Thank you for your very honest video talk and the follow-up.You talk of real equine issues that are difficult to face up to and it's very important for us all to have them aired and not swept away to a "safe" distance. I'm in the middle of trying to assess my own and my horse's situation after flying off head first as he bucked hitting my head and back just a couple of days ago....all very unexpected.Listening to you is helping me put things into perspective....and I do wish I were 40 years younger as far as the aches and pains go! Ride well dear people out there.❤
Thanks for your comment and sorry to hear about your accident. We all make adjustments but, at least for me, the adjustment doesn’t include giving up horses. For a few thoughts on this check out the episode called A Horse Wreck and Moments of Doubt from this winter. (LINK BELOW). I also had a wreck broke some ribs, spent some time in the hospital and I had to do a little bit of rethinking. If it helps at all with perspective you’re welcome to it. th-cam.com/video/Zi1iT5Aq9Q8/w-d-xo.html
Herm I said I was hanging up my saddle after putting down our 29 yr old QH gelding Champ who we foaled out and trained and showed. He moved with us from Montana, Texas and now in Missouri. But my husband Marty and I just really love horses and being without a horse to look after so we rescued an older little horse needing a home. I do hope to ride him but time will tell if he is ok to ride. We will get him checked over for any physical issues. I will do ground work with him and maybe that fist ride by someone a bit younger then me. Riding horses is a privilege and a blessing but not to be taken lightly. Take care and again so glad for this subject and glad your telling people to "Live to ride another day." Susan
I've worked with horses for more than 30 years and helped many beginners in volunteer groups I've belonged to. The biggest factor in comfort and confidence (more so than even physical skill) is understanding why horses do the things they do. Too many focus on the physical skills of riding, without an understanding of basic horse psychology. For many years I taught a class for beginners called "Horses for Non Horsemen" that focused on safe practices on the ground, and how safe practices are based on the psychology. It was aimed at people who were around horses (maybe because they had a kid or spouse who rode) or who were just getting started. I like to think it prevented a lot of accidents.
@@dshe8637 For sure! I have seen people do everything right and have terrible luck, and people do things wrong and somehow get out of it in one piece. That said, of all the horse wrecks and near misses I have seen over the past 30 years, a good 90 percent could have been prevented through a knowledge of proper horsemanship and horse psychology.
I'm glad to made the reference to compare horses to guns, I've been handling and shooting guns around 55 years and have felt safe around them because of the care I was taught in handling them safely. Horses bring another dimension to it when they can act without your input.
After watching this I think it is really helpful - there is a lot on line now about natural horsemanship which is great but if you work a lot on the ground with quite explosive horses then really I am now thinking to get a hat policy for myself on the ground too - the really experienced people can read a horse much more quickly so I think it might be worth the hat on the ground and on the horse. Best wishes to all - it is hard to balance positivity with safety but good to look the issue in the eye (so to speak) and not just be in denial. Stay safe and have fun!
Herm, thank you for youd video. I'm sorry for the loss of your friends. As I aged, I have thought about my riding days & working with horses. I'm grateful to be walikng and still alive! No matter how well a horse behaves "freak moments" will happen! I have back problems from having you much fun when I was younger. I still love horses This is my truth " IF YOU MESS WITH HORSES YOU'RE GOING TO GET HURT" ! Accept this fact of life & enjoy the experience but pay attention, try to make it as safe as you possibly can. 1. A new horse my inlaws purchased was delivered all tacked up. The next day hitched him to put on his bridle. He slammed me in between a tree & his chest to avoid the bit. The horse was abused over the years from bit being harshly removed from his mouth. I luckly wasn't injured. Very relieved it wasn't one of the senior inlaws finding this terrible problem out . Later, put a tiedown on him & go out in the pasture, mount up. While i leaned forward I was sble to put the bridle on without too much drama. 2. One day at a Cracker Day event , while doing my thing tryig to bridle him, a few good ole boys thought they would help. No thanks my system works fine lezve the lead line alone. They helped anyway the tug of war was lost, backing up pulling them until they let go if the halter rope.. He reared up & fell over backwards on top of me. The next day I felt like a car hit me. Two freak evnts that could have ended badly!
Thank you so much for both videos. I work with kids and horses together. Both can have a predictably unpredictable nature. I have had several kids that when given a opening will try to sneak in something both them and the horse they are riding aren't ready for. I watched your 5 dead friends vid a day after things went south with one of those kids. (He's fine) It got me thinking on ways to narrow those opportunities even more than I have. Who knows what deaths or injuries your video has prevented.
55 years of pro training and horse owning and I'm still here. I owe this to keen observation of horse behaviour. I've never been afraid of a horse but I have stopped working with a few due to seeing concerning behaviours I knew I couldn't influence. I'm fortunate to have gotten the experience and good judgement without having a catastrophic injury. I feel terrible for everyone who gets hurt.
I just watched this video right after the original one. I was reminded of an excellent pony named Ace. Ace was a well trained, fast thinking, sensible pony. He had been purchased for a young student of mine. I think the kid was about 10 years old, and Ace was the perfect match for him. The pony needed some training so he could use himself better and move further in his education, but he was a level headed and smart pony. I hate to admit this, but I got complacent. I started the habit of taking Ace to his turnout at the very back of the property, bareback in a halter with no helmet. This went on for months with no issue. Ace was a solid bloke. No worries. One afternoon as I was riding past the pool while the kids were swimming, my students in the pool admonished me for riding Ace to his turnout like that. I turned and looked at them, saying "it's fine, this is Ace, and I'm riding him". As if on cue, a freaking wasp flew right past my face and went past me to sting Ace right on the haunches. That steady and sensible pony gave two massive bucks that sent me launching to the ground in front of my students. Needless to say, my students, and myself, learned an important lesson that day on respecting the size and power of these animals. Even if it is the most sensible little pony in the world. I'm very lucky I wasn't injured, and I definitely respected the fact that even Ace was capable of unloading me. Stupid move. Big lesson.
My son was picked up by his older friend who could drive to practice for the rodeos. His friend was a steer wrestler and he was killed while practicing that night with a head injury. It was more that 40 years ago and it still heartbreaking.
In my 56 years of being around & owning horses the time I was injured was when I was on the ground putting on a halter.I had owned my sensible horse for six years when he got a fright when a horse near him spooked & he whacked me with his head trying to run away knocking me unconscious. Since then I always now wear a hard hat even when on the ground
I had a similar situation, knocked by my mule’s head to the ground and hit the concrete with the back of my head - no helmet. I was ok, but i have changed how I work on the ground too, helmet on for anything that might cause her to swing her head
You have great words of wisdom thank you, I had to stop riding after an unrelated BI, never wore a helmet always had great horses and a good seat, Best thing though The Lord watched over me
I shared your first video on a very active social media horse group. It was met with 100% serious approval. I always get something to "take home" in your videos and appreciate your generosity in sharing your experience and expertise.
Herm, when I used to raise and train horses, I found that I was getting into training people every time I sold a horse. I had people come up wanting to buy, when they'd never been around horses. I tell everyone that wants to learn horsemanship or get a horse, that that first experience usually determines how you feel about horses and your confidence level. I hated the thought of someone having a bad experience with a horse that needed an experienced rider. This happened to me, but my momma always said when God was handing out fear and self-preservation, my sister got my share. But I love what you said about "maybe that's not the right horse for you." I don't care what anyone says, I had a Hancock bred quarter that only behaved with men. I've heard horse people say thats a myth, but there are some. My pop always says start with a bay horse lol, they're statistically more sound, true if you consider the law of averages. There are just more of them. There's so many things that can go wrong unexpectedly. I liked to ride on old logging roads through the woods around my land. I was trying to put some miles on one of my young horses, about 3 miles from the house. (Never open them up back to the barn.) I didn't, but we were loping along at a good pace on this old sandy trail, when a deer popped out and jumped across the road. My horse went crazy. She threw me in a nice soft, sandy spot, but my head hit the ground pretty hard and I was bleeding. Guess where my cell phone was? In my saddle bags of course. At least she'd had the good grace to turn around and head towards the barn. No one knew where I was or what happened. I wasn't moving very fast but an hour or so later I made it to the main road where my nearest neighbor, was looking for me on his horse. He put me on his horse and walked me home. I was just bumped and bruised. But it scared me. At that time I was 58 and had no business out in the woods riding a green horse by myself. Not that my age slowed me down, but it was foolish. Always think about the what ifs.
I've ridden for close to 6 years. Many concussions later I now get off if the horse is being sketchy in behavior. I wear a helmet, don't take unnecessary risks and think about safety first. Most of all I now LISTEN to my intuition more than ever. Still last week my mare accidentally snapped my finger while I stood next to her.
One thing that I have not seen addressed so far on any of the equine channels is how Hollywood promotes unsafe riding and other unsafe behaviors around horses. "Family-friendly" movies are the worst in that regard, as they show people doing things that could get them killed in real life. A typical scenario is a horse that nobody understands except the inexperienced kid who just met it. Kid tames the horse despite the warnings of the grumpy old horseman who actually owns the horse. See, everything came out all right. No one got hurt. So you don't need to listen to others. They don't know what they are talking about. I wonder how many people have gotten hurt or killed doing stuff around horses that they saw someone do in the movies or on TV.
I was firefighter in Phoenix AZ , Cant tell you how many Calls Ive gone to With Ppl And Head Injuries From Almost Being scalped to Broken Jaws , Eye Sockets , check bone , Ribs Etc. Amzing Animals 99% were Just accidents due to being Around 1000lb Muscles.
I have just found your channel. I very much appreciate your topics and your way of communicating. Your topics promote thinking, and logic from a very common ground that allows folks to maybe think outside the box or consider situation or scenarios in ways that they had not before. Safety should always be a huge priority. I have probably made more poor decisions with good outcomes, then I care to remember. Your videos are an excellent reminder to put safety first.
Herm, thank you for yet again another thought provoking conversation. Been riding almost as long as you and was a 4-H leader when they implemented that all 4-Her’s must wear helmets. I enforced it with our club and caught a lot of flack but now it’s just natural. I never rode with a helmet but my daughter did. After purchasing my latest horse and me being longer in the tooth, plus a taller bigger horse then I was used too, I now ride with a helmet. I know as a senior rider I will break easier. Keep doing what your doing. Your a great horseman and it’s a pleasure calling you friend.
I have been on a horse only twice. I know only that horses are very sensitive and intelligent. If you think you own a horse, you have it backwards. The horse owns you. You need to spend all your free time with a horse. I could have bought it when a nephew brought his horse out of the barn in the spring. He suggested I get on. That horse wanted only to run. I reined him in because I could not let him run. At full speed he would make an unexpected move left or right and I would go flying head first. He reared up so I had no choice but to get out of the stirrups. I was committed to sliding off his rump. On the ground I had to accomplish two things immediately. I had to move left or right to avoid any kick when he got his front hooves on the ground, and I had to keep the reins in my hands. I was not about to spend the rest of the day chasing that horse over hell's half acre. Were it a bull I would have been dead. A yearling steer I was trying to ride once had the perfect solution. I thought I was in control once I locked my ankles together under his belly. He set me straight by filling my shoes with water. I would be lying if I said that was the only time an animal outsmarted me.
I recall one story a gentleman who was part of BackCountryHorsemen related in a class I attended. He was riding up in the mountains with a couple other people. The trail was very narrow and part of it gave way. His horse slipped and rolled down the cliffside. His pelvis was crushed. The horse was unhurt but that man had to hike out almost 2 hours to get to a place the helicopter could pick him up. I'll never forget his description of that day. Often our injuries aren't related to horse behavior at all, or even ours, beyond our choices to ride them. I don't think your previous video was over-the-top fear mongering, it is just fact. Horses are big, they are fast, and they have minds of their own. You have to think for two when you climb on board. I agree about helmets, they should be a choice, just like any other form of PPE. I would require my child to wear one, but never an adult. People own their own actions.
When I think back to my younger days how me and my boyfriend did this thing called "bumper horses" like bumper cars. He had a huge palomino paint and I was riding my leopard ap mare. Both Sassy. Mine was a red ribbon horse, as in red ribbon tied to the tail to make sure other riders stay back. We would do some crazy stuff riding on old logging trails, bouncing into each other and laughing our buts off when our horses kick out. Idiots! Lol
Mr. Cowboy Sir, don’t you be frettin none here now, a dog gone scarecrow could watch these and tell you’re doin the world a great service by sharing your years of experience and dedication to these magnificent animals, as well as the lesser magnificent critters that ride and work them, ifin ya don’t mind me sayin so. It’s learning about the animal and there’s a lot that goes into it, keep digging. Best to learn as much as you can from experienced folks who’ve seen it, have done it, have lived it, and have loved it with all the years of their lives, then to go on not knowing. Hell, probably the best and most popular life advice always was “it’s like riding a horse, if you fall off, you get right back up on it”. Happy Trails Horse Folk
I live in a state where there is NO helmet law for motorcycle riders if they are over 21 years of age OR if they have had a motorcycle license for more than one year . Whether you ride a horse or a motorcycle, please wear a helmet out of consideration for the people who love you and will miss you if you die -- or who will have to take care of you if you are left with multiple disabilities. Your choices have consequences, especially for those who love you.
Both of these videos are well laid out. I was raised around horses, but really didn't start riding until I was 12. My dad bought me a level appropriate horse. I've been involved in the unexpected. Example: I was mounting my horse beside my friend who was mounting his horse. His horse moved over as I was swinging up and I kicked my horse hard in the flank. I landed on the side of my neck and shoulder. I would say lucky for some snow and youth. Yet, I don't where a helmet. I say if a helmet gives you confidence then go for it, because the horse will feel that just the same as he'll feel your lack of confidence. I've rode a number of miles and been in my share of wrecks and I think anytime you can save someone from making the same mistake as you have, you should!
Herm , we’re the same age …just the other day I got to thinking about all the bad studs I was sent over the years. Dealing now with this vertigo I realize now that no matter how much we know the loss of timing and balance could easily be fatal . Be good old friend ! Pete
Pete: great to hear from you and sorry for the slow response. Unfortunately, I completely agree with you. As our physical skills and capabilities reduce we sure have to be more careful. I’m certainly looking for that balance myself these days. Hopefully we all get it right. Be well and great to hear from you.
I literally just subbed to your previous vid a hot hour ago. Great to see another so soon. I'm all about choice too, and would humbly request parents to get a helmet for your kids till they're old enough to rationally decide for themselves. Thanks mate for another great vid.
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get , IMO common sense goes a long way as well as experience , patience,respect for the horse.,caution being the most valuable and last but not least fingers crossed 🤞 Enjoy your ride !
Thank you for your follow up. Love the sentiment and logic. "We never know" said a wise Greek man to me over a coffee in Sydney..thank G d i thought! Then we don't live in fear. Ride safe, don't rush, take care of the details and look after your animals and selves. Breathe xox 💕
Very well said, thank you very much. Would have loved to know s.o. like you about 28 years ago before/when I met my horse (so far my then young horse was the one with the biggest heart and head otherwise I would not sit here and type a comment). Calm and reasonable advice. :) Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing what you live and love to do. That is the great lesson of this video is your grace and patience's with both horses and people, you talk the talk and walk the walk.
Your first video did in fact help for people to be safe by enlightening them on the things people take for granted. What many don't understand or think about is : It's not if you'll get hurt but when. At some point there will be injuries around horses or any large animals especially. Some may be very few and far between, but no one ever knows when an accident will happen.
You are exactly right. Some level of accident is almost inevitable. We just have to do our best to avoid as many of them as possible. Good luck and be safe out there.
I appreciate your presentation. You can't fear everything, but you can use good sense. If we went around not doing things because of accidents, no one would be driving a car. I also agree with free choice regarding helmets. There are instances where helmets clearly saved lives, but there are others where a helmet wouldn't have made any difference. Riding in a convertible car puts your head at risk, but I wouldn't wear a helmet. To be honest, I don't wear a helmet on the motorcycle where states allow choice. That's a risk I choose to take. Once I had to be practically lifted off the back of a bike from almost passing out in 113 degree heat with a helmet on. There are arguments both ways and people should make their own choice. If nothing else, your video is a good reminder that horses are living strong creatures with emotions, unlike a vehicle that you can better control, and you have to be alert all the time when working with them.
you are so right on this. my daughter has a horse that is a asshole i have asked her to get rid of him on many times , this is person that has ridin all her life she does not listen to me so i just walk a way this horse we have owned 18 years. i dont like him his mind set . he is good one day and bad the next. but she will get hurt one day and mom will say i told you so.
The short and simple explanation is that horses are not "safe" animals to be around any more than a dog or a cat can be unsafe. Except chances are a lot more likely that a horse could kill a person through no fault of anyone, neither horse nor rider nor tack, except an "act of G-d." The best we can do is use our common sense and learn to understand the limits of our skills because "pride goeth before a fall." And as you say, "When it's your time, it's your time." My Mom used to say the same thing. People constantly ask me "Aren't you afraid to ride a horse?" I say that I sometimes am afraid of certain horses, and certain situations with certain horses, but that I'd rather die doing something I am passionate about than sitting at home worrying about it.
If it has hair and four legs I have a healthy fear of them. You don't see the race world riding with no helmets. In the past few years when I start colts or ride horses I don't know I put on a hockey helmet and a rough stock vest along with riding a bear trap saddle until I can trust them. No one really knows the true danger of horses until they have been humbled by a horse. I've been humbled many times in my 48 years in and out of the saddle. The ER is filled with people each year that are too proud to wear a helmet and to seek advice from horsemen with more experience. Horses are serious business. You can get away with ignorance and pride until you don't.
I did not comment on your last video.. I live in Germany where everyone wears riding hats.. hi Viz when riding out. We are very safety conscious here in Europe.. but even with all this in place horses get hit by cars people still lose their lives. I would disagree that you say horses are dangerous.. they really aren't.. it is the circumstances we put them in that makes it dangerous. I have 2 horses that were deemed dangerous.. I didn't give up on them.. they both had pain.. my quarter horse has pssm1 his previous owners were using him as a reigning horse.. all that training with a horse with muscle cramps made him angry with humans for not listening to him. I think like you say be careful assess situations and be patient. Some accidents are really asking to happen where others cannot be avoided. I am lucky I am still enjoying the ride after over fifty years of having horses.🎉 No serious injuries but almost.. your 5 friends the story behind what happened.. almost every situation I have also been in but somehow I got away with a few scrapes. The key is to learn from our mistakes as well as learn from other's. I appreciate your wise words.. I appreciate being able to watch your videos and to learn. I never judge everyone is allowed to be and do what they feel comfortable with. Horses are usually quieter and easier if their owners are the same.. this was a hard lesson for me learn. Thank you again for sharing from your heart. Hugs from Germany. I am a veteran and I need my horses they give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning... They do not judge me.. they accept me for being me.. the world is a better place for me with horses.. without them I would not be the positive person I am. Two of my friends died from horse related accidents.. well not accidents really.. one of my friends went blind from an illness.. she took her own life as she could not keep her horse anymore.. another friend took her own life just hours after her horse was euthanized.. mental illness is a terrible thing.. but the love of a horse can never be put into words. Thanks again
I have always worked horses in a round pen before putting anyone on them. Knowing if a horse is having a bad day is important. My pairing a rider to a horse has often depended on the extra 5 minutes of caution. Even solid horses can have a bad day. Dude strings are the worst. Bad habits come from bad riders.
Annnnnd watch out for the health of your horses, too. A horse that hurts or feels uncomfortable in its body is nearly impossible to negotiate with. Mostly they will just suffer quietly, but sometimes they are more fear ridden, and more reacitive than normally. Even the best of them.
It's refreshing to hear how people have responded to the last video. We talk so much about riding but being around horses is so much more. Herm has made everyone think about safety and in a way that's shown how wrong things can go in minutes. Don't just ride your horse get to know them and their quirks. To be around horses is a privilege. To really understand them like Herm is a gift
Having horses and making sure they have good behavior, people ask ALL THE TIME if they can ride my horses" can I ride your horse?! " which means can I jump on(after I saddle) and run him to death.... through gopher holes on and on they have NO IDEA the hours I nursed the horses through the night.. days on end at the vet the $$$$ taking care and feeding them caring for them so many hours and I didn't ride... your videos are great I think maybe a different title? or add another video about horse safety... I say all the time expect the unexpected like the yellow jackets in the ground the pack of wild dogs you encounter,,, the feral hog, deer jumping out and spooking a horse... horse shoes on concrete .. I want kids to love horses so some times i will let them ride in a halter no yanking on reins... and bareback... keeps them from running wild!!! I want more kids to grow up loving to ride. But I find teaching respect for the horse an entirely different NEED! i like in a comment the horse psychology. I remember in cutting they talked about thinking like a cow which to me sounds kinda crazy.. but I will for sure get the book Horses for non horsemen so I can add to my feedback to people who visit our ranch and ask .. can I ride.. first of all what does that mean. over 20 years I have seen middle school age kids beg to ride.. my friend and I saddled and they kids sat on the horse for 5 minutes.. another started crying hysterically, and another experience the young girl panicked and started pulling back hard... the horse was like that means back up.. she backed and backed and finally no release of pressure came up in a high oh silver pose.... I don't know what is the nice way to say NO because it might be a spark of a love of horses for their life. I heard someone say it is not a dirt bike ! great comment!! usually, if I say we have feral hogs and deer jump out and can spook them then they stop!!
I have heard a very well known international horse trainer state that horses have killed more humans than all the wild animal attacks put together- I don't know if that is true or not, but I will always remember him saying that. I was riding an Icelandic bear back with just reins and he spoked and took off- I fell over the back of him and landed on the ground, my foot got stuck in the reins and he dragged me. I thought I was going to die.
I have herd safety about motorcycles, skiers, bike riders, and guns, but never once in my life I ever herd a story about anyone get killed by horses so this is enlightening. I think you are correct in making people aware that this has happened and can happen . Especially since it is the top above all the rest which again no one has realized. So it makes me think that people have been protected form this crucial info from the public which should have been made aware long ago. I think they were protecting the riding lessons with children, or adults with horse backriding , yes , they have liability forms now for all but the thing that im saying is I have never herd anyone getting killed by a horse and also it has never been made public that getting killed by a horse is the highest over all the other common sports so this is distrunbing that it has not been more public. So I think it should be made for people be to more aware. He's correct. Just siging a waiver doesntmea you know horses have killed people or that it is the number one. Its basically an awareness more not that pople will not still do it, or be afraid, more like the same with other sports its accepted and well known. Where horseriding is not at the same level. So its an awareness more than prior but doesnt mean you dont do it, or feel so afraid to be around or ride. Just a knowing.
I live in UK and helmets here are mandatory. I know cowboy hat is imprinted in US culture as well as freedom of choice and I respect that (I've tried riding in cowboy hat years ago but felt far too vulnerable). Saying that, it's worth considering that it's not JUST about you, a rider, it's also about perhaps your kids and family who you might leave behind or might make them your full time carer cos you thought a helmet was stupid looking. Freedom comes with responsibility.
Here in the American a mounted shooter Karen had a concussion. Mounted shooters dress truly western, so her husband cut the brim off a straw western hat put that brim on a riding helmet and called it a Hellhat, cuz you could ride thru hell and its not coming off. Google Karens Hellhat Posse. Riders are being creative styling them. Susan
My brother in laws' girlfriend was given her first horse at the age of six. By the time she was 60 she was a dressage judge, and had competed on her big, white horse that she had imported from France. He was a great horse and she would let any kid hop up and have a ride. But the horse was getting up there in age, so the lady went and bought a new horse so she could go on competing. This horse was at least 17 hh, black, and beautiful. Westfalian, I think. He was about 3 1/2 years old and had been out on pasture with his momma for that whole time. She invited us to the barn to watch him with the trainer. They ran him to the left on a lunge line, then to the right. 15 minutes later, the horse was foaming at the mouth and between the front legs, as if he had just ran all night for the pony express. Still the trainer went on but stopped when his cell phone rang and he had to leave. While she was untacking the horse, I could feel the electricity coming from it's nerves. He was afraid, I could tell. Well, a few weeks later we got a call saying she was in the hospital. They had finished another training session and they were standing in the center of the arena b.s.ing, and that black horse just up and kicked her in the face. Her nose was crushed, half her teeth were gone. She ate Thanksgiving dinner that year through a straw. Brother in law asked her to sell the horse and maybe get into driving a pair of minis. Horsewoman that she was, she didn't quit. The next Spring, her father had passed away and left her 1M dollars so, she trailered the horse 400 miles to the best horse trainer on the West Coast. One day, after a training session that went really well, she stayed, alone in the outdoor arena to work him a bit by herself. She couldn't say what happened when she woke up in the hospital the next day. Broken arm, a few cracked ribs and head concussion. Brother in Law says, sell the f'ing horse or I'm leaving you. Off he went.
My cousin slipped getting out of the shower got a couple of stitches and started feeling woozey he died internal bleed to the brain .The Bible says we all have a apointment with death and then comes judgement
Excellent video .anything in life worthwhile always has a price .horses that have been mistreated are very dangerous. A rescue horse should always be handled by a very experienced horse person. Leaving such a horse in the hands of a novice is a invitation to disaster. Just respect the fact that you have one of the largest powerful animals on this great earth
Thank you for your comment. You make a good point about rescue horses. While I think giving a horse a second chance in life is a wonderful thing I also agree that it is necessary to be well qualified to do so. The wrong pairing can result in a very bad situation. Just because a horse needs help doesn’t mean that you’re qualified to give it. We all need to know are limitations, help when we can and step away when we’re really not qualified to do so.
A friend of mine really big and strong dude got married and his wife was doing that stuff where women always want to do what their husbands do... I feel like that's how she caught him to marry her by pretending she was a lover of horses also.... But she had no clue.... So one day she takes the horse out by herself while hes at work and decides to ride down a street that has cars on it well she had no experience and the horse got spooked and tried to throw her off but she jumped off and she was a big girl anyway and she ended up busting up her ankle and her leg and Jacking herself up and that was the end to her riding days... so if you're not sincere and you're not genuine you shouldn't be around horses to try to impress dudes....
Unlike a pedictable piece of machinery (gun), a horse is a 1,000 lb plus, potentilly skiddish, live power force whose main reaction to surprise, fear, etc., is to occasionally run, buck, rear, etc.. I respectfully do not see the preventative safety comparison between the two. Don't get me wrong, I've owned and ridden my past quarter horse for over 25 yrs. and loved every minute of it but I do know the difference.
I never owned a horse but have read many non-fiction history books on the Old West. I have not read about pioneers killed by horses. I guess that they must have been, but this topic was not discussed or documented in the past?
well its more like that: Out there alone they depended on each other, worked together. There were freak accidents, I bet, but mostly, they had far more experience and gut feeling and connection to Mother Nature that we have. If not, either the horse was shot or ruined or the man got his head knocked off and was never found again. I think even the Natives had accidents, i. e. buffalo hunting on horse back required the best horses with best training - and it could still stumble into a hole in the ground or getting gored by a buffalo and the rider trampled. I guess all the roads of history are plastered by horse and mules bones who were worked to death.
@@kenmorris2290 yet, as death was so permanent in former times - horrible deseases with no remedies, child birth, freak accidents, aggression, wars... someone run over by a horse carriage or taking a fall on a hunt just kind of were ploughed under, I asume.
Your video while very sad did not make me fear horses. My fear is I'll never find another one 1/2 as good as the ones I've had. I like you choose a hat but yes knowing what could happen I agree children should wear helmets. Some don't save you totally friend was thrown she did not die but her vision memory hearing body weakness affects her daily. Sometimes there is something wrong with the horse. I had an app mare that I raised from birth was imprinted at birth high dollar pedigree. Somewhere between 2 and 10 yrs of age she changed. She became savagely vicious. Like a mean stud. Bred her to my big jack, totally different horse. Loving gentle like when she was young. Till the foal was 4 months old. Wish I had the vet then that I have now and she could have been normal for all those years. Everybody just be careful. If you are afraid don't ride it. Horses and mules can read you like a book. Mules never forget. Be careful in all aspects of your life because where I live now I run the risk of getting killed just leaving my driveway. As He says don't try to get to Heaven quicker. Most things are avoidable if thought through but his friend that was crushed was no fault of hers or the horses. That was a freak accident. ❤&🙏 for everyone.
@@averycheesypotato she has passed many years but some vets are smarter than others and I wish the young man that took care of my horses last had been grown and practicing. He is darn sharp.
@@averycheesypotato That is ok. I have lost them all now. The last one passed in November. I am older, not afraid to ride just afraid of getting another. Don't know if I should get another. Don't know what to do anymore. And you are right about the other little mare. Polycystic ovary disease was current vets guess. The others said she was just mean and crazy. I raised that horse. I just had to be real careful around her but I had my share of. "Accidents". I've known studs that weren't as mean as her.
@@melanierandolph6953 If you get a young horse, you could have a long time with them. Or you could lease/part own a horse, so that you can still enjoy horses without getting too attached? I know it’s a different mindset than owning one outright, but you’d still be able to enjoy caring for & riding one
I used the savings of a lifetime to have my horses at home. After two years, and several accidents, I made the decision to leave the world of horses because of the dangers it entails.
That also was a heap of bad luck then. I feel really sorry for you and hope, you feel ok with it. I left the "horse world" when my old buddy left us with 28 years (after 26 years together). We had our ups and downs but he was my life insurance after having ridden other horses and made several negative experiences. Had a very active guardian angel flying along, too, all those years. I would have loved to meet more capable horsefolks in all that time and good, reasonable advice in my time. There is soo much you can do wrong and hurt your animal without intention. There is a heap of things to learn and to consider.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Whether to continue with horses or not is very much an individual choice. I’m sorry to hear that you stepped away from the world of horses but understand your feelings.
If that video scared you enough to stop riding then you don't have horses in your blood. If you have a lifelong love of horses, you are willing to take the risks.
That all depends, I'd been riding all my life but then I smashed my leg up in a riding accident, had six knee operations and couldn't work for a year and a half, used up all my savings to survive and was left with no job , no money and a permanent limp . A high price to pay for my love of horses!
Do accidents happen? Yes. Can many of them be prevented?definitely. Use common sense. There's not much that going around anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if accidents are actually more prevalent now than they used to be purely because people have short attention span's, they are always trying to multitask, they're caught up with social media, and they just don't pay attention like they should.
Sometimes people feel invincible when they put a helmet on. And then they do stupid stuff. And helmet is not a guarantee. There's a whole Lotta ways to die and that piece of plastic on your head won't help you in many of them. So just because you want to wear a helmet which I agree is a good idea, don't be stupid. Pay attention to your surroundings and what's going on. Too many people are busy nowadays making videos and worry about the helmet with the little camera on it versus what the horse is doing and what's going on. Sometimes it's just is a pure accident and sometimes it's stupidity.
Wise advice. I hope many people see your video, listen to your words, and live to ride another day. Thank you!!
Odor one very much hear your heart and appreciate all you said and shared!❤
That video made me a subscriber...... Thank you!
Thank you for your very honest video talk and the follow-up.You talk of real equine issues that are difficult to face up to and it's very important for us all to have them aired and not swept away to a "safe" distance. I'm in the middle of trying to assess my own and my horse's situation after flying off head first as he bucked hitting my head and back just a couple of days ago....all very unexpected.Listening to you is helping me put things into perspective....and I do wish I were 40 years younger as far as the aches and pains go! Ride well dear people out there.❤
Thanks for your comment and sorry to hear about your accident. We all make adjustments but, at least for me, the adjustment doesn’t include giving up horses. For a few thoughts on this check out the episode called A Horse Wreck and Moments of Doubt from this winter. (LINK BELOW). I also had a wreck broke some ribs, spent some time in the hospital and I had to do a little bit of rethinking. If it helps at all with perspective you’re welcome to it.
th-cam.com/video/Zi1iT5Aq9Q8/w-d-xo.html
Very good life lessons.
Well Said Sir!
“Our time will come some day, but don’t volunteer.” Priceless.
Hi You certainly GOT that one right, all the best, and have a great day, everyone, stay safe today lol ***...
Great quote. One to remember as u said priceless
Thanks. Looking back that line does ring true. Thanks for the appreciation. Hope you keep watching. Keep commenting, too.
Herm I said I was hanging up my saddle after putting down our 29 yr old QH gelding Champ who we foaled out and trained and showed. He moved with us from Montana, Texas and now in Missouri. But my husband Marty and I just really love horses and being without a horse to look after so we rescued an older little horse needing a home. I do hope to ride him but time will tell if he is ok to ride. We will get him checked over for any physical issues. I will do ground work with him and maybe that fist ride by someone a bit younger then me. Riding horses is a privilege and a blessing but not to be taken lightly. Take care and again so glad for this subject and glad your telling people to "Live to ride another day." Susan
Thanks for that sweetie's name! I like it..
I've worked with horses for more than 30 years and helped many beginners in volunteer groups I've belonged to. The biggest factor in comfort and confidence (more so than even physical skill) is understanding why horses do the things they do. Too many focus on the physical skills of riding, without an understanding of basic horse psychology. For many years I taught a class for beginners called "Horses for Non Horsemen" that focused on safe practices on the ground, and how safe practices are based on the psychology. It was aimed at people who were around horses (maybe because they had a kid or spouse who rode) or who were just getting started. I like to think it prevented a lot of accidents.
Great comment Ken
Understanding is a great way to go. There's always the unlucky freak event, though
@@dshe8637 For sure! I have seen people do everything right and have terrible luck, and people do things wrong and somehow get out of it in one piece. That said, of all the horse wrecks and near misses I have seen over the past 30 years, a good 90 percent could have been prevented through a knowledge of proper horsemanship and horse psychology.
I'm glad to made the reference to compare horses to guns, I've been handling and shooting guns around 55 years and have felt safe around them because of the care I was taught in handling them safely. Horses bring another dimension to it when they can act without your input.
After watching this I think it is really helpful - there is a lot on line now about natural horsemanship which is great but if you work a lot on the ground with quite explosive horses then really I am now thinking to get a hat policy for myself on the ground too - the really experienced people can read a horse much more quickly so I think it might be worth the hat on the ground and on the horse. Best wishes to all - it is hard to balance positivity with safety but good to look the issue in the eye (so to speak) and not just be in denial. Stay safe and have fun!
Thank you for making these videos. It was brave & real. Never be afraid to admit you are over horsed. Get the right one!
Herm, thank you for youd video. I'm sorry for the loss of your friends. As I aged, I have thought about my riding days & working with horses. I'm grateful to be walikng and still alive! No matter how well a horse behaves "freak moments" will happen!
I have back problems from having you much fun when I was younger. I still love horses This is my truth " IF YOU MESS WITH HORSES YOU'RE GOING TO GET HURT" ! Accept this fact of life & enjoy the experience but pay attention, try to make it as safe as you possibly can.
1. A new horse my inlaws purchased was delivered all tacked up. The next day hitched him to put on his bridle. He slammed me in between a tree & his chest to avoid the bit. The horse was abused over the years from bit being harshly removed from his mouth. I luckly wasn't injured. Very relieved it wasn't one of the senior inlaws finding this terrible problem out .
Later, put a tiedown on him & go out in the pasture, mount up. While i leaned forward I was sble to put the bridle on without too much drama.
2. One day at a Cracker Day event , while doing my thing tryig to bridle him, a few good ole boys thought they would help. No thanks my system works fine lezve the lead line alone. They helped anyway the tug of war was lost, backing up pulling them until they let go if the halter rope.. He reared up & fell over backwards on top of me. The next day I felt like a car hit me. Two freak evnts that could have ended badly!
Thank you so much for both videos. I work with kids and horses together. Both can have a predictably unpredictable nature. I have had several kids that when given a opening will try to sneak in something both them and the horse they are riding aren't ready for. I watched your 5 dead friends vid a day after things went south with one of those kids. (He's fine) It got me thinking on ways to narrow those opportunities even more than I have. Who knows what deaths or injuries your video has prevented.
55 years of pro training and horse owning and I'm still here. I owe this to keen observation of horse behaviour. I've never been afraid of a horse but I have stopped working with a few due to seeing concerning behaviours I knew I couldn't influence. I'm fortunate to have gotten the experience and good judgement without having a catastrophic injury. I feel terrible for everyone who gets hurt.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight.
I just watched this video right after the original one. I was reminded of an excellent pony named Ace. Ace was a well trained, fast thinking, sensible pony. He had been purchased for a young student of mine. I think the kid was about 10 years old, and Ace was the perfect match for him. The pony needed some training so he could use himself better and move further in his education, but he was a level headed and smart pony. I hate to admit this, but I got complacent. I started the habit of taking Ace to his turnout at the very back of the property, bareback in a halter with no helmet. This went on for months with no issue. Ace was a solid bloke. No worries. One afternoon as I was riding past the pool while the kids were swimming, my students in the pool admonished me for riding Ace to his turnout like that. I turned and looked at them, saying "it's fine, this is Ace, and I'm riding him". As if on cue, a freaking wasp flew right past my face and went past me to sting Ace right on the haunches. That steady and sensible pony gave two massive bucks that sent me launching to the ground in front of my students. Needless to say, my students, and myself, learned an important lesson that day on respecting the size and power of these animals. Even if it is the most sensible little pony in the world. I'm very lucky I wasn't injured, and I definitely respected the fact that even Ace was capable of unloading me. Stupid move. Big lesson.
My son was picked up by his older friend who could drive to practice for the rodeos. His friend was a steer wrestler and he was killed while practicing that night with a head injury. It was more that 40 years ago and it still heartbreaking.
In my 56 years of being around & owning horses the time I was injured was when I was on the ground putting on a halter.I had owned my sensible horse for six years when he got a fright when a horse near him spooked & he whacked me with his head trying to run away knocking me unconscious. Since then I always now wear a hard hat even when on the ground
Thanks, bad things can happen on the ground, too. Sounds like you made a wise decision.
I had a similar situation, knocked by my mule’s head to the ground and hit the concrete with the back of my head - no helmet. I was ok, but i have changed how I work on the ground too, helmet on for anything that might cause her to swing her head
Thank you for your experience. Appreciated
You have great words of wisdom thank you, I had to stop riding after an unrelated BI, never wore a helmet always had great horses and a good seat, Best thing though The Lord watched over me
I shared your first video on a very active social media horse group. It was met with 100% serious approval. I always get something to "take home" in your videos and appreciate your generosity in sharing your experience and expertise.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. That was exactly what I hope people would do and you came through for me. I appreciate it.
Herm, when I used to raise and train horses, I found that I was getting into training people every time I sold a horse. I had people come up wanting to buy, when they'd never been around horses. I tell everyone that wants to learn horsemanship or get a horse, that that first experience usually determines how you feel about horses and your confidence level. I hated the thought of someone having a bad experience with a horse that needed an experienced rider. This happened to me, but my momma always said when God was handing out fear and self-preservation, my sister got my share. But I love what you said about "maybe that's not the right horse for you." I don't care what anyone says, I had a Hancock bred quarter that only behaved with men. I've heard horse people say thats a myth, but there are some. My pop always says start with a bay horse lol, they're statistically more sound, true if you consider the law of averages. There are just more of them. There's so many things that can go wrong unexpectedly. I liked to ride on old logging roads through the woods around my land. I was trying to put some miles on one of my young horses, about 3 miles from the house. (Never open them up back to the barn.) I didn't, but we were loping along at a good pace on this old sandy trail, when a deer popped out and jumped across the road. My horse went crazy. She threw me in a nice soft, sandy spot, but my head hit the ground pretty hard and I was bleeding. Guess where my cell phone was? In my saddle bags of course. At least she'd had the good grace to turn around and head towards the barn. No one knew where I was or what happened. I wasn't moving very fast but an hour or so later I made it to the main road where my nearest neighbor, was looking for me on his horse. He put me on his horse and walked me home. I was just bumped and bruised. But it scared me. At that time I was 58 and had no business out in the woods riding a green horse by myself. Not that my age slowed me down, but it was foolish. Always think about the what ifs.
I think your goal to help riders think about safety was very obvious. I hope your story helps riders stay safe.
Ever since the first video I've been too scared to be around my horses.
I've ridden for close to 6 years. Many concussions later I now get off if the horse is being sketchy in behavior. I wear a helmet, don't take unnecessary risks and think about safety first. Most of all I now LISTEN to my intuition more than ever. Still last week my mare accidentally snapped my finger while I stood next to her.
One thing that I have not seen addressed so far on any of the equine channels is how Hollywood promotes unsafe riding and other unsafe behaviors around horses. "Family-friendly" movies are the worst in that regard, as they show people doing things that could get them killed in real life. A typical scenario is a horse that nobody understands except the inexperienced kid who just met it. Kid tames the horse despite the warnings of the grumpy old horseman who actually owns the horse. See, everything came out all right. No one got hurt. So you don't need to listen to others. They don't know what they are talking about. I wonder how many people have gotten hurt or killed doing stuff around horses that they saw someone do in the movies or on TV.
It may not produce the happy "feels" that people expect these days but it's important info nonetheless. Kudos.
Mules are safer and more stable than horses. Think of all the people who have taken the mule ride in the Grand Canyon.
Yes. It’s PEOPLE WHO NEED the Training more then the horse. JUST LIKE WITH DOGS !
I was firefighter in Phoenix AZ , Cant tell you how many Calls Ive gone to With Ppl And Head Injuries From Almost Being scalped to Broken Jaws , Eye Sockets , check bone , Ribs Etc. Amzing Animals 99% were Just accidents due to being Around 1000lb Muscles.
I have just found your channel. I very much appreciate your topics and your way of communicating. Your topics promote thinking, and logic from a very common ground that allows folks to maybe think outside the box or consider situation or scenarios in ways that they had not before. Safety should always be a huge priority. I have probably made more poor decisions with good outcomes, then I care to remember. Your videos are an excellent reminder to put safety first.
Herm, thank you for yet again another thought provoking conversation. Been riding almost as long as you and was a 4-H leader when they implemented that all 4-Her’s must wear helmets. I enforced it with our club and caught a lot of flack but now it’s just natural. I never rode with a helmet but my daughter did. After purchasing my latest horse and me being longer in the tooth, plus a taller bigger horse then I was used too, I now ride with a helmet. I know as a senior rider I will break easier. Keep doing what your doing. Your a great horseman and it’s a pleasure calling you friend.
I have been on a horse only twice. I know only that horses are very sensitive and intelligent. If you think you own a horse, you have it backwards. The horse owns you. You need to spend all your free time with a horse. I could have bought it when a nephew brought his horse out of the barn in the spring. He suggested I get on. That horse wanted only to run. I reined him in because I could not let him run. At full speed he would make an unexpected move left or right and I would go flying head first. He reared up so I had no choice but to get out of the stirrups. I was committed to sliding off his rump. On the ground I had to accomplish two things immediately. I had to move left or right to avoid any kick when he got his front hooves on the ground, and I had to keep the reins in my hands. I was not about to spend the rest of the day chasing that horse over hell's half acre. Were it a bull I would have been dead. A yearling steer I was trying to ride once had the perfect solution. I thought I was in control once I locked my ankles together under his belly. He set me straight by filling my shoes with water. I would be lying if I said that was the only time an animal outsmarted me.
I recall one story a gentleman who was part of BackCountryHorsemen related in a class I attended. He was riding up in the mountains with a couple other people. The trail was very narrow and part of it gave way. His horse slipped and rolled down the cliffside. His pelvis was crushed. The horse was unhurt but that man had to hike out almost 2 hours to get to a place the helicopter could pick him up. I'll never forget his description of that day. Often our injuries aren't related to horse behavior at all, or even ours, beyond our choices to ride them. I don't think your previous video was over-the-top fear mongering, it is just fact. Horses are big, they are fast, and they have minds of their own. You have to think for two when you climb on board. I agree about helmets, they should be a choice, just like any other form of PPE. I would require my child to wear one, but never an adult. People own their own actions.
When I think back to my younger days how me and my boyfriend did this thing called "bumper horses" like bumper cars. He had a huge palomino paint and I was riding my leopard ap mare. Both Sassy. Mine was a red ribbon horse, as in red ribbon tied to the tail to make sure other riders stay back. We would do some crazy stuff riding on old logging trails, bouncing into each other and laughing our buts off when our horses kick out. Idiots! Lol
Mr. Cowboy Sir, don’t you be frettin none here now, a dog gone scarecrow could watch these and tell you’re doin the world a great service by sharing your years of experience and dedication to these magnificent animals, as well as the lesser magnificent critters that ride and work them, ifin ya don’t mind me sayin so.
It’s learning about the animal and there’s a lot that goes into it, keep digging.
Best to learn as much as you can from experienced folks who’ve seen it, have done it, have lived it, and have loved it with all the years of their lives, then to go on not knowing.
Hell, probably the best and most popular life advice always was “it’s like riding a horse, if you fall off, you get right back up on it”.
Happy Trails Horse Folk
I live in a state where there is NO helmet law for motorcycle riders if they are over 21 years of age OR if they have had a motorcycle license for more than one year . Whether you ride a horse or a motorcycle, please wear a helmet out of consideration for the people who love you and will miss you if you die -- or who will have to take care of you if you are left with multiple disabilities. Your choices have consequences, especially for those who love you.
Excellent quote at the beginning
Thanks . We try to put a quote up at the beginning of every video. Sometimes you have to rack your brain but it’s kind of fun. Thanks for watching.
Both of these videos are well laid out.
I was raised around horses, but really didn't start riding until I was 12.
My dad bought me a level appropriate horse. I've been involved in the unexpected.
Example: I was mounting my horse beside my friend who was mounting his horse. His horse moved over as I was swinging up and I kicked my horse hard in the flank. I landed on the side of my neck and shoulder. I would say lucky for some snow and youth. Yet, I don't where a helmet. I say if a helmet gives you confidence then go for it, because the horse will feel that just the same as he'll feel your lack of confidence.
I've rode a number of miles and been in my share of wrecks and I think anytime you can save someone from making the same mistake as you have, you should!
Herm , we’re the same age …just the other day I got to thinking about all the bad studs I was sent over the years. Dealing now with this vertigo I realize now that no matter how much we know the loss of timing and balance could easily be fatal .
Be good old friend !
Pete
Pete: great to hear from you and sorry for the slow response. Unfortunately, I completely agree with you. As our physical skills and capabilities reduce we sure have to be more careful. I’m certainly looking for that balance myself these days. Hopefully we all get it right. Be well and great to hear from you.
I literally just subbed to your previous vid a hot hour ago. Great to see another so soon. I'm all about choice too, and would humbly request parents to get a helmet for your kids till they're old enough to rationally decide for themselves. Thanks mate for another great vid.
Thanks for your comment. Good thought.
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get , IMO common sense goes a long way as well as experience , patience,respect for the horse.,caution being the most valuable and last but not least fingers crossed 🤞
Enjoy your ride !
Thank you for your follow up. Love the sentiment and logic. "We never know" said a wise Greek man to me over a coffee in Sydney..thank G d i thought! Then we don't live in fear. Ride safe, don't rush, take care of the details and look after your animals and selves.
Breathe xox 💕
Very well said, thank you very much. Would have loved to know s.o. like you about 28 years ago before/when I met my horse (so far my then young horse was the one with the biggest heart and head otherwise I would not sit here and type a comment). Calm and reasonable advice. :) Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing what you live and love to do. That is the great lesson of this video is your grace and patience's with both horses and people, you talk the talk and walk the walk.
This is a wonderful and kind comment. Thank you so much.
Your first video did in fact help for people to be safe by enlightening them on the things people take for granted. What many don't understand or think about is : It's not if you'll get hurt but when. At some point there will be injuries around horses or any large animals especially. Some may be very few and far between, but no one ever knows when an accident will happen.
Totally agree, if you spend a lot of time around horses, especially if you do a lot of riding, then it's not 'if' it's 'when' you have an accident.
You are exactly right. Some level of accident is almost inevitable. We just have to do our best to avoid as many of them as possible. Good luck and be safe out there.
I make sure l'm super careful around all 9 horse's here at home, as l have no neighbours & l live by myself,.
I appreciate your presentation. You can't fear everything, but you can use good sense. If we went around not doing things because of accidents, no one would be driving a car. I also agree with free choice regarding helmets. There are instances where helmets clearly saved lives, but there are others where a helmet wouldn't have made any difference. Riding in a convertible car puts your head at risk, but I wouldn't wear a helmet. To be honest, I don't wear a helmet on the motorcycle where states allow choice. That's a risk I choose to take. Once I had to be practically lifted off the back of a bike from almost passing out in 113 degree heat with a helmet on. There are arguments both ways and people should make their own choice. If nothing else, your video is a good reminder that horses are living strong creatures with emotions, unlike a vehicle that you can better control, and you have to be alert all the time when working with them.
you are so right on this. my daughter has a horse that is a asshole i have asked her to get rid of him on many times , this is person that has ridin all her life she does not listen to me so i just walk a way this horse we have owned 18 years. i dont like him his mind set . he is good one day and bad the next. but she will get hurt one day and mom will say i told you so.
The short and simple explanation is that horses are not "safe" animals to be around any more than a dog or a cat can be unsafe. Except chances are a lot more likely that a horse could kill a person through no fault of anyone, neither horse nor rider nor tack, except an "act of G-d." The best we can do is use our common sense and learn to understand the limits of our skills because "pride goeth before a fall." And as you say, "When it's your time, it's your time." My Mom used to say the same thing. People constantly ask me "Aren't you afraid to ride a horse?" I say that I sometimes am afraid of certain horses, and certain situations with certain horses, but that I'd rather die doing something I am passionate about than sitting at home worrying about it.
Thank you Herm this is the second great video I’ve seen of yours. I’m not a horse guy at all and there’s gonna come a day for sure …
Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment
Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment.
If it has hair and four legs I have a healthy fear of them. You don't see the race world riding with no helmets. In the past few years when I start colts or ride horses I don't know I put on a hockey helmet and a rough stock vest along with riding a bear trap saddle until I can trust them. No one really knows the true danger of horses until they have been humbled by a horse. I've been humbled many times in my 48 years in and out of the saddle. The ER is filled with people each year that are too proud to wear a helmet and to seek advice from horsemen with more experience. Horses are serious business. You can get away with ignorance and pride until you don't.
I did not comment on your last video.. I live in Germany where everyone wears riding hats.. hi Viz when riding out. We are very safety conscious here in Europe.. but even with all this in place horses get hit by cars people still lose their lives. I would disagree that you say horses are dangerous.. they really aren't.. it is the circumstances we put them in that makes it dangerous. I have 2 horses that were deemed dangerous.. I didn't give up on them.. they both had pain.. my quarter horse has pssm1 his previous owners were using him as a reigning horse.. all that training with a horse with muscle cramps made him angry with humans for not listening to him. I think like you say be careful assess situations and be patient. Some accidents are really asking to happen where others cannot be avoided. I am lucky I am still enjoying the ride after over fifty years of having horses.🎉 No serious injuries but almost.. your 5 friends the story behind what happened.. almost every situation I have also been in but somehow I got away with a few scrapes. The key is to learn from our mistakes as well as learn from other's. I appreciate your wise words.. I appreciate being able to watch your videos and to learn. I never judge everyone is allowed to be and do what they feel comfortable with. Horses are usually quieter and easier if their owners are the same.. this was a hard lesson for me learn. Thank you again for sharing from your heart. Hugs from Germany. I am a veteran and I need my horses they give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning... They do not judge me.. they accept me for being me.. the world is a better place for me with horses.. without them I would not be the positive person I am. Two of my friends died from horse related accidents.. well not accidents really.. one of my friends went blind from an illness.. she took her own life as she could not keep her horse anymore.. another friend took her own life just hours after her horse was euthanized.. mental illness is a terrible thing.. but the love of a horse can never be put into words. Thanks again
I have always worked horses in a round pen before putting anyone on them. Knowing if a horse is having a bad day is important. My pairing a rider to a horse has often depended on the extra 5 minutes of caution. Even solid horses can have a bad day. Dude strings are the worst. Bad habits come from bad riders.
Annnnnd watch out for the health of your horses, too. A horse that hurts or feels uncomfortable in its body is nearly impossible to negotiate with. Mostly they will just suffer quietly, but sometimes they are more fear ridden, and more reacitive than normally. Even the best of them.
Thank you for your comment. You are absolutely right that starting conservatively when pairing a new horse and rider is the safest way to go.
Can I ask what a "Dude string" is?? I've never heard that before... 👍
It's refreshing to hear how people have responded to the last video. We talk so much about riding but being around horses is so much more. Herm has made everyone think about safety and in a way that's shown how wrong things can go in minutes. Don't just ride your horse get to know them and their quirks. To be around horses is a privilege. To really understand them like Herm is a gift
... and its also one of the best things that you never ever stop to learn something. :)
@@MollyGrue1 So true Molly always beware of the person who says they know everything about horses. Like u say we learn something new from every horse
Thank you so much for your comment and your kind words. I’m glad this video resonated with you as it seems to have done with many others.
Having horses and making sure they have good behavior, people ask ALL THE TIME if they can ride my horses" can I ride your horse?! " which means can I jump on(after I saddle) and run him to death.... through gopher holes on and on they have NO IDEA the hours I nursed the horses through the night.. days on end at the vet the $$$$ taking care and feeding them caring for them so many hours and I didn't ride... your videos are great I think maybe a different title? or add another video about horse safety... I say all the time expect the unexpected like the yellow jackets in the ground the pack of wild dogs you encounter,,, the feral hog, deer jumping out and spooking a horse... horse shoes on concrete .. I want kids to love horses so some times i will let them ride in a halter no yanking on reins... and bareback... keeps them from running wild!!! I want more kids to grow up loving to ride. But I find teaching respect for the horse an entirely different NEED! i like in a comment the horse psychology. I remember in cutting they talked about thinking like a cow which to me sounds kinda crazy.. but I will for sure get the book Horses for non horsemen so I can add to my feedback to people who visit our ranch and ask .. can I ride.. first of all what does that mean. over 20 years I have seen middle school age kids beg to ride.. my friend and I saddled and they kids sat on the horse for 5 minutes.. another started crying hysterically, and another experience the young girl panicked and started pulling back hard... the horse was like that means back up.. she backed and backed and finally no release of pressure came up in a high oh silver pose.... I don't know what is the nice way to say NO because it might be a spark of a love of horses for their life. I heard someone say it is not a dirt bike ! great comment!! usually, if I say we have feral hogs and deer jump out and can spook them then they stop!!
I have heard a very well known international horse trainer state that horses have killed more humans than all the wild animal attacks put together- I don't know if that is true or not, but I will always remember him saying that. I was riding an Icelandic bear back with just reins and he spoked and took off- I fell over the back of him and landed on the ground, my foot got stuck in the reins and he dragged me. I thought I was going to die.
I have herd safety about motorcycles, skiers, bike riders, and guns, but never once in my life I ever herd a story about anyone get killed by horses so this is enlightening. I think you are correct in making people aware that this has happened and can happen . Especially since it is the top above all the rest which again no one has realized. So it makes me think that people have been protected form this crucial info from the public which should have been made aware long ago. I think they were protecting the riding lessons with children, or adults with horse backriding , yes , they have liability forms now for all but the thing that im saying is I have never herd anyone getting killed by a horse and also it has never been made public that getting killed by a horse is the highest over all the other common sports so this is distrunbing that it has not been more public. So I think it should be made for people be to more aware. He's correct. Just siging a waiver doesntmea you know horses have killed people or that it is the number one. Its basically an awareness more not that pople will not still do it, or be afraid, more like the same with other sports its accepted and well known. Where horseriding is not at the same level. So its an awareness more than prior but doesnt mean you dont do it, or feel so afraid to be around or ride. Just a knowing.
4-5 lights-out concussions, including a 2-3 day coma.
Thanks for sharing. Hope you’ve recovered well.
I’m a oldster now, I’m sure it didn’t help.
I live in UK and helmets here are mandatory. I know cowboy hat is imprinted in US culture as well as freedom of choice and I respect that (I've tried riding in cowboy hat years ago but felt far too vulnerable). Saying that, it's worth considering that it's not JUST about you, a rider, it's also about perhaps your kids and family who you might leave behind or might make them your full time carer cos you thought a helmet was stupid looking. Freedom comes with responsibility.
Here in the American a mounted shooter Karen had a concussion. Mounted shooters dress truly western, so her husband cut the brim off a straw western hat put that brim on a riding helmet and called it a Hellhat, cuz you could ride thru hell and its not coming off. Google Karens Hellhat Posse. Riders are being creative styling them. Susan
My brother in laws' girlfriend was given her first horse at the age of six. By the time she was 60 she was a dressage judge, and had competed on her big, white horse that she had imported from France. He was a great horse and she would let any kid hop up and have a ride. But the horse was getting up there in age, so the lady went and bought a new horse so she could go on competing. This horse was at least 17 hh, black, and beautiful. Westfalian, I think. He was about 3 1/2 years old and had been out on pasture with his momma for that whole time. She invited us to the barn to watch him with the trainer. They ran him to the left on a lunge line, then to the right. 15 minutes later, the horse was foaming at the mouth and between the front legs, as if he had just ran all night for the pony express. Still the trainer went on but stopped when his cell phone rang and he had to leave. While she was untacking the horse, I could feel the electricity coming from it's nerves. He was afraid, I could tell. Well, a few weeks later we got a call saying she was in the hospital. They had finished another training session and they were standing in the center of the arena b.s.ing, and that black horse just up and kicked her in the face. Her nose was crushed, half her teeth were gone. She ate Thanksgiving dinner that year through a straw. Brother in law asked her to sell the horse and maybe get into driving a pair of minis. Horsewoman that she was, she didn't quit. The next Spring, her father had passed away and left her 1M dollars so, she trailered the horse 400 miles to the best horse trainer on the West Coast. One day, after a training session that went really well, she stayed, alone in the outdoor arena to work him a bit by herself. She couldn't say what happened when she woke up in the hospital the next day. Broken arm, a few cracked ribs and head concussion. Brother in Law says, sell the f'ing horse or I'm leaving you. Off he went.
My cousin slipped getting out of the shower got a couple of stitches and started feeling woozey he died internal bleed to the brain .The Bible says we all have a apointment with death and then comes judgement
Excellent video .anything in life worthwhile always has a price .horses that have been mistreated are very dangerous. A rescue horse should always be handled by a very experienced horse person. Leaving such a horse in the hands of a novice is a invitation to disaster. Just respect the fact that you have one of the largest powerful animals on this great earth
Thank you for your comment. You make a good point about rescue horses. While I think giving a horse a second chance in life is a wonderful thing I also agree that it is necessary to be well qualified to do so. The wrong pairing can result in a very bad situation. Just because a horse needs help doesn’t mean that you’re qualified to give it. We all need to know are limitations, help when we can and step away when we’re really not qualified to do so.
A friend of mine really big and strong dude got married and his wife was doing that stuff where women always want to do what their husbands do... I feel like that's how she caught him to marry her by pretending she was a lover of horses also.... But she had no clue....
So one day she takes the horse out by herself while hes at work and decides to ride down a street that has cars on it well she had no experience and the horse got spooked and tried to throw her off but she jumped off and she was a big girl anyway and she ended up busting up her ankle and her leg and Jacking herself up and that was the end to her riding days... so if you're not sincere and you're not genuine you shouldn't be around horses to try to impress dudes....
Unlike a pedictable piece of machinery (gun), a horse is a 1,000 lb plus, potentilly skiddish, live power force whose main reaction to surprise, fear, etc., is to occasionally run, buck, rear, etc.. I respectfully do not see the preventative safety comparison between the two. Don't get me wrong, I've owned and ridden my past quarter horse for over 25 yrs. and loved every minute of it but I do know the difference.
I never owned a horse but have read many non-fiction history books on the Old West. I have not read about pioneers killed by horses. I guess that they must have been, but this topic was not discussed or documented in the past?
well its more like that: Out there alone they depended on each other, worked together. There were freak accidents, I bet, but mostly, they had far more experience and gut feeling and connection to Mother Nature that we have.
If not, either the horse was shot or ruined or the man got his head knocked off and was never found again. I think even the Natives had accidents, i. e. buffalo hunting on horse back required the best horses with best training - and it could still stumble into a hole in the ground or getting gored by a buffalo and the rider trampled.
I guess all the roads of history are plastered by horse and mules bones who were worked to death.
Actually, if you read original diaries, letters and old newspaper articles you see accounts of people being badly hurt or killed all the time.
@@kenmorris2290 yet, as death was so permanent in former times - horrible deseases with no remedies, child birth, freak accidents, aggression, wars... someone run over by a horse carriage or taking a fall on a hunt just kind of were ploughed under, I asume.
It wasn’t uncommon for people to be killed in carriage accidents when they were the main form of transportation.
Your video while very sad did not make me fear horses. My fear is I'll never find another one 1/2 as good as the ones I've had. I like you choose a hat but yes knowing what could happen I agree children should wear helmets. Some don't save you totally friend was thrown she did not die but her vision memory hearing body weakness affects her daily. Sometimes there is something wrong with the horse. I had an app mare that I raised from birth was imprinted at birth high dollar pedigree. Somewhere between 2 and 10 yrs of age she changed. She became savagely vicious. Like a mean stud. Bred her to my big jack, totally different horse. Loving gentle like when she was young. Till the foal was 4 months old. Wish I had the vet then that I have now and she could have been normal for all those years. Everybody just be careful. If you are afraid don't ride it. Horses and mules can read you like a book. Mules never forget. Be careful in all aspects of your life because where I live now I run the risk of getting killed just leaving my driveway. As He says don't try to get to Heaven quicker. Most things are avoidable if thought through but his friend that was crushed was no fault of hers or the horses. That was a freak accident. ❤&🙏 for everyone.
Sounds like your horse has something going on with hormones, if she’s not in physical pain.
Hope you get some answers through your vet
@@averycheesypotato she has passed many years but some vets are smarter than others and I wish the young man that took care of my horses last had been grown and practicing. He is darn sharp.
@@melanierandolph6953 Sorry, I must not have read your first post carefully enough!
Sorry for your loss
@@averycheesypotato That is ok. I have lost them all now. The last one passed in November. I am older, not afraid to ride just afraid of getting another. Don't know if I should get another. Don't know what to do anymore. And you are right about the other little mare. Polycystic ovary disease was current vets guess. The others said she was just mean and crazy. I raised that horse. I just had to be real careful around her but I had my share of. "Accidents". I've known studs that weren't as mean as her.
@@melanierandolph6953 If you get a young horse, you could have a long time with them.
Or you could lease/part own a horse, so that you can still enjoy horses without getting too attached? I know it’s a different mindset than owning one outright, but you’d still be able to enjoy caring for & riding one
I used the savings of a lifetime to have my horses at home. After two years, and several accidents, I made the decision to leave the world of horses because of the dangers it entails.
That also was a heap of bad luck then. I feel really sorry for you and hope, you feel ok with it. I left the "horse world" when my old buddy left us with 28 years (after 26 years together). We had our ups and downs but he was my life insurance after having ridden other horses and made several negative experiences. Had a very active guardian angel flying along, too, all those years. I would have loved to meet more capable horsefolks in all that time and good, reasonable advice in my time.
There is soo much you can do wrong and hurt your animal without intention. There is a heap of things to learn and to consider.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Whether to continue with horses or not is very much an individual choice. I’m sorry to hear that you stepped away from the world of horses but understand your feelings.
If that video scared you enough to stop riding then you don't have horses in your blood. If you have a lifelong love of horses, you are willing to take the risks.
That is so true. When it's in the blood it's permanent. How lucky are we
The video should raise a sense of caution in good horsemen, and prevent any fair weather riders from jumping into things they aren’t ready for
@@averycheesypotato exactly.
That all depends, I'd been riding all my life but then I smashed my leg up in a riding accident, had six knee operations and couldn't work for a year and a half, used up all my savings to survive and was left with no job , no money and a permanent limp .
A high price to pay for my love of horses!
@@davidmclachlan6592 could also have happened in a car accident. Sh***t happens. I hope and wish you get out of that situation. All the best for you.
Do accidents happen? Yes. Can many of them be prevented?definitely. Use common sense. There's not much that going around anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if accidents are actually more prevalent now than they used to be purely because people have short attention span's, they are always trying to multitask, they're caught up with social media, and they just don't pay attention like they should.
Stack the deck in your favor, know your limits, green on green leads to black and blue.
well, in my case it worked out fine - but sheer luck and a gread guardian angel at work.. ;)
Well said and very true.
Sometimes people feel invincible when they put a helmet on. And then they do stupid stuff. And helmet is not a guarantee. There's a whole Lotta ways to die and that piece of plastic on your head won't help you in many of them. So just because you want to wear a helmet which I agree is a good idea, don't be stupid. Pay attention to your surroundings and what's going on. Too many people are busy nowadays making videos and worry about the helmet with the little camera on it versus what the horse is doing and what's going on. Sometimes it's just is a pure accident and sometimes it's stupidity.