Great Disappointment - posted 6th November 2006
Please find below a copy of a comment I posted on my
initial loanee's Blog which will give you some understanding as to why Sky was recovered from this 'Loanee'.
Below this is copy of a secondary post (in black type) which I put on her sight as well.
I initially came across Tish via the BHS Website and put in considerable
time and effort via email, phone calls, texts and meeting to ensure that I was putting Sky into good hands. I also regularly
visited Sky at his new home and during the 1st six visits, only ever saw Tish once and that was with prior arrangement.
During his time with Tish, Sky always looked in good
health and he had one small pony for companionship but was predominently on 24hr grazing with very little exercise/work. This
was not what had been agreed between us nor what was written into our Loan Agreement.
After 2 months, I found Sky was putting on quite a 'grass belly' and losing
muscle. Although I as the owner had never claimed to fully work Sky, he was always exercised at least 3 days a week, schooled
or hacked out 1 - 2 times a week and turned out daily for approx 8hrs per day. When I discovered his work/exercise was at
a minimum (virtually nothing), I decided to check things out deeper and realised that all was NOT what it seemed.
Despite the fact that Tish had had Sky for 3 months
in total, I had only ever seen her ride him once and that was when she came to view him at my yard. She assured me that the
lack of facilities directly one 'her yard' (this comprised of 2 stables, approx 10 acres and many bridleways - rented) would
be offset by the fact of suitable schooling facilities within 10-20 minutes of her which she would be taking Sky to. I tried
on various occassions to make appointments with her to actually see her working/riding him but only ever saw other people
on his back.
Having said all the above,
I'm very pleased to say that after such a bad experience and start, I have now found an alternative Loanee who within 4 weeks
managed to take Sky Cubbing, Cross-country and to his first Show Jumping show.
Cubbing he thoroughly enjoyed. XC he found confusing until he jumped the water jump and then he
was away and absolutely loving it and although he never won anything at the show jumping, he managed to jump a total of 10
x 3ft fences and only had one refusal........ I'm so proud of my boy and my new Loanee, she's everything I had initially wished
for.
Although this has had a happy conclusion and I have found a wonderful Loanee
who adores my horse, I would just like to warn all you potential loan owners out there to be extremely careful and thoroughly
check out your potential loanee's before allowing your horse to move yards. I fortunately was not loaning Sky due to financial
worries. I merely wanted my young horse to progress into things and levels which I knew I was not to person to take him to.
I have learnt a bitter lesson but I will not be so naive again!
Good luck to anyone else taking these steps and please DO choose your loanees
carefully.
Copy
comment posted on original Loanee's Blog by Sky's Owner
Just to update you all out there! I am the owner of
Sky's the Limit and have been greatly disturbed since loaning Sky to Tish. So-much-so, that I started to check up on her so-called
'credentials'. Not only has she consistently lied to me about her capabilities & experience, she has not even carried
out a small part of her original contract to loan Sky since day one.
I have constantly kept a check on his welfare
and it's fair to say that he's not been badly kept but he has not had even a sample of the intended "training" which was agreed
prior to the loan agreement.
After approx 2 months I was very suspicious and started to track all texts & emails
plus check into her original claims - all of which have been pure fabrication. Not only did she leave my horse at a new yard
(which she didn't inform me of prior to his move), she also failed to pay outstanding debts relating to his keep and welfare.
Also she regarded a total of "25 minutes over a period of 4 weeks" as ADEQUATE TRAINING & EXCERCISE for a 16.2hh 6 year
old gelding!
Needless to say I have since 'recovered' my gelding and he is now with someone who actually is what she
claims to be and Sky is doing extremely well -no thanks to TISH (AKA Tatjana Goodwin). Please all beware as you too could
be caught out like this when genuinely looking for a sincere and honest person to loan your horse to. Even when speaking to
her so-called references, she had never been heard of!!!!!
Please don't hesitate in contacting me should you require
further clarification as I would hate anyone else to be caught out like this.
Regards,
Irene (irene.fitzgerald@btinternet.com)
