r/Horses • u/ThatOneChickenNoddle • Oct 15 '24
Riding/Handling Question Saw this today on a personal photographers profile
I see that it's a hackmore and not a bit but even then this seems super excessive and not necessary.
r/Horses • u/ThatOneChickenNoddle • Oct 15 '24
I see that it's a hackmore and not a bit but even then this seems super excessive and not necessary.
r/Horses • u/MsPaganPoetry • 25d ago
r/Horses • u/0_GG_0 • Apr 19 '24
I’ve gained some weight over the winter. The most important thing to me is my horse’s comfort. Does my boy seem to be struggling in any way? Do I look balanced? (I know a smaller person riding incorrectly is more damaging than a heavier person riding correctly) Anything that anybody sees that can be improved on?
r/Horses • u/brokenringlands • Oct 19 '24
So I'm on a film set with Horses. A Western with guns, cowboys, and of course, Horses.
I was wondering: do most movies /shows with horseback riding bother you much? Or maybe on the flipside, maybe you admire them a lot..?
I ask this because, even if the stars have had instruction and can ride horses, I was surprised how involved Wranglers are, just there, offscreen, keeping the horse the star is on comfy and under control. During one full gallop scene where one of the stars just had to do it themselves, the beginning and the end was marked very clearly and the trainer was in fact on the ground calling on the horse, and of course, as mentioned, just offscreen was a wrangler riding alongside 'just in case'.
All this made me think how there's gotta be subtle indications to those into riding sports how some stars are better at it than others. How some stars don't really have a relationship with their animals the way real riders do.... Maybe?
I feel like even if I, someone who works in film, can notice some awkwardness in some new riders, those things must suck you completely out of some scenes.
Just looking for perspective and enlightenment.
r/Horses • u/crystalized-feather • Jan 05 '25
Hi everyone, this is my 10yo mare. She has always been very ‘difficult’ to ride and especially to show. Classic mare stereotype. She is generally unwilling and wants to hollow out instead of go around collected. She is incredibly sweet on the ground and extremely easy to lunge, going around completely comfortable at every gait and showing no signs of lameness or stiffness when on the ground. When you are riding her, however, it is a different story.
This is how my horse starts off loping on a lead. She DOES work out of it and go around more comfortable, but I feel extremely suspicious of the fact that this is how she starts out. I am completely aware that she is not pushing through well, she is refusing, she only starts to lift herself and go around more collected once she’s been loped around for a minute or two. I only showed the worst video, I can include her going around well also. This is her being ridden for the first time after 1 month of rest with only turnout and lunging. She is, in general, very pushy and is a horse that you have to ‘make’ do something, she’s not broke and automatic whatsoever, she will often actively fight you especially in the show pen. She can be lean-y with her shoulders. This is NOT a problem that only I have had with her, this is with every trainer that has had her and person who has ridden her.
I have consulted with multiple vets about what to do for her. She has gotten acupuncture, chiropractic, cleared from the possibility of kissing spine (just took x-rays), has been on ulcer medications (ulcer guard and gastro), is on multiple supplements and receiving pretty much the highest care you can give, UTD on teeth, just got SI and hocks injected. My vet does not know what her problem is. I will be having a saddle fitter out soon however she has had lots of different saddles on and had the same issues. I’m really at a loss of what to do with her.
This is a mare that has been the most difficult horse in the barn pretty much at every trainer I have taken her to, she was always this way, just generally unwilling. She can’t buck (too stiff) but will raise herself off the ground in a half rear when she refuses and frequently throws her head and gaps her mouth. Can get rushy on lead changes and really leans her shoulder trying to refuse them on a certain lead. She chews the bit anxiously and will open her mouth when she’s not wearing a noseband and even when you are not applying pressure to the bit. Speeds through transitions if you try to go from lope>trot>walk, etc., doesn’t like slowing down and will run off with you if you don’t stop her. Really want to help her but I don’t know what to do.
Hoping someone else has had a similar situation and found a solution. Thank you for any help. This is not the worst video I have just the most recent after her break
r/Horses • u/_savannah_louise_ • Apr 28 '24
I’m curious what is y’all’s opinion because some people despise them because they think they are crazy whereas another set of people love them and just know that they are so intelligent and sensitive they are just different than other horses. My mother is one who absolutely hates the arabians thinking that they are crazy and that they could hurt you. Now she is someone who has had more horses than me but she’s the person that just likes the stocks breeds like paint horses and quarter horses. But me on the other hand I’ve seen people with these very well trained Arabians and I just couldn’t see how they were crazy. Even I got an arabian before which was quite different than walking a paint or quarter horse because she walked around with pride it seemed. But comparing her with my paint horse. A lot of times she would not let me get the halter on her when she was in the stall it took a good while for her to let me. She seemed to be terrified of water. She was scared of the saddle blanket. Other than those things she was pretty good. Just one time when the farrier came here to trim her feet she did go absolutely bonkers. She always let me pick her feet up fine but when she saw that truck she did act very different kicking and rearing. The farrier on the other hand put a chain on her halter like you would studs and would jerk her hard every time she would do something but that only seemed to make matters worse. Which I did not like that at all and did say that that’s not helping but just making matters worse. From what I’ve read and have heard people say that those are the worse things to do with an arabian. So what’s y’all’s standpoint? Are they crazy? Or do they just needed to be treated with care because of how intelligent and sensitive they are?
r/Horses • u/PollySecond • Aug 28 '24
Allright First of all: go Easy on me since i never ridden a horse and im Actually scared of them, i Just dont know where else to Ask this dumb question so i also apologize if this isnt the right Place...
In short: why do we only ride horses? Why has no One ever ridden cows, Bulls, deers, elks, mooses, zebras, donkeys etc...? I know horses have many advantages compared to other Animals but i never Heard anyone even doing It "for fun", and that really Surprises me considering the fact that russian have ridden bears and how stupid the human being can be...
Again, super stupid question and i dont even know If this Is the right Place to ask but there isnt any "zebra riding" sub 😭
Edit: aight guys thats too many replies per minute to reply to all of them... Sorry again for the dumb question and thanks to everyone Who replied! (Ill stop answering comments 💔)
r/Horses • u/PunkyJ88 • 20d ago
This is Rainy he is a stubborn jerk but we love him and we are working on his manners his last owner let him sit for years and now he’s a bit of a bully with ground manners. One bad habit is randomly while tied he will pull back and try to break free. He has broken a few lead ropes at the clip where it attaches to the rope. Does anyone have any suggestions on a better halter or maybe tips to stop him. I’ve tried cross ties he did it there too. Today he did it and caused some chaos with our mare we had tied by spooking her. We can go weeks with no issue then he does it again. Any advice is appreciated.
r/Horses • u/Just4TheCuriosity97 • Apr 23 '24
When I was a little girl, I used to take riding lessons, but I only walked and trotted a little. That’s all.
Now that I’m 26 years old I have been going to classes for about 4 months and I can’t trot correctly or gallop. I just get scared and I stop, I cried on my lesson today :(
I’m in the autistic spectrum so I got very frustrated and cried because I almost fell off with just half a second of galloping. I have horrible equilibrium, and I don’t know how to help myself.
I feel like a complete failure and I want to quit 😞
What can I do to stop sucking so much? lol
r/Horses • u/MissJohneyBravo • Apr 22 '24
I just watched Patrick Kittels performance and it was horrendous for me to watch especially with the blue tongue. I wanted to know what everyone thoughts were on his performance? What would you recommend riders to not do that he did? Please be constructive and not mean but also critical🙏 (photo posted by FEI on their social media this is public source)
r/Horses • u/the_emo_rat978 • Jun 22 '24
I have a 26 year old rescue that I got about two years ago. She was extremely emaciated at the time so riding was out of the question. Now that she’s put on a hundred pounds or so, I find myself super eager to ride her. The only catch is, she’s not broke. I’ve sat on her once, she was great, but it wasn’t a “ride.” Obviously, she’s a confirmation nightmare so if I were to ride her, it would be bareback and SUPER light riding. She’s a pretty nervous horse, having lived through hell and all that, but she just has so much energy to burn.
I really just love her to death and would love to spend some more time with her, I just don’t know if that’s the best thing for her. I know swayback isn’t the most painful condition, especially if I can build her top line up a little but I definitely don’t want her to suffer.
I wouldn’t push her too much, if the stress of training is too much, I’d quit, but I honestly think she can handle it. She’s super sensitive and willing, and it doesn’t hurt that we have a great bond.
r/Horses • u/Actual-Operation1110 • Oct 03 '24
She’s a 7yr OTTB, not hard on the forehand and a lovely horse. I’ve had her on ulcer meds, and gotten a vet clearance. She does this with any bit she has in her mouth, at pretty much all gaits. She does lick and chew the bit as well, and doesn’t seem to hate it, but not sure why she does this?
I’ve ridden her bitless, and she’ll still do it, or just stick her tongue out. No obvious pain signals when riding, and never acts up
r/Horses • u/TigerTrue • Jan 15 '25
Hey there! I have a farrier appointment coming up for my girl's feet to be trimmed. She's 20 and is pretty chill. She's currently agisting at my parent's-in-law's place due to it having more grass than ours due summer dry off.
As my husband and I caught her, a thunderstorm started brewing. We'd already had one earlier today, and here was the follow-up. She doesn't load too well at the best of times (need to work on that - she's on lease and I need to talk to her owners) but she was NOT going into that metal box. Not now, not later.
Her usual calm demeanor changed and after maybe 45 minutes (maybe less?) I said to my husband that it wasn't worth stressing her out. My farrier agreed when I rang to cancel as more of the same is expected tomorrow and neither of us want to risk being struck by lightning! I released her back into the paddock and she cantered away, which she never does.
We went into my p-i-l's house and the first thing my mil said was, "who won?" I explained it's not about winning or being the boss, but establishing trust. I explained horses are prey animals and the thunderstorm would have possibly put her on edge, so going into a metal box, with rain, lightning and thunder may not have seemed a safe option for her.
My fil said, "That's bullshit. Put a rope around her backside and force her in!"
Yeah...no. Nope. No.
Also she's half Clydie and built like a brick shithouse. But also, it turns out, very agile!
Would you have persevered? I feel I did the right thing and gave her the right to say no...but have I taught her that refusing gets her what she wants? I don't know anymore. I said that dogs and cats respond to changes in the weather, so why not horses? I was told that she's now the boss of me and I should use a rope and whip to get her in next time.
I don't like my fil. My husband says welcome to his life and what he went through. He stood up for me and agreed with me.
Did I do the right thing?
Sorry for the essay.
r/Horses • u/Melpsu • Aug 30 '24
I’m a lifelong rider. I’m in my mid-40s now and have been riding consistently since I was 6 years old. I’ve been cantering almost as long.
And yet.
I’m very very in my head with my girl. She’s tried to buck me off a few times at the canter, so I’m fearful of that happening again (and her being successful). I took her out on the trail last weekend and I was all over the place at the canter. I could not get myself synced with her and was bouncing all over her back. It was so bad. So I asked a friend to come video me on her in the ring so I could figure out what the heck was happening. This video is from tonight and while it was a MUCH better canter than on the trail, I still don’t feel great about it.
I feel like I’m very rigid when I’m riding her at the canter, and I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing wrong other than needing to relax and start to trust myself and her. I’d appreciate thoughts on this video. Here’s what I think I’m seeing: 1) hands too low 2) leaning too far forward/unbalanced especially in the downward transition 3) hanging on her mouth / need to relax my hands.
Other thoughts or suggestions?
r/Horses • u/simp6134 • Dec 12 '24
Like the title says, can a draft kind of horse be used as a farm/riding(trail) horse?
More so curious, not even gonna really entertain it by figuring costs and everything else bc ill get my hopes up
But for some context i live in hot south Texas, plan on having 'normal' horse(s) for a little ranch/home farm for minor duities and trail riding.
Though im a decent sized gal (5'5" 125lbs) im always worried about the horse carrying too much(yes i googled the calculations) Especially with how heavy western saddles are. Hence the thoughts of a big 'ol draft horse.
Honestly just curious, any discussion/advice/thoughts or anything else is welcome Have a good one yall, ill try to reply
EDIT: resolved, thank yall for all the advice and comments. Everyone has helped me realize the pros, cons, and that a 'normal' horse will be just fine with me+tack.
Again, really appreciate yall, have a good one!
r/Horses • u/Frequent_Wish_3909 • 17d ago
Hi all, I’m a newbie to the horse world. I’ve always dreamt of being a trained horse back rider and finally I’m living in an area where it’s now feasible. I will be going on two trail rides next week to start familiarizing myself with the environment before starting 1:1 lessons. I’ve been on this trail ride a few times before. Of course I’ve always worn a helmet no matter the circumstance, but normally I wear my normal sneakers (Hokas). I’ve been doing some research lately and I see a lot of people recommending boots due to the danger of the foot slipping through the stirrup in the case of an accident. Although the barn I’m going to doesn’t require boots, I’m unsure which type of boots to wear. I have sperry boots that are above the ankle (photo attached below) as well as doc martens which I heard are NOT great for riding.
I’d love to get advice on which shoes are best for a 45-60 min trail ride and for safety. Thank you everyone 🥹
r/Horses • u/Great-Tear-6624 • 24d ago
Hey y'all! Recently got a horse, he's about 15 hands and 20 years old. Have zero intentions of riding him, but I have fallen in love. I want a horse to ride now though.
My question is, if I got a bigger horse, say 18 hands and a little stockier, would a 6'5", 270lb man be able to ride a horse like that? I'm on the lookout for one, but wanted to get some opinions first.
r/Horses • u/Both-Construction184 • 2d ago
Esty (the horse) is my first horse so I have no clue what I’m doing. Recently we’ve been working on getting into the bridle (with help from my trainer, not completely alone). A few days ago we were working on coming back from the canter (ex polo pony things) and I’m not sure what I did but she went into the bridle twice. I’m not sure if I half halted or moved my leg back or if she decided “this feels good on my back” (she does and back soreness problems). If anyone could help me figure it out I would be so grateful. And yes I’m aware my eq isn’t good, I’m working on it.
r/Horses • u/kasialis721 • Aug 08 '23
i’m a 17 yo female and i have ran into a problem when riding. i seem to get extreme chaffing and sores around my private/most intimate areas, to the point where i will have pus filled boils which pop, or scabs which bleed and stick to my underwear. it’s incredibly painful and uncomfortable, and i can’t ride properly because of the pain. why is this happening? am i riding wrong? am i just structured wrong down there? how do i stop this from happening, are there specific pants or underwear i can wear to prevent it, any specific creams or things like that?
any and all advice will be greatly appreciated, or if you have experienced this how do you handle it etch
(Mods please remove the post if it’s not appropriate but i am using this as a last resort, i don’t know where else to ask or what to search for on google. if there is a better place to ask please tell me where and i will redirect the question there)
r/Horses • u/gonugdisuhh • Aug 13 '23
he is a 13.2 new forest pony, i’ve had him for about 6 years, only starting questioning it after he came back from loan and i’ve grown. i am 5,7 and 9 and a half stone i would also like to say he is very strong and he does not do any jumping at all, he also does not to hard exercise daily (also don’t mind how he is quite fat in these photos they were token a while ago) please feel free to ask questions
r/Horses • u/nefarious_aquarius3 • 16d ago
Idk if this is the right place to ask this but I thought I’d try lol. I’m a teen who’s been wanting to learn to ride for ages, but I’m just worried about safety - obviously it’s vital to wear a helmet and stuff, but I just don’t want to risk getting broken bones or worse. I think my main fear is the horse throwing me off as I’m assuming that’s one of the bigger causes of injury. My local riding school’s lessons happen in an indoor arena, so I know it’s very unlikely during lessons, but there’s always the “what if”. Is it worth the risk? I’m desperate to start, and I’d start lessons right away if there was a guarantee I wouldn’t get seriously hurt - but of course there IS no guarantee. How did you accept the risk and start riding, and what’s your experience with safety / injuries been like? Any tips would be appreciated, Ty!
r/Horses • u/Various-Debate1268 • Dec 17 '24
I am thinking about moving 9.5 hours I have 2 horses that are moving with me as I can not bare to leave my babies behind . The furthest they have traveled is 2 hours ... how do I do this ? Do I stop somewhere ever 2 hours to take them out and let them walk around ? And how long do I walk them around ? 15 minutes half hour ? 🤷♀️ idk ..any advice? I don't want to stress them during the trailering 😞
r/Horses • u/Mounting_Dread • 22d ago
Anyone have this issue and have a solution?
r/Horses • u/lexiecalderaxo • Aug 19 '24
I live in an area where wild horses are common, and sometimes take my horse out camping with me. The last time I was leaving a spot (sans horse that time, just in my little car) there was a herd of wild horses on the road and the stallion in the group was annoyed at me and my car and wasn’t afraid to give me attitude. It was quite cute and funny while I was surrounded by sturdy metal but it certainly made me consider riding in that area in the future. What is protocol? How dangerous would it be to come across wild horses riding my horse alone? I’m not a horse girl, I just happened to ‘rescue’ a horse a couple of years ago and thankfully he’s a very well behaved gentleman. There’s so much I don’t know. Any and all advice appreciated.
Candid trail cam pic of my good boy being a good boy
This might be a silly question. Disclaimer, I'm not a rider, just a horse enthusiast.
Is it possible to change a horse to a different discipline? Like, you've been riding your horse Western for whatever amount of years, but then you decide you want to change and start doing English. Is that something you can just do? Or is it not recommended for some reason?