There is a very novice rider who I let ride my Shire on occasion. My guess is that she’s been on a horse a dozen times in her whole life. I was tied up this passed weekend and she couldn't come over. A friend offered to let her ride and put her on a 3 year old stud. So tonight she gets out of the hospital. This is the kinda stuff that gets me hot. I would never under any circumstances put a novice on a 3 year old stud. This gives all horse owner’s a black eye.

Mike,

There are so many idiots out there that it doesn't even warrant my time to figure out what was going on in their heads or even if there is a brain in there... to put a novice on a 3 yr old, and then on top of that, a stud. Yes, there are some really mellow 3 yr olds, but they are far and few between.

In my opinion, who ever set this novice up for failure in no way gives me a black eye, and nor does it reflect on you.

Yes, I am a horse owner, but I am not accountable for the stupidity of others. Owning a horse does not make me accountable for other horse owners actions.

Mike, from all of your posts, it is my opinion that you do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, but please, don't feel this reflects on horse owners. And even worse, it sure doesn't reflect on you.

Even though I as a horse owner cannot be responsible for other people's stupidity, I think it does put a bad taste in the mouth of a lot of people simply because it's the bad stories that they remember. I have a friend that I taught to ride this summer, and she loves horses, but her dad is scared of them. He counseled a couple who's daughter was killed in a horse accident, and he's just heard of bad situations where people have gotten hurt. I think the biggest thing is knowing your horse AND knowing the rider. I have an 11 year old mare who is a broke as ever could be, but there are riders who claim to have experience that I wouldn't put on her - and she wouldn't hurt a fly. Another thing is the rider's level of sense. I know some people who have experience with horses that I wouldn't trust at all in a difficult situation, and I know others with far less experience who would be much more trustworthy to respond in the right manner.

Don't beat yourself up over it Mike, you had no control in the situation that happened.
I can only echo what CRH wrote. You're good person with a good heart, so chin up, it wasn't any fault of yours.