October 2024 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN October 2024 Page 37 Go ahead... Ask da Mare By Malorie de la Mare Dear Mal… My friends and I are very fortunate in that there are miles of horse trails in our region. They’re accessible and well-maintained. Yay for us! These days, with cooler weather and beautiful sunny days, the trails are getting very busy—with equestrians as well as walkers. Not a problem. But some of the people walking are walking their dogs. Even though the trailheads post rules stating that all dogs must be on leashes, a lot of people seem to think that the word “all” doesn’t apply to them. So, more than once a week, my friends or other equestrians on our trails meet up with loose dogs running ahead of their owners and “greeting” the horses with loud barking. Then the owners, racing to catch up with their dogs, “reassure” us that “the dog is friendly!” That’s good news. But the dog is also barking, jumping up and down and scaring the horses. For the record, we don’t object to people with dogs. And we know that ev- eryone must share the trails. But besides being dangerous for the horses and the loose dogs, this situation is moving to a boiling point. We have tried to explain to people that their dogs could get kicked, or that a rider could be injured when a horse spooks, and that the trail rules are clear. But none of that seems to change people’s behavior. What do you think we should do? -Concerned Dear Concerned… It does get pretty tiresome, doesn’t it? In addition to the dangers of loose dogs scaring horses, park rangers have had to take some drastic measures when loose dogs have sniffed out fox and coyote dens where kits and pups were present. In one case, all the trails in the park were closed for several months until the coyote pups were old enough to run around on their own. Usually there are open space organizations or municipalities that maintain the trails. They’re the folks that post the rules at the trailheads. So, I think your first step would be to contact them and ask them for a meeting where you and your colleagues can lay out the scope of the problem. If there is a particular location where the loose dogs are more prevalent, make sure to point that out, too. Your goal is not to keep non-equestrians off the trails, but to ensure that all trail users follow the rules. You don’t want to force the trail organizations or municipalities to make a decision that would Loose Dogs, Spooked Horses push you off certain trails, nor do you want to elevate the level of anger equestrians are feeling about the dogs. People sometimes don’t make good decisions—not because they’re negligent or ignorant. People (I can relate to them) get all tied up in emotions with their dogs and forget that there are other trail users that may not want to see a barking, leaping dog—no matter how cute he is. Dear Mal… What’s the best kind of treat for a horse? I just got my first horse, and he’s the best gift I’ve ever received. My goal is to make him the happiest, healthiest horse on the planet. My parents have been wonderful, and they found a great barn where he seems to enjoy all the other horses, and the pastures. Some of the people at the barn give their horses carrots, or apples, or even mints and licorice. Is there one thing that is best? -New Horse Person Dear New Horse Person… Congratulations! Sounds like you and your horse are embarking on a lifetime of great adventures. To ensure that your horse is the “happiest, health- iest horse on the planet,” you need to provide him with: a safe home; proper feed; good turn- out; companions. Oh, and most importantly, bountiful love and care! Part of the love and care might be some treats. All the ones you mentioned are good— in moderation! See what your horse likes best. You can cut up some carrots and apples and let him pick his favorite. Maybe it will be both! Some horses do like mints and licorice; and there are special cookies you can get from feed dealers or tack shops. As a new horse owner, you should get familiar with the basic needs of horses, from regular veteri- nary care (routine shots, etc.), to farrier care, to dental care. And get to know what your horse’s “normal” behavior is. Part of good horsemanship is attention. Your observation of your horse’s behavior is a critical part of his care. Because a subtle change in his “normal” may signal an injury or illness. If there is a vet that takes care of the horses at your barn, see if you can get him or her to spend a little time with you and your horse, as a way to get you familiar with things to watch for. And, finally, enjoy every moment with your horse, and store a lot of great memories of the adventures you’ll have together. Have a question for Mal? Email her at PAEquest@aol. com. See page 42 for details. Not a print subscriber? Join the ongoing mailing list for just $20. FREE Classifieds for print subscribers!