What would you do if someone you didnt know rode your horse?

Question

I came out today after the 100 degree heat came down to find that some one had not only rode my horse but rode him so hard and so long that his front leg is hot, swollen and lame. The saddle pad which was still attached to the saddle was still so drenched with sweat it was dripping. The barn owner said she didnt see anyone out all day but did find him in the mares pasture and put him out in the boys field.
SO what would you do to catch this unknown person?
I live 30 away from the boarding barn and have put signs up saying no riding.

Answer 1

first - i would be outraged - i do not ride my horse in over 80 degree weather.
second - talk to the person you are boarding with and tell him/her under no circumstance should anyone be riding your horse without you prior consent and that you hold them responsible.
third - look for a bard closer to home and move your horse.

sounds like the owner of the barn is lying to you....trust me - been there done that...but I would let them know how pissed off you are and i am sorry you experienced it. there are plenty of places out there that would never allow this type of thing to happen.

Answer 2

You might not be able to do anything about this incident, but take steps to see it isn't repeated. Insist on a contract with the boarding stable. In the contract, stipulate that you are the only person to ride the horse. If they allow your horse to be ridden by anyone else, they will be responsible for all ensuing vet bills.

I would not even stay at a barn like that, though. Go to a barn where the owners actually watch what is happening on their property.

Answer 3

If you're a bit of a "techie," you could install a hidden camera to catch who's going by...However, I find that a bit over the top...

I'm not all that familiar with boarding horses, so I don't know what the stalls look like, but what kind of latch is there? Maybe you can somehow rig a lock onto it and lock the bottom stall door shut so that nobody but you can open it.
The easiest lock to get would be a simple combination one, or one that uses a 4 digit number code.

Answer 4

Incredible! Not sure you're going to catch them but if you do, call the police and file charges. And make them pay the vet bills. I'd file a police report anyway - if nothing else, it was animal cruelty. Then they can investigate.

I'd not be happy with the barn owner either. How could they miss something like that?

Answer 5

Tell the police. That is such a dangerous and mean thing. I dont understand though, how or why someone would just go and ride a random horse. Are you sure maybe someone you know had ridden your horse? Check with the people close to you or living around .

Answer 6

Are you paying to have your horse boarded? I am guessing that you are. At the very least, I would find a new place to board him. At most, I would contact a lawyer and consider sueing the boarders for negligence.

Answer 7

I would honestly move my horse becuase if the barn owner didnt see it or nobody saw anything I think she is hiding something.

Answer 8

i would threaten that if it happend again u would leave the barn that way the owner would start watching out for your horse too.

Answer 9

I'd move my Horse right away!!! And you wouldn't have to worry about catching them!! Cause it can take you to lomg to ctch them and in the mean time there still doing it!! And possibly hurt the horse !!! Stop it right away !

Answer 10

I would just keep a look out. There's not much you can do. Just see if anyone rides him/her, and ask the owner if anyone came in to ride that day.... If not, just leave it alone (unless it continues).