29 August 2008 16:10
I’m being bullied at my livery yard. The staff hate my horse and call him really awful names. I’ve overheard the yard manager brag about how she takes his feed off him if he ‘pulls a face’. I’ve also seen her hit another horse with a shavings fork – and my horse has developed a fear of brooms. The manager and her friend even love spooking the horses (I’ve had a bucket of water thrown at mine). I’ve tried talking to the yard owner but she won’t hear a bad word about the manager. I’d move yards, but I have no transport. I now regret buying my horse. Can you help?
Answer
By Your Horse
Homeopath and NLP Practitoiner Caroline Putus replies:
I’m shocked and concerned to hear about the abuse at your yard. The situation is no good for you, and it is detrimental to your horse’s wellbeing.I could give you techniques to boost your confidence and help you deal better with bullying, but that’s not really the issue here.
The ILPH may be able to give you some practical advice. The hotline for reporting distressed horses is 0870 871 1927, the general contact number is 01953 498682, and the web address is www.ilph.org. Inspectors do not reveal who has called them and, even if they find no evidence of abuse, a visit from the ILPH or RSPCA may make the people running this yard back off.
For the sake of your horse you must move him to a yard where the people care. Transport can be hired or borrowed. Don’t allow these people to abuse you and your horse any longer.