Pepper spray comes in both a "fog" and a "stream" type dispenser. ?The fog type does just that -- it sprays a fine mist that covers a fairly large area. ?I wouldn't use this one around a horse. ?If there is any breeze, the mist can blow right back at you, rather than toward the target. ?Not good. ?The stream type sprays a narrow, concentrated stream. ?It is harder to hit your target, but also is less likely to hit a non-target like your horse.
In addition -- not all pepper spray is effective on dogs. ?I think that you need an oil-based spray - you would have to check the package, or with a salesperson to make sure you got the effective type.
IMO - dismounted would be safest as far as not getting it in the horses eyes, but it brings on a lot of other problems. ?I imagine that dismounting might be a bit tricky if your horse is dancing around while the dog is snapping at him .. and then you .. while trying to get out the pepper spray. ?
A stream dispenser could be used without dismounting, but I agree that there is the chance of getting it on the horse instead of the dog. ?Regardless, I would probably give the horse a really good bath afterwards, just in case.
On Dec 12, 2007, at 8:46 AM, Ranelle Rubin wrote:
I think pepper spray would be a viable option, but would only consider using it dismounted. The range is very short, and I would most certainly be worried about it getting in my horse's eyes. By being on the ground, you will have a better chance of getting it into the dogs eyes, and less of a chance of getting it in your horse's eyes..
916-663-4140 home office? 916-718-2427 cellular? 916-848-3662 fax?
> Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:40:43 -0800 > From: scswag@xxxxxxxxxxxxx > To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx > Subject: [RC] Pepper Spray >? > In past posts people have spoken of carrying pepper spray for protection. If you spray it from the saddle isn't there a danger of spraying your horses eyes? If so wouldn't this give you a false sense of security? >? > Susan >? > =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= >? > 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!! >? > =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= >?
