Kids and horses

[Doberman's]

My nieghbours kids love our horses. They are always here at least 2 out of the three. I do not have older horses all of mine are youngsters with the oldest being 5 yrs old and not trained for children to ride. Thes ekids of course want to ride our horses but I have told them we do not have horses trained for kids. I can however lead them around on the one or two of them, PLUS they have not horse experience.

This past Sat, the 7 yr old, who I have told time and time and time again not to walk around the back of a horse unless you make a wide girth around the back. Well she startled a boarders horse who use to be mine and got kicked. The horse didn't know she was there and when the child made a quick pass behind him he reacted and kicked her , hitting her in the stomach and leg.

Of course I was horrified and ran to the child and asked her what happened, she told me in between tears and screams. It was terrible. I had her sister go get her father and they took her to the hospital where she had some tests and she is ok other then being bruised. It could have been much worse.

I need advice, how do I tell her I do not want her here ???? She is going to get badly hurt, she doesn't listen to me and it is almost as if *** I *** am suppose to have time to watch them and get my work done with the horses. I do not ask they come here, they come on their own accord. If the young one would listen and stay out of the way then I would not have much of an issue but she does whatever she wants and that is why she got kicked on Sat. I can't understand why their parents do not see the danger here.

Any advice ??? It was NOT the horses fault.Her parents do not blame me but that is not the point.

[MrsRottie]

Poor You :( I sympathise totally - one of my son's friends cut his head badly at mine, it was a nightmare.

I think you have to sit this little girl down and tell her in no uncertain terms that she must stay away unless she is asked because of the danger. Point out that you told her it would happen if she didn't listen, and that you can't take the risk anymore, otherwise her Mum and Dad might get cross with you, and if that happens then she won't ever get to see the horses again....
Maybe try and structure it - if she stays away all week then on a Saturday you could lead her round on the horse for a half hour? (LOL sorry not trying to sugn you up for babysitting)
7 year olds are cool with deals. If they get something out of it then usually they will agree (I'm no expert tho!)

And have no fear of getting cross with her. If she doesn't do what she's told, treat her as you would if she were your own - give her a sharp telling off. I find it difficult to 'discipline' other peoples kids. But I came to the conclusion that if they're at my house then they work by my rules or don't come back... I shouldn't imagine her parents will mind - they seem pretty cool, and at the end of the day they won't want her getting hurt anymore than you do.

Good Luck,
Jane

[MaryGrace]

Yes, it's not your fault. :)

[Taeric]

I'm not sure how liability runs in your needs of the woods, but around here, landowners are considered pretty much at fault for anything that happens on their property be it their fault or not. On the ridiculous end of the spectrum, a burgler once successfully sued a homeowner when he got stuck in their garage for like three days when trying to rob the house; on the serious end of things, people get sued all of the time for kids getting injured in swimming pools, even when the kids were not invited and had to open a gate latched from the inside to get to the pool. It's a very scary thing when you can be held accountable for things that are not remotely your fault.

If things are similar up your way, you only choice is to keep the kids away unless an adult is present at all times. Sad but true. Education is the true answer to the problem, but it sounds like you've provided good instruction that the child isn't yet capable of absorbing.

Regardless of the liability aspect of things, I would discuss the situation with the parents and express your very serious concerns about their child being around your horses unattended. Maybe an easy solution will present itself out of the conversation, saving you the pain of having to really put your foot down.

[Doberman's]

Thank you, I am going to talk to them soon.

Liability around here can be an issue but in Canada the laws are a bit different then in the USA. They can't sue you for as much money :D But as in the States if the child or anyone for that matter is hurt on your property YOU are liable for it, silly as that is.

I am probably going to have to ask she not come here unless invited and when I have time to actually watch over her. I don't most of the time. I have to work horses and train the younger ones, so I have my hands full.