My concern for a horse.

[VVC-Geeza]

There is horse in a field in a village on the outskirts of Derby. The field is next to a main road and contained by a dry stone wall about 4 feet in height.I drive past this field 3-4 times a week and each time this animal has a coat on and a partial hood covering it's eyes. I can't help but think how awful it must be to stand for hours,possibly all week without being able to see anything.Today the poor thing was shaking itself in the hot weather as if trying to dislodge the hood.There may be a good reason for this hood but I can't think what it would
be. It looks well cared for otherwise and the coat and hood match.Have we got any horse riders on here who would like to comment?The road which passes this field is a major A road into Derby,so thousands of people use it every day. I'm sure many others drivers must be thinking the same,but nobody seems to be doing anything.Anyone know of a horse society who I could check this out with?

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

There is horse in a field in a village on the outskirts of Derby. The field is next to a main road and contained by a dry stone wall about 4 feet in height.I drive past this field 3-4 times a week and each time this animal has a coat on and a partial hood covering it's eyes. I can't help but think how awful it must be to stand for hours,possibly all week without being able to see anything.Today the poor thing was shaking itself in the hot weather as if trying to dislodge the hood.There may be a good reason for this hood but I can't think what it would
be. It looks well cared for otherwise and the coat and hood match.Have we got any horse riders on here who would like to comment?The road which passes this field is a major A road into Derby,so thousands of people use it every day. I'm sure many others drivers must be thinking the same,but nobody seems to be doing anything.Anyone know of a horse society who I could check this out with?

It's quite possible its a fly hood to keep the flies away from the horses eyes. All of my daughters have them on when they are out on grass as a rule

[macafee2]

Would the RSPCA be any help?

macafee2

[VVC-Geeza]

Originally Posted by Rogue

It's quite possible its a fly hood to keep the flies away from the horses eyes. All of my daughters have them on when they are out on grass as a rule

Yes it's that type of thing but Khaki in colour and looks solid.That looks more of a gauze which can be seen through.


Ian

I had thought of the RSPCA but wondered if a dedicated horse organisation may respond quicker and better more informed.

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

Yes it's that type of thing but Khaki in colour and looks solid.That looks more of a gauze which can be seen through.


Ian

I had thought of the RSPCA but wondered if a dedicated horse organisation may respond quicker and better more informed.

There are all sorts of them, i just posted that to see if that is that was the sort of thing you had seen. I doubt anything is wrong in this case especially as you say the animal looks in good condition otherwise but the RSPCA would normally be the first port of call if you have any concerns.

Even ones like below the horse can still see through them with no issues

[VVC-Geeza]

Originally Posted by Rogue

There are all sorts of them, i just posted that to see if that is that was the sort of thing you had seen. I doubt anything is wrong in this case especially as you say the animal looks in good condition otherwise but the RSPCA would normally be the first port of call if you have any concerns.

Even ones like below the horse can still see through them with no issues

That looks very similar.It was there again earlier so I stopped for a closer look,there appears to be patch areas where the eyes are but didn't look like gauze.Its head kept going down to eat grass and each time it came back up,it shook it. Looked uncomfortable to say the least.

[Rogue]

They might annoy them a little however i would dare to venture that it is far less than the irritation caused by flies attracted by the moisture around their eyes.

[VVC-Geeza]

Originally Posted by Rogue

They might annoy them a little however i would dare to venture that it is far less than the irritation caused by flies attracted by the moisture around their eyes.

Thanks for your help and insight with this,,I am sure you are correct.This field is in a prominent location by a busy main road so I would have thought others would have taken action if there were anything amiss.No doubt other horse owners have passed by and noticed it as it is a rural area.I just wish I knew for certain that it could see out.

[Rogue]

No worries.. Many years of reluctant experience with the things with an ex missus having 7 of them at one point and a daughter that competes at a national level.
Personally i think they are an expensive way to convert grass into manure

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

... each time this animal has a coat on ... Today the poor thing was shaking itself in the hot weather ...

Hi Mick,

The hood has been discussed but not the presence of a coat in yesterday's hot summer temperatures. Isn't that an indicator that the horse isn't receiving the care it deserves?

You asked about a horse society. A quick Google search produced the British Horse Society which says:
"If you have personally seen a horse that you are concerned about, please contact the Welfare team. All reports are fully confidential."

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

I'm sure many others drivers must be thinking the same, but nobody seems to be doing anything.

Gandhi said: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world".

Simon