I have boarded with this facility before... I was not surprised to find that it was the same barn I thought it was when first reading this thread.. Based on my experiences, it was only a matter of time.
What I would like to remind everyone, especially those that board their horses under "full board", is to check on your horses... At least once a month.. I realize how convenient it is to have someone else taking care of them but when you don't take the time to check on your own, your horse could end up in the same situation.
I admit, I did this for a short time.. Paid full board and checked on my horse every now and then. But one day she told me there was a problem. I learned that she was being put into her stall and beaten, not with a crop but with a whip. This was by another party that helped the barn manager but did not own a horse of her own. I spoke with the manager and told him I couldn't stay. I moved her to another place that very weekend. Luckily, my horse wasn't physically injured but it took months to get her used to a lunge whip again without being scared. That was the LAST time I did "full board".
NOTE: This was the same barn although it was under a different manager...
Sometimes it may be a boarder that doesn't like your horse, or maybe doesn't like you. All I'm asking is you check on your horses or have someone you are close, check on them if you can't... Remember, you know your horse better than anyone and if they are trying to communicate a problem, you are more likely to pick up on that than anyone. And trust me, if you know your horse, they will try to tell you.. All you need to do is just to listen and think it through.
Most often times, you will figure it out. Just think like they do!
June
