Feeding apples

[horses4lf]

Hey again guys!
I have a question about feeding apples.:p
At my school there are horses just up the road. After school some of the children feed the horses apples every day on there way there and back from school. Sometimes its more than two apples a day for the horses, would you like this??

[Daffy Dilly]

I don't like anybody feeding my horse without permission.

The horse could be a biter, where titbits encourage the biting, or it could induce an illness of some description.

Of course it's a lovely that the kids care, but it could be really dangerous, for the ponies or the kids.

[*Sez*]

Some horses must have their food monitored. My friend's horse is allergic to carrots (of all things!) and gets really very ill when fed them.
Personally, it really winds me up when people feed my horse because "he's thin" (he's MEANT to be that shape :rolleyes:) or if he's stabled, he starts begging for attention by weaving and nodding. He's learnt that this behaviour brings treats and fuss, but he always ALWAYS stops when people walk away and ignore him.

What would the children do if a bolshy pony joined the herd and started biting the other horses and children who got in the way of treats? A horse-bite can leave a pretty spectacular bruise (I have sported many :p).

I would go and see someone at your school (preferably a horsey teacher :D) and explain your concerns, including that it may lead to a law suit against the owner should a child be injured. See if you can't have someone mention in the school newsletter (if you have one) or assembly why they shouldn't be feeding someone else's animals.

[chunky monkey]

I don't think it will do the horse any harm if there only getting 2 or 3 a day, but if there getting more than this each then it could be cause for concern as too many can give the horse gut ache.

I have to remember that theres an old guy comes up and feeds my horse every day with 2 or 3 carrots, I just have to factor this in when I'm feeding. But the guys been doing it for years and I don't think he'll stop now.

Perhaps a note could be hung on the fence to ask the children not to fed the horse. Maybe explaining why, so that if parents read the notice they can explain to there children, and teach them the rights and wrongs.

[horses4lf]

cool thanks for your opinions:D
Thanks again
Sarah xxxx