[PennBF]

There are those who feel a sense of entitlement. I really like the ones who bring a radio or music to the pool and set it up for all to hear. That is reaching the limits of "self entitlement". The ones at the Squares are just another group that don't respect others. We have been here over 8 years and are year around and don't see a difference between snowbirds and year around residents. I think it is great to see the many enjoying themselves at the squares and find it hard to find fault with 99.9% who are enjoying themselves. It is that lousy 1% who have selfish entitlements that are the ones that should be given the back door.

[newguyintv]

Originally Posted by wudda1955

What is going on at The Villages Town Squares? Went to see Rocky and the Roller's tonight. One group decided to create their own front row and brought not one, but two coolers. I was under the impression that wasn't allowed, but okay, I'm over it. Next thing you know some guy has a miniature pony out on the dance floor. Supposedly, it was a service animal. Poor animal looked very unhappy to me. He proceeded to put the poor thing around the dance floor to show off it's dancing skills.

There was no one--and I mean no one--monitoring anything at the square. No security. No Community Watch. There were two police officer's who informed me that it wasn't illegal for the guy to bring the horse on the square. Really? They proceeded to tell me that it was like some people believe that spanking kids is okay, while others do not. What that had to do with anything is beyond me. Besides, if they saw someone spanking a child, they'd probably arrest them! We left.

To top it off, the band welcomed back the snowbirds. No big deal, but did they thank those who are here supporting them year 'round? Nope. Not a word.

I guess I'm just getting old and cranky.

Just Villagers doing what Villagers do!

[rexxfan]

Originally Posted by wudda1955

Some of them (not all, but a few who make it quite clear to the rest of us) do believe they are better and entitled to more.

As a recent new owner/snowbird I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all you year-round residents. Without you, The Villages simply wouldn't BE there for us to come back to. I'm very grateful to you all for that. Anyone who feels entitled to special treatment simply because they can afford to keep two homes is simply not worth worrying about. When someone insists on acting stupidly, I've found its often best to just let them. That said, if I had been away for the Summer and someone at the square welcomed me back, it would make me smile and feel like I was home again.

As to the pony, it does sound a bit out of place for a town square. If the appearance was pre-planned by someone, I'd certainly question their judgement as to the sort of entertainment appropriate for such a venue. But as to whether or not it was legal, I'd have to defer to someone more knowledgeable on the subject. I do cringe a bit when I observe crass exploitation of unfortunate animals for entertainment purposes, but unless there's obvious cruelty involved I doubt there's much that can be done from a legal standpoint. I don't see anything wrong with voicing your opinion though. If enough feel the same way and express theirs as well, maybe something can be done about it going forward. Good for you for speaking up.

Regarding statements about no coolers, seat saving and all the other behaviors that are generally frowned upon at the squares, I've never thought of them as laws per se (i.e. things that can result in fines or other penalties, that are "enforceable" in some official way), but rather more like standards of courteous, civilized behavior that we all wish everyone would observe. Sadly, there are always those who don't (and worse, the ones who don't are exactly the sort that might try to pick a fight with you if you try to convince them otherwise). To me, its just not worth the bother to try to rehabilitate them.
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bc

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by rexxfan

As a recent new owner/snowbird I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all you year-round residents. Without you, The Villages simply wouldn't BE there for us to come back to. I'm very grateful to you all for that. Anyone who feels entitled to special treatment simply because they can afford to keep two homes is simply not worth worrying about. When someone insists on acting stupidly, I've found its often best to just let them. That said, if I had been away for the Summer and someone at the square welcomed me back, it would make me smile and feel like I was home again.

As to the pony, it does sound a bit out of place for a town square. If the appearance was pre-planned by someone, I'd certainly question their judgement as to the sort of entertainment appropriate for such a venue. But as to whether or not it was legal, I'd have to defer to someone more knowledgeable on the subject. I do cringe a bit when I observe crass exploitation of unfortunate animals for entertainment purposes, but unless there's obvious cruelty involved I doubt there's much that can be done from a legal standpoint. I don't see anything wrong with voicing your opinion though. If enough feel the same way and express theirs as well, maybe something can be done about it going forward. Good for you for speaking up.

Regarding statements about no coolers, seat saving and all the other behaviors that are generally frowned upon at the squares, I've never thought of them as laws per se (i.e. things that can result in fines or other penalties, that are "enforceable" in some official way), but rather more like standards of courteous, civilized behavior that we all wish everyone would observe. Sadly, there are always those who don't (and worse, the ones who don't are exactly the sort that might try to pick a fight with you if you try to convince them otherwise). To me, its just not worth the bother to try to rehabilitate them.
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bc

But be careful---you are far too articulate and sensible for most TOTV threads (definitely stay away from the political forums). So what do you think of dog poop, path striping and coyotes?

[gerryann]

I believe the miniature horse was "Bunny". She belongs to a beautiful young gal from Summerfield by the name of Nancy. She has a disability and Bunny is a trained therapy horse. I could be wrong. I just know that Nancy does take Bunny to the squares from time to time. Most people do enjoy her. Sorry the OP did not.

[Patty55]

It probably wasn't a pony, it was likely a miniature comfort horse. Miniature horses are becoming popular as an alternative to dogs. They can be housebroken, live in the house and have a longer life span than dogs.

If you google it you will see there is a growing market for them but you really can't do more than play with them. I knew a couple of people in NY that bred them. They can be taught to free-jump, get judged in shows on conformation classes and movement but cannot be ridden even by children.

You often see them wearing sneaker things, I think maybe because regular farriers don't carry shoes that small and they really don't need shoes unless it's for corrective reasons.

I had heard from a reliable source that there was a mini mare here in TV, but haven't been lucky enough to see her, IIRC, her name is Ethel or Ester or something with an E-can't wait to see her, I think the whole thing is cool, wouldn't it be great if our dogs could live 30+ years?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by rexxfan

As a recent new owner/snowbird I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all you year-round residents. Without you, The Villages simply wouldn't BE there for us to come back to. I'm very grateful to you all for that. Anyone who feels entitled to special treatment simply because they can afford to keep two homes is simply not worth worrying about. When someone insists on acting stupidly, I've found its often best to just let them. That said, if I had been away for the Summer and someone at the square welcomed me back, it would make me smile and feel like I was home again.

As to the pony, it does sound a bit out of place for a town square. If the appearance was pre-planned by someone, I'd certainly question their judgement as to the sort of entertainment appropriate for such a venue. But as to whether or not it was legal, I'd have to defer to someone more knowledgeable on the subject. I do cringe a bit when I observe crass exploitation of unfortunate animals for entertainment purposes, but unless there's obvious cruelty involved I doubt there's much that can be done from a legal standpoint. I don't see anything wrong with voicing your opinion though. If enough feel the same way and express theirs as well, maybe something can be done about it going forward. Good for you for speaking up.

Regarding statements about no coolers, seat saving and all the other behaviors that are generally frowned upon at the squares, I've never thought of them as laws per se (i.e. things that can result in fines or other penalties, that are "enforceable" in some official way), but rather more like standards of courteous, civilized behavior that we all wish everyone would observe. Sadly, there are always those who don't (and worse, the ones who don't are exactly the sort that might try to pick a fight with you if you try to convince them otherwise). To me, its just not worth the bother to try to rehabilitate them.
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bc

Welcome home.


Sit right down and type more. You are a great addition to this forum.

[NotGolfer]

Been here 6 yrs...never have seen the horse. My thought was "what do they do when it 'goes'?" Miniature horse or not...it probably makes a pretty big 'mess' when it does. Plastic bag??? Pooper-scooper???

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

Been here 6 yrs...never have seen the horse. My thought was "what do they do when it 'goes'?" Miniature horse or not...it probably makes a pretty big 'mess' when it does. Plastic bag??? Pooper-scooper???

In some cases they are trained to not go in public.(since they are therapy horses) And sometimes they wear a strapped on bag like the horses used for horse and buggy.

[justjim]

Rexxfan: A nice common sense post. The fact is that the full-time residents and the snowbirds need each other.

Im certain the band didn't mean to "slight" full-time supporters they just thought it would be nice to mention some of the snowbirds were back. Our Church Pastors do the same when they see snowbirds have returned.

As far as what happens on the Squares----it is what it is. Would you rather have armed security to enforce all the so called rules. I think not.

[rexxfan]

Thanks gg, I'll be back in TV in 10 days or so.
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bc

[Patty55]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

Been here 6 yrs...never have seen the horse. My thought was "what do they do when it 'goes'?" Miniature horse or not...it probably makes a pretty big 'mess' when it does. Plastic bag??? Pooper-scooper???

Mine were always very shy about "GOING" in public. We had one pony for about three years, never saw or heard him pee. One time he was being drug tested, they stood around for hours and finally just drew blood.

The only exception I've had was an off the track TB, I think they're trained to pee before they race.

Minis are very small, I think 36" is the cutoff.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Patty55

Mine were always very shy about "GOING" in public. We had one pony for about three years, never saw or heard him pee. One time he was being drug tested, they stood around for hours and finally just drew blood.

The only exception I've had was an off the track TB, I think they're trained to pee before they race.

Minis are very small, I think 36" is the cutoff.

Did you have trouble with him eating grass, or did he smoke it?

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Did you have trouble with him eating grass, or did he smoke it?

I think the people at the square at the time must have thought they were smoking SOMETHING

[rexxfan]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

(definitely stay away from the political forums).:

I do look in there from time to time but not very often as they just make me sad. I wish we would spend more time trying to find common ground, things we can all agree on rather than things that divide us. Especially now.
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bc