I moved to Gilbert to share life with my equine and have access to miles of dirt roads. The sad reality is these dirt roads are populated by dog owners who do not abide by the Lexington County law mandating all dogs be leashed or under the control of the owner. My horses are barked at, rushed by dogs (and often packs of dogs) and there is even one home where the dog stalks us from behind - hiding until we are past then launching his attack. I am happy to say my horses usually handle this well, but Cayce has spooked and tried to turn and bolt - in harness. If you think riding a spooking horse is scary - try being behind one who is jumping and running for his life encumbered by traces and shafts. I would not be on the road with either of mine if I didnt believe in them - and I am very proud of their good behavior. But the issue is - I should not have to be enduring loose dogs coming at me or my horses on a public roads - especially in a county that has already created a law against this. This past week, a dear Pony Pal was rushed by three dogs on a road we have safely traveled many times. This time her exceptionally well mannered pleasure horse panicked. Though my Pony Pals come in all age ranges - there are some of us considered of a certain age. We ride calm, well mannered, seasoned horses because coming off unexpectedly is harder and harder on us. Yes, we accept the inherent danger of riding/driving equine - and we are doing our part to ensure our safety. But our neighbors are NOT doing their part in controlling their dogs. I would love to take Merle and my GrandPuppy, Pancho, carriage riding - but cant. Too many dogs along the paths we would drive. Recently, in Aiken County, fellow driver, Muffy Seaton, lost three of her beloved miniature horses to loose dogs. Sadly, those arent the only horses brought down by loose dogs. Those of us who love our equine, who do all we can to provide them the most optimal care we can - can you imagine the horrific heartbreak of seeing what is left of your treasured equine after a dog attack? Can you imagine the pain we feel - how we feel we have let our equid partners down? Failed to protect them? Muffy lost THREE of her team of four that she drove. How do you start over with a broken heart? I realize how stretched all law enforcement is - and none of us want to be that witchy neighbor who has to call the law on our neighbors - but how do we prevent these tragedies?
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:54:39 +0000
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