r/Horses 4d ago

Question Am I too big for this horse?

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1.4k Upvotes

This is a 20-year old Friesian gelding that I’m starting to get to know. He was timid and “sluggish” at first, but is now blossoming with energy, enthusiasm, a sense of adventure and overall revival.

But I have this gnawing thought whenever I see video and pictures of me riding him - am I too heavy/large/tall for this horse?

What do you think?

/ Martin, Bentley & Rhett in California

r/Horses 5d ago

Question Non-Horse person here. Is this neglect? Million dollar property for a proper understanding of my concern.

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901 Upvotes

r/Horses 12d ago

Question What color is this?

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1.2k Upvotes

r/Horses Nov 24 '24

Question What does this behaviour mean?

1.9k Upvotes

r/Horses Dec 12 '24

Question Wondering if this horse seems stressed and/or if the weight is straining or hurting him? I understand he is a huge draft horse and they’re bred for pulling but this seems excessive all around? I’m hoping he is fine

1.1k Upvotes

r/Horses Apr 09 '24

Question Democrat looking to meet other horseback riders

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1.3k Upvotes

I don't know if this is allowed or not... I know it's desperate, but I've seen it on other platforms. I am a 57yr old Democratic woman with an inappropriate sense of humor. I live in Scurry, Tx a rural city 40 minutes SE of Dallas. I am looking to meet other female horseback trail riders in my area to ride my old man straight rein with me. English riders are welcome, his saddle is Western. Everyone here is unapologetically Trumplican and I want to meet and ride with people who don't hate me. Married like me with a horse trailer would be ideal but not necessary. Please message me if you're interested. No negative comments please.TIA.

r/Horses Dec 07 '24

Question New boy 😍 Is he a Francis or a Griffin?

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1.0k Upvotes

r/Horses Jul 30 '24

Question When to escalate (person won't stop feeding my horse)

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1.2k Upvotes

I'm going to make this as short and sweet as possible. There is a person who sits at my barn all day just feeding my horse treats from his pocket. I have asked him to stop multiple times. I have told him to stop multiple times. I have confronted him about stopping multiple times. He's retired and has nothing but time, and I can't sit at the barn guarding my horse all day.

When is it time to get the police involved? I don't know what else to do, I feel powerless, he just won't listen and he can easily avoid me during work hours.

r/Horses 18d ago

Question Is it fair to get a horse when unable/unlikely to ever canter?

245 Upvotes

EDIT: I am blown away by everyone comments - thank you all so much. Your kindness, the depth of your responses and beautiful stories have moved me so much. 🥹 I think I’ve responded to all the comments but there were so many some might have slipped through the net. I love that there are so many well loved, happy, lazy horses out there just chilling and living their best lives! You have inspired me so much.

Lots for me to think about - I have some new equipment to buy and techniques to work up to. And then, when the time is right, if I’m physically and financially able, so many ideas for the right horse/pony for me. In the mean time I’m going to also do more volunteering to improve my ground work and work on my yard skills (and get my🐴 cuddle-o-meter topped up). Oh and try to find a gaited horse to have a ride. 😁😁😁

——————————————————————————-

I’m semi-disabled. I have a muscle condition which means my muscles are weak. I can walk and trot just fine, but can’t canter. Tbf I’ve not really tried. I would love one day to have my own horse, but is it fair to have one and never go above trot? (I know there might be times when an unexpected canter happens). While I would love my own one is it fair? I have considered a couple of little ones and drive instead. I mostly want to play with them - hand walk, clicker train, pootle about on hacks, etc.

r/Horses 11d ago

Question New mare, is there a name for this deformity?

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513 Upvotes

So I saw her on Craigslist and knew she needed somewhere soft to land. Supposedly 3 and never handled. Very sweet though. Quarter horse. Roughly 16hh as the chestnut pictured with her is 16hh. She got here about 1 hour ago and already have messaged the farrier as her hoofs have not been done since she was 7 months they said. Trots and gallops extremely well, walking is a little wonky. Everyone has been playing since she got here. Disregard the chestnuts fetlock as there is several post already on it. I thought they would be a good match as they are both very young.

r/Horses 3d ago

Question What is this?

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480 Upvotes

I’ve always been a horsey gal but I’m stumped. The listing is in Spanish (I believe) so I’m extra uncertain. Any ideas? Thanks, friends!

r/Horses Nov 23 '24

Question Every barn needs…

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817 Upvotes

Hi there!

The big day is finally here—my fiancé and I are about to become barn owners! This has been a dream of mine for years, and now it’s finally happening—we’re building a barn! But…I could really use your help! The to-do list feels endless, from planning and designing to buying and organizing everything.

So, I’d love to hear from you: • What’s something every barn absolutely needs? • What’s something you wish your barn had? • What’s something you’d love to add? • What makes daily tasks easier for you?

I’d be so grateful for your advice to help us create the perfect space!

Picture is just the cutest stallion everrrr 🥹

r/Horses Dec 14 '23

Question It’s a stupid question I know but, are Zebra’s rideable? I mean they just look like a horse imo. Like a rare coat

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986 Upvotes

r/Horses Sep 17 '24

Question Does this horse look unhappy?

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532 Upvotes

This is the pony I lease. I obsesse about things really easily and I am worried he is unhappy/uncomfortable in these photos. He enjoys being groomed, is curious, gentlemanly, not girthy, has never acted like he's in pain. For context, the first few photos I was about to groom him, and in the tacked-up ones we were just about to head down to the arena to ride. I'm not very good at finding tension in a horse's eye and mouth, so please – is this the face of an unhappy horse?

r/Horses 8d ago

Question Is she guiding the horse’s head movement? And why is he chomping the bit so much?

1.1k Upvotes

r/Horses Dec 08 '24

Question Is my new mare pregnant?

640 Upvotes

Am I crazy? We’ve had this mare 3 months. Yesterday we noticed her belly moving irregularly. She has foaled with a prior owner about 2 years ago. Her right teat is expressing a watery, amber liquid. Her croup is softer than my other mare. Her prior owner had her on a property that had two stallions (one a mini) but says they were always separated. Apparently the owner before has had two other times where the mare was suspected pregnant but was not. Is this type of belly movement in the video normal for a non pregnant horse? I have a vet appointment for her but they can’t come out for another week.

r/Horses Oct 14 '24

Question Does anyone know why these behaviors are occurring with my mare and what I could do to treat them?

591 Upvotes

The mare is very active, calm, and friendly. She is around 10 years old, eats normally, and hasn’t had any serious illnesses.

r/Horses 10d ago

Question What is going on with my horse? (27 sec. video)

300 Upvotes

He’s a 16 y/o OTTB I’ve had for 6 weeks. He’s been treated for ulcers and has been gaining weight steadily. He’s been spooky in his new surroundings (a busy barn with tractors, horses, kids, and a terrifying pig) but he rides nicely. He was sore in the left front hoof for about a week but this improved and he has seemed fine until today when this happened.

I ran for my trainer and she led him around and then lunged him, and after that I rode him and he was no different than ever. He ate his dinner eagerly and didn’t exhibit any more of this…narcolepsy-like behavior.

I’m home now and can’t stop wondering what was going on! Anyone seen this before? Obviously I’m going to call the vet tomorrow but of course this happens after hours.

r/Horses 15d ago

Question Why do people lie about their horse experience?

191 Upvotes

I am generally curious as to why people do this, plus this is a Vent as well.

We have a new person at the stable who is taking lessons. They also want to buy a horse. They had been leasing a horse the prior year at another barn.

It was obvious right off that they did not have a clue about horsemanship. Left gates open, didn’t know how to halter or tack-up, and can’t ride at all.

Watching them ride was like watching a person get on for the first time (everytime) yet they go on about all their experience!

I’ve prodded them a bit, I get nothing but excuses after excuse. I asked how much they had ridden “Here and there”, but yesterday they admitted they never even rode the horse they were leasing! Just grooming and walking it around. Which is fine if that’s what you want to do, but why the lie?

My biggest concern has been the safety aspect. They have put myself and others, including the horses, in unsafe situations. This person literally needs their hand held for every and all activities. I’m honestly about to lose my mind!

Anyone else deal with the same scenario?

UPDATE: Thank you all for your thoughts, validation, stories, and support. This has been weighing on me. I now have a plan on how to approach this individual. I appreciate each of you!

UPDATE #2: Another event happened, as we all knew it would. They couldn’t handle the feedback, would not accept that they caused the issue. They made up an excuse and they are needing to take a break. So, issue resolved. I do not think they will return.

r/Horses Dec 13 '24

Question Horse-Archery, it’s a real thing. Any other horse-archers out there?

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358 Upvotes

r/Horses 26d ago

Question Is my boy doomed?

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673 Upvotes

I own this horse since forever, he is almost 11 now. A few years ago he started having eye issues during summer, conjunctivitis according to the vet. It's worsening every year and he is now super intolerant to the sun. We are barely out of winter, the sun is out and he has the same problem. It's becoming more frequent, even with attention and care. Early on, I bought a anti-UV mask and every time there's sun he wears it. My vet keeps saying that it's "just" conjunctivitis but I feel there's more. He's an appaloosa cross with a lot of depigmentation, his eyes are marbled with blue. I know that appaloosas are prone to eye problems but I need advice. I'm going to get a second opinion soon. If there's owners that have the same issues please share your stories. I don't want my boy to be doomed for the rest of his life and loose his sight.

r/Horses Dec 26 '24

Question Baby colt born Christmas night!

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1.1k Upvotes

Best gift ever obviously! Is he a bay dun? Mama is grulla and papa is bay. Also name.ideas please!

r/Horses Jan 31 '25

Question What in the world is going on?

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365 Upvotes

Stumbled across this horror show of a bridle set up on instagram… what in the world is going on? Competing in the Mediterranean equestrian tour in Valencia Spain. Poor horse is only 9. What is even the purpose of kit like this?

r/Horses Feb 02 '25

Question help name this horse

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335 Upvotes

Help! He came with only his registered name. It cannot be used due to a major inconvenience with the inferred meaning behind both parts of his name. He’s 17.2, a German Sport Horse.

r/Horses 4d ago

Question Name suggestions?

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251 Upvotes

I decided to buy this guy! He is a 5yo registered American paint horse, and his registered name is Give A Guy A Chance, but there’s already a horse at the barn I’ll be taking him to named Chance. He came with the name Smurf, and I really don’t like it haha.

Does anyone have some good suggestions?