I wouldn’t even make it about the OP, who is only leasing the horse. While it is her wish, it’s also (and most importantly) in the contract per the actual owner of the horse, that this is not a situation that is allowed. This removes all “blame” on the OP/leasee
I would also make it crystal clear that the leadline was done without permission
I agree! Although I’d definitely show the photos to circumvent any “it must have been another horse.”
As a leaser, I admit I’d feel doubly responsible for raising the issue, because the horse wasn’t mine. I’m sorry, OP, you evidently feel afraid or cowed to be more confrontational, if you can’t address this legitimate concern with your trainer, you definitely need to do some soul-searching about your relationship.
Before @modifiedequitation erased all their posts other than the original post, I’m sure they wrote that they just found out the head trainer was evicting Molly. That makes me think it’s possible the head trainer got wind of this and other irregularities by Molly already. If Molly is on the way out, there is no need to confront her on this, but be very careful if you ever end up at the same barn as her in future.
On the other hand I just picked up the fact that you saw these photos last winter and only now are wondering if you should say anythung. Were Molly or her assistant given direction by your trainer to exercise or ride your horse during lockdown? That’s the first thing I’d check if it was still last winter.
You could mention it to your trainer now in the vein of “I’m glad she’s going because…” but honestly if you saw the photos 6 months ago, said nothing, and have no reason to think it’s ongoing past lockdown then it doesn’t sound like you really were that worried.
If my barn was on lockdown and I couldn’t ride, I wouldn’t be too upset to see my safe mare getting some appropriate attention. I’d like to be kept informed though.
I didn’t read all the posts but was Molly the other trainer that leased some of the stalls or was the trainer Molly. The OP should speak directly to Molly and let them know that her horse is not available for pony rides to anyone. Period. End of discussion. d
Darn, it is so confusing when people delete all of their posts. We seem to have a bunch of people doing it lately.
Too bad they deleted. This topic is a common discussion topic and people could have benefited from reading this thread. Lots of good advice that would make more sense if it had the posts from the OP that got deleted.
I personally do not think the time line of commenting is that important. Would this situation not be horrible if the OP had just seen the photos now, instead of having seen them during the winter?
I agree, and I feel bad for the OP, because the vibe I’m getting is that she’s scared her barn owner/the trainers involved will see the thread and she’ll get in “trouble,” somehow, even though she’s 100% not in the wrong. It’s never a good situation when an owner is nervous about being able to ask legitimate questions about their horse and horse’s care.
I agree, possible there was enough specific info in the deleted posts to make a positive ID, lots of people read this. Hoping it was a barn mate who tactfully warned OP and not “Molly” or anybody else involved.
Best to ask advice in the hypothetical and/or change a few details. Like TB geldings become QH mares, avoid specific location details. Doubt its fun to be outed in a barn you complain about online.
Not only is it on you if the horse gets hurt or causes injury, the horse’s actual owner is going to have an issue with someone who isn’t on the lease using the horse. Shut that down immediately.
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