posted 10-28-2003 05:39 PM           

I have always loved horses and although I do not have one, my neighbor just got an arabian yearling as a birthday present from her brother. The more I see, the more I think that she really has no idea how to take care of a horse. Because we share an easement (a portion of property that is our driveway) my parents were upset because you're not supposed to do anything with the property for 20 feet on each side. Well, they don't have much property so the fence comes right up to the driveway. It's hard to be mad about that when theres such a beautiful horse lookin' at you everytime you come home though :-) I guess my main problems are that the water bucket is very small, I never see the owner's out there, the fence is only 2 strips of electic fence with metal posts (not on) there has been no "scooping of poop" since they got the horse and the area is getting covered, I'm not sure the area is large enough, although they have started to construct a shelter- it has yet to be finished.... and, she's extremely lonely. I don't want to be a mean neighbor, but the horse looks miserable and I feel sorry for her.

I've searched for everything I can think of on the internet but I can find nothing on local equine laws. I live in Norvell township, michigan. How can I get the township involved? I guess I'm not sure who to contact.

I know this is jumbled- sorry

posted 10-29-2003 04:14 AM         

Does the horse have water in the bucket??
Do you see the horse being fed?
Is the horse put into a stable or have shelter during the night??
do they exercise the horse on a regular basis.

Its all well and good your friend having a horse but if they have no knowlegde or exerience with horses then really they should not own one as they are gonne cause harm to the horse or the horse could cause harm to others around it due to neglect..

If the answer to is no to the questions above it would be wise to either talk to your friend about your concerns if this does not help put your mind at ease, then i would call the animal welfare authority and ask for advice or call a local vet who will put you in touch with someone that maybe able to go round and check the horse over...

How old is your friend and has she had horses before as an Arab is not the best horse to own for a novice as they can be very highly strung and need experienced handling..

keep us posted on how things get on...