Ok, you know how i said that my neighbor has sliding horses and mud?

Question

Well, this morning (6:00 am on Tuesday, January 02, 2007), i told him just simply that i didnt like them walking in the mud, and he said u kno wut u r right! I'll call around today and get somebody to come with a backhoe to get all this mud and crap out of here...then he said thanks for my sincerity...hehe

Answer 1

Only one problem...animals and dirt go together. Animals like dirt. I have two pet hens and they like to dig holes and sit in them, and in the process their front and underside feathers get all full of dirt and stones. They seem to enjoy this, so why should I impose my human perceptions upon a hen? They also like to take dust baths, digging in the dirt and rolling around flapping their wings and kicking up a cloud of dust. It's a natural instinct they have, so who am I to stop them?

So if you do not like your neighbor's horses walking in mud, so what? Maybe THEY like it. Your human perceptions are not at all like a horse's. Didn't you ever enjoy the feeling of soft, cool mud squeezing up between your toes?

Answer 2

Oh, come on kid, you are not telling the truth! Unless the man was being sarcastic ... did you ever think that hauling mud away with a backhoe is going to create a HOLE that will fill with more mud and water?
Sounds like you just don't know enough about horses and you're one of those people who THINK they know best. Maybe you mean well, but when it rains, horses will be walking in mud. What do you suggest the man do? Build them a walkway?
You've never explained whether the horses have a drier area where they can escape the mud. If you think they are in danger, call the humane society and let them check it out. I think you could find something more productive than worrying about a horse stepping in some mud.
What do you think horses do in the wild when they encounter mud? THEY WALK IN IT. It doesn't hurt them unless they are in a quagmire, knee deep, and cannot escape.

Answer 3

It's too bad you didn't make some suggestions to your neighbour. I think you offended him. He may not like the idea much himself but is at odds to know what to do. Each rainstorm and snow melt brings mud. This is a given. Some of the land is lower than other parts and it may be that your neighbour is just low enough not to be visible with the naked eye that the water stays put. Unfortunately, winter time and early spring are not a good times for the horse's hooves. Keeping a horse in a barn is not good either because this may contribute to a possible founder. They need their exercise. Too many people try to prevent one thing with horses but unknowingly create another problem. You need to stop and look at the overall picture.

I liked what the other person said when they suggested digging trenches to drain the water. This is "very good" sound advice. If the horses walking around in mud bothers you, you might suggest that "We" you and he go dig drainage trenches together. Your neighbour will respond better on a positive note instead of the negative note that frequently sounds like put downs and badgerings. Don't be put off because he may say he doesn't have time on a day that you decide you want to help . You might make a suggestion for another day and if he still puts you off, you might suggest making an appointment with him to go dig.

Many times, people don't do a specific job because it is boring and cumbersome. But if the person gets help with someone that is willing to joke and have a bit of fun, it makes the job go by so much better as well as faster.

Answer 4

Sometimes you can't help the mud. EVERY horse stable has periods of mud. I do not like my horses slipping in mud and on ice, but it is the season for it (actually it is 40 degrees here now in WI, which is unheard of, it is usually around 0 or below). If the horse is used to adverse conditions such as much and ice, they know how to be careful in it. You really only get problems when the horse is put right out on it (such as stalling at night) and decide to run after being cooped up.

Answer 5

Well Hidee Hodee!! There ya go!

I know from owning horses that it is difficult to keep them out of the mud. Just the weight of the horse stepping on the wet mushy ground makes mud puddles and perpetuates the whole icky mess. I didn't have a backhoe of my own either so I would go out and make channels through the puddles to allow the trapped water to run off. This helped a lot.

Isn't it great when people cooperate!

Answer 6

Well.... Gee!! I think that was a bit rude of him. You were just concerned for the Horses safety, I would have been too. Good Job, to bad he was such a Stinker about it.

Answer 7

thats good. too much mud is not good for them.

Answer 8

Yay!!