Hello,
I have many friends that have dogs and horses. They seem to have no problems with them getting along and are fine with the dogs running loose in the paddocks with horses grazing etc. I would just like to know how?? I am a nervous wreck just at the thought of letting them roam together but as my house is right next to my paddocks it would be lovely to be able to take the dogs over there with me without having to wait till the horses go in all the time. Am I just being over protective and should I do as everyone else does and let them get on with it??  Your opinions please.

Hi Guest,

I suppose it really depends on the dog and the horses, whether the dog is used to horses and vice versa.  We used to have horses and I remember one GSD near the farm where I kept my horse that used to grab hold of my horses tail if it could, fortunately my horse didn't mind.  I also know of a Springer Spaniel that lived round the corner from my house and its owner let it off lead in a field of horses and one of the horses kicked out at the springer and knocked it unconcious and nearly killed it.  Fortunately the dog was rushed to the vets and was okay.  If dogs chase and bother horses then there is always the danger they will kick them.

Hi,
I have horses and dogs. My horses are not bothered by dogs at all. My old dog was a rough collie and tried to round the horses up quite happily for ages. (not that the horses ever took any notice of her!) I sadly lost her last year and bought a new puppy the begining of the year. I was very nervous about letting her loose with the horses just the sheer size difference one kick and that would be it, but the pup could have so much fun and freedom if i could sort it out so i started slowly by having the pup on a lead round the field then in the field with the horses. This is always a good safe way to see how the horses will react also to the dog. she was never really that interested in them. The only time she would notice them is if they roll or canter round the field but if your dog has a good recall it shouldnt be a problem. I think most dogs have a good natural instinct around horses and are quick at reading there body language especially if they have been introduced as puppies.
Hope this helps.

Hmmm. I have horses and dogs. I would not be happy with someone elses dog running around them without checking first. I only let Phoebe in the field with us and the neds because she is quick enough to get out the way if Splash (dominant gelding) decides to charge at her. Willis is not allowed in - he was booted by Maddie (pony) for getting to close and not backing off. But then mine are danes and more of a threat - I have been out riding before and someones terrier decided it would be more fun to come for a hack with us between my horses legs than go with his owners LOL :D :D horses didn't bat an eyelid :D

All my dogs have been indifferent to horses so when we visited my friend to collect some manure we drove our Landie into the field with her pony and heavy piebald horse, Freddie.  My Cocker just ran about ignoring them but I was worried that my Dandie would not be agile enough to dodge them so we popped her in to the cab and pushed the door up.  Freddie strolled over nosed the door open and pushed his enormous head into the cab.  Poor Nellies eyes were out on stalks :D
Freddie is a bit naughty all round he once got stuck trying to get his great bulk out the side door of their horse box!

Poor Nellie! *chuckles at mental picture* :D One of mine would have had a fit of the vapours! :D :D :D