Dogs and Horses
@janemarie (33)
United Kingdom
November 15, 2016 10:38am CST
Walking my dogs on the fields at the back of where I live is one of the highlights of my day. It was quite warm this morning but half way round I saw there were a couple of horses. Of course my little furry boy Carl wants to investigate but I stopped him straight away and called him back. Should I have let him and the horse meet up and make friends, or do you think the horse would have kicked my poor Carl over to the other side of the field?
2 people like this
4 responses
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
15 Nov 16
It very much depends on the horse (and the dog, of course). I doubt whether the horse would have kicked your dog (unless he had gone within the reach of the horse's hind legs) but the horse might well not be used to dogs and especially strange dogs, however friendly. I think you were wise to keep Carl away.
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@janemarie (33)
• United Kingdom
15 Nov 16
That is what was in my mind Owlwings, what if Carl had gone near to the horses hind legs and got kicked to oblivion. I wouldn't hold it against the horse, but I would feel terribly guilty if my Carl had of got hurt. I reckon those hooves could give a right old wack and my poor Carl would end up very dazed! Horrible thing to say though, if it had of happened it could have looked quite funny!
1 person likes this
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
15 Nov 16
@janemarie I sometimes shock myself by seeing the hilarious side of dire situations, too! Unless you know the horse (and it's owner), it's best to keep dogs and horses at a safe distance from each other.
Horses are generally sensitive and gentle creatures but they are often wary of dogs (and people) that they don't know, so it's best to keep them apart.
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@janemarie (33)
• United Kingdom
15 Nov 16
and he is only a wee pup too! Well, maybe a bit more than a pup, more like the naughty toddler stage. Into everything. But he was a very good boy for doing as he was told. I think he can tell if I really mean something by the tone of my voice. I'm taking a ball tomorrow so the two of them can play with that, just in case we can't walk all the way round.
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@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
15 Nov 16
Horses can be friendly towards dogs @janemarie . Once the horse sniffs at the dog, that will determine whether the horse wants to be friendly or not. I think Carl would probably take off running first though.
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@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
15 Nov 16
It was probably good to call him back, no telling how the horses would have reacted. Most horses like to be approached slowly. I think you did good for sure.
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@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
15 Nov 16
@janemarie Exactly. Normally horses are pretty good with dogs, but it is better to be cautious
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@janemarie (33)
• United Kingdom
15 Nov 16
I think so too Felicia, its a bit of a worry not knowing how the horse would react! There isn't really time to make introductions on a dog walk, especially when you have two to watch.
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