Eventer29
New Member
Last weekend I went to WVA near Cannan Valley. We drove by the "facilities" for the Timberline guided trail rides. The family I was with was telling me about the bad conditions and the poor shape the horses were in. I had to laugh a little as they told me how the poor horses were left out in the snow without jackets on all winter. I tried to explain that horses do not NEED blankets or to be kept locked up inside in the winter as long as they have an adequate shelter. I wasnt impressed with the facility, but dont think there was anything horrible looking. No tractor/car parts in the turnout which was a bit muddy, but it had rained a bit and they did have some grassy turnout too.
What got me the most was the condition of the horses I saw being ridden. We were eating dinner at the ski lodge and the group of riders rides up and ties the horses to the railing with their reins. The horses looked thin and wormy. Some hadnt had farrier work for a while, others hooves looked ok. Most of the horses needed 50-100+ lbs put on them. The only one in decent weight was a small draft which had a 300lb guy riding it in what looked like a large youth sized saddle. Poor guy and poor horse! Out of the 10 or so horses maybe 2 of the saddles fit decently. The others the saddles were sitting right on their bony withers. Most of the bits were curb bits hanging down in/near the horse's teeth.
One of the women I was with was having a fit. Mainly because the riders all came in to get a drink but the horses got no water while they were standing there. A stop at a trough would have been nice for the tired beasties. She was threatening to call animal control. I tried to tell her that If their animal control up there is anything like most other places there isnt really anything they would/could do. The horses were not completely starved. Yes they could have a lot better care. But I told her I doubted anything would be done about it. We did (mainly her, she has a big mouth) complain to the guy acting as the trail guide. And I think she made some threats about calling AC on them.
Are all Guided trail ride places like this one? I would think they money they make could go into a little better care for the horses. Or at least they could check tack fit?? Of course most of the pictures you see in brochures you see decent looking to fat horses looking like they might actually be enjoying their rides.
Ok lil vent over!
What got me the most was the condition of the horses I saw being ridden. We were eating dinner at the ski lodge and the group of riders rides up and ties the horses to the railing with their reins. The horses looked thin and wormy. Some hadnt had farrier work for a while, others hooves looked ok. Most of the horses needed 50-100+ lbs put on them. The only one in decent weight was a small draft which had a 300lb guy riding it in what looked like a large youth sized saddle. Poor guy and poor horse! Out of the 10 or so horses maybe 2 of the saddles fit decently. The others the saddles were sitting right on their bony withers. Most of the bits were curb bits hanging down in/near the horse's teeth.
One of the women I was with was having a fit. Mainly because the riders all came in to get a drink but the horses got no water while they were standing there. A stop at a trough would have been nice for the tired beasties. She was threatening to call animal control. I tried to tell her that If their animal control up there is anything like most other places there isnt really anything they would/could do. The horses were not completely starved. Yes they could have a lot better care. But I told her I doubted anything would be done about it. We did (mainly her, she has a big mouth) complain to the guy acting as the trail guide. And I think she made some threats about calling AC on them.
Are all Guided trail ride places like this one? I would think they money they make could go into a little better care for the horses. Or at least they could check tack fit?? Of course most of the pictures you see in brochures you see decent looking to fat horses looking like they might actually be enjoying their rides.
Ok lil vent over!
Let's start with some of the biatchy office staff everyone complains about.
a horsey tread. These women will kick my ass. 
