My horse was attacked.. opinions?

Question

My horse is a draft cross, very big boy. I love him a lot and he is very sweet. My wife and I groom him every single day and yes, we pamper him. We have brought him back from skinny and shaggy to gloriously muscled and shining like fine copper. At the stable, they turned him out with a stud, assuming that because he is so giant compared to the stud who is small (14.3 hh) that it wouldn't be a problem. My boy is completely beat up. Gash under his eye, jaw chest. 18 inch slice down his side, multiple deep bite wounds. There isn't much on his body that isn't bitten or kicked. The barn owner says oh well, "rough play", and other owners out there just laughing and saying wow he is big but what a p***sy. Gimme a break he is a gentle natured gelding and so of course he ran from the stud when attacked. They are trying to make me feel bad about this, but I totally feel that the stable owner should help me pay for his vet stuff. Opinions?

Answer 1

your poor horse, thats awful i think they should help, they also should of helped get your big softy out of harms way and seperated them as soon as it wasnt going well instead of laugh

most big horses are big softies and they dont like to hurt others, we had a big 18hh clydie x stationbred who always got picked on by our 10hh shetland, no joke he was always running away from this little pony, he just didnt want to hurt or get hurt, we did seperate them but the little pony could get out of his paddock (we dont have him now but we still wonder how he could get out)

hope all goes well, you should tells those people who were laughing at your poor horse, they wouldnt like it if it was thier horse out there and your big horse was mauling theres now would they

Answer 2

lovely advise from tsukinob.... (hope I spelled that right!) you should take it. I'd like to mention that you should move the horse before marching up to the owners and telling them you're going to sue if they don't pay. I don't feel like he would be safe there - ok, I don't feel like hes safe now either - but I'm sure things will not be more pleasant after you make this announcement!

Document all of the injuries. Take pictures, get a detailed report from your vet. Save all of your receipts for medical supplies. If you can prove the stallion killed a mare previously, document that too. Make sure you have a copy of your boarding contract.

Most importantly - MOVE THE HORSE NOW. He is not safe. The bills are not as important as his health and safety! Unless you knew ahead of time, or gave permission for him to be out with the stud, this is gross negligence- they should pay for all of it, and then some - loss of use, etc. Good luck & I hope he's better soon!

Answer 3

I HAVE NO HANDS ON EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES BUT FROM THE MULTIPLE BOOKS IVE READ ON THEM. YOU SHOULD GET THE HORSE OTU OF THERE. IF THE STUD KILLED A MARE WHILE MATING THINK WHAT HE COULD DO TO YOUR BIG SOFTIE. I LIKE WHAT YOU GUYS DID FOR HIM THOUGH. IF YOU MOVE HAVE A WRITTEN CONTRACT DRAWN TO PREVENT IT HAPPENING AGAIN. HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.

Answer 4

Course they should help pay especially if you're paying for your horse to stay in their stables. It wouldn't have happened if they weren't so careless and they don't seem to care now that it did happen and grrrrrrr. I hope your horsey is ok <3

Answer 5

I think that it was really rude of the stable owner to just let your horse out with a stud with out you knowing. Maybe if you ask him/her if  he/she would give you help taking care of your baby to make sure that nothing gets infected. Ask for thier help applying ointment and for help with bandage costs. Keep him in a large stall or a privet turn out untill he feels better.  Hope this helped!

Answer 6

I am totally ditto with the others.  Ask them to pay for the vet bills, and go somewhere else.  That is ridiculous, and it is certainly NOT funny.  Ironic..maybe, but I can't imagine people laughing to your face about it.  I mean, how would they feel if their horse was all beaten up?  Seriously, I'd be like, "Ok..if you think it's so funny, you should put your horse with him.  It'd just be so hysterical to see your horse with bite marks and gashes all over."  I mean...c'mon.  You guys obviously love him like he is your child.  He sounds like an excellent submissive horse.  If you can, I'd find another place where the barn manager treats all the horses as if ther were her own.

Answer 7

I cannot believe a stable owner was so ignorant of a horseman/woman that he or she could even BEGIN to think it would be safe to expose your horse to a stallion! Stallions are intact (un-neutered) males.  They are by nature very territorial and almost always challenge and become combative if turned out with other male horses--especially a horse he didn't grow up with, etc...Horses are like chickens with a "pecking order" in a herd.  I'm sure many stallion owners will object to what I'm about to say, but it is based on solid statistical risk factors. Stallions, no matter how big or small, are statistically dangerous, as any farm insurance agent can attest.  There is a reason that "boarding stables" must follow criteria to protect people and other horses from stallions, such as 8 ft high pens that are solidly built and lined with mesh that prevents hooves and teeth from harming passerby (human OR equine) Not all stallions are that aggressive, but they ALL have the capacity to be aggressive, and that is why almost EVERY male horse ever born is castrated (gelded).  That stable owner is responsible for the damage to your horse.  That is, unless you gave him permission to turn yours out with the stallion. I'm sorry this has happened, and I hope your horse recovers quickly.  Meanwhile, I'd be looking for another place to board my horse if I were you! I cannot believe people just laughed it alll off. Quite disturbing to think what else goes on at that place.....YIKES

Answer 8

I think the owner of the stable should pay the vet bill.

THEY turned him out with the stud.

THEY didn't watch to see if they were going to get along

THEY didn't remove your gelding when the fighting started.

Do you have a written contract??

Read the fine print to see if they put in a NOT LIABLE clause.

You may want to see a lawyer if they refuse to pay the vet bill, or at least help you pay it.

Answer 9

If the stable owner injured him, the stable owner pays for the vet.

Sort of like if I was dog sitting for a friend, let the dog get out and hit by a car.  It was MY responsiblity to keep the dog safe.  I didn't, therefore, I'm responsible for what happened.

I would move my horse and file a complaint with the police and the better business bureau, and sue for vet bills.

Answer 10

i totally agree with you on thinking that the barn owner should help to pay. if they were the ones that decided to turn him out with a stud, then they should accept responsibility for what happened!

your horse did not defend himself due to his sweet nature. most draft horses i know are like that. they will willingly take abuse from other horses and do not even kick out at them. (this is probably a good thing beacuse they are so strong that they could probably kill a smaller horse.) this has nothing to do with the fact that you and your wife pamper him. i think it's wonderful that you care for you horse so much, probably more than the barn owners care for their horses! and if they continue to verbally abuse you and your horse, i would say that it's time to take your horse somewhere else.

Answer 11

1.  Move the horse.  These people are mean and dangerous.  They're not fit to take care of horses.  Document what it costs you.

2.  Get him healed up.  Pay whatever it takes.

3.  Present the bill to the owners.  Cost of moving, costs of treatment, loss of use, destruction of value, extra cost of board, everything you can think of.  They should pay it ALL.

4.  If they don't pay, sue.  Even if there's fine print in the contract, this is beyond negligence and into reckless disregard.  

5.  Publish.  Tell the world what happened, and where.  The only thing that will prevent further occurences with this stud is to hit the owner where it hurts, in the pocket book.

6.  Forget all notion of it being your fault or your horse being a pansy!!  You didn't cause this, they did, and their unschooled overhormoned killer stud.  

7.  What if this had been a child?  Do they have him fenced so children can't get in?  This stud is DANGEROUS.    Call animal control to see if something can be done.  They take over when a dog bites someone, even another dog, to help prevent further problems.  This isn't being vindictive, this is trying to prevent a bigger tragedy you know can happen.

Answer 12

Studs no matter the size should NEVER be turned out with geldings.

You are lucky the animal did not kill your horse.

The barn owner who did this should be paying for your vet bill.

I would be moving my horse.

There is nothing worse than an ignorant barn owner who has no practical knowledge left in charge of other peoples horses.

There is a reason stallions are kept spereated from the other horses unless being bred. They fight and can kill others. They even will beat up on mares at times.

Answer 13

did u ask the stable owner about whether to put your horse in with the stallion or not? if he sed a definete yes, take action. u gotta say he should pay the vet bills and see what he says back. i dont really know what else to say.

Answer 14

This was an irresponsible and incorrect thing to do involving your horse.  The owner should be held liable but you may have to look at your boarding contract.  He may have a clause that releases him from any liability.  You should make it clear that you need to have input on the selection of a turnout partner for your horse since the boarding facility is unable to and does not have enought knowledge to make proper housing decisions.  If I were fearful for my horse, I would move to another facility if possible.  If he stays here, it is likely he will have more problematic things that could occur.  Sorry to hear your horse got hurt.

Answer 15

Can't disagree with you about the vet bills....bottom line, horses can become grievously injured when under attack by another horse particularly a stud....I have one big AQHA gelding, 16.1 hands, 1300+ lbs who was just shredded by a 16.2 hand TB gelding....we're very lucky he didn't end up with a leg fx or worse...he had gashes and bite marks down his back, sides and kick marks over his tail head....he was boarded at the time....we picked him up within two days after the attack and brought him home to patch him up and allow him to mend.  Will never board again under the circumstances my gelding was under.    

He recovered, but for a couple of years after the attack, every time he saw a TB of a similar color, he freaked.  I've never felt as bad as I did over what happened to him....I felt responsible and I still do.    He's fine and thank heavens horses live in the "now"...he's not reacting any more to similarly colored TB's.

The stable owner doesn't sound like a mental giant and has little understanding of the damage one horse can do to another.  

Since that stud has a history of killing a mare the owner is negligent in allowing any other horse to be with the stallion. The owner also had prior knowledge of the stallion's propensity to attack another horse.      In time that stud may turn his combative behavior on a person.  Then watch the fur fly.  

The other horse owners are in dire need of a brain transplant as they too have little understanding of what another horse can do, especially a stud....they certainly are not acting like "friends"..in fact they're down right adversarial (nasty).  Would hate to have to count on them for anything!!!!  

If it were me, I'd be moving my horse to another barn...one where the barn owner/manager is a h*ll of a lot smarter than the one you have now.  My concern is the current idiot barn owner/manager might turn your gelding out again with this stud.  

I'd pay the vet bills and turn to the barn owner for reimbursement...however, don't hold your breath in the sense of him paying you back...you may end up in an attorney's office and court room over this....however, this isn't all bad; it will be money well spent.  Let your attorney  handle it in terms of being reimbursed for your vet bills and any other expenses you might incur while providing treatment for your horse.  I'd include "moving expenses" of taking your horse to another boarding facility.

Answer 16

Laws vary from state to state, but the stable owner is partly responsible for the vet bills because he is the one who let the horses together.  Have they had problems with the stud before?  That is something that you should check into as well.

Answer 17

I agree with everything that tara l. said!

I truly think that the barn owners should grow up and pay for your horse or at least half... If he doesn't go to small claims court asap. Document EVERYTHING pictures, statements of other boarders about the stud, vet estimates/how much it was to treat him, dates/time etc etc...  It wasn't your fault at all your gelding is just a nice boy. whatever you do don't feel bad about this and I hope your horse recovers well without scars! He sounds really nice looking btw too! Good luck with everything!

Answer 18

I hope THEY have insurance as the first thing I would do is get the horse moved. Pay the necessary vet bills and then sue these idiots. I would be claiming for the vet bill, travel costs, upset etc etc etc and anything else possible. They have acted in a totally inconsiderate manner and put your horse's life in danger.

They are trying to make you shoulder the blame to protect themselves. It is not your fault so don't blame yourself.

Answer 19

What type of true horse people would laugh? I would definately make them pay for vet bills, and after you do that, move your horse some where else.

If the people are stupid enough to turn a sweet gelding out with a stallion, thinking it would be okay because the size difference, then I wouldn't trust them with anything else. Eek.

Answer 20

The number of wounds your horse sustained is far too extensive to be passed off.  I've been in many situations over many years and I would categorize your situation as an attack...not "play" of any kind.  

It depends on where you live and how the laws are interpreted, but they should have placed your horse in a separate paddock next to the stallion to observe his behavior before putting your guy in with him. Most people I know with stallions don't pasture them with boarder's horses.  Do you have a boarding contract?  If they are supposed to provide reasonable care, you could certainly challenge the reasonableness of this.  I don't know if you are even thinking in legal terms, but from a right or wrong standpoint, I think he should share in the cost and he should feel like an idiot.

Answer 21

You didn't do any think to help this, my smaller horse beats up my bigger horse but it does not mean my bigger horse is a softie its just the way it goes I HOPE HE IS FEELING BETTER SOON AND PEOPLE ARE NOT LAUGHING AT U

                              I HOPE I HELPED*_*

Answer 22

First, the fact that you treated the animal with kindness did not make it less likely to defend itself.  If that were the case, then all animals who were treated well would be calm and non-aggressive and all animals who were treated badly would be fighters.  Your horse proves that's not the case.

Several people have mentioned checking your contract for a clause about liability.  I assume this is word of mouth, but if there is a contract, don't let the fact that there's a no liability clause make you give up automatically.   It may or may not be valid and even a valid disclaimer might not protect the stable owner from gross negligence.  

If the situation is such that a reasonable person could have foreseen the possibility of harm to your horse by putting in that pasture, there's a very good chance that a court would find the stable owner liable.  The horse's owner might also be liable, just by virtue of owning an animal with "dangerous propensities."  

As far as legal options, you could have your day in court by contacting an attorney or filing a case in small claims court on your own.  However, if you can avoid litigation, that's your best solution.  Talk to the stable owner (and possibly the owner of the stud, if they're different people).  Explain to them that you're willing to pay part of the vet bill (if that's the case), but you also feel that they should take responsibility for part of the bills.  Let them know that you are willing to pursue the case in court and point out that, even if you lost the case in court, they would still be out the time and money it took to prove the case.   Also remind them that if they lost the case, they could be on the hook for all the vet bills.  It's better for everyone to work something out without involving the courts.

Answer 23

Sounds horrible what happened to your horse, and the barn owner doesn't care? If I were you I'd immediantly take the horse out of that barn and take him to a better place where he'll be treated with a lot more respect. As for the barn owner, tell him to  pay for the vet fee or suffer the consequences of going to court.

Don't leave your horse there, next time it could be a lot worse then cuts and gashes.

Answer 24

I completely agree it was their stupidness and ignorance that led to the problem,and if I were you id look for a new stable as this one doesn't seem to care too much about your horse and that isn't good.

EDIT: if it has killed before then the owner should CERTAINLY have known better! and the horse should either be trained better or gelded! and its not your fault big horses were bred to be slow steady animals not fast fighting animals just because you love your horse and they don't doesn't mean anything about him fighting!

Answer 25

It seems like the stable owner is liable for your bills because they knew about the aggressive history of the stud.  They all sound very ignorant, I have worked on farms for a long time and never heard of it.  Plus I have rarely seen a stud at a boarder facility.

It is also very unusual for a stud to be pastured with another horse,  I have always seen them in their own individual paddocks or pen.  With the exception maybe for certain rare individuals, only one I can remember was a teaser that was a Morgan who was a babysitter that we rode in a halter from the field.  

For the stud to kill a mare is also different, for aggressive studs at a Thoroughbred farm I worked at they were not pasture bred, but in hand with a chain over the nose, so no one gets hurt.  If the stud is truely a rogue, they should geld him to see if it helps, I doubt it, or put him down, no sense in possible keeping his dangerous traits going in his offspring.  What is the sense of putting feed, time, and effort into a horse like that, when horses are going for a dime a dozen these days.  Maybe he has his good points, maybe his babies are all sweet natured, but I doubt it judging by the lack of skills of the owners, it does not sound like a very professional operation to me.

The other boarders that laughed are very immature, your gelding does not have the motivation due to hormones, to fight and the situation the owner of the farm placed him in is unacceptable.  

I agree you should move him asap, it  might be more trouble that its worth to try to get the bills paid, but if you document EVERYTHING including dates and times, you can more than likely win in small claims without a lawyer in this situation, even with a clause in the contract, because it is not normal horse-keeping practice to do what these fools did.  Maybe you can contact some horse vets in your area that can recommend a better facility.  If cost is an issue, I would try to find a place with a large pasture and run-in shelter, he would probably be happier and you could give him his grain and attention when you are out there.