Comments on: Stable Advice: Theft at the Boarding Stable

By: Liz

Liz — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 09:27:14 +0000

When I read this month’s Stable Advice column, I felt I should respond because no one bothered to mention what I thought might be the reason for the theft: maybe the thief is having financial difficulties. It is not easy to admit to anyone (even close friends) that you have been fired or laid off from your job or are just having a tough time making ends meet. I am not saying it was right to steal what didn’t belong to them, but perhaps there is a compelling reason for this. I am concerned about the barn owner’s attitude about security. Does this person keep a horse on the property as well? No one can ever afford to be complacent about keeping horses and their owner’s equipment safe. Maybe it would be a good idea to try and find a different boarding facility.
I too, have been a victim of barn theft ( I had a pair of reins stolen from our “tack shack”, even though there was a security alarm on the door. I knew right away that it had to be one of my fellow boarders. I never did find out who the guilty party was, but I can tell you that from then on I never kept my tack (or any other horse supplies for that matter) at this stable again, and, if fact, moved to a different location not long after the theft took place.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 12:52:25 +0000

I think that you should ask your barn manager to install cameras in the barns main aisle.

By: Candace

Candace — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 04:19:18 +0000

You know this isn’t a small matter! I have gone through this at every barn! Every time! It doesn’t just hurt my wallet, it hurts my having to be suspicious of every one. Food is not cheap. My family is first! I have certain people around me oh you can’t lock your horse stuff up because periodically we need to search for drugs if that ain’t the most Cocken bull I’v ever heard. Listen I’m one of many horse people that help others, but don’t take from my family!!. A mother bear is one of the most protective of her cubs! Stealer’s beware!!

By: Brooke

Brooke — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 05:14:35 +0000

If all the borders are as close as you say, try calling a barn meeting with everyone present, including the owner. There, everyone can voice their concerns about the thief, and anything else that has been weighing on their mind in a peaceful setting. Talk about the possibility of stronger security while everyone is there and how you could make it happen (with personal locks on feed, tools, etc.). You and your barn family will likely reach a happy conclusion and who knows, the their may even turn themselves in when they hear how badly they have affected people!

By: Donna Lee

Donna Lee — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 03:06:24 +0000

Years ago I boarded my horse at a small stable, I was lucky that we did not have the type of issues that you describe. I have to wonder if one of the boarders is experiencing financial difficulties and may be embarrassed to ask for help. My suggestion would be to try as a group to determine if this is the situation and maybe as a group you can offer some advise and help. I have always found that “horse folk” in general are very helpful, caring people. I hate the idea of having to lock stuff up, it gives the immediate impression of being suspicious and non trusting, I like the honor system much more. Good luck to you

By: Emma

Emma — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 11:38:57 +0000

It is a serious problem, but not serious enough to involve the police. It might be best to try and figure out what time the thefts are happening, and look at other’s horses to see if one might be plump or especially hot. Maybe team up with your fellow boarders to find a solution- but if one of them is thieving, maybe the best way would be to protect your food. Once yours is protected, either with a lock or other method, then you can go on to help the others. If one of them gets upset, just explain that you have to protect your own feed because it’s for your horse.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 10:03:08 +0000

It might be hard to figure out who the thief is. Instead, protect your own feed. See if you can install a lock on your feed stall, with your stable manager’s permission, of course. If not, store your feed and hay in locked storage containers and smaller items in locked drawers. Tell other boarders to do the same. This will discourage any future thefts. Who knows, the thief may just be a hungry horse!

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 21:33:27 +0000

Personally, I wouldn’t put up with any kind of drama in my happy place. If you are unhappy with anything and the people in charge are unwilling to help, then it’s time to move on to greener pastures before bigger issues arise.

By: MS

MS — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 21:24:37 +0000

I’m not sure why things can’t be locked but what about a cheap security camera?
And if most people are in agreement it seems you could work together to figure out the culprit.
Even though there’s not a stable nearby the thief may be from outside. How about reporting this to the police? Theft is a crime and even if they can’t figure out who’s responsible it may scare them into stopping.

By: Bevelry Hubbard

Bevelry Hubbard — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 10:08:20 +0000

I had a feed thief at a farm I used to lease. The thief leased the property over the fence and our mutual landlord didn’t want to get involved, so I got chains and padlocks to put on my feed cans. I fed round bales, so that was not an issue. I also found another place to board as the neighbors were ugly in other ways. I’d agree with the folks suggesting locking the stalls. Ultimately, it’ll be easy to find out who the thief is. I had my hay disappear at a self-care facility and noticed that another boarder’s three bales never diminished. That and the fact that she was going around bragging about it: “She’s such an airhead, she probably doesn’t even notice she’s missing the hay!” I confronted her with: “I’m not stupid, you’re a thief. These are your options: Pay me for the hay you stole, replace it, or I call the sheriff. Everyone you insulted me to is willing to talk.” I got my hay replaced a few days later. Good luck, I hope you can resolve this and not have to move.