What would you do?

[Frisky Business]

So I was at a show a few weeks ago, a local CT show, and there was an accident. The accident involved an older pony and a young girl, about 14-16. I know the pony is older because he was at a dressage show weeks before this one with a sign on his back that said his age and his "barn girls" were trying to raise money for hock injections so that he could continue his jumping. I believe that he was 26.

So the accident... He did a complete flip on the third jump of a Maiden CT jumper round. No one seemed to be hurt in the process thank goodness. Well come to find out after the show, the poor pony only has 25% of his sight. I know full well that information that gets filtered through people has a tendency to get a little out of wack, but I am very close to the source, which is someone at the barn where this pony is stabled and ridden.

I am at a loss. I feel really bad for this pony. If he can hardly see then he does not need to be jumping. Its not the age, because I know there are many older horses that love what they do and do it well. I just dont think its right to put him through this or the poor kids that are having to ride him. Its not safe for anyone.

[Gideon]

Stupid people! The pony is going to hurt some poor kid and himself.:mad:

[arabhorse2]

What can you do? Nothing, really.

If the horse is well cared for otherwise and his owners know his limitations but choose to put him out there, until there's a bad crash with the horse and/or his rider getting hurt, it's unlikely anyone will listen to you. Especially if the horse is owned by a well-known, respected trainer.

It's not illegal to show/ride a vision impaired horse, and unless you're his personal groom/rider/trainer/handler, you really don't know the situation.

If there's anyone you know personally riding the animal you can warn them off him, but otherwise there's nothing legally you can do to get that horse out of the show ring.

Besides, the accident may have had little to do with his lack of sight. You're going on hearsay. It could very well be accurate, but it could also be a bunch of hogwash.

[Cita]

What can you do? Nothing, really.

If the horse is well cared for otherwise and his owners know his limitations but choose to put him out there, until there's a bad crash with the horse and/or his rider getting hurt, it's unlikely anyone will listen to you. Especially if the horse is owned by a well-known, respected trainer.

It's not illegal to show/ride a vision impaired horse, and unless you're his personal groom/rider/trainer/handler, you really don't know the situation.

If there's anyone you know personally riding the animal you can warn them off him, but otherwise there's nothing legally you can do to get that horse out of the show ring.

Besides, the accident may have had little to do with his lack of sight. You're going on hearsay. It could very well be accurate, but it could also be a bunch of hogwash.

Yup. Maybe it wasn't a sight-related accident at all - maybe he had a loose shoe and stumbled? Or something?

Not saying I would jump the horse, but... it's unfortunately not your place to say or do anything, except perhaps to your "sources close to the horse."

[Giddy-up]

I know the pony is older because he was at a dressage show weeks before this one with a sign on his back that said his age and his "barn girls" were trying to raise money for hock injections so that he could continue his jumping.

I just can't fathom going to a horse show & publicly asking for donations so your pony can get his hocks injected so you can keep jumping him. :eek:

[lcw579]

What would I do? Be shocked that they were out asking for donations to get him injected, be appalled that they were jumping him if he really can't see and warn anyone I personally knew who was going to go ride him. Other than that - what can you do? Offer to buy him, I guess.

[Frisky Business]

If I could buy him I would.

I dont think it was a trip or a loose shoe. I looked like he was close-lined at the fence. I guess the title of the thread is wrong. I know that I cannot sue them or do anything legally, but was posted more with the hopes that maybe someone would read it and hopefully that light bulb would go off. I do not know the trainer so I cannot say anything. I just wish that there was someone close to the trainer/barn girls that could mention retiring the poor guy.

[lcw579]

Believe me, I think most of us on here know how you feel. There is a school around the corner from me that makes questionable choices regarding the care of some of its senior citizens. But there is absolutely nothing that can be done. People have tried but hands are tied.

It is frustrating, but if the pony is well fed and has some kids that love it then it has more than many horses in this country who spend their days hungry and neglected. :(

[arabhorse2]

Frisky, I feel your pain, really I do.

But as lcw stated, as long as the pony is well taken care of otherwise and his owner is well respected, there isn't much you can do.

I've been in similar situations, and could only pray that nothing horrible happened.

[<3OTTB]

I just can't fathom going to a horse show & publicly asking for donations so your pony can get his hocks injected so you can keep jumping him. :eek:



no kidding!!!!!!!!!!!! and he's 26. give the poor guy a break.

[Giddy-up]

no kidding!!!!!!!!!!!! and he's 26. give the poor guy a break.

or maybe skip a show so you can save some $$$ up to maintain him properly. Oh wait--that's crazy talk! Just go show anyway. Excellent. :mad:

[Wizard of Oz's]

It's really frustrating that there's nothing you can really do about this. It's so irresponsible of the poor pony's owners to be jumping him with only 25% of his sight. I'm sure the pony's vet would discourage this if he knew that they were jumping and showing him? It was lucky that nobody got hurt this time...