Tragedy!!!Includes discussion of dramatic experiences, and blinders vs. open bridles

Hey Big John,

Really sorry to hear about Dottie’s accident. You know, most of the time we’re trying to convince our teams to be brave and that “there’s nothing to worry about” but an incident like this gives the animal a good “argument” for being nervous or antsy. They (and we) never know which dog is going to do something like this – most don’t – but there’s a reason for horses being a little “concerned” each time there’s something new.

You didn’t say what the people hauling situation was. Christmas tree farm or just wagon rides – both at home? Or was it a wagon ride situation where you were in town? If it was an environment where you could have some say so (like a christmas tree farm, pumpkin patch etc), next time I would make it or ask that it be a “no dogs allowed” place.

I’ve talked to a lot of people that were doing carriage rides etc in town or city who decided it was too risky. People are too unpredictable and they worried about the safety of their teams. I think some of that can be eliminated when you’re on your place or at least get to set the terms.

I hope Dottie recovers, both physically and mentally.

All the best.

Hey John, Sorry to hear about the incident. I stopped doing the public interface thing just for that reason. Never had a problem, but I realized I have no control over a situation where there are so many people possibly doing foolish things, and I am the one who would have to deal with the fall out.

My only feed-back is that #1 you did the right thing not hitching her there. #2 the solution lies between Dottie and you, not between Dottie and the dog. There will always be unpredictable moments that are impossible to plan for. Just keep working on the communication so she learns to trust you, and although she can be wary, you won’t lose her to the situation.

Carl

Well it hasn’t happend to me cause I don’t have a team but… my friends horses were being chased one night by his neighbor’s dogs. The dogs went to the “big petsmart in the sky” which was kinda sad because they were perfectly fine otherwise. But still that behavior just isn’t acceptable.
~~R

John,
At least your farm person is willing to help with the rehab. It is a great undertaking and it sounds like you should be ok with your plan. Take it slow and I have faith that the two of you will get past this. It is going to take some time and the trust will be hard to regain but it should be somthing that will be worth it in the long run.
Joshua

That’s great news. I love it when they are so willing to go right back to work. Best of luck and enjoy the great mare that can over come anything.
Joshua

I think congraglutions is in order for not taking serious issue with the dog owner. I am extremly protective of my pasengers. which probly comes from my days running a Dude stable. City poeple are so stupid they just dont get it that guy endangered the lives of all those people on that wagon not to mention the bystanders. When I was outfitting in Colorado I had no end of trouble with unleashed dogs on the trail. Thats why I always travle with my Border colie Prince. He is well trained wouldent hurt a fly or anoter dog but he meets every one and evey thing in my way first. I feel a well trained trail dog is a real asset these days with all the city folks around. I’m so sorry to read about your experince a job like that taking people for rides at a tree farm is awsome I love to see the excitment in the kids faces when they see the horses and get to go for a ride, but a thing like that can ruin everything. Thats why my dude ranch and outfitting experinces are past tence I just didn’t have the blood pressure to risk geting people hurt when I could not control the environment. Thank God no one was hurt and your mare is ok thanks for sharing the experince it helps us all.

Russ