I am quickly learning that most people who say "Oh that's not abusing my horse, I don't abuse my horse since I love it too much and they love it too!!!" are the actual abusers and it makes me sad to see them in such denial
A friend of mine actually recently told me she has hard hands, but is working on it. I was quite surprised, but happy she told me. Its hard to admit what you're doing is wrong.
I was often told that I have hard hands. I have a tendency to stiffen up when I try too hard or when I do not get desired results. I believe it is a natural instinct that is difficult to control. I found relaxing and lowering my high expectations are keys for me. Perfection comes with time and training and it is ok to not get it perfect the first time. These 2 ideas have helped me progress, relax and reach mile stones I did not think were attainable.
@@cecileoneill1379 I do not agree with you. It is ok to do it wrong the first time if you are the only one suffering from. But it is not ok to not do it right first time, if another living being can be hurt or made uncomfortable by your mistake. Anyone who realises that they have hard hands should stop riding with a bit immediately. They can then either stop using bits permanently, which is usually the best option for the horse's comfort, or, if that is not possible, train on a rocking chair or a mechanical horse or whatever until they can control their hands. And if they don't find a solution, they should stop riding horses permanently, because anyone who really love horses would rather stop riding than riding while hurting them. It is not ok to let a horse be uncomfortable because "it's ok, riders have to be trained too". No, you train on the ground, then you ride the horse, it's a living being who should not be forced to endure humans' training time. Imagine if a surgeon severly injured someone on his first surgery, would you be like "it's ok, it's hist first time", no, you would expect perfect training before doing his first surgery. Why is it ok to let a rider with hard hands continue riding, continue making horses uncomfortable, and that for weeks or months until he can get perfect control? Do you really have that low amout of respect for horses?
I trying my Cob mare on bitless as I simply wasn't able to stop her with a bit. I always got the impression the bit bothered her as she she would put all her weight on the bit and run basically. The first time I put on a rope halter on she was so surprised to not get a bit in her mouth and she relaxed immediately. She now walks and trots calmly without putting her weight on the front legs. I am starting to feel sorry now for all the horses that I might have pulled in the mouth. If you start to consider bitless it truly is a revelation. I now have a leather bosal for her and a adapted rope halter for my other horse. Really looking forward to some hacking in bitless, really wondering what is going to happen. I was Rick that said in one of his videos that if you can lead a horse in a halter, you can also ride in it. Super interesting
I'm not a fan of showjumping, I just think it's too strenuous on their tendons - horses are not designed to be ridden let alone compete in showjumping. When I was younger I had a lease horse who used to be a professional show jumper, he had pretty bad arthritis. Just a lesser sharp turn would make him lame. Sad how some people see horses as machines to win them fancy ribbons or money. Love them, ask them if you want to ride them. You're just borrowing their freedom.
I use to do showjumping, but since I’ve started watching your videos I’ve given up on that. I will say that I was uneducated and I only did it for my personal pleasure. Never once did I think about the horse, but I’m glad I was able to find you! Good job on the videos, keep up the good work!
"Pookey on the sideline; come here Pookey, do you want a little cookie?? I gotta pink cookie for a little pink powderpuff." LOOOOOOOOOOL. This is hilarious!!!!!
The horse did not jump because there was no pink gear to give it power to make the jump. Obviously this person needs to wear more pink to improve their jumping abilities.
The only time a Horse "loves to jump" is when they jump a fence to escape from Idiots that don't understand Horses. Idiocy in the Horse World baffles me to no end.....
I wish there weren't so many stupid equestrians and horse abusers in the world. People these days abuse horses without even knowing it. You're right, Rick.
The sad thing is that equipment bridle bit ect is so bloody expensive and that is all they will care about, oh he broke my special £200 Italian leather multi strap buckle bridle, poor horse, I just changed to a bitless for my pony and now she happily stands and lets me put it on her, before she would turn her head away close her mouth up and even grunt at me, I was like ok I need to change this, she is much happier now
I was starting to believe I was the only person who felt this way. So glad to see someone else with common sense dedicating a youtube channel around it to get the word out. Horses have been abused for far too long, all animals have been,
I went to a riding place. Not because I liked ANYTHING about it. They used bits, crops, you have to wear helmets to ride and they make the horses jump. They had one of them stupid exercise machines because they're too lazy to get someone to ride or lunge it. It has no roof. One of the days one of the horses were in there for around 20 minutes, just walking in the smallest circle possible. And then the horse tried to jump out, broke his leg and had to get put down. The owner of the horse (as it was only boarded), her excuse was her horse loved to jump so much, and she forgot to jump him so he was trying to jump by himself. And the instructor fricken agreed!! Like, NO HE WASN'T HE WAS TIRED OF WALKING AROUND IN FREAKIN CIRCLES WITH PRESSURE NONSTOP BEING PUT BEHIND HIM!! I left that place thank god and now ride my uncles horses. But that horse DIED, and her excuse was "he wanted to jump". The ignorance in the horse world, unfrickinbelievable!
You can say what you want but the truth is horses aren't meant to jump, especially one jump after another. You can breed whatever you want for a champion jumper but it all comes back to how a horse is anatomically. They are physically not meant to jump! Can you imagine weighing a ton, walking on your toes, let alone jumping? You're slowly damaging the hooves and putting unnecessary stress on his front legs. Then you add on the tie downs and the bits and the shoes. It's fun for YOU and that naturally makes you subconsciously believe your horse enjoys it too. Anytime I've ever watched show jumping, and I've watched it all at one point or another, and I never felt like the horse was that happy. He was doing what he's told and that's why we like horses-they listen. But hey, you do you boo.
Skully13 I fully agree with you. Though I do think those 4-5 inch jumps are completely okay as they really just move over it. They don't necessarily jump c:
The only time I will ever believe a horse loves to jump is when it will do an entire jumping course itself with no tack on and no idiot humans urging it.
I'm confused... I am pretty new to riding (only 4 years of lessons and now 6 months of owning a horse) plus still a child, and from what I'm understanding people fall off and don't let go of there horsewhen they fall? Ive fallen about 11 times now and every time i do, I naturally let go of the reins when I know my face is gonna hit dirt. Is it just me?
@Grillidan Fair enough, I Won't hide from the truth. I think my balance may be off because all the horses at my riding lessons are so easy going, and I'm going to have to learn a little bit more before I will be good at riding Grace. Also we are investigating if maybe her leg is hurting because when she was a filly she cut her leg pretty badly. Honestly this doesn't sound rude to me, I think you are just trying to help.
@@LM-fv8kh I think I fell that many times in my first four years of riding, but that was because I was put on a greenbroke horse, which is probably not the best thing for a novice rider. I ended up buying that horse and getting tossed from her several more times in the twenty-some years before her death. In my case, it was usually a failure of friction that made me slide from the horse (bareback) or the saddle during a sudden stop on the part of the horse. The upside of this was that I learned to tuck my shoulder under and roll so that I never ate dirt. Why did she do this? You got me, but she had been handled very roughly in her short life and had no reason to like or trust human beings. She came to tolerate me, which is the most I could hope for. In addition, my horsemanship lessons were a bit lacking, and I had to learn equine psychology on my own. 60 years later, I wish I knew back then what I know now. The important thing to have with horses is confidence. Also, feed and groom your horse every day. Become her friend, her protector and her leader. Become either the lead stallion or lead mare of the 'herd'. This is slightly different from showing a horse who's boss and smacking them around if they don't obey. It's about mutual trust and understanding. A horse that is new to you can't read your mind, so you have to show them what it is you want from them. They catch on surprisingly fast if you are patient, firm, and consistent. Falling only once in 15 years makes me wonder what kind of horses you were riding and if you ever had to deal with one who challenged you.
@@erynlasgalen1949 This comment is so true. I have had Grace for a year now, the bucking has stopped, she has come to look forward to me seeing her, and we are definitely on the right track. I definitely don't have as much experience as you, but I understand what your saying. I can't wait to go forward with Grace because I know how much time helps. I have two miniatures, and at first my one was so nasty and it kicked me and I had a lot of bruises from her, two years later she's following me around and we are doing liberty. How she got so awful because when I first had her I was afraid of her, but i learned you have to be the Lead-Mare (like you said) but also let her learn to trust me and have confidence (like you said) We are still a work in progress team, but I haven't fallen off for a while, but we are striving to get better.
Whenever there was a fallen log or other obstacle on the ridding trails, I always gave my horse his head and let him slowly step over it. The other girls could never understand why I wouldn't make him jump, and when I told them that he didn't like to jump, you'd swear I just broke some kind of law or something.
People will say "Oh my horse loves to do it! He is bred to do it!" And I am like. You can not breed a passion for something in to an animal! The only thing you can do is give it better traits so it can jump better. Then you force it over higher jumps because it is physically able to do so. And then when that horse is not enough for you, you turn around and sell it to go and force another horse to jump. Make a commitment and love whatever horse you buy regardless of whether we can jump high or low.
thank you! exactly! "hes bred to do it" i see this all the time, just because you say hes bred to do it doesnt mean he wants to, its the same with people, you cant force a horse to do something, well you shouldnt, people do though, just like you cant force a person
Ashlyn Piazzisi Couldn't agree with you more. I have a 16 year old American Warmblood who can only jump at the intro level, but I still love him all the same. I've never met a better friend than him. Even if I have to ride other horses to jump beginner novice or novice, I'll always come back to my old guy at the end of the day.
Also maybe the horse was running cause the bridle had fallen off and scared the crap of the horse cause it seemed like it was "chasing" it. I mean it was right under the horses feet.
Rick I believe you are correct about what happens in this video, and it is cruel to the horse and the horse will be blamed. It is common for abusers to say their victim asked for it or deserved it.
yes that's so true and it hurts like hell I don't blame the horse for reacting like it did it hated being at the show jumping and he was forced to jump the jumps and he didn't want to be there his rider is a freaking idiot shes the one that made him do it she's the problem not her horse its never the horse's fault its the rider's fault my its my opinion let me have it
Before you start....looks to me like a willing, experienced horse and inexperienced rider heading to a shit distance on the second fence with the rider doing a spur of moment kick and not a strong seat to effectively get a good forward and BALANCED canter to that oxer. As such, the horse kind of HAD to stop for good reason....No balance, bad distance. The horse stopped for self-preservation purposes only. The rider took a tumble. The rider isn't aiming to be intentionally cruel or abusive, so let's not even go there. In fact her riding is alright for an intermediate. Just needs more miles to improve her seat and feel. That's typically the way riders develop. They're usually not perfect from the start. The second part, with the rider on the ground and all? The horse was leaderless at that point and just went fight/flight mode like, omg, where do I go, not safe, something's attacking my legs!!! At least the horse ran back to the barn. No, most horses don't *love* to jump. They may have talent and all to do it, but in reality, horses tend to jump because there's a human on their back *insisting* that the horse jumps. Many riders are humane about this sport, at least those I've known that went through Pony Club and took their instruction to heart, as well as feel great sensitivity to these horses that they realize carry their butts so that the human can do these equestrian pursuits. I do know that good riders can create ideal conditions that create very nice happy horses that I honestly believe get a kick out of jumping especially if the rider can set the horse up to make everything as effortless as possible. When you watch horses free jump without a rider, it's quite amusing. They'll snort, buck, and have a good time. I've obtained quite a few "dirty stoppers" and yeah, I've noticed they get that way due to maybe actual physiological pain in the back, hocks, and such, or it's psychological in origin because the horse had bad experiences in the past typically because it can be difficult to carry a sloppy or uneducated rider over jumps. That doesn't mean that the horse was intentionally abused. It just means that the horse may have just been overfaced or in inexperienced hands. Much of it is fixable. Sometimes, yes, retire a horse from jumping entirely! It depends. True, don't blame the horse. I agree with ya to get rid of that martingale!!! Yes, it is constrictive. I've not commonly come across anyone at an event tell me that the horse is "stubborn" due to a refusal and "needs to be taught respect", uh no. Typically, people realize the rider needs improvement, especially in this example you use with the gray horse. Blame in this situation is absolutely on the rider. It ain't the horse's fault in this case.
I hate how people lie that they don't hurt their horse. Horse abuse is every where. Just because it's something that a lot of people do, doesn't make it right. Rick is one of the only people that understand horses' body language and why they do things like this. Horse owners don't even understand their horse, and that really annoys me 😒.
Just about every riding school I've been to pushes new riders into showjumping. I don't know why they do it - but you end up with a load of riders thinking that jumping = horsemanship. Stupid. Keep up the good work Rick
That's true, I noticed that too! Also, almost every riding school pushes people into entering competitions one day or another. In the one where I learnt to ride (only to ride, not understanding the horse) they first tried to push me into show jumping, then I started dressage, and when I told them that I wanted a horse for simple work and especially for trekkings to build a relationship.. they LITERALLY kicked me out after 11 years!
I think it might be that showjumping is all some of the instructors know. We have a certificate system for most kids here which is basically preparation for showjumping... I guess it's easier to teach than real horsemanship (trekking etc)...
This video enrages me. Unfortunately so much of this is going on in the United States and throughout the world. And maybe even worse. I've done a lot of research and was determined to have no bit before I found your channel, Rick. You just reinforced everything that I felt instinctually...bits= pain. I am determined to have no bit in my horse's mouth.
@@amberseventersif I can't ride my future horse with a rope halter then I'm not going to be a horse owner I'm out of here ps I quit my riding lessons for good because I was made and forced to use a bit for riding lessons sucked bites I'm done with horses because of people who ride horses in bits
Your right if a horse wont jump its always teh riders fault even when he didnt comeright in front of the jump he wil still jump if he has a good rider if it isnt a rider that knows what to do the horse wil stop.
I know right because bits are nothing but trouble I have always hated those things that are placed in a horse's mouth I didn't like it for the horses to be forced into to using it in its mouth that's mean to place a bit in a horse's mouth
The Jumping world is like the racing industry it's all about the money or ribbons for the people forcing the horses to perform. Glad you are exposing the reality of what it's like from the horses perspective. You don't look 60 same age as me.
ok, but are you not following through on the logic they are making? The tie down itself may not be painful, but its purpose is to keep the head from throwing upwards. Now, why would a horse continually throw up its head?--to escape the pressure/pain that is inflicted with the bridle bit and pulling. therefore rick sees it as a useless if not abusive tool because it only serves to erase the horse's control of release; very likely bc the rider pulls constantly with their "soft hands"
Agreed. Horses only ever jump of their own accord when fleeing from danger. Forcing them to jump is cruel and is all about self glory. Can't say I've never popped over a fallen log when out on a ride because I have but that is rare and I would never ask for anything more. If my horse didn't want to jump it happily we would just go the other way.
I remember the idiot rider in 4H whos parents bought him his first horse just because it was pretty, not considering that it was green broke and unprepared for the show environment. It tried to roll with him on it, he got off, the horse stood up, and the rider made absolutely no effort to hold on to the horse. So the horse ran through the arena (spooking every other green horse), out through the entrance, and all throughout the fairgrounds before people got him to settle down. That was the last time I saw that horse. Now he's got a new, hot-headed, $10,000 horse...and for what? He can't ride for shit, he doesn't know the first thing about horsemanship, he's got a bad attitude, and he's oblivious of the fact that there are others around him. Well, I'll tell you, they're in it for the fame and the premium and the ribbons. But that's all. Please, if you want to ride horses, be in it FOR THE HORSES.
I'm so glad that I opened my eyes and stopped riding with a bit. Now I leash a horse and me and the owner do fun stuff with her mare! And I've fallen off of her sometimes but yet again I'm so happy I don't have that reflex to clench my hands and hold on to the reins. If you don't do that the chance increase for the horse to stay after you landed. If something didn't scare them or whatever, it depends on the horse and the situation. I'm glad your channel exists
Rode in a rope halter for the first time yesterday. My boy has worn his last bridle. Thanks for confirming what I've suspected; I only wish I could go back in time and ride him the way he deserved from the start.
In every sense of the phrase. I already thought he was a responsive horse on the bit. Without it, I barely had to pick up the lead to get him to do something: stop, turn, back up, sidepass, he did it without issue. He did it all without raising his head, opening his mouth, pulling, or that godawful grinding. That's evidence enough for me that it was the right move. I might buy him a nice pink halter to celebrate. ;-) (Yeah, I'm joking.)
Weird how everyone is screaming, freaking the horse out even more. I thought these were horse people? Just goes to show even more so they don't know what the hell they are doing
I love having my coffee while I watch your videos and gain knowledge of the horse. You and Klaous Hempfling are my favorite. Thank you Rick for educating us.
I can't stand horse sports now. After going to an Arabian horse show years ago and seeing how they force the horses to tuck in that neck, all that gear on them, and how hard and harsh they were in the excersise arenas, made me open my eyes. Its why I never do horse sports at all.
hey you have a very valid point there. haha omgosh before I learnt that jumping horses was cruel.... I used to think, there is no way I would do show jumping because that teaches horses bad habits jumping over fences but luckily the statement "horses love to jump' isn't true and its been proven because Ive never seen them jump a fence.
This is exactly what my grandfather has been saying,people don't like jumping all day,even hurts our bones so what's the difference between horses,the horse weighs so much more than a human which means it has way more pressure on it's hooves. How can people not get this?
Again coming here from the cop channel. All I can say is Buddy and Mr. T have as good of a life as I give my golden retriever. I don't push him into anything. Yet, when I'm doing laundry, he instinctively starts picking up clothes and sheets, and follows me to the washing machine. I gave him a treat once for this. 8 years later, he still loves to help dad. I have found, when you earn the animal's respect, they naturally want to please you and be happy with you.
Rick's pragmaticism and his really clear and raw way of explaining animal abuse and using videos to illustrate his points would be really welcome in the vegan community to help spread a similar message. If he ever goes vegan and starts making videos on factory farming I'd sing lol
Rick, you have so many awesome points and applaud you for standing up for these poor horses that are abused every day. I think really the only way we are going to get through to these stupid idiots is to put all the pain devices on the idiots and yank the metal in their mouths and make them go on all fours and have someone 'ride' them for a while and see how they like it.... I'm pretty certain they wont last a couple minutes, then they (you would think so if they weren't stupid people) think twice about putting bits in horses mouth, and using spurs and reconsider forcing horses to jump etc. Id like to see these idiots try and jump (on legs not hands and knees) with a tonne of weight on them and see how 'easy and enjoyable' it is (sarcasm intended).
Man. I used to ride English and I'm hunter pleasure horse shows. I was so blind. I haven't ridden anymore in about two years but ever since I started watching your videos, I've realized how blind I was back then. I was being taught by horse riding instructors (all were rich women) and I was riding with bits and helmets. I never jumped, but I rode in dressage and we always had to shorten our reins so that the horse would curl its neck to look pretty. Your videos opened my eyes up so much and I now think differently. I don't take offense to anything you say. Because what you say is true. Thank you so much. I will continue to follow you and watch your videos!
you should have a contest to see who can make up the stupidest idiotic story for why its the horses fault! lol winner gets pretty pink set of nice gentle loving spurs... lol
I used to believe jumping cannot be bad for the horse. Why? Because no one would intentionally hurt a horse. Well, that was 30 years ago and I was a kid (never did that jumping shit, just to be clear...), seems like too many people never grow up to understand what they are doing or they are completely indoctrinated by the industry. How blind and ignorant do you have to be?
Thank you Rick for telling these people what they refuse to see. For all of Ricks younger riders that are told it does not hurt the horse and that is usually by the person they are. PAYING TO TAKE THOSE OR OTHER LESSONS FROM. Please look up arthritis in horses along with other ailments it is this jumping and constant repetitive circling that causes the joints etc. to wear out long before the one that is using the poor horse to admit there is something wrong and not that the horse is suddenly lazy crazy or stubborn.
+alexa hagenson-doull ARE YOU THAT STUPID but that showed my stupidity by even asking that because of course you are!!! While any animal even humans can get arthritis it is a constant movement other than a normal gait or action of a horse that inclines it to be highly susceptible and running in a circle pen or anywhere in one direction that is not level or in a constant turn of the joints and the landing on front hooves as Rick stated with full body weight PLUS THE RIDER all wear these horses down. To say the average trail horse unless ridden into the ground and on the same terrain as when circled with that same turning motion just says everything about your knowledge of horses etc. Please do yourself your horse and horses elsewhere a real favor and educate yourself and others about ailments of horse legs. As the saying goes THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO REFUSE TO SEE!!! I rescued a poor old tb that won her first race which was a steeplechase. She did not race for a year after then only shorter flat races. When at 16 she could no longer breed even after being stitched I learned of her and the sad broken down bag of bones she had been starved into. She was waiting to transport at her final barn to slaughter. For the remaining almost 14 years I had her she forever lay with her left front leg arched in front of her no matter how that sweet horse lay. She could not be ridden because that knee would not bend and it was almost five times a normal joint. My vet said it had been that way many years and the constant pounding of even limited racing had been horrible for her. Sadly for her she had good breeding and so she was used up for breeding till no money could be made there. AFTER A LIFE OF PAIN FROM ALL SHE KNEW SHE BECAME SUCH A SWEET GENTLE OLD LADY THAT SHE TAUGHT MY DAUGHTER TO SIT A HORSE AT 2 AND TO RIDE AT 3. She was never asked for anything but a very slow trot and my daughter learned to ride bareback. She is one of the best horse women anyone will ever know and I mean in care and riding. She is now 46 and all of her horses that have died are buried under her pastures just as mine are. Don't even try to tell me about horses and arthritis because I lived it everyday I was blessed with my mare for the almost 14 years I had her until old age took her.
The only good thing about it is.... the saddle is much lighter than a western saddle. I'm gonna throw this out there this "fun" isn't for this horse. He's crystal clear about not wanting to play this way.
Rick I wish I could just hang with you around horses because your someone who KNOWS WHAT THERE DOING!😂😂 but seriously though I just like to hang out with horses in the pasture halter-less and everything and just groom them all. One time I was in the far fields for TWO AND A HALF HOURS just sitting there grooming and wondering if I should go bareback in the field.😏😏😏
I think that horse might have taken that jump if it had been on the left lead instead of the right lead. Turning a horse to a false lead, takes a lot of the jump out of them.
you missed the point of the whole video! doesn't matter what freaking lead the horse is doing he doesn't want to jump anymore. mindless circles constant pain restricted head. another stupid human saying the horse didn't pick up the lead and thats why he doesn't jump.unbelievable how stupid people are.
@@kanetheraccoon4093 so the whole point of the video was irrelevant to the video being critiqued? "mindless circles constant pain restricted head" what do you think the english world is? Torture? Let me first go after your mindless circles tactic. We don't do mindless circles, we ride in an arena but they aren't mindless circles. We do circles to work on the training and focus of a horse but then we go onto jumping and courses or extension and collection. Most people also take their horses on trail rides for a break from work. Onto your second point: constant pain. Where is this pain coming from? The bit? If so there usually isnt any pain coming from the bit unless you are doing something wrong or riding with hard hands. If you are an anti bit person then you need to do some reading of some credible studies because bits aren't any worse for a horse than bitless is. It's the same pain just different places and distribution. And finally restricted head. I'm assuming that you are talking about the martingale for this. Martingales aren't bad and they don't typically restrict the head by that much. Their purpose is to make it so that the horse can't headbut the rider out of excitement and can't put it's head too high to see the upcoming jump. There are reasons for everything, you maybe just need to listen to someone who isnt extremely biased like thinklikeahorse or Raleigh to get them
@@brennajones2134 how long did it take you to write that lol. I don't care what you have to say I've learned that idiots will be idiots and there is no point in arguing. You stay in La la Land with your nice bits and soft hands I'll stay in reality okay? Alright. I'm not even gonna bother reading anything you have to say it's pointless
Hazzard Wolf bet you never even saw a horse irl lmao that’s basically half of his fanbase. And fucking lock me up for using a goddamn snaffle and yeah horses can actually enjoy jumping but some don’t.
@@user-ow6rc4rc3g Horses were never built for jumping. It does bad damage to their legs and back. 1,000+ pounds being put onto their front legs time and time again. Besides, they have no say in what their riders force them to do, so how do any of us know if a horse actually enjoys it or is just trying to do what rider wants? Brenna Jones Bits are metal in a horse's sensitive mouth. Even if the rider doesn't pull on the reins, the bit is still bouncing and moving in the horse's mouth when they jump. And why do you want to keep the horse from being able to lift its head to see an on coming jump? That sounds like restricting the head to me. And the horse will still try to headbutt if it was doing it before it had its head tied down, only, it will cause the bit/noseband to dig into its skin now. Besides, that horse wouldn't have bolted, or would've at least calmed down sooner, if the bridle hadn't been stuck to it. And do you not realize how stupid and illogical the whole "a metal bit can cause as much pain in a horse's mouth as a synthetic strap on a horse's nose" argument is? And if bits can't hurt a horse if the rider has "soft hands", then a strap on the nose will be even more so. I can't comprehend how something so simple and obvious can fly over you "bits are good if you have 'soft hands'" people.
I have soft hands..........but then again, I don't ride my horse. Yep, I bought my horse with the full intention of never riding him. He wears nothing but a soft rope halter when I spend a couple of hours a day hand grazing him and just hanging out with him in the field. And there are people who say that I abuse my horse by not riding him. Those are the idiots.
horses were not made for riding or that kind of work... Their backs are not made for a human or anything to be on it.....a horse can be well trained and a good boy But I think he prefers freedom and food more
Actually, horses have been domesticated for over 5000 years and they developed strong backs. So basically a human being on a horse is nothing. Unless of course you are doing that kind of stuff.
Nika Hacky Though if they all would've been free. They would all be slaughtered in the next years..Hear that thing about Donald Trump? He wants to donate the wildhorses to slaughterhouses..Atleast in 2020 or 2030 they would all be gone
i seen this video and yes that horse was terrified. your analogy really helped me see I was abusing my horses and did not know it. well I know it now. that poor horse I hope the owner did not beat him once he caught up with him.
My old riding instructor said she had hard hands and you had to make the horse do whatever you want it to do. Also the thought it was disrespectful if a horse didn't go to the back of his stall when you come in, she even tied a foul once because it didn't go to the back.
Wow, pretty awful. Did that horse crash into one of those tents? I hope not. People that use spurs and bits should have someone put them in that getup and see how it feels. Of course, some folks are into S&M.......
This doesn't look like it is fun to the horse,,, man he sure hit the binders quick,,,,TFF ,,,, the rider on their heads is always funny,,,, Mr T and Buddy you're good boys.....
I will admit I had heavy hands at first. I learned how to ride out of books, on a older large pony with a "hard"mouth due to being ridden by other kids/ppl with hard hands. Although I tried I simply didn't know better. I eventually learned a better way with help from trainers and yes John Lyons books when he was the popular clinician of the time. Im not perfect but a shit wagon loads better now.
Rhea Haberman I don't care what anyone says. You can see fear on this horse, and others just like it. You can see fear, and love on dogs, cats, and horses.
I don't go to any horse sport events anymore, cannot bear to see the abuse, the cruelty and the lack of knowledge, they have no idea of how a horse ticks, all they are interested in is looking pretty and winning, if the horse does not fulfill the human wish list, its curtains for the poor horse. Sick of the horse sport world!
Yeah- They love jumping.. That's why Christopher Reeves spent the rest of his life paralyzed! I had hard hands.. I learned what I was doing wrong and my "out of control" Appaloosa became the sweetest best horse one could hope for.. No Bit harness only. Never again with a bit. That was 30 years ago..
Exactly why I dont like bits spurs crops... I do trail riding and cross country, poor freakin horse I'm Glad I don't use bits spurs crops whips all that crap tie downs etc I ride english and I don't do any of this, poor horse. I'm glad me and my horse actually has a great life and have a great bond without no pain at all... poor horse
Jean Bon true true true but I'm talking about little trail jumps not competing like little little little logs not those big 4ft jumps, I agree with u though that it could cause more injury becuase of trees and things that why u have to be careful, if I ever compete imma make sure it's okay and right for my horse so none of use get hurt, I agree with u 100% on ur point when If I do compete I'll make sure the trails nice and smooth and if ruff and bumpy then no, and I wouldn't jump her a lot sense it does tear up there tendons when they get older. I agree with u but at least u don't have the crowed screaming at the horse
To the people commenting "Not everyone does this" means you feel guilty. If you aren't doing it, then Rick isn't talking about you. End of story. No need to defend yourself. To step in and say something about it is to own it. Period. If you aren't doing anything wrong, then don't get upset. That's what it means to take it personally.
So sad these beautiful animals are treated this way, How many horses died at Churchill Downs this year? Churchill Downs, home of Kentucky Derby, suspends racing after 12 horses die.Jun 2, 2023 😭
@@ThinkLikeAHorse exactly! The injuries must be horrendous. Again the yanking on bits, running hard being hit by a hard ball and mallet. It actually makes bareback and saddle bronco rodeo riding look humane.
Painful to watch and hear too. My critical eyes are weeping again (mean ole) Dad....before I stumbled across you and your gorgeous boys I would have been thinking everything you were saying about 'the stupid and dangerous horse' my goodness how things change when you truly thinklikeahorse THANKS for educating this English woman to be much less of a dummy...Buddy...Mr T...Dad & Mokie...you are THE BEST 💙 💙 💙 💙
Who the hell is using tie downs/martingales to try and get thier horse's back in the correct position (assuming they are riding dressage)??? When I took dressage lessons, they always taught me that the first rule to getting a horse in proper form was to NOT to use a martingale/tie down! The only place I've ever encountered tie downs/martingales was when I rode hunter/jumper (never doing that again) and it was exactly for what you described- preventing the horse from escaping the pain of the bit. Not only does it cause pain, it stops the horse from using its neck for balance, and I've seen them get caught on fences/jumps/riders/you name it too many times to count.
Seems to me like a horse knows what the "proper" body position is for whatever it's doing. I mean it's not like horses haven't evolved over millions of years to be ideal running animals.
At first I thought the horse was just going to not jump and then trot off when she fell but then it like properly ran away and I was like damn poor horse...doesn't want anything to do with jumping.
![Tee Grizzley - Blow for Blow (feat. J. Cole) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wNLN5xsx5dc/mqdefault.jpg)
But Riiiiiiiiick if the horse and rider were wearing pink, everything would be fine!!
I am quickly learning that most people who say "Oh that's not abusing my horse, I don't abuse my horse since I love it too much and they love it too!!!" are the actual abusers and it makes me sad to see them in such denial
A friend of mine actually recently told me she has hard hands, but is working on it. I was quite surprised, but happy she told me. Its hard to admit what you're doing is wrong.
I was often told that I have hard hands. I have a tendency to stiffen up when I try too hard or when I do not get desired results. I believe it is a natural instinct that is difficult to control. I found relaxing and lowering my high expectations are keys for me. Perfection comes with time and training and it is ok to not get it perfect the first time. These 2 ideas have helped me progress, relax and reach mile stones I did not think were attainable.
@@cecileoneill1379 I do not agree with you. It is ok to do it wrong the first time if you are the only one suffering from. But it is not ok to not do it right first time, if another living being can be hurt or made uncomfortable by your mistake. Anyone who realises that they have hard hands should stop riding with a bit immediately. They can then either stop using bits permanently, which is usually the best option for the horse's comfort, or, if that is not possible, train on a rocking chair or a mechanical horse or whatever until they can control their hands. And if they don't find a solution, they should stop riding horses permanently, because anyone who really love horses would rather stop riding than riding while hurting them. It is not ok to let a horse be uncomfortable because "it's ok, riders have to be trained too". No, you train on the ground, then you ride the horse, it's a living being who should not be forced to endure humans' training time. Imagine if a surgeon severly injured someone on his first surgery, would you be like "it's ok, it's hist first time", no, you would expect perfect training before doing his first surgery. Why is it ok to let a rider with hard hands continue riding, continue making horses uncomfortable, and that for weeks or months until he can get perfect control? Do you really have that low amout of respect for horses?
I trying my Cob mare on bitless as I simply wasn't able to stop her with a bit. I always got the impression the bit bothered her as she she would put all her weight on the bit and run basically. The first time I put on a rope halter on she was so surprised to not get a bit in her mouth and she relaxed immediately. She now walks and trots calmly without putting her weight on the front legs. I am starting to feel sorry now for all the horses that I might have pulled in the mouth. If you start to consider bitless it truly is a revelation. I now have a leather bosal for her and a adapted rope halter for my other horse. Really looking forward to some hacking in bitless, really wondering what is going to happen. I was Rick that said in one of his videos that if you can lead a horse in a halter, you can also ride in it. Super interesting
good for you for trying it and getting over the fear.. your horse is happier and so are you. :)
I'm glad you talked about this. I hope this reaches the people who need to see it.
"Because he's only a horse, and that's all he knows how to do. " wow, that's very powerful words and so true.
I'm not a fan of showjumping, I just think it's too strenuous on their tendons - horses are not designed to be ridden let alone compete in showjumping. When I was younger I had a lease horse who used to be a professional show jumper, he had pretty bad arthritis. Just a lesser sharp turn would make him lame. Sad how some people see horses as machines to win them fancy ribbons or money. Love them, ask them if you want to ride them. You're just borrowing their freedom.
I use to do showjumping, but since I’ve started watching your videos I’ve given up on that. I will say that I was uneducated and I only did it for my personal pleasure. Never once did I think about the horse, but I’m glad I was able to find you! Good job on the videos, keep up the good work!
good job
If you did merch i'd suggest "Whatever, Shut up ya crybabies!" on a shirt first lol.
"Pookey on the sideline; come here Pookey, do you want a little cookie?? I gotta pink cookie for a little pink powderpuff." LOOOOOOOOOOL. This is hilarious!!!!!
The horse did not jump because there was no pink gear to give it power to make the jump. Obviously this person needs to wear more pink to improve their jumping abilities.
I agree
A think that ""horse people"" refuse to acknowledge is: if a horse CAN do a certain thing, it doesn't mean that it's GOOD for it
The only time a Horse "loves to jump" is when they jump a fence to escape from Idiots that don't understand Horses.
Idiocy in the Horse World baffles me to no end.....
I wish there weren't so many stupid equestrians and horse abusers in the world. People these days abuse horses without even knowing it. You're right, Rick.
The sad thing is that equipment bridle bit ect is so bloody expensive and that is all they will care about, oh he broke my special £200 Italian leather multi strap buckle bridle, poor horse, I just changed to a bitless for my pony and now she happily stands and lets me put it on her, before she would turn her head away close her mouth up and even grunt at me, I was like ok I need to change this, she is much happier now
Lol that horse is like fuck this I'm out 😂
I was starting to believe I was the only person who felt this way. So glad to see someone else with common sense dedicating a youtube channel around it to get the word out. Horses have been abused for far too long, all animals have been,
I went to a riding place. Not because I liked ANYTHING about it. They used bits, crops, you have to wear helmets to ride and they make the horses jump. They had one of them stupid exercise machines because they're too lazy to get someone to ride or lunge it. It has no roof. One of the days one of the horses were in there for around 20 minutes, just walking in the smallest circle possible. And then the horse tried to jump out, broke his leg and had to get put down. The owner of the horse (as it was only boarded), her excuse was her horse loved to jump so much, and she forgot to jump him so he was trying to jump by himself. And the instructor fricken agreed!! Like, NO HE WASN'T HE WAS TIRED OF WALKING AROUND IN FREAKIN CIRCLES WITH PRESSURE NONSTOP BEING PUT BEHIND HIM!! I left that place thank god and now ride my uncles horses. But that horse DIED, and her excuse was "he wanted to jump". The ignorance in the horse world, unfrickinbelievable!
teen wolf lover wow, some peoples stupidity really has no end.
You can say what you want but the truth is horses aren't meant to jump, especially one jump after another. You can breed whatever you want for a champion jumper but it all comes back to how a horse is anatomically. They are physically not meant to jump! Can you imagine weighing a ton, walking on your toes, let alone jumping? You're slowly damaging the hooves and putting unnecessary stress on his front legs. Then you add on the tie downs and the bits and the shoes. It's fun for YOU and that naturally makes you subconsciously believe your horse enjoys it too. Anytime I've ever watched show jumping, and I've watched it all at one point or another, and I never felt like the horse was that happy. He was doing what he's told and that's why we like horses-they listen. But hey, you do you boo.
Skully13 I fully agree with you. Though I do think those 4-5 inch jumps are completely okay as they really just move over it. They don't necessarily jump c:
It was tough just watching this and seeing the horse so obviously terrified, so I can only imagine how traumatic this episode was on the horse.
I'm guessing most horses naturally jump only in emergency situations. Horse shows are pretty unnatural.
exactly
The only time I will ever believe a horse loves to jump is when it will do an entire jumping course itself with no tack on and no idiot humans urging it.
DunkelheitEbony yes😂😂😂
Link?
+Emily Martin I LOVE that video!!!
I'm confused... I am pretty new to riding (only 4 years of lessons and now 6 months of owning a horse) plus still a child, and from what I'm understanding people fall off and don't let go of there horsewhen they fall? Ive fallen about 11 times now and every time i do, I naturally let go of the reins when I know my face is gonna hit dirt. Is it just me?
It's a natural thing for humans to hold on to the thing they have in their hands when they are stressed, scared, etc.
@Grillidan Fair enough, I Won't hide from the truth. I think my balance may be off because all the horses at my riding lessons are so easy going, and I'm going to have to learn a little bit more before I will be good at riding Grace. Also we are investigating if maybe her leg is hurting because when she was a filly she cut her leg pretty badly. Honestly this doesn't sound rude to me, I think you are just trying to help.
@@LM-fv8kh I think I fell that many times in my first four years of riding, but that was because I was put on a greenbroke horse, which is probably not the best thing for a novice rider. I ended up buying that horse and getting tossed from her several more times in the twenty-some years before her death. In my case, it was usually a failure of friction that made me slide from the horse (bareback) or the saddle during a sudden stop on the part of the horse. The upside of this was that I learned to tuck my shoulder under and roll so that I never ate dirt. Why did she do this? You got me, but she had been handled very roughly in her short life and had no reason to like or trust human beings. She came to tolerate me, which is the most I could hope for. In addition, my horsemanship lessons were a bit lacking, and I had to learn equine psychology on my own. 60 years later, I wish I knew back then what I know now. The important thing to have with horses is confidence. Also, feed and groom your horse every day. Become her friend, her protector and her leader. Become either the lead stallion or lead mare of the 'herd'. This is slightly different from showing a horse who's boss and smacking them around if they don't obey. It's about mutual trust and understanding. A horse that is new to you can't read your mind, so you have to show them what it is you want from them. They catch on surprisingly fast if you are patient, firm, and consistent.
Falling only once in 15 years makes me wonder what kind of horses you were riding and if you ever had to deal with one who challenged you.
@@erynlasgalen1949
This comment is so true. I have had Grace for a year now, the bucking has stopped, she has come to look forward to me seeing her, and we are definitely on the right track. I definitely don't have as much experience as you, but I understand what your saying. I can't wait to go forward with Grace because I know how much time helps.
I have two miniatures, and at first my one was so nasty and it kicked me and I had a lot of bruises from her, two years later she's following me around and we are doing liberty. How she got so awful because when I first had her I was afraid of her, but i learned you have to be the Lead-Mare (like you said) but also let her learn to trust me and have confidence (like you said)
We are still a work in progress team, but I haven't fallen off for a while, but we are striving to get better.
@@LM-fv8kh I haven't fallen off yet and I started learning how to jump and soon cantering
Whenever there was a fallen log or other obstacle on the ridding trails, I always gave my horse his head and let him slowly step over it. The other girls could never understand why I wouldn't make him jump, and when I told them that he didn't like to jump, you'd swear I just broke some kind of law or something.
Poor thing is terrified
If the horse loves to jump why didnt he jump all the other jumps?
My horse most definitely hates jumping and doesn't hesitate to tell me so. No fun asking him to do things he clearly doesn't like.
People will say "Oh my horse loves to do it! He is bred to do it!" And I am like. You can not breed a passion for something in to an animal! The only thing you can do is give it better traits so it can jump better. Then you force it over higher jumps because it is physically able to do so. And then when that horse is not enough for you, you turn around and sell it to go and force another horse to jump. Make a commitment and love whatever horse you buy regardless of whether we can jump high or low.
thank you! exactly!
"hes bred to do it" i see this all the time, just because you say hes bred to do it doesnt mean he wants to, its the same with people, you cant force a horse to do something, well you shouldnt, people do though, just like you cant force a person
Ashlyn Piazzisi Couldn't agree with you more. I have a 16 year old American Warmblood who can only jump at the intro level, but I still love him all the same. I've never met a better friend than him. Even if I have to ride other horses to jump beginner novice or novice, I'll always come back to my old guy at the end of the day.
Emily Curtis thank you. I hate it when people think a horse is not enough for them so they turn around a sell it.
Also maybe the horse was running cause the bridle had fallen off and scared the crap of the horse cause it seemed like it was "chasing" it. I mean it was right under the horses feet.
What the fuck is this horse wearing? The sheer excess of gear that will only stop the horse from moving properly is ridiculous in itself.
Rick I believe you are correct about what happens in this video, and it is cruel to the horse and the horse will be blamed. It is common for abusers to say their victim asked for it or deserved it.
I knew a guy who used a tie down because he said the horse threw his head. Well, now I know it was probably the bit that made him throw his head.
Horses can also throw their head because of certain types of nerve damage
yes that's so true and it hurts like hell I don't blame the horse for reacting like it did it hated being at the show jumping and he was forced to jump the jumps and he didn't want to be there his rider is a freaking idiot shes the one that made him do it she's the problem not her horse its never the horse's fault its the rider's fault my its my opinion let me have it
Every time Rick says they horsey people, I wanna say HEY RICK! Lol
Go Rick!! Your a true horseman and your videos are such a good reality check. thank you for speaking 4 the horses💕👐
These riders should put metal and a tie down on their faces and jump those jumps and see how it feels. Bad mechanics for anyone!
I’m free? Free?! Freeeee!!! FREEDOM!!! 😆
Before you start....looks to me like a willing, experienced horse and inexperienced rider heading to a shit distance on the second fence with the rider doing a spur of moment kick and not a strong seat to effectively get a good forward and BALANCED canter to that oxer. As such, the horse kind of HAD to stop for good reason....No balance, bad distance. The horse stopped for self-preservation purposes only. The rider took a tumble. The rider isn't aiming to be intentionally cruel or abusive, so let's not even go there. In fact her riding is alright for an intermediate. Just needs more miles to improve her seat and feel. That's typically the way riders develop. They're usually not perfect from the start.
The second part, with the rider on the ground and all? The horse was leaderless at that point and just went fight/flight mode like, omg, where do I go, not safe, something's attacking my legs!!! At least the horse ran back to the barn.
No, most horses don't *love* to jump. They may have talent and all to do it, but in reality, horses tend to jump because there's a human on their back *insisting* that the horse jumps. Many riders are humane about this sport, at least those I've known that went through Pony Club and took their instruction to heart, as well as feel great sensitivity to these horses that they realize carry their butts so that the human can do these equestrian pursuits.
I do know that good riders can create ideal conditions that create very nice happy horses that I honestly believe get a kick out of jumping especially if the rider can set the horse up to make everything as effortless as possible. When you watch horses free jump without a rider, it's quite amusing. They'll snort, buck, and have a good time.
I've obtained quite a few "dirty stoppers" and yeah, I've noticed they get that way due to maybe actual physiological pain in the back, hocks, and such, or it's psychological in origin because the horse had bad experiences in the past typically because it can be difficult to carry a sloppy or uneducated rider over jumps. That doesn't mean that the horse was intentionally abused. It just means that the horse may have just been overfaced or in inexperienced hands. Much of it is fixable. Sometimes, yes, retire a horse from jumping entirely! It depends.
True, don't blame the horse.
I agree with ya to get rid of that martingale!!! Yes, it is constrictive.
I've not commonly come across anyone at an event tell me that the horse is "stubborn" due to a refusal and "needs to be taught respect", uh no. Typically, people realize the rider needs improvement, especially in this example you use with the gray horse. Blame in this situation is absolutely on the rider. It ain't the horse's fault in this case.
Bonnie Hundley this is the comment I was looking for here. Your observations on this clip are spot on.
Yay
I hate how people lie that they don't hurt their horse. Horse abuse is every where. Just because it's something that a lot of people do, doesn't make it right. Rick is one of the only people that understand horses' body language and why they do things like this. Horse owners don't even understand their horse, and that really annoys me 😒.
Same here and I know it's frustrating
Just about every riding school I've been to pushes new riders into showjumping. I don't know why they do it - but you end up with a load of riders thinking that jumping = horsemanship. Stupid. Keep up the good work Rick
That's true, I noticed that too! Also, almost every riding school pushes people into entering competitions one day or another.
In the one where I learnt to ride (only to ride, not understanding the horse) they first tried to push me into show jumping, then I started dressage, and when I told them that I wanted a horse for simple work and especially for trekkings to build a relationship.. they LITERALLY kicked me out after 11 years!
I think it might be that showjumping is all some of the instructors know. We have a certificate system for most kids here which is basically preparation for showjumping... I guess it's easier to teach than real horsemanship (trekking etc)...
They do it for money!!
This video enrages me. Unfortunately so much of this is going on in the United States and throughout the world. And maybe even worse. I've done a lot of research and was determined to have no bit before I found your channel, Rick. You just reinforced everything that I felt instinctually...bits= pain.
I am determined to have no bit in my horse's mouth.
Bitless bridles hurt the horse way more.
@@amberseventers Shut up and leave
@@amberseventerstell me you have extremely harsh hands without telling me.
@@OpaxVex huh
@@amberseventersif I can't ride my future horse with a rope halter then I'm not going to be a horse owner I'm out of here ps I quit my riding lessons for good because I was made and forced to use a bit for riding lessons sucked bites I'm done with horses because of people who ride horses in bits
Poor horse, that horse is trying to escape!
lolsasaurusrex ya probably got the beating of its life when caught😞
It's always the rider's fault
Your right if a horse wont jump its always teh riders fault even when he didnt comeright in front of the jump he wil still jump if he has a good rider if it isnt a rider that knows what to do the horse wil stop.
Mackenzie Haverstock not all the time
My new wee mini won't experience a metal bit in his mouth, (while I'm alive) that's for sure.
I know right because bits are nothing but trouble I have always hated those things that are placed in a horse's mouth I didn't like it for the horses to be forced into to using it in its mouth that's mean to place a bit in a horse's mouth
The Jumping world is like the racing industry it's all about the money or ribbons for the people forcing the horses to perform. Glad you are exposing the reality of what it's like from the horses perspective. You don't look 60 same age as me.
Are people still denying that martingales are tiedowns 😂😂
Horsey Girl All the time
Don't pay attention to him, he thinks Martingales are gentle reminders
ok, but are you not following through on the logic they are making? The tie down itself may not be painful, but its purpose is to keep the head from throwing upwards. Now, why would a horse continually throw up its head?--to escape the pressure/pain that is inflicted with the bridle bit and pulling. therefore rick sees it as a useless if not abusive tool because it only serves to erase the horse's control of release; very likely bc the rider pulls constantly with their "soft hands"
I never said they were abusive mike. why so defensive?
Sadly people think a horse does most of the things for fun and not because of the abuse behind the training
Agreed. Horses only ever jump of their own accord when fleeing from danger. Forcing them to jump is cruel and is all about self glory. Can't say I've never popped over a fallen log when out on a ride because I have but that is rare and I would never ask for anything more. If my horse didn't want to jump it happily we would just go the other way.
I remember the idiot rider in 4H whos parents bought him his first horse just because it was pretty, not considering that it was green broke and unprepared for the show environment. It tried to roll with him on it, he got off, the horse stood up, and the rider made absolutely no effort to hold on to the horse. So the horse ran through the arena (spooking every other green horse), out through the entrance, and all throughout the fairgrounds before people got him to settle down. That was the last time I saw that horse. Now he's got a new, hot-headed, $10,000 horse...and for what? He can't ride for shit, he doesn't know the first thing about horsemanship, he's got a bad attitude, and he's oblivious of the fact that there are others around him. Well, I'll tell you, they're in it for the fame and the premium and the ribbons. But that's all. Please, if you want to ride horses, be in it FOR THE HORSES.
I'm so glad that I opened my eyes and stopped riding with a bit. Now I leash a horse and me and the owner do fun stuff with her mare! And I've fallen off of her sometimes but yet again I'm so happy I don't have that reflex to clench my hands and hold on to the reins. If you don't do that the chance increase for the horse to stay after you landed. If something didn't scare them or whatever, it depends on the horse and the situation. I'm glad your channel exists
Melanie Selin that's cause your not a real equestrian so you come on here and lie
n.h_ barrel_racing Haha okay whatever makes you sleep at night
What are you ... 10?
Sorry, my last comment was aimed at the "nikki_barrel_racing" child...
Wow...that poor horse. I agree with you Rick, he was scared and hurt...running for his life. I hope he didn't injure himself.
She'll probably be back with even more harsh and painful equipment.
Even after this, people can't handle the truth
Rode in a rope halter for the first time yesterday. My boy has worn his last bridle. Thanks for confirming what I've suspected; I only wish I could go back in time and ride him the way he deserved from the start.
BlackJess123 Hey at least you can ride in a halter now! Congrats. Don't worry about the past. Just make the future happy for your horse and you :)
Thanks!
good for you and good for you horse
In every sense of the phrase. I already thought he was a responsive horse on the bit. Without it, I barely had to pick up the lead to get him to do something: stop, turn, back up, sidepass, he did it without issue. He did it all without raising his head, opening his mouth, pulling, or that godawful grinding. That's evidence enough for me that it was the right move. I might buy him a nice pink halter to celebrate. ;-) (Yeah, I'm joking.)
Weird how everyone is screaming, freaking the horse out even more. I thought these were horse people? Just goes to show even more so they don't know what the hell they are doing
I love having my coffee while I watch your videos and gain knowledge of the horse. You and Klaous Hempfling are my favorite. Thank you Rick for educating us.
High five sista!
Rick you should consider doing voices for cartoons like the Simpsons... I think you could make a lot of money 😂👍
Now watch the rider who fell off say "I should've held on tighter" and when she falls again she'll hurt the horse even more.
I can't stand horse sports now. After going to an Arabian horse show years ago and seeing how they force the horses to tuck in that neck, all that gear on them, and how hard and harsh they were in the excersise arenas, made me open my eyes. Its why I never do horse sports at all.
Question? If horses love to jump SO much, why do we use fences to keep them on pastures??? They can easily clear most😨
In*
hey you have a very valid point there. haha omgosh before I learnt that jumping horses was cruel.... I used to think, there is no way I would do show jumping because that teaches horses bad habits jumping over fences but luckily the statement "horses love to jump' isn't true and its been proven because Ive never seen them jump a fence.
If the horse didn't have a tie down on the bridle would have just feel off instead of being dragged.
This is exactly what my grandfather has been saying,people don't like jumping all day,even hurts our bones so what's the difference between horses,the horse weighs so much more than a human which means it has way more pressure on it's hooves. How can people not get this?
Quote of the day "shut up you big cry babies" xD hilarious
Again coming here from the cop channel. All I can say is Buddy and Mr. T have as good of a life as I give my golden retriever. I don't push him into anything. Yet, when I'm doing laundry, he instinctively starts picking up clothes and sheets, and follows me to the washing machine. I gave him a treat once for this. 8 years later, he still loves to help dad. I have found, when you earn the animal's respect, they naturally want to please you and be happy with you.
Rick's pragmaticism and his really clear and raw way of explaining animal abuse and using videos to illustrate his points would be really welcome in the vegan community to help spread a similar message. If he ever goes vegan and starts making videos on factory farming I'd sing lol
I skipped 30 secs and it goes from a horse about to jump to a horse running away without the rider lol
where the video ended, it looked like the bridle was finally kicked free
Rick, you have so many awesome points and applaud you for standing up for these poor horses that are abused every day. I think really the only way we are going to get through to these stupid idiots is to put all the pain devices on the idiots and yank the metal in their mouths and make them go on all fours and have someone 'ride' them for a while and see how they like it.... I'm pretty certain they wont last a couple minutes, then they (you would think so if they weren't stupid people) think twice about putting bits in horses mouth, and using spurs and reconsider forcing horses to jump etc. Id like to see these idiots try and jump (on legs not hands and knees) with a tonne of weight on them and see how 'easy and enjoyable' it is (sarcasm intended).
Man. I used to ride English and I'm hunter pleasure horse shows. I was so blind. I haven't ridden anymore in about two years but ever since I started watching your videos, I've realized how blind I was back then. I was being taught by horse riding instructors (all were rich women) and I was riding with bits and helmets. I never jumped, but I rode in dressage and we always had to shorten our reins so that the horse would curl its neck to look pretty. Your videos opened my eyes up so much and I now think differently. I don't take offense to anything you say. Because what you say is true. Thank you so much. I will continue to follow you and watch your videos!
THAT is why i never go to competitions. Gosh in France it's even worst
you should have a contest to see who can make up the stupidest idiotic story for why its the horses fault! lol winner gets pretty pink set of nice gentle loving spurs... lol
Did the horse tell them they love to jump
yip
I used to believe jumping cannot be bad for the horse. Why? Because no one would intentionally hurt a horse. Well, that was 30 years ago and I was a kid (never did that jumping shit, just to be clear...), seems like too many people never grow up to understand what they are doing or they are completely indoctrinated by the industry. How blind and ignorant do you have to be?
Thank you Rick for telling these people what they refuse to see. For all of Ricks younger riders that are told it does not hurt the horse and that is usually by the person they are. PAYING TO TAKE THOSE OR OTHER LESSONS FROM. Please look up arthritis in horses along with other ailments it is this jumping and constant repetitive circling that causes the joints etc. to wear out long before the one that is using the poor horse to admit there is something wrong and not that the horse is suddenly lazy crazy or stubborn.
+alexa hagenson-doull ARE YOU THAT STUPID but that showed my stupidity by even asking that because of course you are!!!
While any animal even humans can get arthritis it is a constant movement other than a normal gait or action of a horse that inclines it to be highly susceptible and running in a circle pen or anywhere in one direction that is not level or in a constant turn of the joints and the landing on front hooves as Rick stated with full body weight PLUS THE RIDER all wear these horses down. To say the average trail horse unless ridden into the ground and on the same terrain as when circled with that same turning motion just says everything about your knowledge of horses etc. Please do yourself your horse and horses elsewhere a real favor and educate yourself and others about ailments of horse legs. As the saying goes THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO REFUSE TO SEE!!! I rescued a poor old tb that won her first race which was a steeplechase. She did not race for a year after then only shorter flat races. When at 16 she could no longer breed even after being stitched I learned of her and the sad broken down bag of bones she had been starved into. She was waiting to transport at her final barn to slaughter. For the remaining almost 14 years I had her she forever lay with her left front leg arched in front of her no matter how that sweet horse lay. She could not be ridden because that knee would not bend and it was almost five times a normal joint. My vet said it had been that way many years and the constant pounding of even limited racing had been horrible for her. Sadly for her she had good breeding and so she was used up for breeding till no money could be made there. AFTER A LIFE OF PAIN FROM ALL SHE KNEW SHE BECAME SUCH A SWEET GENTLE OLD LADY THAT SHE TAUGHT MY DAUGHTER TO SIT A HORSE AT 2 AND TO RIDE AT 3. She was never asked for anything but a very slow trot and my daughter learned to ride bareback. She is one of the best horse women anyone will ever know and I mean in care and riding. She is now 46 and all of her horses that have died are buried under her pastures just as mine are. Don't even try to tell me about horses and arthritis because I lived it everyday I was blessed with my mare for the almost 14 years I had her until old age took her.
The only good thing about it is.... the saddle is much lighter than a western saddle. I'm gonna throw this out there this "fun" isn't for this horse. He's crystal clear about not wanting to play this way.
Rick I wish I could just hang with you around horses because your someone who KNOWS WHAT THERE DOING!😂😂 but seriously though I just like to hang out with horses in the pasture halter-less and everything and just groom them all. One time I was in the far fields for TWO AND A HALF HOURS just sitting there grooming and wondering if I should go bareback in the field.😏😏😏
I have hard hands so I only use a rope halter until I'm soft enough to use a bosel Hackamore.
If you can ride fine in a rope halter though, why would you want to use anything else?
this makes me so sad! your words are so damn true!
I think that horse might have taken that jump if it had been on the left lead instead of the right lead. Turning a horse to a false lead, takes a lot of the jump out of them.
you missed the point of the whole video! doesn't matter what freaking lead the horse is doing he doesn't want to jump anymore. mindless circles constant pain restricted head. another stupid human saying the horse didn't pick up the lead and thats why he doesn't jump.unbelievable how stupid people are.
@@kanetheraccoon4093 so the whole point of the video was irrelevant to the video being critiqued? "mindless circles constant pain restricted head" what do you think the english world is? Torture? Let me first go after your mindless circles tactic. We don't do mindless circles, we ride in an arena but they aren't mindless circles. We do circles to work on the training and focus of a horse but then we go onto jumping and courses or extension and collection. Most people also take their horses on trail rides for a break from work. Onto your second point: constant pain. Where is this pain coming from? The bit? If so there usually isnt any pain coming from the bit unless you are doing something wrong or riding with hard hands. If you are an anti bit person then you need to do some reading of some credible studies because bits aren't any worse for a horse than bitless is. It's the same pain just different places and distribution. And finally restricted head. I'm assuming that you are talking about the martingale for this. Martingales aren't bad and they don't typically restrict the head by that much. Their purpose is to make it so that the horse can't headbut the rider out of excitement and can't put it's head too high to see the upcoming jump. There are reasons for everything, you maybe just need to listen to someone who isnt extremely biased like thinklikeahorse or Raleigh to get them
@@brennajones2134 how long did it take you to write that lol. I don't care what you have to say I've learned that idiots will be idiots and there is no point in arguing. You stay in La la Land with your nice bits and soft hands I'll stay in reality okay? Alright. I'm not even gonna bother reading anything you have to say it's pointless
Hazzard Wolf bet you never even saw a horse irl lmao that’s basically half of his fanbase. And fucking lock me up for using a goddamn snaffle and yeah horses can actually enjoy jumping but some don’t.
@@user-ow6rc4rc3g Horses were never built for jumping. It does bad damage to their legs and back. 1,000+ pounds being put onto their front legs time and time again. Besides, they have no say in what their riders force them to do, so how do any of us know if a horse actually enjoys it or is just trying to do what rider wants?
Brenna Jones Bits are metal in a horse's sensitive mouth. Even if the rider doesn't pull on the reins, the bit is still bouncing and moving in the horse's mouth when they jump. And why do you want to keep the horse from being able to lift its head to see an on coming jump? That sounds like restricting the head to me. And the horse will still try to headbutt if it was doing it before it had its head tied down, only, it will cause the bit/noseband to dig into its skin now. Besides, that horse wouldn't have bolted, or would've at least calmed down sooner, if the bridle hadn't been stuck to it. And do you not realize how stupid and illogical the whole "a metal bit can cause as much pain in a horse's mouth as a synthetic strap on a horse's nose" argument is? And if bits can't hurt a horse if the rider has "soft hands", then a strap on the nose will be even more so. I can't comprehend how something so simple and obvious can fly over you "bits are good if you have 'soft hands'" people.
I have soft hands..........but then again, I don't ride my horse. Yep, I bought my horse with the full intention of never riding him. He wears nothing but a soft rope halter when I spend a couple of hours a day hand grazing him and just hanging out with him in the field. And there are people who say that I abuse my horse by not riding him. Those are the idiots.
Rebecca Paquette
Do you have a dog?
You should ask them if you abuse your dog by not riding it.
Someone's Side Channel XD
horses were not made for riding or that kind of work... Their backs are not made for a human or anything to be on it.....a horse can be well trained and a good boy But I think he prefers freedom and food more
Actually, horses have been domesticated for over 5000 years and they developed strong backs. So basically a human being on a horse is nothing. Unless of course you are doing that kind of stuff.
BløødIsActivated their backs are stronger now I agree, But horses are still very sensitive
Nika Hacky Though if they all would've been free. They would all be slaughtered in the next years..Hear that thing about Donald Trump? He wants to donate the wildhorses to slaughterhouses..Atleast in 2020 or 2030 they would all be gone
Yeah we all prefer freedom and food more, lol.
It's true.
i seen this video and yes that horse was terrified. your analogy really helped me see I was abusing my horses and did not know it. well I know it now. that poor horse I hope the owner did not beat him once he caught up with him.
My old riding instructor said she had hard hands and you had to make the horse do whatever you want it to do. Also the thought it was disrespectful if a horse didn't go to the back of his stall when you come in, she even tied a foul once because it didn't go to the back.
"Grand Wizards." Love it Rick.
Wow, pretty awful. Did that horse crash into one of those tents? I hope not. People that use spurs and bits should have someone put them in that getup and see how it feels. Of course, some folks are into S&M.......
This doesn't look like it is fun to the horse,,, man he sure hit the binders quick,,,,TFF ,,,, the rider on their heads is always funny,,,, Mr T and Buddy you're good boys.....
I will admit I had heavy hands at first. I learned how to ride out of books, on a older large pony with a "hard"mouth due to being ridden by other kids/ppl with hard hands. Although I tried I simply didn't know better. I eventually learned a better way with help from trainers and yes John Lyons books when he was the popular clinician of the time. Im not perfect but a shit wagon loads better now.
That horse is scared. That's what I see.
Suzy Homesteader me too!
Rhea Haberman I don't care what anyone says. You can see fear on this horse, and others just like it. You can see fear, and love on dogs, cats, and horses.
I don't go to any horse sport events anymore, cannot bear to see the abuse, the cruelty and the lack of knowledge, they have no idea of how a horse ticks, all they are interested in is looking pretty and winning, if the horse does not fulfill the human wish list, its curtains for the poor horse. Sick of the horse sport world!
8:58 no one is more blind than those who don't want to see (first thing that came to my mind)
Rick thank you for making these videos and educating people, I have learned so much from these!
Yeah- They love jumping.. That's why Christopher Reeves spent the rest of his life paralyzed! I had hard hands.. I learned what I was doing wrong and my "out of control" Appaloosa became the sweetest best horse one could hope for.. No Bit harness only. Never again with a bit. That was 30 years ago..
when my nerves get the best me I tend to have heavy hands I have been working on it but is still a work in progress
Exactly why I dont like bits spurs crops... I do trail riding and cross country, poor freakin horse I'm
Glad I don't use bits spurs crops whips all that crap tie downs etc I ride english and I don't do any of this, poor horse. I'm glad me and my horse actually has a great life and have a great bond without no pain at all... poor horse
Jean Bon true true true but I'm talking about little trail jumps not competing like little little little logs not those big 4ft jumps, I agree with u though that it could cause more injury becuase of trees and things that why u have to be careful, if I ever compete imma make sure it's okay and right for my horse so none of use get hurt, I agree with u 100% on ur point when If I do compete I'll make sure the trails nice and smooth and if ruff and bumpy then no, and I wouldn't jump her a lot sense it does tear up there tendons when they get older. I agree with u but at least u don't have the crowed screaming at the horse
Shit, Rick, no wonder you've been thinking about disabling comments lately. Smells like barn witches in here.
To the people commenting "Not everyone does this" means you feel guilty. If you aren't doing it, then Rick isn't talking about you. End of story. No need to defend yourself. To step in and say something about it is to own it. Period. If you aren't doing anything wrong, then don't get upset. That's what it means to take it personally.
Elfie In Angel City thank you, preach.
they know they are guilty that is why they feel the need to justify and have a hissy fit
like you do
So sad these beautiful animals are treated this way, How many horses died at Churchill Downs this year?
Churchill Downs, home of Kentucky Derby, suspends racing after 12 horses die.Jun 2, 2023
😭
Have you done a video on polo? Apparently prince harry is known for abusing his polo ponies. Thoughts?
bad sport, lots of abuse, not good for horses
@@ThinkLikeAHorse exactly! The injuries must be horrendous. Again the yanking on bits, running hard being hit by a hard ball and mallet. It actually makes bareback and saddle bronco rodeo riding look humane.
Painful to watch and hear too. My critical eyes are weeping again (mean ole) Dad....before I stumbled across you and your gorgeous boys I would have been thinking everything you were saying about 'the stupid and dangerous horse' my goodness how things change when you truly thinklikeahorse THANKS for educating this English woman to be much less of a dummy...Buddy...Mr T...Dad & Mokie...you are THE BEST 💙 💙 💙 💙
fiona daniells I'm glad to see more people waking up in the horse world!
Laurey Bluwillow yes 100% 😀 I try to spread the incredible teaching website to my horsey people and most look at me as if I have two heads!!!
I used to have hard hands when I first started riding. But I learned the hard way to soften up and let my horse relax
Who the hell is using tie downs/martingales to try and get thier horse's back in the correct position (assuming they are riding dressage)??? When I took dressage lessons, they always taught me that the first rule to getting a horse in proper form was to NOT to use a martingale/tie down!
The only place I've ever encountered tie downs/martingales was when I rode hunter/jumper (never doing that again) and it was exactly for what you described- preventing the horse from escaping the pain of the bit. Not only does it cause pain, it stops the horse from using its neck for balance, and I've seen them get caught on fences/jumps/riders/you name it too many times to count.
Seems to me like a horse knows what the "proper" body position is for whatever it's doing. I mean it's not like horses haven't evolved over millions of years to be ideal running animals.
At first I thought the horse was just going to not jump and then trot off when she fell but then it like properly ran away and I was like damn poor horse...doesn't want anything to do with jumping.