Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Ridecamp Guest wrote:
> Please Reply to: Sherie staylor@xxxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> ==========================================
>
> Has anyone had the problem of being attacked by loose dogs while riding?

This depends on what you mean by "attacked".  If a dog actually bites your 
horse, I would get the owner's name and the dog's name and report them to 
your county Health Dept as a dangerous animal possibly rabid.  In our 
county, they are VERY concerned about rabies and go to considerable lengths 
(for a government agency) to track down any/all biting dogs or humans 
bitten by dogs.  The dog's owner should also be held liable for any 
injuries.  BTW, most parks, even rural county ones, have restrictions on 
loose dogs.  Luckily, there are very few such vicious dogs.

Most loose dogs will "go for" a horse.  It's a game to them.  They want the 
horse to run.  I have always trained my horse to turn towards an 
approaching dog.  If the dog doesn't stop and back off, I move my horse 
towards and if necessary ON to the dog.  If  you teach your horse that he 
is bigger and badder than a dog, he will not only gladly "go for" the dogs 
but also be a much safer ride.  This also works for horses who are leery of 
cattle.  Once they learn that the steers will yield (do NOT try this with a 
bull who very well might NOT yield), they will be much easier and safer to 
ride in with cattle.


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=