this was kinda thrilling.....lol. The mare let go and trusted... you went with it. A wonderful beginning! Please post many more videos of your journey!
Thanks for the comment. I like your first phrase. Odd to think of something so low-key being thrilling but that’s exactly how I felt when this mare took the deep breath and decided things were going to be OK.
I may be wrong but I think her skin tension changed significantly when she did the stop and reevaluation. Her whole body relaxed at the stop but her skin did something I have only felt but happen before not seen. Quite literally, to my eye her skin smoothed from one breath to another. Very subtle but the reflection on the planes of her coat changed and the areas of shine reduced. As I said I have felt that tonic relaxation but never got to watch it happen. This was not a boring video AT ALL. And getting to see the way Betty uses her tail in conjunction with her overall behavior was marvelous. I am very glad you decided to BE A CAMERA as well as a narrator extraordinaire.
Very interesting observation. There are certainly innumerable signs of both relaxation and stress and I suspect that you have picked up on one of the subtle ones.
Thanks, Herm. I just watched you and Betty in the previous video and this one back to back, and it was not boring! Although my wife and I have owned horses and kept them on our property for 20+ years, I still consider myself green when it comes to riding, as I only saddle up about once a month. I recall a "moment" several years ago when my rescue mustang (also pretty green) and I were out for a short ride in the neighborhood. Up until that point, I had felt like I had to micromanage his every movement in order to stay out of trouble. We had stopped to rest. After a minute or so, I just thought, "Hey, let's go." I don't recall giving any physical or sound cues, but he started walking. It startled me that he had apparently read my mind. But I figured out that somehow we had made a connection and since that point, our rides have been much more enjoyable.
Weather they read our minds or sense our intentions or are simply able to detect the subtlest changes in our body language or breathing it is absolutely a fact that we are open books to our horses all the time. Evidently your horse liked what he read. Glad to hear it’s working out so well.
Thanks for your comment. I agree that she is surprisingly handy and athletic for a horse of her breeding . It will be interesting to see how she develops in the future.
Not boring at all. And a great example of the first steps of Tom Dorrance's mantra. And yeah, it was Tom, though most good horse trainers who've learned from Tom and Bill and Ray and Buck have heard it and like you, repeat it to their students. Before I left the states, i had it on a plaque on my porch. I'm in my 70s now, so I take all the time I need to get to the last part - going together.
I've got a quarter horse(gelding) that I quite literally rode him over 1,000 miles before he finally decided he was going to be OK and just relaxed. I still remember the day it happened, I thought he might have been hurt somehow. so, I stopped and made sure he was OK. It was several years worth of riding sometimes five days a week. He was never a bad horse just very forward and anxious and wouldn't fully relax under saddle. Now days he still gets a little tight at the start of riding season but after a few consistent rides he settles right back down. I tried bending him down hundreds of times, focus for relaxation on the ground works amazing with him but under saddle he just always carried a little bit of worry and tightness until that one day, where, poof he just didn't and finally relaxed. He was 17 that year and he is 19 this year. Longest holdout like that I have experienced in 46 years of riding. I liked that you stopped when you did, you keep doing that and stopping on a good note without asking too much and she is going to be an amazing horse for you, I can see it in her already. Looking forward to hopefully seeing a lot more of her in your videos.
Keeping it simple means so much more to the horse. Thank you for another great video. You are never boring Hermand you are so humble. Rather rare these days. Cheers from Nova Scotia.
Thank you. It is truly gratifying the number of people who comprehend and embrace a video in which so little apparently happens yet so much progress occurred.
@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses I’d give my arm to come and watch n learn only cuz I can still ride lol just kidding I love ur videos and jump to watch them xx
Yes. More indicative of her frame of mind and inexperience in cantering in the round pen than anything else.You’ll notice that this pretty much goes away as she relaxes. In fairness to her this was probably her first attempt, lifetime, to lope within the confines of a round pen. That, coupled with some distraction and stress led to that disorganized movement. Don’t think it’s going to be a long-term issue.
@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses one of my horses do the same and this is the most stressful and youngest horse, so I believe you are right. Thank you very much for your videos!!
I looked it up. It was Tom Dorrance. But Ray Hunt probably repeated it regularly!! This was a great video Herm. One question: what was that noise in the background? A chain saw? It didn't really take away from the video -- I could still hear fine -- but I found it very distracting. You're probably very used to it, but perhaps it set Betty on edge.
Weed eater. I agree it was distracting. Our microphone system is pretty good at filtering out background noise but it came through surprisingly clearly in the video. On the other hand, I genuinely don’t think it materially affected Betty’s frame of mind. Still, one more thing…The only good thing about it was it wasn’t me running the weedeater!
Maybe I'm showing my ignorance, but why do you have to wear spurs when you obviously communicate so well without using them? I am a novice learning so much from you. Be patient with me:)
Good question. I'll be interested in Herm's answer, but my thought is that he probably puts them on every morning and then doesn't think much about it. He says he has 8 horses so Betty probably wasn't the only horse he rode that day. And fwiw, spurs aren't to punish a horse; they are to make it possible to give a light signal rather than a more forceful (possibly), less specific signal. I don't wear them because I don't trust myself not to inadvertently spur the horse. But "communicating without them" isn't really a thing. You can ride without them, but you can communicate more with them. Just like you can ride without a bit, but you can accomplish more with one. Anyway, you picked a good person to learn from.
That was a very fair question. Thank you for the respectful way in which it was asked. Rather than run on at one here I think you’ve identified a good topic for another video so be patient and what I hope will be a very complete answer will be coming.
@epona answered this very well and would like to add to it. Spurs are a tool not a weapon. Used property that can be a great asset. Depending on your horse they can keep things from turning rodeo. I once had a young lady tell me that if you have to wear spurs you aren’t really riding. Well this lady never found herself in a cattle pen on a green horse freeze up as a bull is lining up on you. I know this is an extreme example that most of will never be in. But out on the trail you may need something a little extra to keep their attention when needed. You will here a lot of negative remarks about them. Just keep an open mind. Just like a whip or crop. It’s all on how you use them.
I think this would be an excellent topic for a video. I know I’ve seen several on styles and proper fit. But don’t recall seeing much of anything on the use and when they should be used. Having been on both sides of the Mississippi I’ve seen two different views on them. Not sure what your experience has been. Being here on the east coast. I live a bit north of you in upstate NY. And have always heard negative comments about them. I believe this is do to lack of knowledge and just repeating of what has been told to them. When I was dog training I would use pinch collars. Back when you couldn’t get them just anywhere. People would freak out over them until I could show when how they worked. Especially women with large dogs. Go from a tug of war thing to walking fine in less than 5 minutes. These are good tools used properly
this was kinda thrilling.....lol. The mare let go and trusted... you went with it. A wonderful beginning! Please post many more videos of your journey!
Thanks for the comment. I like your first phrase. Odd to think of something so low-key being thrilling but that’s exactly how I felt when this mare took the deep breath and decided things were going to be OK.
I may be wrong but I think her skin tension changed significantly when she did the stop and reevaluation. Her whole body relaxed at the stop but her skin did something I have only felt but happen before not seen. Quite literally, to my eye her skin smoothed from one breath to another. Very subtle but the reflection on the planes of her coat changed and the areas of shine reduced. As I said I have felt that tonic relaxation but never got to watch it happen. This was not a boring video AT ALL. And getting to see the way Betty uses her tail in conjunction with her overall behavior was marvelous. I am very glad you decided to BE A CAMERA as well as a narrator extraordinaire.
Very interesting observation. There are certainly innumerable signs of both relaxation and stress and I suspect that you have picked up on one of the subtle ones.
Nice work Herm. Betty is making you a nice ride. Tails tell all!
Thanks. Tails, ears, skin, all are great telltales
Thanks, Herm. I just watched you and Betty in the previous video and this one back to back, and it was not boring! Although my wife and I have owned horses and kept them on our property for 20+ years, I still consider myself green when it comes to riding, as I only saddle up about once a month. I recall a "moment" several years ago when my rescue mustang (also pretty green) and I were out for a short ride in the neighborhood. Up until that point, I had felt like I had to micromanage his every movement in order to stay out of trouble. We had stopped to rest. After a minute or so, I just thought, "Hey, let's go." I don't recall giving any physical or sound cues, but he started walking. It startled me that he had apparently read my mind. But I figured out that somehow we had made a connection and since that point, our rides have been much more enjoyable.
Weather they read our minds or sense our intentions or are simply able to detect the subtlest changes in our body language or breathing it is absolutely a fact that we are open books to our horses all the time. Evidently your horse liked what he read. Glad to hear it’s working out so well.
Sounds like patients rewarded! Good job. It’s always nice when things work out and maybe even more satisfying when the payoff comes after a long wait.
Thanks for the video - love your positive attitude.
Thank you for the compliment. A positive attitude has never been too hard for me when I’m around horses.
Betty has moves! Very athletic horse! You're kindly supportive ,Herm. Fortunate horse!❤
Thanks for your comment. I agree that she is surprisingly handy and athletic for a horse of her breeding . It will be interesting to see how she develops in the future.
You're a wonderful, mindful trainer!
Not boring at all. And a great example of the first steps of Tom Dorrance's mantra. And yeah, it was Tom, though most good horse trainers who've learned from Tom and Bill and Ray and Buck have heard it and like you, repeat it to their students. Before I left the states, i had it on a plaque on my porch.
I'm in my 70s now, so I take all the time I need to get to the last part - going together.
Thanks for your comment. I understand the last sentence, as well. Isn’t it funny that the older you get the more time you take.
I loved this!! Warms my heart for u both
Thanks for your kind and encouraging comment.
I've got a quarter horse(gelding) that I quite literally rode him over 1,000 miles before he finally decided he was going to be OK and just relaxed. I still remember the day it happened, I thought he might have been hurt somehow. so, I stopped and made sure he was OK. It was several years worth of riding sometimes five days a week. He was never a bad horse just very forward and anxious and wouldn't fully relax under saddle. Now days he still gets a little tight at the start of riding season but after a few consistent rides he settles right back down. I tried bending him down hundreds of times, focus for relaxation on the ground works amazing with him but under saddle he just always carried a little bit of worry and tightness until that one day, where, poof he just didn't and finally relaxed. He was 17 that year and he is 19 this year. Longest holdout like that I have experienced in 46 years of riding. I liked that you stopped when you did, you keep doing that and stopping on a good note without asking too much and she is going to be an amazing horse for you, I can see it in her already. Looking forward to hopefully seeing a lot more of her in your videos.
Sounds like patience rewarded. So satisfying when things finally work out especially after a long wait. Congratulations
Amazing to see how she suddenly changed! Thank you for sharing this magical moment!
And thank you for seeing and appreciating how significant a small subtle things can be.
Keeping it simple means so much more to the horse. Thank you for another great video. You are never boring Hermand you are so humble. Rather rare these days. Cheers from Nova Scotia.
A lovely comment. Thank you so much.
Holy poo that was amazing Herm!!!❤ luv this n thank u
Thank you. It is truly gratifying the number of people who comprehend and embrace a video in which so little apparently happens yet so much progress occurred.
Thanks. I am flattered!
@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses I’d give my arm to come and watch n learn only cuz I can still ride lol just kidding I love ur videos and jump to watch them xx
I think you really nabbed the right girl from that ranch! I looked at the site and you got top pick. You look good together.
Thanks for your vote of confidence. She was my pic of the litter also.
Crossfireing , when go to the left...
Yes. More indicative of her frame of mind and inexperience in cantering in the round pen than anything else.You’ll notice that this pretty much goes away as she relaxes. In fairness to her this was probably her first attempt, lifetime, to lope within the confines of a round pen. That, coupled with some distraction and stress led to that disorganized movement. Don’t think it’s going to be a long-term issue.
@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses one of my horses do the same and this is the most stressful and youngest horse, so I believe you are right. Thank you very much for your videos!!
I looked it up. It was Tom Dorrance. But Ray Hunt probably repeated it regularly!! This was a great video Herm. One question: what was that noise in the background? A chain saw? It didn't really take away from the video -- I could still hear fine -- but I found it very distracting. You're probably very used to it, but perhaps it set Betty on edge.
Weed eater. I agree it was distracting. Our microphone system is pretty good at filtering out background noise but it came through surprisingly clearly in the video. On the other hand, I genuinely don’t think it materially affected Betty’s frame of mind. Still, one more thing…The only good thing about it was it wasn’t me running the weedeater!
Black bettie
Yup.
Maybe I'm showing my ignorance, but why do you have to wear spurs when you obviously communicate so well without using them? I am a novice learning so much from you. Be patient with me:)
Good question. I'll be interested in Herm's answer, but my thought is that he probably puts them on every morning and then doesn't think much about it. He says he has 8 horses so Betty probably wasn't the only horse he rode that day. And fwiw, spurs aren't to punish a horse; they are to make it possible to give a light signal rather than a more forceful (possibly), less specific signal. I don't wear them because I don't trust myself not to inadvertently spur the horse. But "communicating without them" isn't really a thing. You can ride without them, but you can communicate more with them. Just like you can ride without a bit, but you can accomplish more with one. Anyway, you picked a good person to learn from.
Thanks for your comment. I wonder if I even need to reply because I think you nailed it!
That was a very fair question. Thank you for the respectful way in which it was asked. Rather than run on at one here I think you’ve identified a good topic for another video so be patient and what I hope will be a very complete answer will be coming.
@epona answered this very well and would like to add to it. Spurs are a tool not a weapon. Used property that can be a great asset. Depending on your horse they can keep things from turning rodeo.
I once had a young lady tell me that if you have to wear spurs you aren’t really riding. Well this lady never found herself in a cattle pen on a green horse freeze up as a bull is lining up on you. I know this is an extreme example that most of will never be in. But out on the trail you may need something a little extra to keep their attention when needed.
You will here a lot of negative remarks about them. Just keep an open mind. Just like a whip or crop. It’s all on how you use them.
I think this would be an excellent topic for a video. I know I’ve seen several on styles and proper fit. But don’t recall seeing much of anything on the use and when they should be used. Having been on both sides of the Mississippi I’ve seen two different views on them. Not sure what your experience has been. Being here on the east coast. I live a bit north of you in upstate NY. And have always heard negative comments about them. I believe this is do to lack of knowledge and just repeating of what has been told to them. When I was dog training I would use pinch collars. Back when you couldn’t get them just anywhere. People would freak out over them until I could show when how they worked. Especially women with large dogs. Go from a tug of war thing to walking fine in less than 5 minutes.
These are good tools used properly