Ridding

LEMME TELL YOU A STORY. A couple weeks ago, we got new boarders in. New boarders have a very obese horse, and are feeding it sweet feed… but i digress. 

For 3 days, Pippin didn’t drink ANY water. The third day I came out 3x instead of my normal 2. Once to feed morning, once around 4ish to check to see if she had drunk anything (Very small amount), and again at 7 to feed supper. Pippin has two big water buckets in her paddock. It takes her 3-4 days to drink through all of them.

Regardless, I was concerned and was ready to call the vet. 

I show up, and the new boarders are filling Pippins water. I very calmly asked them to either not do that, or leave a note on the board, and explained I had been worried she wasn’t drinking anything and was on the verge of calling the vet. They told me she had been completely out of water. Said I was a horse abuser for not giving her water, that I was a horrible person, etc, etc. That is bullshit, I was there 3 hours earlier and BOTH were full.

ANYWAYS. Barn manager talked to them. Thought that was the end of it. Over the next few weeks I found they had been tossing Pippin flakes of hay. Normally I wouldn’t be too concerned, but they hadn’t asked and they feed third cut hay. Pippin can’t have anything more than 1st cut hay. She gets the runs. So, yesterday around 1pm I left a note on the board. the note says this: 

“Please don’t give Pippin any hay or grain without Alex’s permission. Pippin is intolerant to some things and is on a strict diet. Thanks, Alex :)”

WELL. The SPCA showed up today because “someone reported an underweight horse (2-3 on the body scale, ribs showing, hips sticking out, and spine visible). Described as a Chestnut Paint. Was also said the horse never has water.”

SPCA agreed it was completely uncalled for, my horse is at a good weight, is healthy, and they have absolutely no concerns.

Now. Obviously I can’t 100% say it was the new boarders… but the water comment was enough for me. This horse has NEVER run out of water. Been *low* (meaning 1/2 the bucket), but NEVER run out. I’m there 2x a day and check it 2x a day.

Too much of a coincidence in my mind. I’m beyond furious.