras or trail cameras and hang them around the barn area. I would post too that the premises are under video surveillance, beginning with the driveway entrance. This is all too creepy and you must post the perimeter of the property with no tresspass signs, which I know you are doing...I would get an alarm system sign for the tackroom/barn door as well.

[JanM]

They do have fake (but realistic looking) video surveillance cameras at Walmart (and I'm sure lots of other retailers) for about $10 each. They are battery operated and look like the hard wired or wireless ones. And some security company signs are a nice idea too. The previous owners of my house had a really bad security system and I kept the signs when I ripped the system out, since it was very badly installed and guarded all the wrong areas. Actually I thought it was strange that they had a system only wired to the doors, didn't include any windows, and they left all of the windows unlocked and didn't even have deadbolts on half of the outside doors (especially the back door to the garage). But I did keep the lawn signs-they might come in handy some day. And if you have any neighbors that can see your property you might give them all of your contact information and ask them to call you if anything odd happens at your place. I'd rather have a few false alarms about legitimate visitors at your house instead of more surprises. Maybe you and the closest neighbors can exchange info and have kind of an informal neighborhood watch?

[cssutton]

Well how nice for you. I live in a different state with different laws, and I live on 28 acres with no one around except me (usually). I'm probably more rural and isolated than you are. Help is far away - I know because I've dialed 911 and... waited.

I still don't chase people around with loaded weapons, "large bore" or not.

In case you're wondering if I'm some shrinking violet - I'm not.

I just think bellicose posturing makes all firearms owners look like paranoid lunatics who cannot be trusted to use good judgment.

Responsible firearm ownership means knowing when NOT to use or brandish your weapon, and knowing what the laws are in your state.

Run around your yard with your loaded six-shooter if you want. Just because some of us prefer to use our brain as well as our brawn doesn't mean we don't respond to intruders.

I agree totally.

You can carry the gun to the barn, or where ever, but waving it around is not in your best interest.

In fact, a smart person will not even show a gun until it is time to use it. The most stupid thing you can do is allow the "enemy" to see what you have as a weapon.

Surprise is all in your favor.

That said, the one thing that really stuns me about so many of these posts is the idea that NO ONE should ever be on the property. No bikes, no nothing.

I have a little bit of a different take on this. My theory is that I want to ride over the country side. In return anyone can walk on or ride on my farm, even on his 4 wheeler or dirt bike, as much as I despise both, in return for my being allowed to ride on others.

If you are going to ride a horse, it is smart to be nice to the neighbors.

I have only a few signs on my farm. One at the gate just to notify people that we have dogs and I expect them to slow down. Several at my kennel so that it is not legal for HSUS or PETA to go near it.

When people come on the property with a 4 wheeler or dirt bike, I personally inform them politely that it is fine to ride over the farm but that it is not a race track. If they want to use their machine to get black berries, grapes or find their deer in the hunting season, fine. But no tearing the place up using it for a motor sport site.

Now I don't say anything to a person who shows up riding his bike as I described. The lecture is only for those who come on in a dead roar.

I also inform them that I will not be happy if they pass by my horse at any speed faster than they can walk.

I handle each person as an individual and I have never had to call the law.

I have 200 acres.

To sum it up, I can't understand how anyone with 5 to 30 acres can act like a junk yard dog and then expect to ride their horse cross country.

It really is easy to have peace and still show hospitality if you think about it.

CSSJR

And so for my sig, which apparently few pay any attention:

Protect your privacy. Replace Google with IXQUICK at www.ixquick.com.


If we do not wish to lose our freedom, we must learn to tolerate our
neighbor's right to freedom even though he might express that freedom
in a manner we consider to be eccentric.

[YankeeLawyer]

That is what is puzzling.

They may be crazy, but I would want them to be scared of me, think that I was crazier than they are and they better leave me alone.

The police backing you helps.;)

If it had happened at my farm, the trespasser certainly would have come to appreciate a new meaning of crazy.

Regarding guns, my brother is in the Special Forces and his advice is to only have one if you know how to use it and don't brandish it unless you plan to use it.

[YankeeLawyer]

now I understand!!!
One of the things I miss most from France are all the friends that just come by unannounced and end up spending a few hours talking around a drink. It happened all the time and I used to love it! I thought it was so great to just stop by someone's place on the way back from grocery shopping... and yes, you sometimes had to enter and walk through the house to find your friend in the backyard. And nobody thought it was awkward! (well, ok, my parents' village is 60 inhabitants and my current one is... well, it's Los Angeles ;) )

I was wondering why it never happened in the US even though I encouraged my friends to do it.... Now I get it, everyone is just scared they'll have a gun on their head and drop the box of cupcakes they brought to share... :D

THese people were not friends? Do you not see the difference? And friends don't randomly stop by and ride your horses without your permission. Obviously they were not close friends if they did not know or care that the horses were being rehabbed at the time and not rideable. I lived in France for 7 years and never had weirdos trespass there.

[Jaegermonster]

If it had happened at my farm, the trespasser certainly would have come to appreciate a new meaning of crazy.

Regarding guns, my brother is in the Special Forces and his advice is to only have one if you know how to use it and don't brandish it unless you plan to use it.

I totally agree with your brother. And you :)
I suppose if I had 200 acres and blackberries and so on and people wanted to come pick them I would not have a problem with that. But they still would have no business whatsoever anywhere near my house or my barn and would be treated accordingly.

[Trevelyan96]

ODS, I totally understand your lack of "flipping out." In situations where we're shocked, our default behavior patterns tend to kick in - apparently your default behavior is to be very polite. ;)

Of COURSE the guy was totally out of line. Of COURSE what he did was completely unacceptable.

But he clearly didn't have malice on his mind - he was polite to the OP, considerate of the horses, did his best to take good care of them, and didn't steal (or even try to steal) anything. He was neither mean nor threatening. Unacceptable behavior, yes, but... when confronted with a polite person, in a totally shocking and unexpected situation, it makes sense to respond with politeness! The guy probably didn't have his brain turned on (the presence of girlfriend-types can do that to guys sometimes) and just wasn't thinking about how crazy illegal/inappropriate/intrusive he was being. He probably just wanted to impress the girl by taking her for a nice ride. :rolleyes:

ODS I'm glad you went to the police, and I hope peace is now restored to your property :)

Good call Cita! I think we are all programmed a certain way. A lot of the OP's initial reaction was simply because she was not sure what was going on at first. Tresspasser was known to her, even if only slightly, and the situation was so non-confrontational that by the time she was fully aware of what had happened, it was already 'diffused'.

Sounds to me like FO was dumb as a box of rocks, and trying to impress the girl. Doesn't excuse it, and I'd still have taken the latter steps OP did of calling police and sending the 'no trespassing' notices to FO, but it's hardly something worth killing over. Unless he comes back! Then all bets are off.

[Jaegermonster]

Well how nice for you. I live in a different state with different laws, and I live on 28 acres with no one around except me (usually). I'm probably more rural and isolated than you are. Help is far away - I know because I've dialed 911 and... waited.

I still don't chase people around with loaded weapons, "large bore" or not.

In case you're wondering if I'm some shrinking violet - I'm not.

I just think bellicose posturing makes all firearms owners look like paranoid lunatics who cannot be trusted to use good judgment.

Responsible firearm ownership means knowing when NOT to use or brandish your weapon, and knowing what the laws are in your state.

Run around your yard with your loaded six-shooter if you want. Just because some of us prefer to use our brain as well as our brawn doesn't mean we don't respond to intruders.

We are very isolated here as well, near the county line in 'no man's land". Plus hubby is deployed so it's just me the horses and the dogs.
waited a very long time the last time i had a prowler here in the middle of the night while hubby was in Iraq. After 40 minutes when he headed into my tackroom I went outside with the AR and took care of it. Didn't shoot him but he did leave quickly, over the back fence.
Dogs were in the house with me sleeping until I went outside.

And I hardly chase people around with loaded weapons. There wouldn't be much point in that.
As far as gun laws in my state, I'm a police officer, have been one for 20 years as well as a state certified firearms instructor but thanks for the lecture. But I do agree with you, people need to educate themselves about laws in their area as far as weapons, intruders etc.

I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6, so I keep my weapons handy out here.
You do what is best for you, as everyone should do.

[YankeeLawyer]

I was also told to empty the gun. If you leave bullets it means you weren't panicked, and thus weren't in fear for your life. If you fire all shots, you were obviously terrified. This particular tidbit was told to me by more than one police officer.


I am not so sure about that last bit of advice. That can cut the other way.

[cssutton]

That is absolutely incorrect.

People have been tried and convicted for shooting a person after he is disabled.

Emptying the gun signifies rage, at least to a prosecutor.

Shoot the bad guy twice. If you hit him, that will stop him. He may have an accomplice out of your sight and an empty gun is not going to help you handle him.

If the guy you shot keeps coming, shoot twice more. That still leaves something in the ordinary clip or revolver.

CSSJR

Protect your privacy. Replace Google with IXQUICK at www.ixquick.com.


If we do not wish to lose our freedom, we must learn to tolerate our
neighbor's right to freedom even though he might express that freedom
in a manner we consider to be eccentric.

[Sithly]

That said, the one thing that really stuns me about so many of these posts is the idea that NO ONE should ever be on the property. No bikes, no nothing.

I have a little bit of a different take on this. My theory is that I want to ride over the country side. In return anyone can walk on or ride on my farm, even on his 4 wheeler or dirt bike, as much as I despise both, in return for my being allowed to ride on others.

Well, my theory is that I'd like privacy on my private property. And in return, I don't tresspass on others' private property.

And for the record, I don't ride my horse on private property without permission, and I certainly wouldn't expect or feel entitled to the privilege.

[JSwan]

WI'm a police officer, have been one for 20 years as well as a state certified firearms instructor but thanks for the lecture.

And I'm a former military policeman. Big whoop de doo. All it means is that we passed some tests. Doesn't make us demi-gods. I would love it if someone was impressed by my Expert badges but alas....

[cssutton]

Well, my theory is that I'd like privacy on my private property. And in return, I don't tresspass on others' private property.

And for the record, I don't ride my horse on private property without permission, and I certainly wouldn't expect or feel entitled to the privilege.

It is a lot easier to get that permission if you don't act like......well, fill in the blanks.

Horse people, whether they own a small amount of land or hundreds of acres need to get it through their heads that they are a target of HSUS and PETA every bit as much as any other animal owner.

Horse owners had better lean over backwards to be friendly and hospitable.

That does not mean letting people ride your horse without permission for that is the same as stealing your car for an afternoon joy ride.

But some of the posts here have been downright anti-social. Someday that will bite.

That neighbor will go to the country commissioner and convince them that flies, odors, manure, etc., is a health hazard and everyone else will say "Yeah, sock it to him/her...I remember how they acted when...I hope they get run out of the neighborhood".

Our country is going through a change so severe in its effects that few people grasp what is happening. They can't bring themselves to confront the facts. The fall out will effect every horse owner, cattle rancher, hunter, etc.

And no one is going to be immune.

CSSJR

Protect your privacy. Replace Google with IXQUICK at www.ixquick.com.


If we do not wish to lose our freedom, we must learn to tolerate our
neighbor's right to freedom even though he might express that freedom
in a manner we consider to be eccentric.

[Beasmom]

Cssutton wrote: "Our country is going through a change so severe in its effects that few people grasp what is happening. They can't bring themselves to confront the facts. The fall out will effect every horse owner, cattle rancher, hunter, etc.

And no one is going to be immune."

I'm sorely afraid you're right.

[Sithly]

Horse owners had better lean over backwards to be friendly and hospitable.

Something I agree with on principle, but has little bearing on the OP's situation. And it's entirely possible to be friendly and hospitable while still respecting property rights and expecting others to do the same.

But some of the posts here have been downright anti-social. Someday that will bite.

That neighbor will go to the country commissioner and convince them that flies, odors, manure, etc., is a health hazard and everyone else will say "Yeah, sock it to him/her...I remember how they acted when...I hope they get run out of the neighborhood".

I disagree. It's not the good neighbors that cause trouble like this, it's the a-holes with a grudge. You can be a perfectly nice and reasonable person and still have an a-hole with a grudge come after you and make your life miserable. It doesn't matter how nice you are when someone's looking to victimize you. Invite them over for a BBQ and they'll be casing the joint.

One of my friends caught some horseback riders on her family farm (marked no tresspassing). Came to find out they were connected to some developers who have been trying to drive her family off the land for years -- no amount of friendly hospitality is going to get them off her back.

[AiryFairy]

But he clearly didn't have malice on his mind - he was polite to the OP, considerate of the horses, did his best to take good care of them, and didn't steal (or even try to steal) anything. He was neither mean nor threatening. Unacceptable behavior, yes, but... when confronted with a polite person, in a totally shocking and unexpected situation, it makes sense to respond with politeness! The guy probably didn't have his brain turned on (the presence of girlfriend-types can do that to guys sometimes) and just wasn't thinking about how crazy illegal/inappropriate/intrusive he was being. He probably just wanted to impress the girl by taking her for a nice ride.

Or perhaps, he was as stunned as she was because he knew she was on vacation and didn't expect her back, so to cover up his guilt and his surprise, he decides to act polite and casual and just continue on doing what he's doing like it's the most normal thing ever. Get real people, this guy is a psycho. What he did, it just ISN'T DONE.

[Laurierace]

When I was a young teenager I used to sneak into a barn about a mile from my house. If the people were home I brushed their heads and necks as that was all I could reach and be ready to make a quick getaway. If they weren't home I took the bridle that was hanging on the wall and put it on the horse and rode it to my house! If someone did this to one of my horses today I can't imagine how I would react but I know it wouldn't be pretty! Looking back I have a hard time believing they never knew what I was doing but I officially never got caught. I have the very weak defense of being young and desperate for a horsey fix. This guy is just nuts or masquerading as an adult and is really a stupid kid.

[Chall]

Question: if this were a dog, not a horse, and his prior owner, having received updates on him, came to visit, found no one home, but saw the dog barking in the backyard, went into the yard and took the dog for a walk, brushed him off afterward and returned him to the backyard, would you have the same reaction?
To me they are very similar circumstances.

[kdow]

Question: if this were a dog, not a horse, and his prior owner, having received updates on him, came to visit, found no one home, but saw the dog barking in the backyard, went into the yard and took the dog for a walk, brushed him off afterward and returned him to the backyard, would you have the same reaction?
To me they are very similar circumstances.

I would be very upset if someone did that with one of my dogs - how do they know there isn't some reason why the dog should be kept contained? For that matter, how do I know they're going to handle the dog in a way I find appropriate? My rescue guy's previous owner seems to have had some really whacked out ideas about training, and even if they loved him dearly, I really would not want them handling him unsupervised and perhaps setting him back from the progress he's made with us in being more confident.

(As it happens we don't keep our dogs in the yard anyway, so that situation wouldn't come up, but I think the same sort of thing applies with a horse - how do they know the horses aren't being kept on stall rest, or restricted activity, or quarantined or something? It's just irresponsible to take out an animal - even one you KNOW and have permission to handle - without making sure you're aware of the current state of affairs.)

[Cindyg]

When I was a young teenager I used to sneak into a barn about a mile from my house. If the people were home I brushed their heads and necks as that was all I could reach and be ready to make a quick getaway. If they weren't home I took the bridle that was hanging on the wall and put it on the horse and rode it to my house! If someone did this to one of my horses today I can't imagine how I would react but I know it wouldn't be pretty! Looking back I have a hard time believing they never knew what I was doing but I officially never got caught. I have the very weak defense of being young and desperate for a horsey fix. This guy is just nuts or masquerading as an adult and is really a stupid kid.

Laurie, I would have been honored to be your childhood friend. I never did this, but I dreamed of it, and I would have so admired you for doing it. As an adult, :eek:. But when I was 12, :yes:

[Jaegermonster]

And I'm a former military policeman. Big whoop de doo. All it means is that we passed some tests. Doesn't make us demi-gods. I would love it if someone was impressed by my Expert badges but alas....

Hardly called myself a demi-god, but whatever, just defending what is mine.
Again, you have to do what is best for you, as everyone should.
MP is a whole different ball game from civilian police work.
Seeing as I'm not here to argue with you and it's not a contest about who has had the most training (I've had quite a bit all over the country, more than few tests but whatever) , if you want to keep having a personal discussion with me let's take it to a pm. Otherwise, let it go.

[JSwan]

At the risk of belaboring this I'm not the one who attempted to use my training and occupation as justification for my position, and I'm not the one that keeps taking the opportunity to expound on that training or assert that it is superior in any way.



Chall - yes - I would react the same way. The trespass is the issue, not which animal is handled. It's also not being a case of being a good neighbor and having friends stop by for coffee unannounced.

The subject here is a criminal trespass. It's a crime. Period.

[MrWinston]

I have avoided commenting on this thread but after reading the updates I can't help myself. It seems that the OP is really doing an "oh well" about this. I can't believe it! It doesn't seem like the intruder has replied to her email, or at least she hasn't said that he did. I am stupified that she hasn't made a forceful statement about this outrage. If I had the same experience, I would be furious and paranoid. I know for sure that I would have put the guy on notice as soon as I realized what he had done, of course I would have called the police immediately. I don't get it.

[Liberty]

Something that really bugs me about this (and yes, I still feel violated just reading this story), OP please chime in - how did this asshat know you weren't home? Is he monitoring your movements, did he deliberately wait till you were gone or did someone tell him in passing that you were on vacation when he may have mentioned going over for a look at his old horse?

You came home early and surprised him, which obviously wasn't in his plans, so how did he know you were gone so he could go there and not get caught?? This was a deliberate act, I dont' think it was a spur of the moment decision...

I've wondered about this too. How did he know you were gone?!

If I were the OP, I'd have surveillance cameras installed by now, hooked up to 24/7 monitors that record direct to a VCR.

On the subject of confronting an intruder with a firearm:

Several years ago, doorbell rings at 2 am. I scramble out of bed, peek outside and see a shadowy figure exiting my porch. I live near the end of a gravel road, no cars seen out front.

I frantically awaken DH as I am switching windows to see where intruder is going. Yikes, he's heading towards the barn. He goes IN the barn. :eek:

DH is now up, hastily dressed and heading out the door with a loaded .38 in hand. Note, he is not "brandishing" it, but has it tucked into a pocket, but with his hand on it. He yells "Hey!" at the shadowy figure who has now exited the barn and is heading across my front field, towards the end of the road.

Guy stops when he hears DH, and waits for him to catch up. Then I see them both walk off, still heading towards the hayfield at the end of the road. :confused:

I head outside, wondering WTH is going on when here comes DH, leading his horse. Come to find out, mischievous horse got his stall gate open (he had been put up because of bad weather earlier in the evening) and took a trip over to see neighbor's horses on the next road over.

Ensuing harassment over the fence by DH's horse to the neighbor's horses had awakened the neighbor. He didn't have our phone number and couldn't look it up since it's unlisted, so he came over. When no one answered the door immediately, he went and got a halter from the barn to bring truant horse back home himself.

We thanked him profusely (and said our prayers that bad pony hadn't made a right instead of a left and headed out to the main road). Next day we paid neighbor a little visit with homemade brownies in hand, along with our phone number. :yes:

So yeah, no "shoot first, ask questions later" for us. But, yes, we do believe in being good Boy Scouts by always being prepared.

[egontoast]

I only read the first post so apologize if this has already been said. I would not rely on the email for notice. I would hand deliver a letter or ,to avoid the stress for you on that, hire a process server to hand deliver the letter. The letter should be very clear that the person is not to be on your property period. A lawyer letter might be even better and should not cost much.

You want to cover this notice part very well so you can nail him if he comes back.

[JSwan]

Oh my God, Liberty. I'm so glad he went down the road and not up into the main road!!

What a good neighbor. (you're one too!)





We thanked him profusely (and said our prayers that bad pony hadn't made a right instead of a left and headed out to the main road). Next day we paid neighbor a little visit with homemade brownies in hand, along with our phone number. :yes:

So yeah, no "shoot first, ask questions later" for us. But, yes, we do believe in being good Boy Scouts by always being prepared.

[OneDaySoon]

I have avoided commenting on this thread but after reading the updates I can't help myself. It seems that the OP is really doing an "oh well" about this. I can't believe it! It doesn't seem like the intruder has replied to her email, or at least she hasn't said that he did. I am stupified that she hasn't made a forceful statement about this outrage. If I had the same experience, I would be furious and paranoid. I know for sure that I would have put the guy on notice as soon as I realized what he had done, of course I would have called the police immediately. I don't get it.

I sent the guy an email providing notice not to come on my property again and explained to him the very serious risk he had taken riding my rehabbing horses, taking a non-rider riding on my property, etc etc etc. The police confirmed for me that I needed to provide a No Trespassing notice to him which I have done.

As some have stated, I had no idea the horses had been ridden until well into the conversation which at that point was about what the heck he was doing there. That in itself took me by complete surprise and he was not forthcoming about exactly what was going on. It was a very surreal moment because none of it was obvious, made any sense at the time, and when he responded that he had ridden the horses he was so completely nonchalant that I was absolutely stunned.

My husband had also left to go up to the house which I think he may have interpreted as leading to something like calling the police...so he was also moving quickly to get the heck out of there as I stood there with my jaw on the floor.

He was clearly there to showboat for the girlfriend, doesn't give a flip about his old horse or private property, or the illegal act he committed.

Legally according to the police I can't do anything more unless he returns.

Yes, I could be angry, but I am not sure at this point what it would accomplish?

[MistyBlue]

You did what you could under the circumstances OneDaySoon. And you have a paper trail now, always a good thing. :yes:

As for shooting people, don't do it folks unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise it's not worth the paperwork and hassle. :winkgrin:

And never ever ever carry a firearm unless loaded and you are totally prepared to use it. Because if the other person has one and you're just posturing, you're screwed.

[Beasmom]

This just occurred to me. Was that the ONLY time this fellow has come over to "visit" (ride) the horse(s)?

At least you've taken steps to warn this fellow off. He obviously lacks the usual social boundaries.

[Nezzy]

in this order of preference? :D

Sorry, I couldn't help it ;)

LOL, no, i don't think there is an order.

[Bluey]

I sent the guy an email providing notice not to come on my property again and explained to him the very serious risk he had taken riding my rehabbing horses, taking a non-rider riding on my property, etc etc etc. The police confirmed for me that I needed to provide a No Trespassing notice to him which I have done.

As some have stated, I had no idea the horses had been ridden until well into the conversation which at that point was about what the heck he was doing there. That in itself took me by complete surprise and he was not forthcoming about exactly what was going on. It was a very surreal moment because none of it was obvious, made any sense at the time, and when he responded that he had ridden the horses he was so completely nonchalant that I was absolutely stunned.

My husband had also left to go up to the house which I think he may have interpreted as leading to something like calling the police...so he was also moving quickly to get the heck out of there as I stood there with my jaw on the floor.

He was clearly there to showboat for the girlfriend, doesn't give a flip about his old horse or private property, or the illegal act he committed.

Legally according to the police I can't do anything more unless he returns.

Yes, I could be angry, but I am not sure at this point what it would accomplish?

Being angry doesn't help any, but showing anger and scaring idiots does.;)

I also have not had to pull a gun on anyone yet and had plenty of people that needed running off.
Mostly, I just scare them with calling in the sheriff and have been lucky to get by with that, but the kind of trespassers we are getting today are a little bit more worrysome and some day we may have to escalate and someone may get hurt.

More and more people just don't seem to have much common sense any more.
I don't know where they are getting their education on how to navigate in this world, but they sure are pulling some doozies, as this case here.

We had many years ago one night a drunk drive in here and end up on the edge of a canyon, a few more feet and he would have been dead at the bottom of it.
Found him still passed out the next morning and the sheriff came to take him in.
That used to be the worse that happened, but people knew better than just wander anyplace and make themselves at home without giving notice they were coming or at least that they were there, calling out and such.

Our sheriff also comments that stopping people to check them out is getting a little more of a touchy situation today than it was some years ago.

I hope that this fellow will come to his senses and go play stupid tricks with other than someone else's horses.
I still can't think that any normal person would have pulled that one.:rolleyes:

Glad that you are as nonplussed as all of us here are, your horses are ok and you are moving on with your life.:)

[jeta]

I would be wondering about my house/horse sitter and how loose their lips were about you being away on vacation....:(

It appears that your intruder had your itenerary.....

[Mozart]

I am still obsessed about him putting wraps on the horse. That is just bizarre. Was he going to come back and take them off? Would he not think you would notice that?

And how does the housesitter fit into this, hmmm??? I'm having a Miss Marple moment.

I have to say, I can understand the OP not going immediately postal on him. I would be so stunned by the scene I would think I was dreaming.

[CatOnLap]

regarding taking someone's dog for a walk...I would be right upset about that one.

Here's why. My dogs are trained as farm alarm dogs. They're not aggressive and will not attack, but they will stand off and bark at anyone they do not recognize. They look fearsome while barking too. We have taught them to do that and they keep it up until one of us tells them to stop.

So, my nearest neighbour has 5 dogs that bark constantly. The local neighbourhood busybody lives about 1/4 mile away, two streets over. She took it upon herself to come over to my place, because she really didn't know where the noise was coming from ( you can't see his keneel from the street) and my neighbour's house has a locked 8 foot high metal gate and fence. She came over because earlier that afternoon, she heard his dogs barking as he was loading them into their trailer for their obedience ( hahahaha) training. I heard them too. They raise holy hell as he loads them and it takes about 30 minutes. They had also been barking most of the day, off and on because he had a number of tradespeople come to his place that day and they bark at strangers.

I was home the whole day, and my dogs were at my heel the whole time, silent. But just after he left with his dogs, I put mine in the kennel and went out to shop for a couple of hours. By the time she got to my place, his 5 dogs were gone, mine were in the kennel and I was gone. My dogs put up a huge ruckus when she traipsed onto my property. She wrote me a long letter about how my dogs had been noisy "all day" and she "tried to make them stop but they wouldn't be quiet even though she yelled at them to be quiet repeatedly during the half hour she was on my property and in my buildings." and how she thought it was cruel to leave them in a kennel "all day with no attention" and how she had "looked everywhere on my property, even in the barn and hayloft" but couldn't find me. VERY CREEPY.

I notified the police of the tresspass. They suggested the same thing- respond to her letter "without prejudice" and tell her to never come onto my property again, nor any member of her family, nor any agent in her employ; post the property "no tresspassing", etc.

I did write the letter in which I ripped her a new one for trying to retrain my alarm dogs and for snooping in my private buildings. In telling the story to various neighbours, I found out this woman has caused trouble for all of them in one way or another. But she's never been back. And of course, no further noise complaints about my dogs.

[MILOUTE55]

THese people were not friends? Do you not see the difference? And friends don't randomly stop by and ride your horses without your permission. Obviously they were not close friends if they did not know or care that the horses were being rehabbed at the time and not rideable. I lived in France for 7 years and never had weirdos trespass there.

don't you just hate it when people take things totally out of context?!

I was reacting to this post... we were discussing guns and we deviated quite a lot from the original topic:


I also want to comment Bluey, not everyone who owns a gun is as responsible as you prescribe, you don't need much but a license and money to buy one. You aren't required to go to 'class' or pass a test, etc. There are many, and from reading here, more than many who throw the gun language around like its a toy gun, and not deadly force.


That's why I started talking about a cultural difference and a fact... YES, friend and neighbors do often come to your house unannounced in France and sometimes they even walk in to find you in your backyard if nobody answered the door. No matter how long you lived in France, if you're an American you've totally missed this particularity because your neighbors were smart enough to know that this is not something that foreigners are comfortable with so they would never do it at your house.
I was half joking with the cupcake story because I think that that the "unannounced-friends-walking-in" habit would probably be more complicated in the US. Many people have a gun so you'd think twice before walking in their houses ;)

Of course, all of this was far from the OP's story, if you had read the whole thing, you would have seen that I gave my opinion on it a while ago.
I asked questions; and OP's answers made a lot of sense to me and I think she made a smart decision in the end.

[FalseImpression]

I hold dual citizenship: French and Canadian. So I totally relate to both OneDaySoon's reaction and Miloutess' comments. Reading all this talk of guns, etc., makes me feel very uncomfortable. Yeah, your house is your castle and all that. But geez... If I am ever in the US and in trouble, remind me to NOT ask for help from the nearest house!! What a welcoming country...

Also, I wonder what your responses would be if the next thread is from someone who used her gun first, asked questions later? Would you go and be the cheering team? Rah, rah, rah? Would you gather around to help raise bail because that person did what was suggested on this bb? Also, if you have a gun at hand, the other guy can get a hold of it against you. Anyway, your castle, your country, your culture... I ll stay on this side of the border, thank you very much! (and don't lecture me about "there are guns in Canada too". I know there are but somehow there are not as prevalent AND people are not in such hurry to use them.)

[OneDaySoon]

I am still obsessed about him putting wraps on the horse. That is just bizarre. Was he going to come back and take them off? Would he not think you would notice that?

And how does the housesitter fit into this, hmmm??? I'm having a Miss Marple moment.

I have to say, I can understand the OP not going immediately postal on him. I would be so stunned by the scene I would think I was dreaming.

No, he must have put one horse in the stall while he hosed off the other. Since the GF was not a horse person, he must have thought putting the waiting horse in the stall was safer, than having her stand there holding him.

The only person who knew we were coming back early was our house sitter and we only told her that morning via cell message while she was at work. She is very responsible and I don't think she is involved in this in anyway..she doesn't know the guy either.

I think the guy just showed up and went as far as he could with his little nutty adventure as he could. There were even two cars in the drive-way, so we could have been inside the house or out for a walk...and he still proceeded to go ride the horses!!!

[Erin Pittman]

When I was a young teenager I used to sneak into a barn about a mile from my house. If the people were home I brushed their heads and necks as that was all I could reach and be ready to make a quick getaway. If they weren't home I took the bridle that was hanging on the wall and put it on the horse and rode it to my house! If someone did this to one of my horses today I can't imagine how I would react but I know it wouldn't be pretty! Looking back I have a hard time believing they never knew what I was doing but I officially never got caught. I have the very weak defense of being young and desperate for a horsey fix. This guy is just nuts or masquerading as an adult and is really a stupid kid.

Laurie - I used to do something similar. Difference being that my house bordered a large cattle ranch that also happened to have horses. I was invited ONCE by a man that had come to ride his horse to ride with him. Being a good 8-year old, I said No (because I didn't know him), BUT took it as an invitation to ride any of the horses any time I wanted. If I saw a kid like me today, I'd be pissed off, that's for sure!

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

I hold dual citizenship: French and Canadian. So I totally relate to both OneDaySoon's reaction and Miloutess' comments. Reading all this talk of guns, etc., makes me feel very uncomfortable. Yeah, your house is your castle and all that. But geez... If I am ever in the US and in trouble, remind me to NOT ask for help from the nearest house!! What a welcoming country...



Um, I'm from and in the US and have always lived in the rural midwest (corn and beans country). My family hunts pheasant, duck, etc. and most people I know in the country own at least a shot gun (sometimes you get rabid critters after all).

My point is I don't know ANYONE and have never heard of anyone either, who is shoot first ask questions later with regards to strangers coming on the property for help. I think the gun think is being WAY overstated on this thread (I don't have one) and hardly reflects the country at large. Most of the farmers I know would gladly help out if someone was having a problem and came to the door and asked for help (as opposed to coming home to find someone using their property, be it horse, saddle, etc.). There is quite a significant difference between what you are talking about and what the OP was. I find my area of the country to be very friendly and eager to lend a hand when someone is down and out and most people don't carry a gun on their person at all times, so worry not.

I certainly don't.

Now there are some urban areas I would think twice about even going into, but that's an entirely different thing and true worldwide.

[MILOUTE55]

Reading all this talk of guns, etc., makes me feel very uncomfortable.

me too, but luckily we know that Americans have a tendency to often exaggerate and make things look better/worse/more exciting than they really are... Gee, just consider all the "AWESOME', "UNBELIEVABLE", "THIS IS SOOOOOOO GOOD" compliments you get from an american just for baking an ok pie :D ... I'm just teasing guys, such enthusiasm is actually very pleasant, even if it still surprises me sometimes. The way emotions are expressed is just so different from a country to another. Working directly with customers, I've had people here insult me over the phone and telling me how much they love me the next day after I've solved their problem. It's like there is no "in between", some people have to have extreme behaviors and that seems more true (in my opinion) in this country.

so... I believe (and hope) that the gun fanatics are talking a lot but they wouldn't really have pulled the trigger if confronted to this precise situation... Otherwise, I would have to ask THE question... How many of you have really pointed a gun at another person (and I'm not asking to police or army people here)? And how many have pulled the trigger?


I mean, think twice; you kill a burglar, it makes you a murderer.... which one is worse?

[Bluey]

me too, but luckily we know that Americans have a tendency to often exaggerate and make things look better/worse/more exciting than they really are... Gee, just consider all the "AWESOME', "UNBELIEVABLE", "THIS IS SOOOOOOO GOOD" compliments you get from an american just for baking an ok pie :D ... I'm just teasing guys, such enthusiasm is actually very pleasant, even if it still surprises me sometimes. The way emotions are expressed is just so different from a country to another. Working directly with customers, I've had people here insult me over the phone and telling me how much they love me the next day after I've solved their problem. It's like there is no "in between", some people have to have extreme behaviors and that seems more true (in my opinion) in this country.

so... I believe (and hope) that the gun fanatics are talking a lot but they wouldn't really have pulled the trigger if confronted to this precise situation... Otherwise, I would have to ask THE question... How many of you have really pointed a gun at another person (and I'm not asking to police or army people here)? And how many have pulled the trigger?


I mean, think twice; you kill a burglar, it makes you a murderer.... which one is worse?

I think that somehow you missed my story of the farmer going to take someone that just showed up asking for gasoline to a station, in his pickup, to HELP him and got killed and his truck stolen?

There are times where you have to know when to try to help and when it may cost your life.

No one is saying to shoot people on sight just for trespassing, if that were so, you would hear of it in the news all the time.
Since that is not so, I guess you may consider that people generally are helpful to others and careful with their guns, all but a few madmen and those are just that, mad, no matter what they do.

That is the trouble our sheriff has with locals, that he can't tell them enough to sure, help people, but please be careful and don't expose yourself to unnecessary risks and to predatory people.

I don't see anything wrong with that, especially with the kind of crazy world it is becoming.:(

[Lady Counselor]

I just ran across this thread, and all I can say is holy crap! :eek:
I honestly would say that I have no idea exactly how I would have reacted because who would EVER expect to find something like that going on?
Wow...just..wow.

[katarine]

Meh, it's such a horrible scary country people are crossing deserts on foot to get in :) it's ok if a few fearful Canadians want to stay home. Too bad, we have some nice peeps here, we'd be happy to have you down for supper. Just don't barge in uninvited. That'd be rude in any language, no?

I wave at strangers I pass on country roads, I've helped neighbors with a broken down car, my SO just last week gave a ride to a black man whose truck ran out of gas. Gave him some gas money, too, and a ride back to his truck. Remember I'm in rural AL and we're white. That's not supposed to happen 'round here :), Al Sharpton would have a fit. And to complicate matters further, we own a decent selection of firearms AND registered Republicans.

Folks is complicated.


Go figure :)

[GoForAGallop]

Oh come on. All you anti-gun-ers are clearly missing the point. No, none of us with guns are going to be running out there spraying bullets every where without inquiring as to what that person was doing on our property.

The POINT was that none of us would have just STOOD there, casually chatting with the person who just took our injured horses for a joy ride. There would have been CONSEQUENCES of some sort.



And to the Canadian mumbling about how she hopes she never breaks down in America...are you kidding me? Where on here are you reading that people answer their doors with guns drawn? No where. There is a BIG, GIGANTIC, HUGE difference between someone coming up to politely knock on your door cause they have a flat, and some random stranger out mucking around in your barn and riding your horses.

[merrygoround]

Just looked at your pics. Glad yougot your heels and knees down since 1977@Pebble beach. ;)

If you deal with trespassers as agressively as you ride (a good thing) I don't think I wanna trespass. ;)

[wendy]

Question: if this were a dog, not a horse, and his prior owner, having received updates on him, came to visit, found no one home, but saw the dog barking in the backyard, went into the yard and took the dog for a walk, brushed him off afterward and returned him to the backyard, would you have the same reaction?
To me they are very similar circumstances.

yup. Would be totally irate and have the guy prosecuted for trespassing and theft. is it theft of my dog if he brings it back? Partly on general principles, and partly because well, he, having no permission to do such a thing, hasn't any idea of what the dog needs. What if the dog recently suffered a minor injury and is supposed to be on rest? what if the dog gets away from the guy and runs off and gets hit by a car? what if the dog has developed some nasty habit since he owned it, and the dog bites someone? What if my other dogs, also out in the yard, attack him or escape from the yard while he's doing his illegal thing?

[arabhorse2]

And to the Canadian mumbling about how she hopes she never breaks down in America...are you kidding me? Where on here are you reading that people answer their doors with guns drawn? No where. There is a BIG, GIGANTIC, HUGE difference between someone coming up to politely knock on your door cause they have a flat, and some random stranger out mucking around in your barn and riding your horses.

Exactly.

False Impression, you're being just a wee bit dramatic. The majority of gun owners are responsible people who have permits, and have taken many a safety course.

We're hardly out there blasting away every time there's a sound outside our doors, nor do I advertise the fact that I have firearms in the house.

As far as someone taking my gun away from me and turning it on me? That's unlikely to happen, since if I draw it I'm not going to be waving it around; I'm going to be using it.

Unlike the movies, there's no way I'm going to try and 'hold someone at bay' while calling the cops. You know what happens to people who do that? They get shot.

Guns are deadly tools. If you're not familiar with them, have a fear of them, or think you're some macho asshole, you shouldn't have any. Those are the people who get hurt because they're not properly prepared, and don't have the right mindset.

I've yet to point my gun at another human being, and I hope I never have to. However, knowing I have the option to protect myself should my life ever be in danger, does make me sleep better at night. Take that however you will.

[MILOUTE55]

I prefer all of the rational answers lastly added to the discussion than the firsts very heated ones...:yes:
I'm glad nobody in the discussion actually had to really fire their guns. I totally understand why you would feel more "secure" owning a gun... but like arabhorse just said, don't own a gun if you're scared of firearms and they scare the S#@% out of me so I'll never have one :D

[JSwan]

I prefer all of the rational answers lastly added to the discussion than the firsts very heated ones...:yes:
I'm glad nobody in the discussion actually had to really fire their guns. I totally understand why you would feel more "secure" owning a gun... but like arabhorse just said, don't own a gun if you're scared of firearms and they scare the S#@% out of me so I'll never have one :D

If you were to peek over my fence you'd most likely find me carrying a tennis racket to fend off a mean rooster.

You don't have to worry about me attacking you.

[arabhorse2]

If you were to peek over my fence you'd most likely find me carrying a tennis racket to fend off a mean rooster.

You don't have to worry about me attacking you.

JSwan, I'm terrified of your rooster, and I've never even met him! :lol:

Besides, ammunition is expensive. I don't want to waste it on a fast, small, erratically moving target that's coming at me with spurred claws! I know I'll miss, and he'll get me. :D

[JSwan]

JSwan, I'm terrified of your rooster, and I've never even met him! :lol:

Besides, ammunition is expensive. I don't want to waste it on a fast, small, erratically moving target that's coming at me with spurred claws! I know I'll miss, and he'll get me. :D

We ate Chucky. The only trouble was that I could not find a good Bordeaux and made coq au vin with Cabernet Sauvignon. Quelle dommage.

But I've got lots more where he came from and they're getting rather big and they're starting to test me.

I don't need guns - I've got roosters.

[arabhorse2]

Which is why I have Muscovy ducks, and not chickens. My drake is a sweetheart, and so are his girls.

I've met more than one ninja-attack rooster, and y'all who are brave enough to have 'em definitely get my sympathy!

[MILOUTE55]

We ate Chucky. The only trouble was that I could not find a good Bordeaux and made coq au vin with Cabernet Sauvignon. Quelle dommage.


and the Frenchie says "tsst tsst tsst :no:"

:D just kidding, you're the first American that I've heard of who actually cooks coq au vin!

[FalseImpression]

Um, they would've met Mr. Glock along with Me should such thing have occurred at my farm.
:yes::eek::eek::eek:
I would have unloaded two barrels of WHOOPP A$$$$$:mad::mad::mad:

not dramatic?

She did call the cops, filed a report, sent him the email. What else do you want her to do now? She can't be aggressive retroactively.

And I do intend to stay on my side of the border. A short trip to Buffalo two weeks ago was enough, thank you very much.

[Arcadien]

I mean, think twice; you kill a burglar, it makes you a murderer.... which one is worse?

Are you kidding? If I had to shoot a burglar in my house, I'd have no qualms at all about having emptied my .22 into their skull. I'd hope law enforcement saw it my way as self defense, but in any case I'd accept the consequences. You can call me a "murderer" if you will; I call myself still alive, in spite of someone elses attempt to make that not true.

I mean someone is in your house robbing you, what would you do? Stand there and let him tie you and your family up, rob the place, then pray he doesn't decide to "leave no witnesses"? Pray he suddenly changes his mind when he sees how nice and unarmed you are? Hide and pray you get lucky? Are you thinking he's just going to let you run away & call the cops? C'mon...

Seriously I have little respect for any of those choices, unless you're a tiny kid or elderly or too weak to defend yourself. And you don't need much muscle to brace for a pistol kickback - just practice. ;)

This is not about hiding behind the curtains, gun in hand, ready to pop off anyone that walks up. This is about reacting to someone obviously intending to harm you and/or your family. If you can't tell the difference between pretty fast, well, that's something you may want to work on.

There's a book out there, "The Gift of Fear". It's not easy to read, pretty scary, but for those who choose to defend themselves and/or their families from the maniacs or mental cases out there, it's a must read.

[Bluey]

How would this story have turned out if the horse on layup would have become dead lame again, the fellow's novice rider girlfriend's horse had stumbled, she had fallen and broken her back?:eek:

All this didn't happen, so now we think those that are outraged at what the fellow did are just overreacting.:no:

The truth is that what he did was a crime, no way around it, on several levels.
It would not hurt to have those kinds of people a little bit scared that they may get shot pulling something like that.:yes:

[arabhorse2]

not dramatic?

She did call the cops, filed a report, sent him the email. What else do you want her to do now? She can't be aggressive retroactively.

And I do intend to stay on my side of the border. A short trip to Buffalo two weeks ago was enough, thank you very much.

You're using those two examples to form an opinion of every gun owning U.S. citizen? Yes dear, you're being dramatic.

I never said the OP should be 'aggressive retroactively', nor did any of the posters on this thread, I believe.

You're welcome to stay in Canada. One Canuck more or less in this vast country isn't going to make a difference.

However, y'all are welcome to cross that thar border anytime y'all wants to, 'cause we know you Candians ain't got no guns. ;)

[OneDaySoon]

Just looked at your pics. Glad yougot your heels and knees down since 1977@Pebble beach. ;)

If you deal with trespassers as agressively as you ride (a good thing) I don't think I wanna trespass. ;)

Well now, that is one of the more pleasant things said about me on this thread. Funny about that Pebble Beach shot - I was 13 years old and maybe 80 pounds - my heels didn't have much weight back then!

I am glad we blogged all this out because it raised a lot of questions on how one might react depending on so many factors.

Bluey - the horses are fine and I would have sued the a** off the nutcase for the rest of his life had anything happened to the 'ponies'. But it appears to be behind us now, so this is another Lesson Learned until the next crazy thing happens and gets posted on COTH.

[Laurierace]

Laurie, I would have been honored to be your childhood friend. I never did this, but I dreamed of it, and I would have so admired you for doing it. As an adult, :eek:. But when I was 12, :yes:

Well thanks! Actually they had two horses and sometimes I did bring a friend! My Dad even built me a jump for lack of a better word. He made standards and then nailed nails in them. The jump itself was a broomstick. The horses actually jumped it too!
I asked my Mom about that not too long ago as I can't believe she let me do it but she said she thought I had permission. I must have lied pretty effectively!

[JSwan]

and the Frenchie says "tsst tsst tsst :no:"

:D just kidding, you're the first American that I've heard of who actually cooks coq au vin!

Oh - I cook a lot more than that. Just can't find a decent French wine. There are some nice wines to be had around here - but a good Bordeaux? Nope. I have a terrific little Provencal cookbook that belonged to my mother - recently made a pork shoulder roast that was divine.

I even have French chickens. (not Chucky he was a crazy New England chicken)


If it wasn't for ChocoMare (posts on this BB) I'd never have found a good source of Kohl und Pinkle. :) German food is yummy too, especially in the winter.

It keeps me warm while I'm patrolling the yard with my Uzi :lol:;)


One Day Soon - hope everything works out and you've seen the last of those people.

[JanM]

Arabhorse2-no they don't have guns in Canada, because they don't need them. Have you ever watch a hockey fight complete with sticks? Very scary in it's own way.

One Day Soon-I think you've done all you can, and I hope that this is the end of it. I really hope that you don't get any more shocks like this in the future, I think once was quite enough.

[H/J Anonymous]

People are crazy! I cannot believe this! However, our barn owners recently put a no trespassing sign and private property sign out and we shut the gates when we leave. People keep dropping by and feeding our horses which sounds okay, but we have some that can't have any sugar and one that has an allergy to apples, etc. Random people should not be feeding your horses and the barn owners certainly do not want to be responsible for this either.

The funniest part is when these random people pass the signs and still come wandering through and are approached nicely, they are the ones that get snarky and try and act like you are infringing on their property -- how rude!

[AiryFairy]

Bluey - the horses are fine and I would have sued the a** off the nutcase for the rest of his life had anything happened to the 'ponies'. But it appears to be behind us now, so this is another Lesson Learned until the next crazy thing happens and gets posted on COTH.

Wow, again I"m blown away. Aren't you the least bit curious what the HELL this guy was thinking? Don't you want to talk to him in the presence of a law enforcement officer and a camera? I would want him brought into the police station and interrogated until his ass went numb, just to hear his explanation as to what he was doing, how he knew I wouldn't be there, and why in his world he thought that was ok. I'll state it again, the fact that he knew somehow that you were gone, and that he was completely unbothered by trespassing, helping himself to horses, tack (it was cleaned, I assume?) and riding someone else's horses putting them and his friend at risk is deeply, deeply disturbing to me, and no, I don't buy that he was just showing off for a girl. You don't know that it's behind you, because you don't know what this guy is capable of. If he's crazy enough to do what he did, he's crazy enough to do a lot of other things. He needs a visit with the police, I can't understand why you didn't call them while he was still on the property.