Right of Way, Horse & Dog

[Beastiee]

I'll try to keep this short.

I've got a dog, he's always on a lead when we're out. I live rurally, the field next to my garden is the only route to reach any public footpaths to walk my dog. The field has a public right of way across it as it's on a designated national trail.

It's owned by a neighbour who has just put a horse on the land. My dog has no reaction whatsoever to horses, he ignores all livestock. The horse he's put on the field is clearly agitated by my dog, as I try to walk across the field (I pick my time, when the horse is the furthest away) the horse will run up and sniff at the dog's back end and sort of push him, I'm assuming this is a warning of 'get away'.

Again, my dog ignores totally as I swiftly walk across the field, but the horse will follow and keep pushing him until we're out the gate. It's happened twice now.

Obviously I don't want the dog, or me, to get kicked/attacked by the horse so I can't walk across the field again to risk it - would I be unreasonable to tell the owner his horse is causing an issue? Neighbour has form for being difficult.

Tricky one. There are public rights of way that go through cattle fields too and it's usually a case of at your own risk when you have a dog with you. I'm not sure how I'd play this really 😕

I don't think you'll have a leg to stand on, the horse hasn't done anything but show curiosity
They'll probably get used to each other in time

It's difficult isn't it?

He's entitled to keep a horse on his land.
I'm entitled to walk across the field.

I don't feel that one trumps the other, but I'm absolutely gutted if I've lost my dog walking route. There's just no alternative route whatsoever.

Dangerous risk to take, though.

I would mention this to the owner. It doesnt sound like a safe situation having a horse who is so bothered by dogs that it would approach them from far away when the are on a lead, living in a field with a public right of way and the horse, a dog or an owner could get hurt.

Our horses will follow the walkers/dogs the whole way across the field. They wont be aggressive but if it makes somebody uncomfortable that's not our issue. if a horse was going to attach your dog (which would be rare) it wouldn't be biding its time.

The owner of the field could fence off the footpath, that's what a local horse rescue did. It worked perfectly, the horses could come and have a stroke and sniff the dog but there was a barrier between them.

That's very helpful to have your view. How do you know they won't be aggressive? And when you say it's not your issue if it makes someone uncomfortable, is that because you know the horse won't 'attack', or you don't care if it does?

With your knowledge and experience, if you have advice or reassurance that this horse isn't at risk of being upset/attacking then that would be appreciated. I don't want to stress a horse, either.

What is the reason your dog is always on a lead when out on walks? If he is as you say and ignores horses and other livestock, in the situation you describe I would be inclined to let him off the lead just to cross the field with the horse in it. Then if the horse approaches him he can run ahead and it minimises the risk of either of you being hurt.

Obviously not an option if he has no recall though.

Very few public footpaths run along a field boundary though. You can't expect them to fence it both sides and loose a significant amount of grazing space. It just doesn't work.

On a practical level you could speak to the landowner and see if they have any ideas or if you can walk the field boundary.
If not take a spare rope with you and just swing it in circles to either side of you. Don't hit the horse or go close to it but just make yourself as big as possible and they will generally respect your space.
If the horses ears are flat back that would be a concern as that would indicate they really are not happy and may bite or kick but don't be afraid of pushing them out of your space. They will soon learn not to bother you.

He's a dog. He's pretty bombproof but in my opinion you can never say never. He's off lead in the garden and in secure areas, but I'd never let him off lead in public, especially with farmer's livestock around.

The horror, person putting a horse in a field they rent/own. Keep your dog away from it

@TodayInahurry she's on a public right of way so she isn't trespassing 🤷🏻‍♀️

Pinkywoo · Today 11:16
The owner of the field could fence off the footpath, that's what a local horse rescue did. It worked perfectly, the horses could come and have a stroke and sniff the dog but there was a barrier between them”

As the owner of the horse, that’s what I would do.

It would be very rare for a horse without a foal at foot to feel aggressive towards a dog who is not chasing etc. Clearly I cant say 100% for sure though.

Our horses just want attention most of the time so just plod along behind the walkers hoping for an apple to magically plop out a pocket.

Look out for whether the horse has there ears pricked forward (generally a sign of relaxed/happy) or pinned back (sign of stress/anger).

The fact your dog seems disinterested is a good sign. I imagine the horse will get bored after a few walks.

But what about the bag of grain?

It's just a curious horse greeting you! Hardly a wild mustang!

Just carry on walking calmly as your agitation will pass to your dog.

This is so helpful, thank you. The horse's ears were forward, he was nuzzling at me first so I gave him a pet - and he was trying to get into my dog-walk pouch, assume looking for treats? Then his attention was on the dog.

Walking the field boundary seems an option, you can have a conversation on the basis you don't want to alarm the horse.

Dog on lead seems sensible to me.

Fair enough. My dog is usually off lead when on walks but if we walk through fields with livestock she goes back on. In your situation and a horse were approaching and nudging her, I would be letting her off to allow her to move through the field more quickly. Releasing your dog is actually the advice given in situations where you are approached by animals and feel threatened (obviously not advisable if they are prone to chase or aggression).

@TodayInahurry

How? Did you read the post? It’s the horse coming up to the dog

It doesn't sound like the horse is being aggressive, just curious and friendly. Whatever you do don't feed it. If its started nuzzling at your pockets it might be that people have been feeding it treats, and that behaviour can escalate into tearing at your clothing. Discourage it that the same way you would a dog - a firm 'no' and push its head away.

If your going to be obnoxious at least read the first post. The dog isn't approaching the horse.

@Beastiee if the horses ears were forward then yes they were most likely curious and probably wandering what you were doing in their field!

The more you walk the field the less interesting you will become and give it a week or so they will probably just ignore you. Don't give them food or you will never get rid of them!

I enter the field when the horse is furthest away, and it's a public footpath. The horse approaches and follows us. How dare we exist though, right.