Sooo cross!

[CurlewKate]

I've just had a call from the manager of the yard asking if I can ring this woman. My DD's old pony is living out a very happy retirement there-she's an Arab and nearly 30 so she's naturally looking a bit thin, but she's leading a happy life and the vet looks at her every time he comes to the yard. She has regular dentist and farrier appointments too. As soon as the vet says it's time, we'll make the decision but he doesn't think it'll be soon. She eats well, enjoys the company of 2 other old ponies and comes rushing up to the fence whenever she sees us to demand a carrot. But this woman says she's going to report the yard to the RSPCA because she's "obviously being starved" Obviously I'll talk to her, but I don't want the yard to be reported-they are brilliant. I was thinking of putting a sign on her field explaining about her- would that be a good idea do you think? Sorry about the wall of text-I am soooooo cross!

I would be so cross too. Obviously the mature thing to do is phone and explain in a friendly manner. I’d be tempted to ring and say ‘be my guest’. The rspca, even if they do turn up, will soon see she is well cared for.
I’m guessing this is someone who doesn’t have a huge amount of experience and is just a bit naive.

If it was my yard I'd love to do that-but it wouldn't be fair on the yard owner, even though all her other lovely shiny big bottomed cobs would do her credit!

I can’t see what you talking to her is going to do . Lots of elderly horses / ponies end up looking a bit like hat stands but I can’t see her believing that , she will think it’s an excuse . The only thing that might work is getting the vet to speak to her but why should you . I’d let her do her worst and maybe call the RSPCA yourself and tell them that you are being harassed by someone who thinks your elderly horse is neglected and get them to call her .

I doubt the rspca will bother. Their bar seems to be having access to water. It's getting chillier I'd just stick a rug on her to stop the busy bodies. Glad she's having such a lovely retirement