I will keep that in mind when I start riding my 4 yr old out on the trail. He was raised on 800 ac. with a band of Mustang mares..I am sure they encountered prey animals out there..it will be interesting to see how he deals with dogs on our trails. Most of the folks have their dogs under control..we are lucky. But there are some....like a local nutcase who turns her dog and horse loose out there..!
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From: rainbowmeadowsranch@xxxxxxxxx To: rhndlev@xxxxxxx; ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Paintballing dogs Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:38:44 -0600
With all this talk about paintballing dogs and
other interventions, I have not seen a recent discussion about teaching your
horse to charge or attack the dog.
I have always trained my horses to turn towards the
attacking/barking dog and with my BIG voice, we have successfully intimidated
the animals. I will even back my horse from the area, but not "turn and
leave" as long as the dog is on the offensive.
We just took in 3 Mustangs (into our rescue) and
for the first time I have horses here who will attempt to kill or injure my
dogs. My other horses would chase, and play-strike, but there was a
lessened level of intention compared to these animals.
I'm pretty certain, baring a rider getting in the
way (poor balance, yanking on the reins), that any of these 3 small (under 14h)
horses could kill just about any dog which chose to approach.
PS - yes, my ranch dogs have had to learn to stay
out of the 2 pastures the Mustang's currently inhabit.......
Karen Everhart MEd Co-founder and Executive Director Rainbow Meadows
Rescue and Retirement, Inc. Serving the equine companions who have so loyally
served us... www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com 620-725-3402
Owner/Operator Horse Calls - Equine Management Solutions Centered Riding
Instructor Distance Horse Conditioning and Training www.horsecalls.com 316-648-5082
