How should I go about asking to take care of my neighbors horses?

Question

I do not want to make it sound like they are doing anything wrong, but they have not brushes their horses for as long as I have seen them there. Yesterday I went for a walk and they came over to investigate me. They were friendly and they liked to be pet. There are 3 of them, one is a mother, then she has a 1-3 year old colt in the pasture with her. Then there is her foal from this year. The poor horse has a baby evey year and I can't help but to think they should be kept in better condition. On the colt I noticed large areas of matted fur. The mother does not have any mats on her but they all have like callouses along their soft noses. The only thing I can think of to cause the hardness on their usually soft noses is under grooming. I wanted to ask If I could brush them from time to time. Like once a week because I have my own horse and school to take care of. The little boys that live there are my brothers friend, and the mother even waves to me when I go on walks. Should I try to help out these horses or let them be? I just can't get over their messy appearance. They are all paints, and really pretty ones at that, but they are hidden under a blanked of filth. How should I help?

Answer 1

            I would ask the people that live there if i could wash them or brush them because they looked so cute. Or why dont you ask your bothers friend if they have time to take care of them or if they have brushes to brush them. If its like really that bad like so bad its scary call the ASPCA  

Answer 2

        It doesn't sound like you would want your question to be hurtful to the owner either by just asking if you could take care of the horses. I mean I like horses too and I'm moving and want to have a horse of my own. Just say "I have a horse and after I brush mine can I come over and brush yours?" it'll be a simple way of saying that you like horses and you want to be helpful if the lady has a few kids of her own. If she'll let you, you can work for her too.  

Answer 3

Just go and ask the people and say that you really like their horses and you were wondering if you could brush them. I'm sure they'll let you....If they're not taking care of them why would they refuse?

Answer 4

Unless you see something much worse than them just being dirty, I would mind my own business.  Many many horses survive just fine without ever being brushed, and in fact are protected by the mud and dirt that accumulates on them.  A good rain is all the bathing they need, and the matted fur will come off by itself...they aren't like purebred dogs.  If they are not being fed adequately, or their hooves are grossly overgrown, then it is an issue.  Otherwise, it's best to stay out of it.