WWYD Neighbors think I'm running a petting zoo

[Paks]

We have had a couple of new people move into the neighborhood recently. So not sure who it is but a family shows up in a golf cart and feeds our horses, takes selfies with them etc. My herd is fairly diverse with the oldest being a 27 year old gelding (long retired) the youngest a 4 year old filly. They had a settled pecking order but this new situation has disturbed the herd dynamic as they jockey for position to get the treats. As a result we now have horses coming in with kick and bite marks. Where before those were rare.

They do this when we are in the house or the barn so we only see them from about 600 feet away.

Daughter wants me to get a sign that says do not feed the animals. I’m tempted to run some speed fence. Either inside my fence to keep the horses away from the feeding area or 2 feet outside of it to keep the people away from the feeding area. I could send out a broadcast email but my neighborhood’s herd dynamics are not the best. So really don’t want to add to that.

Any ideas?

[Highflyer]

Go and ask them to stop, politely. And also put up a sign and a strand of electric wire. Don’t forget that you can be held liable if someone gets bitten or kicked even if they are trespassing.

[SillyHorse]

Don’t doubt for a minute that they will sue you if there is a mashed toe or chomped finger.

I wouldn’t mess around. I would send them a certified letter explaining the danger of what they are doing, especially the danger to the horses, and telling (not asking) them to stop entering your property and interacting with the horses. If you want, you can add that the are welcome to call you and arrange to come meet/pet/feed treats to the horses while you are there and under your supervision. It might be more effective if the letter were sent on legal letterhead.

[sparky6]

Hang a no trespassing sign, a do not feed the animals sign, and set up some hot wire a couple feet inside the fence line to keep the herd out of reach. If you put it outside they’ll just find a way around it. If you can approach them then politely ask them to stop and explain that they are inadvertently causing your horses harm. Point out the new bites and kicks and politely, but firmly ask them to stop. Sounds like actually catching them might be difficult, so the new fencing and signs will help cover you.

[JanM]

I agree with Sparky. Also, consult your insurance agent about liability issues, and the local police about the legal requirements for No Trespassing sign placement to ensure enforcement. Any time you see them charge the fence, point out the signs, and tell them to stay away from your animals, or they’ll be liable for vet bills. Entitled, clueless people are the first to sue you into poverty over any incident, and the subtle approach will not work. I would not invite them on my property either, because today’s scheduled visit could turn into a pony riding party some afternoon when you’re gone, or animals being let out of open gates. This is a time to review your security, and your legal options.

[2DogsFarm]

IIWM & I could not catch them in the act, I’d post a sign explaining how delicate a horse’s digestive system is & saying you MUST know what they have eaten.
Include contact info (ph#, email or ?) and ask they contact you for details.

If they ignore the sign and don’t contact you, then I’d run a hotwire to keep your horses a safe distance from the fenceline. AND post a No Trespassing notice as well.
And be sure to post a sign notifying of the electric fence now in place.

I had a neighbor feed a small alfalfa bale - the kind for hamsters - to my horses. The hamster had died so she thought the horses might like it.
Stopped another LookyLou from feeding the plastic bag from baby carrots to one.
Non-horsepeople, Sheesh!

[clanter]

You have an attractive nuisance and the insurance company will say you have a duty to mitigate the problem as you are aware the children have been attracted to the horses. (Since you know the children are feeding the horses you have a duty to reduce the risk)

We had to double fence the public access points as we have several schools nearby but have never knowing had a problem with any one attempting to reach the horses without one of our family members present.

[Zuri]

Can you just simply nicely ask them not to feed your horses? If they are reasonable, they will stop. They probably have no idea the havoc they are reeking on your herd.

[katarine]

So you know which house they are coming from?

After the next event, go over there with a witness (you and spouse, you and boarder, someone), and ring the doorbell.

Speak to the parents without the kids present, so they don’t feel embarrassed in front of the kids.

These folks mean no harm, they are just clueless

Just tell them that it needs to stop, they are accidentally upsetting the horses, and you would hate for your horses to hurt each other fussing over a handout. Ask them to respect your property line and please don’t approach them. IF you are comfortable with it, and you teach lessons or such, offer them that route so they have a path forward.

If they resist, and they might, just firmly, plainly state (if you have to), that they are trespassing onto your property and that is not going to be tolerated. Thank you. And Leave. Hence the reason for the witness.

Post a No Trespassing sign or three, and do consider a hot fence to keep the horses back- however- that will not stop someone from tossing apples over the fence anyway.

I’d start with pleasant and firm, but in short, simple sentences.

[Paks]

Just to clarify. I have no idea where these people live. I suspect in our neighborhood but they could be coming from one close by that has a cut through that would accommodate a golf cart. We’ve had several families move in recently and it could be anyone of them. It also could be someone who’s visiting the grandparents. So I can’t send a letter from a lawyer or ring their doorbell or any like that. My daughter tells me after the fact when it happens.

Right now I’m looking for signs and will run the speed fence.

[2DogsFarm]

If your daughter is witnessing the people could she take a cellphone pic?
(assuming she is old enough to have a phone)

Then you could print & post that pic with your Please Don’t Feed sign.
If that does not deter them, then at least you have photo to prove trespass to police.

[mzm_farm]

We had neighbors stop by and feed the animals too. I did witness it and explained to them that it was dangerous to attract the animals to fences, etc. I then invited them to come by and visit them properly supervised in the main area. Have not had a problem since. They were nice people, just really did not understand horses.

While all the “if” and legal dangers do exist, being polite, clear, and friendly (after I am done steaming) to start is my preferred way. Most of the time people just don’t know any better.

[shelly]

I have put up a sign that explains why feeding treats, although kind, is not a good idea. I end with a note for them to drop by the house to ask me any questions or meet the horses. I have had a few people drop by and then I can really educate them and viola!.. no more treat feeding or braiding of manes!!!

[Miss_J]

Ugh. Been there. Done that. Caught the parents inside my fence putting thier young daughter on my pony!!:mad: that was fun.

Second worst was when I had my doorbell ring and opened my door to a mother and her two young daughters in rubber boots and bike helemets, expecting to ride.
The kicker was when I told her ‘no’ politlely SHE got annoyed (and expressed it) by telling me that, ‘well we came out here and my girls have thier helemets and riding boots on!’ Seriously WTF!!?? And to make it worse, it was fathers day, and both my father and my SO’s father have passed away and recently. So it was just an all around shitty day and we didn’t want to do a thing and were still in pj’s.

I tell ya, it takes all kinds. And like an above poster unmentioned, don’t think for a new york minute that someone will hesitate to sue your butt if someone gets hurt because of your ‘attaractive nuisances’.

For now, since you can’t catch them in the act, run a quick strand of hot tape six feet on the inside of your fence line so your herd can’t and wont go near the main fence. And please put up ‘no tresspassing’ signs.

I totally get your frustration, and it blows my mind how ignorant and bold some people are. Like how bout I go to your place let myself in and help myself to your fridge? Or hot tub? Can I take your car for a spin?? Lol

But always try the friendly, be nice approach first. I would be worried that if I flew off the handle first thing, instead of a friendly chat, i’d have someone hurting my girls intentionally or open the gate etc…

Good luck luck Paks!!

[tbchick84]

Folks, please be very careful not to say “dangerous” to non-horse people. As someone who lives in Connecticut where the recent ruling came down stating the horse are inherently vicious, the last thing horse owners need is to be confirming to non-horse people that yes they are dangerous. Never use words that can be used back against you once they ignore your requests to stay away and get themselves hurt. A plain and simple, “do not pet or feed the horses” sign and a simple friendly request for the same should do it. You are not obligated to provide a reason for the request. They are your horses and it’s your property.

[TikiSoo]

I agree with all the previous advice, especially tbchick84’s “Never use words that can be used back against you once they ignore your requests”

Keep it simple…you do not need to “explain” anything in your request of “please do not feed the animals”. Explanations just open doors to argument, they’ll say “but we won’t hurt them!”

Non horsey people do not want to understand equine digestion or herd dynamics, they just assume everything’s there for their enjoyment.

Whoa, someone’s had kids come over in boots & helmets for a ride? More nerve than a bad tooth!

I say just post signs, run an electric wire along the inside of the fence (for the horses) and talk to your insurance guy for advice on “due diligence”.

When or if you meet your neighbors or any visitors, you can invite them to stop over and meet your horses under proper supervision for the safety of ALL involved.
Hey, you may spark interest in some budding equestrian!

[Pennywell_Bay]

I’d post signs, run electric and try to make an appearance when it is happening, if possible. I agree with the posters, it is annoying but most likely innocent. People are generally ignorant about horses. It used to \BUG me, as well when my property sat on the road and people would stop to pet them.

I always try to be cordial but firm. My “petty” neighbors now have stopped throwing the horses apples and pears from their orchard after a very pleasant conversation. They just didn’t know. Last year, they really helped me out of a jam when the noticed one of the horses stuck in a fence and called me. Being decent, they would have called anyway, but who knows if they would have been “looking out” as much for my animals if I had been a bastard. Yes, it is annoying. I’d walk softly before bringing out my big stick.

[Paks]

Well might not be as innocent as we all thought. My daughter emailed me that last night they were there and as she started down the driveway they quickly gathered up the kids and drove off. So I would say they know what they are doing is wrong though probably not why. Given the direction they were driving off in they would have to go by two other horse farms to get to mine so I suspect they have already been warned off of those ones.

I really think I’m going to put the electric fence on the outside of the pasture fence. I set my pasture fence well back from the road so people could ride their horses safely on the grass. Time to take some of that back I guess. I don’t want my horses to lose grazing area because of these people.

[ChocoMare]

Perhaps some strategically planted pricker bushes (like Bayberry) planted on the outside of the fence too

[Paks]

[QUOTE=ChocoMare;7676402]
Perhaps some strategically planted pricker bushes (like Bayberry) planted on the outside of the fence too ;)[/QUOTE] If I could figure out how I would plant poison oak and Ivy at this point.