feeding of the local horses in our neighborhood

Question
Hi Lana,    This question stems from walking our dog, where  the local neighbors have horses.  We like to take  them apples and carrots.  But, I am the owner of  two dogs and seven birds, and I know that I would  not like neighbors to feed my animals, especially  without my knowing.  While shopping at our local  grocery store, he mentioned buying sugarcubes.  I  asked for what, and he said for the horses.  I just mentioned that maybe that was not a good idea.  He just responded with  blah, blah, blah !  That us  California People  know nothing about  animals.  I find that so offensive, as I have   always had animals, I support all rescue efforts  in behalf of all creatures.  My family only adopts  homeless animals.  We sponsor the wild horses that  were rounded up and sent to Texas.  We support Red  Rover Rescue, and all local adoption agencies.  He  is a 57 year old man, from Iowa, born and raised  on a farm.  I am a 41 year old woman, from California, born and raised in the suburbs.  I am  willing to continue to learn about issues, where he seems totally unwilling to learn anything, es-  pecially from me.  Also, we have never met with  the owners of these horses, and know nothing about  their ages, health, diet etc..    Please let me know what you think and recommend.    Thank you.    Ronni  

Answer
Hi Ronni;

I've been on both ends of this issue:  feeding someone elses horses over the fence and having people feed my horses over the fence.  

Don't do it, UNTIL and UNLESS you speak to the owners.  Apples, carrots, sugarcubes, peppermints etc...aren't going to hurt a horse in and of themselves.  You sound like a sensible woman, so it's not an issue of 'overfeeding', but rather an issue of respecting someone else's property/animal.

Some horses are prone to 'choke' requiring food fed to them to be in very small pieces.  If you feed a horse peppermint, and it's on homeopathics, the peppermint will nullify the affects of the homeopathics.  Some people are adamant about their horses not being hand-fed, believing it makes horses nippy and biters.  

Put yourself in the shoes of the owner.  They see some stranger feeding 'something' to their horse.  They have no idea what your feeding.  They have no idea if you know anything about horses or not.  They would also be held responsible if that horse bit you and hurt you.

I don't mind if people give my horses treats, but I want to know who the people are and what they are giving so that I as the caretaker of that animal can insure that all parties stay safe and healthy and no bad habits develop with the horse.

On your next walk, go and introduce yourself to the owners of these horses and ask their permission to give treats.  Most I'm sure won't mind and all will appreciate that you asked first.

My only advice in regards to the gentlemen I have is: baseball bat upside the head.  :-)

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt
www.eq-paradise.com