This is an awesome video. I've watched about 4 vids of his so far and I hope I find a rant about racehorses down the line. This guy is funny and extremely helpful to the craft. I saw all sorts of bad shit with training growing up and was lucky enough to have had a trainer that kept me on the straight and narrow. So many people abuse their horses.
Claiming ignorance does NOT make it alright people.
The horses knee is wrapped to protect it, from smacking it on the other knee. Js. There are millions of dollars spent in sports medicine every year on these horses, they are world class athletes and want for nothing. They have nutritionists, vets they see every week, top of the line Farriers that fly in to shoe them, grooms, and routine dentistry, custom saddles and pads for their back. Thats more than most people can say they do for themselves.
Gentle as possible, firm as necessary. Your an idiot. Its wrong horses are born into lives of slavery and injustice, but they always have ben. Whether its working a ranch, racing, jumping, reining, a carriage horse in any era or charging to it's death on a battlefield. If a horse has a job and can be good at it, it needs to do it. It saves it from being shuffled around pasture owner to pasture owner before it ends up at a not so good owners place. Or on a plate in Europe.
Has it's neck crammed I keep my mouth shut because if I open it all he ll is going to break loose! I don't understand how something that looks so unnatural and looks so painful for the horse can be called beautiful! Ahhhhh! Thank you sooo much Rick for laying this out so people can finally understand! :)
Horse: "I'm Turing like u asked me to... Why r u yanking my face when I am already turning?! "my head is low so why are you yanking it up and then spurring me to keep it down?!" "I back up when u ask me to so why do u hurt my mouth when I do what I am told!". Poor poor horse! I want to take him home! And did you see how bad this guys balance is!? Omg! I want to shove my boot up his ass! This is why when I hear someone say how beautiful shows like this are and english shows where the horses
(2/2) Idc how acomplished you are, how old you are, how experianced you are, how many lessons you have, how well trained your horse is, what you do with your horse. If you treat your horse like shit and yank and jerk and sesaw and spur and whine and nag and bitch at your horse you don't have an ounce of my respect, you can walk your horse out of the ring with ribbons flowing behind you smileing your ass off, I would still say something to you. b/c idc, it's wrong and in my eyes your pathetic.
(1/2)UGH! I wish i could put metal in his mouth and snap it back like that...and when his head come up id'e kick him in the back of the head with my spurs!! OMFG!!! I think I might be cussing more than Rick right now! Gosh...I love neck reining...and i love practiceing moveing off my leg and rein with my horse....but I don't give a rip where my horse's head is as long as he's letting me have it when I ask for it! UGH! This is why I ride alone and don't show offten...I woulda said something.
Rollkur at it's worst. This shit shows up in just about every equestrian sport now. I love classical dressage but I can't stand watching competitive dressage anymore. Every horse is over flexed and tense because of rollkur. The biggest problem is since the top riders use it and win, people start to think it's a good method of training. The only way this will stop is if the judges stop tolerating it.
Anything forced and misunderstood can never be beautiful.
what is this guy even trying to do!!!!!!!!!!!! as fare as i can see this horse is doing what hes asking...i see everything wrong with that video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was very hard for me to watch the horses in this video... all of them! Even the ones in the backround just standing you can see how beat down they are and how abused they get from this "sport", or any "sport". When people tell me that horseback riding is a sport, NO... it is not a sport and it shouldn't be a sport. It's a relatonship! Understanding, trust, kindness. I saw NONE of that in this video, all it was was forcing, pulling and putting the horse in pain to get what the rider wanted.
horse competitions are for humans only, they should be competing in truck pulls and monster truck shows.I am appalled when i see dressage horses with blue tongues after a show.
This guy is really serving up a serious beat-down on this horse. Sliding a horse into a wall is illegal where I'm from. I guess its okay in their country to destroy a horse mentally and physically. I have to ask if all these on-lookers are brain damaged or was this horse going to the slaughter house later that day and no one really cared. This criminal needs to be permanently banned from anything to do with animals for LIFE.
@notalee7 The event was in sweeden yes, but it is not in sweeden every year, the idiot on the horse is from the US, EPONATV is danish and try educate people, like Rick. just looking at the horse, with the head down so much, before he starts his jerking, is really awfull, it made me sick to my stomach
i ride english and i'd never disrespect my horse. i praise him for doing his best. I take good care of him and never push him too hard.after every lesson i praise and reward him as well as treat him well.People who abuse their horses and do things knowing their horse is miserable why have the horse and why make your hore do it! I'm not pointng it at this specific type of event it's at all events and people who disrespect their horse
I understand you dont like reining, But not all reining is bad, and i know that you dont see the good in it, But i have a reiner appaloosa mare, and i dont ever jerk on her like that, shes very light in the mouth, and most of the time, i can do just about all of that without a bridle, So dont say that ALL reiners are cruel, when they aren't, and even I dont like what this asshole is doing with his horse, but the way your making it out, is that ALL reiners are cruel.
@joshdearing69 : I don't necessarily hate reining, I dislike people that put winning, training or competing ahead of the horse. The should come before any sport. Horsemanship is making it better for the horse NOT better for the person.
I hate this dude, I hate this dude, I HATE THIS DUDE! I wish we could like punish him for doing that to his horse. Poor horse, that is.... wow wtf. Really? You are going to treat your beautiful horse, like THAT?! Also, If i was competing, i would have ran my horse over to the guy and BACK HANDED HIM!
i watched the videos of the other contenders that were also filmed by epona. believe it or not, this was the norm in the warmup ring that day! it was so sad and infuriating to watch. in one of the videos the rider tells his horse to do the sliding stop too late and the horse practicly rides up the wall. several of the horses bumped their noses off the wall as well. no doubt they blamed the poor horses for hittin the wall. people suck.
I suggest only looking at the ears and facial expression of the horses in the video shown to see their discomfort for the people saying this man is doing a good job. They're tense and not in a good working out way. The ears pointing back at the rider might be good when he's relaxed, but combined with the tensness of the front-muscles and back it means no good. Poor horses...
This is so wrong you can tell this pore horse is suffering its just wrong breaks my heart in my opinion Spurs are cruel and inhuman. i mean c'mon how would you liked to be jabbed wtih hard peace of metal with strength for doing what you think your suposted to be doing.! Bad rider bad horseman. You have every right to get fired up and now im Really pissed at this aswell. About time somebody stood up for the horse you are right rick!.
Rick is right. Everything that involves money plus sport involves pain even for human sports. But still I train my young mare to reins. even if you make an effort not to hurt the horse, is not natural.You can learn various techniques to reduce pain, but still it exists, not just physical pain. I never done something like the guy in the video with my mare but I'm sure she'd rather run freely through the pastures to train rollback. Even so, I'll keep training, but I like to be real.
No matter the form of horse-showing.....there is always a humane and correct way to show. You can even benefit a horse if you do it right and be patient.
But how many people actually do it that way? Nope. Everyones gotta be forceful and impatient these days.
I feel sorry for this horse. All that snapping is just horrible, it`s desperatly trying to do what it is asked for, and then it gets punished for it. Riding such as this CAN be done in a humane way without harming the horse, the problem is that idiots such as this rider cares more about looking good than about the welfare of the horse.
I get asked a lot if I like horse racing or any horse sport, here is my answer:
When winning, speed or money is involved horses suffer. The welfare of the horse is always compromised or sacrificed for winning or money. So I am against most all horse sports that do not promote care and treatment of the horse as a top priority. Can't think of one sport that does that? ? ?
@horseawareness I've always thought that cattle related sports seemed like the most tamed of the equestrian sports (not perfect). Of course, must of those cutting horses are also reining horses. I use to take part in team penning, which is technically a speed event, but most people involved were just in it for fun. The Appy I use to ride seemed to enjoy it. I found that I didn't have to push him or anything because he'd naturally want to chase the cows.
@horseawareness Not to say that there weren't yahoos spurring their horses and jerking their heads around. Can't get away from that, unfortunately. But in my case, ol' Bart liked his "job". He'd try to bite the cows!
@horseawareness Isnt Cutting better? I dont know how it is everywhere, but the ranch where i worked it was the horses cowsense that decided if it could be a cutting horse. But most horses got to try it out because it gave them allot of joy. Love ur vids, i think its great of you to promote good horsemanship! The world needs more of you in each country! :)
RICK IS VERY CORRECT TO SAY THAT THIS HORSE IS BEING PUT THROUGH SHIT THIS IS NOT NATURAL FOR THE HORSE AND IT IS SO PAINFUL. I'D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DO THE SAME STUFF TO THIS GUY! LETS SEE HOW HE LIKES IT! OH I WOULD HAVE TO GO BUY SPIRS FIRST!
People always complain about rolkur in dressage (which happens more then any other sport) but people need to realize other diciplines do it too. As seen here in reining..
@FinishtheRide : not sure what your point is? Are you defending dressage? I don't care what discipline does it, it is wrong and not good for the horse, and not real concerned about who is more right or who is does it more.
so, i'm just saying: some people don't want your "advice". my policy is don't give advice unless they ask for it. now, i realize i just broke that there, and im sorry. but realize im giving my opinion, not telling you what to do. ;)
just saying: not to be rude or anything, but maybe you need to get the picture. we know that people abuse their horses every day all over the world. these videos you make don't help. the people who abuse their horses, often dont even watch these. plus,you need to learn when to keep your mouth shut. i learned that the hard way, giving your opinion is one thing, but mouthing off and telling somebody whats ok and what isnt doesn't do anything but get the person you were talking to pissed off at u.
witchratt I totally agree the last few seconds are truly funny all seriousness aside.I got to remember go put on you're big girl panties and guess what I am a big girl LOL!I did however do my horse a favor and lost a lot of weight got a little more to go.
The last few minutes of this video is so funny its priceless!!
In all seriousness though thanks for all the great videos. I've learned a ton from them and I'm not even a horse person. Eventually will be some day, and when I do, I'll have a much better perspective thanks to your channel.
@Wil1heather I never witnessed Bill or Tom or Ray Hunt three of the finest horsemen that ever walked gods green earth do this crap.I guess they didn't know shit about horses either.Video don't lie he is clearly standing up in his stirrups and right elbow is coming back past his waist and he is snatching on this poor horses mouth.
Ignorant people. He is not bumping his horse to put his head down! When the horse stops, he is bumping it and backing it to fix problems that you ignorant and uneducated horse people don't see. Hell, i dont even think i would consider people like you to be horse people. Get the facts straight before you criticize. Craig is doing a great job training!
@wld1heather : if you encourage or you are too ignorant to see that this horse is miserable and think this guy is doing a good job, I feel sorry for any horse you ride or own.
@cjg66270 : Another COWARD hiding behind a fake name who made this fake account to hide behind and defend the stupid human and too cowardly to speak up for the horse. Get a life little person..
@wld1heather Enlighten me. Go on, Top Trainer. You think Craig is fixing 'problems' we can't see? Go ahead, explain what we 'don't see'. What miracle is going to occur if he jerks that rein enough times? FYI, if his horse is sloppy enough to need that much 'correction', then he has no damn business showing it internationally. He has no business even showing period. Or riding.
I did away with all my bits years ago and started from scratch doing ground work using a bosal and I get asked all the time why I haven't transitioned my horses over to a bit.I tell them the horse works better without metal in their mouths.They assume that because they're in a bosal that training has just started.How sad
Oh, Rick! I agree 100% with you on this one! In our barn there is one so called "judge", he gave riding lessons on his own horses, gave one of the kids(!) spurs, so the horse would feel him better, and didn't even notice that his own horse had his tongue out about 1/2m, because the boy was pulling on the reins so hard! And that sucker told the boy to show him who's boss, literally told him to pull even harder and use the spurs! I told him off, but I'm just a stupid girl who doesn't know shit...
@TheNAPPY85 : NO I don't have one, so that means I don't know shit and you should stay the hell off my channel idiot. Go chase your buckle and leave me alone.
There's a reason that I really only watch the bridle-less reining classes. With a good reining horse, the rider should NEVER need to bring their hand above their belt buckle. And the sad thing is that I've seen most of EPONA's videos from this event, and there were only one or two riders that weren't pulling this kind of shit. A REAL reining horse shouldn't be flexed like that, they should have relaxed necks and be supple and engaged through their backs. It's a damn shame that idiots like this
This is horse abuse! That man in that video needs his ass beat along with all the other people in the world who do this! It makes me furious! Stop abusing your horses people! If you would get your lazy asses out there and spend time with them and work with them you wouldn't need bits and spurs and all this other stuff to basically scare your horse into submission! Damn idiots! I totally agree with you Rick!
not all english riders put there horses through pain i know that because i do both western and english and only time i have to give my horses meds is when they do things their selves i have to young ones that are three and five i so agree some people dont care about the horses i do the same thing i will go yell at them when they are being cruel to the innocent animal rick you are funny in 2 vids i seen
Hey Rick, u´re damn right. This f**** as+ho++ didn´t earned his title and if I could I would shoot that sucker. I´m doin´reining aswell, and I tell u their is a different way to teach u´re horse to do it. NEVER EVER this way.
The horse is sweating BALLS!! That is biggest sign of pain/distress his whole neck is drenched and how can judges allow a horse with a knee bandage to compete??
@THERAKE208 This isn't the actual competition, it's just a warm-up arena. Before going into the actual competition arena all bandages, wraps, braids and (non-skid) boots are removed.
this guy is an ass :( poor horse :( if you cant see that that horse is hurting you need to get your damn eyes checked! i totally agree w u horseawareness :) they sould make this shit illegal :( another example of a stupid human and the horse has to pay :(
Craig is a piss poor chicken shit excuse for a western horse trainer. Thank God a man like yourself is willing to stand up and tell people this is wrong. You, along with all the other people exposing creeps like him, deserve one hell of a standing ovation. Thank you for posting this! God Bless you!
I was at a show the other day, and was horrified by what happened. I've been to many shows before, it's great for young horses to get used to stuff, and old farts to get out and about. my mare is 16 and retired, but I still have fun showin her off from time to time. Anyhoo, i was there and a horse layed down in the middle of the class. Underweigh,t obviously sick, and even the judge said "he's colic-y, take him home", and they just thought he was "Being lazy" and made him keep going. So sad.
I was at a show the other day, and was horrified by what happened. I've been to many shows before, it's great for young horses to get used to stuff, and old farts to get out and about. my mare is 16 and retired, but I still have fun showin her off from time to time. Anyhoo, i was there and a horse layed down in the middle of the class. Underweigh,t obviously sick, and even the judge said "he's colic-y, take him home", and they just thought he was "Being lazy" and made him keep going. So sad.
@c0wb0y9 Are you serious???? This yahoo in the video needs to have a bit in his mouth and have someone yank the shit out of it !! The best in the world you say !!! He's a maggot and proves in this video that the only way he can cowboy up is by abusing horses..c0wb0y9..you are a class act
This is not a horseman who considers the health an the natural behavior of horses at all. . This is called hyperflexion and seriously dameges the horses body. Since the head and the neck are unnaturally bend down the muscels allover the back become stiff further it s hard for he horse to breathe. There is no excuse for this kind of ‚riding‘ even if tainer try to whitewash the facts everyone who knows a little bit of a horses anatomy and horses behavior sees that this is animal torture.
I jump my horse, he has never in his life nor his mom, and dad have they had an injury or had any intercourse with buite! (how ever you spell it). I will never in my life use a bit on Blue.
@LitlMiraclePupnPony they are a boots used so that when the horse spins and if they hit the front leg on the other leg it wont cut them i think... bad video of someone supposed to be a top trainer. good example of how ppl care only about money and winning rather than fullfilling a horses needs as an animal first and keeping them mentally and physically healthy. This horses neck looks sore...
Totally agree with you...this horse is being made miserable. They call reining "western dressage" All I know is that this horse, (and most dressage horses) never look happy...swish swishy tails everywhere.
poor animals.... :'( Rick is right, he's the voice for the horse, who is unable to speak for himself.... if this poor horse could talk, I'm sure he would say that he does NOT want to do this..... animal cruelty "sugar coated" through a show.
Some people are sick if they think that this man is not being cruel to his horse ,how about i come and put a giant bit of metal in your mouth and rag you about everywhere ,stupid people!
the one time my horse carried his head down like this, he had been starved by the stable i paid good money to care for him. i brought a gorgeous buckskin and came back 2 weeks later, he was hungry and sad and walked with his head like this and probably had been on half ration. now i feed myself rain or shine gas money or ride bike to do it.
"no signs that the horse is in distress".....seriously that horses back is so hollowed out in pain and these idiots can't tell he is distressed? someone needs a lesson in classical horsemanship
My husband and I used to love reining and then we got over it. We have owned several reining horses and I realized that I never enjoyed it and neither did my horses. Then I got to see Shawn Flarida show an obviously lame horse at the NRHA Futurities in Oklahoma City. It was disgusting. This guy makes a lot of money training reining horses and that's part of the problem. I just saw that one reining futurity has added over $300,000 to the pot. What does that tell you?
Do you know what would be really amazing? To see a rider riding a horse with a robe halter with no bit. You would get more eyes open wide to see that. If a horse is trained to give to pressure then no bit needs to be used.
Do you know what would be really amazing? To see a rider riding a horse with a robe halter with no bit. You would get more eyes open wide to see that. If a horse is trained to give to pressure then no bit needs to be used.
I agree with Rick! That horse is not comfortable! They can't talk and tell us what hurts, we have to learn to LISTEN to them! Learn their language and try to understand them. That is NOT normal people! Do you ever see a horse put their nose in their chest in the pasture of their own free will?! I use a bit on my horse but you will NEVER see me jerk my horse like that! A feather touch is all it takes. I hate shows like that, they don't care about the horses, just the money they win. Ugh!
@horseawareness, good on you, 'there are no signs that the horse is in distress' - look at his neck you blind fucks, does that look natural and painless?
Half the people who commented her don't know sh** about what a horseman is and the crelty behind the actions of this man. That bit is digging in and causing so much pain, the horse probably can't think strait. It's like smashing your hand in a car door and telling you to listen and pay attention. Those spurrs don't help at all, either.
This guy is a total dick. I've taken reining from 9 people in just the region. All of them use spurs, no matter what, which is very uncomfortable for me, since their horses are very tame. Only one of the trainers has told me to allow my horse to have as much head as she can take and have soft hands, allow her to think and make everything her ideas, so that we have a partnership. I agree with every comment you made, and I've done this crap.
@mowilson69 Good grief, girl!! Dial it down and mind your manners. You're trying to make a point, and you succeeded. You showed all of us what a moron you are. Congratulations.
I love reining :) No matter what sport you look at, some folks take it to far. For example: Western Pleasure- I cannot stand peanut rollers....whats the point? the horse looks lame, but thats what wins.
All this guy cares about is the money he thinks he can win, he wins the money, he dosnt care if the horse burns out, goes lame, looses his mind or whatever else, he will just sell it off and buy another one and go screw that up to. Just how many of these horses end up at the meat market once they are too messed up to fix? Look at it's neck. come on people look at it's damn neck just for starters, thats so far from natural Im hurting just looking at it
I'd like to know what this 66666666 guys idea of abuse is if this isn't, the only thing worse than this as I see it is slowly amputating this poor horse. who gives a flying shot about Rick letting loose a few "naughty words" while he's showing passion for something, he doesn't use them much so get over it. If that's the only thing you can focus on in this video then why watch?
Thank you, thank you for posting this and for your on-target comments. I posted the video on my FB wall a few months back, and horse people came out of the woodwork to defend that jerk rider. I can't believe a client willingly let him "train" their horse in that manner. So very sad what people will do for a win.
You're focusing this in a way...look, reining bases itself on unnatural position of the horse ! Wether you like it or not but that's the truth. Dressage is the same shit. Have we seen a view behind the scenes of Fappani or Westfall ? A mediocre horse will be dumped immediately because fame and recognition is all that counts. Isn't America itself based on these pilars....the show must go on! ....Keep on smiling ! etc....? Worse! Most Americans think they invented the horse !!!
Im Professor of DVM at Osaka University of osaka, Japan...I agree with your views..all these horses get leg injections are drugged and buted constantly.I like your ability to speak the truth sir.
You seem like an okay guy and a good horseman, and I'm glad you're standing up to this crap. It's still going to happen sometimes... There's just always going to be bad riders. It's good to raise awareness though. But you don't have to trash every kind of show and discipline to do it. There is a right and a wrong way of showing, humanely and abusively. Either way you can have success, but the abusive side will trash your horse, make him less responsive, and eventually wear him down.
Every discipline has it's..... Well I could say another name but, I'll go with 'jerks'. Reining is about the least amount of contact with your legs and your hands, this guy isn't doing it right. Most reiners are very soft handed and don't jab. Stacy Westfall, being an example. You are totally right, he's not a horseman and he's hurting that poor horse, but please don't just assume that all reining is like this. Watch any reining show (or warm up ring) and you'll see better than this scum.
I went to the University of Findlay in Ohio for three years for Equine Studies and some of the best riders in the world went there too. I watched them ride, doing some of the same patterns and maneuvers in the video, and you know what? They should have been in this show, not this "cowboy" one of the main instructors is one of the best horsemen I have ever met and I swear to theis day by his practices and he never beat on his horse the way this guy does. This is not true horsemanship.
Rick you need to look into the endurance world...I would be very interested on what your opinion is on that sport, and if you don't find anything bad...like I suspect you won't, than maybe you might just find something of interest....just a thought!
thats what i plan on doing! ive always hated the idea of running around in a circle, i decided i would be better off outside seeing the country on horseback than stuck going round poles all day, and then i found out theres a whole discipline of endurance. maybe im being naive, but i believe endurance riders treat their horses with the most respect, along with true horseman like Rick, and by the way, where i live there is no prize for finishing, there is absolutely no money
@c0wb0y91 : Notice this big cowboy MAN?, does not give his real name and hiding behind some fake profile that he just made today, listing his age a 110, so he could post this. Big man, hiding and taking up for another big man but speak up for a helpless horse. Stay off my channel coward! Or put up your real name and post your own videos showing how smart you are.
theman66666666666 dude - you are seriously not so much of a 'man' if you think that video of that poor mare was not abuse. How can you not see that??? Oh my God. Please wake up and see...
dude you are stupid. you realy have no clue what u are talking about. these horses are not forced to do anything, second you cant show a horse on bute. it numbs the mouth. reiners are treated better then any other horse. reining is about a team not about beating the shit out of a horse. the horses are trained very slowly and they know what to do. this isnt abuse. ive seen abuse and this deff aint abuse. go to a walking horse show. thats abuse.
@theman66666666666 Well you sure proved yourself a MORON. Horses show on bute all the time and wth does that have to do with anything? So the horse cannot feel the mouth somehow justifies what the trainer is doing to it? Craig Schmersal is anaggressive trainer - watch the video in full screen mode and try to think before you write. The FEI stewards failed to do their job to protect the horses - that is the stewards job - PROTECTION OF THE HORSE - FEI rules have been lost along the way.
@theman66666666666 wow. you're really blind on the show world. of course people use bute to numb the mouth...haven't you seen the footage? have you been to shows? it's cute that you say "reining is about a team" i applaud you if you treat your horses the way you say these "pros" do. however, it's highly unlikely that you're up to date on your education on the show-biz of the equine world. there is abuse in all aspects of showing. DR. HEUSCHMANN'S TUG OF WAR will be wonderful education for you.
I dont think bits are cruel AT ALL, but this is sad. :( There was no reason for the jerking on the reins. The horse looks so sweet and calm... This isnt very fair.
ok i have to say this pony does look sad it has that look in its eyes. this rider is not a reel cowboy he needs to learn to be real its not right hes not doing the sport right!
Thanks Rick!!! Thank you for making us all aware of what goes on in just about every level of equestrian "sports"! Im no expert and hate people who claim they are, but as an owner of 3 horses myself, you are helping me to make sure I see what things like this do to a horse before I even go to a show. At this point Ill probably never go to another show. I have stopped using bits, AND Ive never used a whip for any reason and see spurs as absolutely cruel and unnecessary. Just THANKS!
Good for you Rick. We need more exposure of this kind of cruelty. Reiners are so familiar with this sight, they do not see the confusion and pain that they are causing. The rules have to be changed and ENFORCED.
You can go to petitiononline com and search FEI 142 to sign a petition asking the FEI to enforce article 142 dealing with abuse. We need to send a message LOUD AND CLEAR from the USA that we do not accept abuse of a horse for competition - do not write anything hostile in your comments on the peitition - ENFORCE ARTICLE 142.
This video is distressing at best. Now, " Martina New, who is a supporter of this rider, suggests in her comment on the Purina Horse Feed on FB "Personally, I think the FEI events are such a small portion of the sport of Reining that it is time for us to review the value added to the industry." Can you believe that short-sighted thinking in our enlightened age? The sport of reining is going to suffer further with this "Dumb Lil Addy Tude."
oh my god if i was ever cruel enough to hurt and upset my horse like this i would hope he bucked me of.... why on earth would you want your horses head that low? what purpose would it have? if a horse travelled well with it's head that low why doesn't the head come out of their knees, how the hell can the horse see clearly in front of it with the head tucked that low, it just looks very depressed to me. i feel pain and pity for the poor darling. it deserves much better treatment than that.
my family has just gotten into reining a few years back, we have one horse and she was trained with time and patience not pain, we waited for results instead of forcing it. I have to say this man is terrible, and he should not be allowed to ride like this, especially in a competition, but just because a few people (sadly a growing number) ride like this doesn't mean everyone who participates rides like this, I know I don't. Good job posting though, keep it up.
This is a selection of clips and is suspect. The rider is not kicking the horse with spurs, but applying pressure with legs and backs up legs with spur stroking. The rider is bumping the horse's mouth, but note the bit - it has a lot of give. There is no evidence in the clip that the horse is subject to distress or cruelty. In most of the clip the reins are slack. The horse is trained to give to pressure and note that the rider immediately releases pressure when the horse responds.
@whishaw : If you can justify this with nice sounding words like spur stroking and bumping and cannot see the over flex, pain, and can't see the lost look in that horse's eyes, then I can only say - We see this very differently.
@whishaw the rider in this video is not simply "bumping" the horse's mouth. he is cracking the high port of the"collection" bit into the horses hard palate. First off, collection should come from the seat and should NEVER include aggressive hands. Distress is clear. The open mouth, braced back, pinned ears and the hyperflexion of the neck are CLEAR signs of distress. Even though the reins are slack, a person can perform Rollkur. If the horse has been subjected to this he will be over developed
@whishaw neck muscles causing this constant form of the horse. You're right, training does give into pressure, but aggressive treatment is not tolerable. Please educate yourself on noting the signs of abuse and incorrect training! Also educate yourself on the use of bits and their action on the horse's face. "Collection bits" are LEVERAGE bits which have NO give... Using them in this fashion is completely insane. You're just as blind as the judges and spectators and riders in this clip.
@whishaw Would you mind if I "bumped" your mouth with that bit, or "stroked" you with my spurs like that? Come on. Many viewers here are not naive about horses and know better. The horse has no opportunity to give to a specific pressure like the frequent rein jerking; rather, the jerking is sporadic and context-less, therefore meaningless, and the horse is taught to keep his head to his knees ALL the time, trying to avoid the inevitable. Who are you, that you try to justify this abuse?
I agree this trainer is an idiot and he is NO horseman he is a horse abuser. I would love to put a bit in his mouth and jerk him around. He should be banned from horses period. Thanks for talking about this Rick.
CRAIG I NEED YOUR HELP!! I HAVE IMAGES OF A MAN RIPPING A HORSES MOUTH OFF- IM BEING SUED FOR DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER FOR POSTING THE IMAGES ONLINE. YOUR OPINIONS ON THE IMAGES WOULD HELP ME OUT!
The deal is....too many people involved in reining see nothing wrong with this....this "methodology" has gone on for so long that those individuals involved in this see nothing wrong with it....and thus this perpetuates itself....you're right...Schmershal (sp) got caught with his pants down....he should know better....do your "schooling" (if you care to call it that)at home....you NEVER know who is watching.....or who will video you.....he shot himself in the foot.
I have decided to laugh at idiots from now on, because no matter what people say their only concern is proving that Rick is wrong. So I have decided that instead of getting mad and angry at people who will never change, I will just laugh at their pettiness and wrongness. Rick I believe that in order to buy spurs, cretin kinds of bits and whips they should treat it like buying a taser and use those items on them. I would sing up for that job in a heart beat!!
@mustangsthree - hell yeah! I was born in the wrong century and country! Ever wondered if humans didn't evolve how beautiful this earth could have been? Spirit - that film makes me cry every time I watch it LOL and I'm, like, 30...
I never got the people who critique their horse on every little thing. When they say stop the horse better stop now or get beat, take up a correct lead, transition perfectly, their horse has to spin on a dime and backup faster than they can trot. I allow my horse to show her personality and she is greatful for it. I am greatful that an animal so beautiful allows me to ride her and control her as much as I do. We, and other horseman have bonds with our horses that this guy could never have.
I even saw the poor horse limping. The people these days...what happen to the people who used to ride in harmony with there horse?
I know this is not the best example but it's my favorite one. I advise all horsepeople to re watch or watch Spirit: Sallion Of Cimmaron. Even though it is a made up cartoon, it's a good example of what horsemanship was. Horses were prt of the family and sometimes even let into the tepees, that is if they were owned by the plains/plateau people.
@MauiFan123 I heard that the arabians were known for that also. the horse actualy protected family members how true that is I don't know but sounds plausible. but even the old cowboys and such treated them better because they were part of your livelyhood. one of the reasons horse theives were hung. there wasn't a surplus of horses like now. get rid of cars and watch how fast that changes. ever wonder if you were born in the wrong century?
This is sad. To see that poor horse be subjected to that mans stupidity. That horse is in so much pain. The way it walks with that leg, it mouth wide open in pain from that bit. I just want to put on a pair of spurs and ram them into that guys side and see how he likes it!
@5ltlboyz we have our own pasture but we made the mistake of helping some people. they got good results and refered us to others, sounds great but then the barn witches get pissed and now were in the middle of a bunch of garbage. like I said I can truly understand ricks frustration. I am glad he puts up with it since I do use his video's to improve what I do. I spot things I do wrong that I would never have picked up on otherwise. it's been a great help to us.
@5ltlboyz funny thing is I read ricks comments on people in the horse world and the frustration they cause. My wife comes home from work and after reading the usual crap on her facebook account from horse people trashing one another. (one insisting if you don't compete at horse shows your not a true horseman yea she blankets and stalls her horses go figure). she said I love having horses but forgot about all the idiots I have to deal with when we have them.
I have heard about trainers who will run horses face first into hard walls and thats how to teach a horse how to get a great sliding stop, ya know for all the pretty pink shows their going to! I want to say that I agree with RICK, what an asshole!!! He shouldnt be allowed near a horse, Craig seems like the type of trainer that has ran a few horses into the ground, or a wall, or what ever he could find. . . . And to the horse in the video, im so sorry!!!
To all you idiots complaining about the random drops of curse words GROW UP! If you dont like the way Rick talks get off of his channel! Geez can yall not tell how heated up and angry he is about this? You ladies need to pull up your big girl panties and stop all your bitching.
Kudos
Shawnshawna 6 days ago
you have over reacted but i agree.
haiimrachel 2 weeks ago
This is an awesome video. I've watched about 4 vids of his so far and I hope I find a rant about racehorses down the line. This guy is funny and extremely helpful to the craft. I saw all sorts of bad shit with training growing up and was lucky enough to have had a trainer that kept me on the straight and narrow. So many people abuse their horses.
Claiming ignorance does NOT make it alright people.
SneakyTeaBag 1 month ago 2
The horses knee is wrapped to protect it, from smacking it on the other knee. Js. There are millions of dollars spent in sports medicine every year on these horses, they are world class athletes and want for nothing. They have nutritionists, vets they see every week, top of the line Farriers that fly in to shoe them, grooms, and routine dentistry, custom saddles and pads for their back. Thats more than most people can say they do for themselves.
222kae 1 month ago
@222kae look at how this guy is abusing his horse. no amount of money can justify that. You are very stupid
ArablvrXoXo 3 weeks ago
Gentle as possible, firm as necessary. Your an idiot. Its wrong horses are born into lives of slavery and injustice, but they always have ben. Whether its working a ranch, racing, jumping, reining, a carriage horse in any era or charging to it's death on a battlefield. If a horse has a job and can be good at it, it needs to do it. It saves it from being shuffled around pasture owner to pasture owner before it ends up at a not so good owners place. Or on a plate in Europe.
222kae 1 month ago
i watched my neighbor do this to her horse for about 2 hours. rich idiots.
chrisvpena 1 month ago
Has it's neck crammed I keep my mouth shut because if I open it all he ll is going to break loose! I don't understand how something that looks so unnatural and looks so painful for the horse can be called beautiful! Ahhhhh! Thank you sooo much Rick for laying this out so people can finally understand! :)
maddee1919 1 month ago
Horse: "I'm Turing like u asked me to... Why r u yanking my face when I am already turning?! "my head is low so why are you yanking it up and then spurring me to keep it down?!" "I back up when u ask me to so why do u hurt my mouth when I do what I am told!". Poor poor horse! I want to take him home! And did you see how bad this guys balance is!? Omg! I want to shove my boot up his ass! This is why when I hear someone say how beautiful shows like this are and english shows where the horses
maddee1919 1 month ago
(2/2) Idc how acomplished you are, how old you are, how experianced you are, how many lessons you have, how well trained your horse is, what you do with your horse. If you treat your horse like shit and yank and jerk and sesaw and spur and whine and nag and bitch at your horse you don't have an ounce of my respect, you can walk your horse out of the ring with ribbons flowing behind you smileing your ass off, I would still say something to you. b/c idc, it's wrong and in my eyes your pathetic.
JasperIsaLittleHorse 1 month ago
(1/2)UGH! I wish i could put metal in his mouth and snap it back like that...and when his head come up id'e kick him in the back of the head with my spurs!! OMFG!!! I think I might be cussing more than Rick right now! Gosh...I love neck reining...and i love practiceing moveing off my leg and rein with my horse....but I don't give a rip where my horse's head is as long as he's letting me have it when I ask for it! UGH! This is why I ride alone and don't show offten...I woulda said something.
JasperIsaLittleHorse 1 month ago
Rollkur at it's worst. This shit shows up in just about every equestrian sport now. I love classical dressage but I can't stand watching competitive dressage anymore. Every horse is over flexed and tense because of rollkur. The biggest problem is since the top riders use it and win, people start to think it's a good method of training. The only way this will stop is if the judges stop tolerating it.
Anything forced and misunderstood can never be beautiful.
-Xenophon, 400 B.C.-
TaylorMadePony 1 month ago
Ok I can see why you call people jerks and idiots
Naturalhorselb 1 month ago
Hard to watch, I hate reining
Naturalhorselb 1 month ago
what is this guy even trying to do!!!!!!!!!!!! as fare as i can see this horse is doing what hes asking...i see everything wrong with that video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
princesslove920 1 month ago
It was very hard for me to watch the horses in this video... all of them! Even the ones in the backround just standing you can see how beat down they are and how abused they get from this "sport", or any "sport". When people tell me that horseback riding is a sport, NO... it is not a sport and it shouldn't be a sport. It's a relatonship! Understanding, trust, kindness. I saw NONE of that in this video, all it was was forcing, pulling and putting the horse in pain to get what the rider wanted.
hotchicky8 1 month ago
horse competitions are for humans only, they should be competing in truck pulls and monster truck shows.I am appalled when i see dressage horses with blue tongues after a show.
.
jonnythunderwalker 2 months ago
This guy is really serving up a serious beat-down on this horse. Sliding a horse into a wall is illegal where I'm from. I guess its okay in their country to destroy a horse mentally and physically. I have to ask if all these on-lookers are brain damaged or was this horse going to the slaughter house later that day and no one really cared. This criminal needs to be permanently banned from anything to do with animals for LIFE.
notalee7 2 months ago
@notalee7 The event was in sweeden yes, but it is not in sweeden every year, the idiot on the horse is from the US, EPONATV is danish and try educate people, like Rick. just looking at the horse, with the head down so much, before he starts his jerking, is really awfull, it made me sick to my stomach
dearnapst 1 month ago
i ride english and i'd never disrespect my horse. i praise him for doing his best. I take good care of him and never push him too hard.after every lesson i praise and reward him as well as treat him well.People who abuse their horses and do things knowing their horse is miserable why have the horse and why make your hore do it! I'm not pointng it at this specific type of event it's at all events and people who disrespect their horse
BECKSUNO 2 months ago
I understand you dont like reining, But not all reining is bad, and i know that you dont see the good in it, But i have a reiner appaloosa mare, and i dont ever jerk on her like that, shes very light in the mouth, and most of the time, i can do just about all of that without a bridle, So dont say that ALL reiners are cruel, when they aren't, and even I dont like what this asshole is doing with his horse, but the way your making it out, is that ALL reiners are cruel.
joshdearing69 2 months ago
@joshdearing69 : I don't necessarily hate reining, I dislike people that put winning, training or competing ahead of the horse. The should come before any sport. Horsemanship is making it better for the horse NOT better for the person.
horseawareness 2 months ago 4
@joshdearing69 jam a metal rod in your mouth for a few hours and see how sweet it is, don't forget to let a friend manipulate it for awhile
chrisvpena 1 month ago
I hate this dude, I hate this dude, I HATE THIS DUDE! I wish we could like punish him for doing that to his horse. Poor horse, that is.... wow wtf. Really? You are going to treat your beautiful horse, like THAT?! Also, If i was competing, i would have ran my horse over to the guy and BACK HANDED HIM!
AudieRose1998 2 months ago
Riding horses in general is cruelty, acting like anyone deserves to own something so beautiful
Inoryuki 2 months ago
Aw man. I wish I could buy that horse and give him hugs and carrots. I know this sounds naive but that horse deserves it.
EquineRhythm 3 months ago
The best riding sport there is has gotta be pleasure riding...
EquineRhythm 3 months ago
i watched the videos of the other contenders that were also filmed by epona. believe it or not, this was the norm in the warmup ring that day! it was so sad and infuriating to watch. in one of the videos the rider tells his horse to do the sliding stop too late and the horse practicly rides up the wall. several of the horses bumped their noses off the wall as well. no doubt they blamed the poor horses for hittin the wall. people suck.
painthorselover101 3 months ago
I suggest only looking at the ears and facial expression of the horses in the video shown to see their discomfort for the people saying this man is doing a good job. They're tense and not in a good working out way. The ears pointing back at the rider might be good when he's relaxed, but combined with the tensness of the front-muscles and back it means no good. Poor horses...
ponyangel1987 3 months ago
This is so wrong you can tell this pore horse is suffering its just wrong breaks my heart in my opinion Spurs are cruel and inhuman. i mean c'mon how would you liked to be jabbed wtih hard peace of metal with strength for doing what you think your suposted to be doing.! Bad rider bad horseman. You have every right to get fired up and now im Really pissed at this aswell. About time somebody stood up for the horse you are right rick!.
shego4893 3 months ago
Rick is right. Everything that involves money plus sport involves pain even for human sports. But still I train my young mare to reins. even if you make an effort not to hurt the horse, is not natural.You can learn various techniques to reduce pain, but still it exists, not just physical pain. I never done something like the guy in the video with my mare but I'm sure she'd rather run freely through the pastures to train rollback. Even so, I'll keep training, but I like to be real.
mikematsumoto 3 months ago
No matter the form of horse-showing.....there is always a humane and correct way to show. You can even benefit a horse if you do it right and be patient.
But how many people actually do it that way? Nope. Everyones gotta be forceful and impatient these days.
MetalDrummerChic6 3 months ago
I feel sorry for this horse. All that snapping is just horrible, it`s desperatly trying to do what it is asked for, and then it gets punished for it. Riding such as this CAN be done in a humane way without harming the horse, the problem is that idiots such as this rider cares more about looking good than about the welfare of the horse.
ZafiraAlmeria 3 months ago
I get asked a lot if I like horse racing or any horse sport, here is my answer:
When winning, speed or money is involved horses suffer. The welfare of the horse is always compromised or sacrificed for winning or money. So I am against most all horse sports that do not promote care and treatment of the horse as a top priority. Can't think of one sport that does that? ? ?
horseawareness 3 months ago 7
@horseawareness I've always thought that cattle related sports seemed like the most tamed of the equestrian sports (not perfect). Of course, must of those cutting horses are also reining horses. I use to take part in team penning, which is technically a speed event, but most people involved were just in it for fun. The Appy I use to ride seemed to enjoy it. I found that I didn't have to push him or anything because he'd naturally want to chase the cows.
Just my two cents.
noodle0912 3 months ago
@horseawareness Not to say that there weren't yahoos spurring their horses and jerking their heads around. Can't get away from that, unfortunately. But in my case, ol' Bart liked his "job". He'd try to bite the cows!
noodle0912 3 months ago
@horseawareness Isnt Cutting better? I dont know how it is everywhere, but the ranch where i worked it was the horses cowsense that decided if it could be a cutting horse. But most horses got to try it out because it gave them allot of joy. Love ur vids, i think its great of you to promote good horsemanship! The world needs more of you in each country! :)
badisfunctionallover 3 weeks ago
That "cowboy" in the video is a freaking RETARD! Who the hell thinks this guy is a world reining champion! Wow. I agree completely with Rick!
LuvMySorrel 3 months ago
RICK IS VERY CORRECT TO SAY THAT THIS HORSE IS BEING PUT THROUGH SHIT THIS IS NOT NATURAL FOR THE HORSE AND IT IS SO PAINFUL. I'D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DO THE SAME STUFF TO THIS GUY! LETS SEE HOW HE LIKES IT! OH I WOULD HAVE TO GO BUY SPIRS FIRST!
suzyq1265 3 months ago
People always complain about rolkur in dressage (which happens more then any other sport) but people need to realize other diciplines do it too. As seen here in reining..
FinishtheRide 3 months ago 5
@FinishtheRide : not sure what your point is? Are you defending dressage? I don't care what discipline does it, it is wrong and not good for the horse, and not real concerned about who is more right or who is does it more.
horseawareness 3 months ago 4
You've got good morals. I agree.
verypen 3 months ago
What is on the horse's right front knee?
GypsyAvira 3 months ago
Stupid man, thanks Rick i agree with you like always
GypsyAvira 3 months ago
so, i'm just saying: some people don't want your "advice". my policy is don't give advice unless they ask for it. now, i realize i just broke that there, and im sorry. but realize im giving my opinion, not telling you what to do. ;)
KiraVigue 3 months ago
just saying: not to be rude or anything, but maybe you need to get the picture. we know that people abuse their horses every day all over the world. these videos you make don't help. the people who abuse their horses, often dont even watch these. plus,you need to learn when to keep your mouth shut. i learned that the hard way, giving your opinion is one thing, but mouthing off and telling somebody whats ok and what isnt doesn't do anything but get the person you were talking to pissed off at u.
KiraVigue 3 months ago
witchratt I totally agree the last few seconds are truly funny all seriousness aside.I got to remember go put on you're big girl panties and guess what I am a big girl LOL!I did however do my horse a favor and lost a lot of weight got a little more to go.
parrot2me 3 months ago
The last few minutes of this video is so funny its priceless!!
In all seriousness though thanks for all the great videos. I've learned a ton from them and I'm not even a horse person. Eventually will be some day, and when I do, I'll have a much better perspective thanks to your channel.
witchratt 3 months ago
@Wil1heather I never witnessed Bill or Tom or Ray Hunt three of the finest horsemen that ever walked gods green earth do this crap.I guess they didn't know shit about horses either.Video don't lie he is clearly standing up in his stirrups and right elbow is coming back past his waist and he is snatching on this poor horses mouth.
parrot2me 3 months ago
Ignorant people. He is not bumping his horse to put his head down! When the horse stops, he is bumping it and backing it to fix problems that you ignorant and uneducated horse people don't see. Hell, i dont even think i would consider people like you to be horse people. Get the facts straight before you criticize. Craig is doing a great job training!
wld1heather 3 months ago
@wld1heather : if you encourage or you are too ignorant to see that this horse is miserable and think this guy is doing a good job, I feel sorry for any horse you ride or own.
Even with video proof, you can't fix stupid.
horseawareness 3 months ago 10
he is doing a great job training. and yes you are ignorant..
cjg66270 3 months ago
@cjg66270 : Another COWARD hiding behind a fake name who made this fake account to hide behind and defend the stupid human and too cowardly to speak up for the horse. Get a life little person..
horseawareness 3 months ago 3
@wld1heather Ignorant and uneducated horse? Dude, it's NEVER the horse, it's ALWAYS the handler.
EquineRhythm 3 months ago
@wld1heather Enlighten me. Go on, Top Trainer. You think Craig is fixing 'problems' we can't see? Go ahead, explain what we 'don't see'. What miracle is going to occur if he jerks that rein enough times? FYI, if his horse is sloppy enough to need that much 'correction', then he has no damn business showing it internationally. He has no business even showing period. Or riding.
Shansurri 2 months ago
@wld1heather OH NO YOU DIDN'T!
AudieRose1998 2 months ago
Ray Hunt is spinning is grave.
parrot2me 3 months ago
I did away with all my bits years ago and started from scratch doing ground work using a bosal and I get asked all the time why I haven't transitioned my horses over to a bit.I tell them the horse works better without metal in their mouths.They assume that because they're in a bosal that training has just started.How sad
parrot2me 3 months ago
Oh, Rick! I agree 100% with you on this one! In our barn there is one so called "judge", he gave riding lessons on his own horses, gave one of the kids(!) spurs, so the horse would feel him better, and didn't even notice that his own horse had his tongue out about 1/2m, because the boy was pulling on the reins so hard! And that sucker told the boy to show him who's boss, literally told him to pull even harder and use the spurs! I told him off, but I'm just a stupid girl who doesn't know shit...
BnFHorsemanship 4 months ago
I agree with you completely. I wish that stupid asshole would get off that horses face. He is destroying his mouth
424kilebar 4 months ago
Do you have a world champion buckle?
TheNAPPY85 4 months ago
Do you have a world champion buckle?
TheNAPPY85 7 hours ago
@TheNAPPY85 : NO I don't have one, so that means I don't know shit and you should stay the hell off my channel idiot. Go chase your buckle and leave me alone.
horseawareness 4 months ago 14
There's a reason that I really only watch the bridle-less reining classes. With a good reining horse, the rider should NEVER need to bring their hand above their belt buckle. And the sad thing is that I've seen most of EPONA's videos from this event, and there were only one or two riders that weren't pulling this kind of shit. A REAL reining horse shouldn't be flexed like that, they should have relaxed necks and be supple and engaged through their backs. It's a damn shame that idiots like this
CrystalGazer95 4 months ago
@CrystalGazer95 ruin EVERYTHING for all of us non-asshats.
CrystalGazer95 4 months ago
This reminds me of everyone in my area that rides with a shanked bit and direct reins, horses are being used as slaves.
Twilighthorsedragon 4 months ago
This is so said they should put this guy in GAIL. STUPIT guy and take away his horse.
samiyahshua 4 months ago
This is horse abuse! That man in that video needs his ass beat along with all the other people in the world who do this! It makes me furious! Stop abusing your horses people! If you would get your lazy asses out there and spend time with them and work with them you wouldn't need bits and spurs and all this other stuff to basically scare your horse into submission! Damn idiots! I totally agree with you Rick!
alcountrygrl88 4 months ago
not all english riders put there horses through pain i know that because i do both western and english and only time i have to give my horses meds is when they do things their selves i have to young ones that are three and five i so agree some people dont care about the horses i do the same thing i will go yell at them when they are being cruel to the innocent animal rick you are funny in 2 vids i seen
21hjgirl 4 months ago
i am sooooooooo on your side rick , i agreed with everything you said!
ThePENNY1999 4 months ago
Hey Rick, u´re damn right. This f**** as+ho++ didn´t earned his title and if I could I would shoot that sucker. I´m doin´reining aswell, and I tell u their is a different way to teach u´re horse to do it. NEVER EVER this way.
I would like to do the same to this sucker
Scoutforce1 4 months ago
The horse is sweating BALLS!! That is biggest sign of pain/distress his whole neck is drenched and how can judges allow a horse with a knee bandage to compete??
THERAKE208 4 months ago
@THERAKE208 This isn't the actual competition, it's just a warm-up arena. Before going into the actual competition arena all bandages, wraps, braids and (non-skid) boots are removed.
CrystalGazer95 4 months ago
this guy is an ass :( poor horse :( if you cant see that that horse is hurting you need to get your damn eyes checked! i totally agree w u horseawareness :) they sould make this shit illegal :( another example of a stupid human and the horse has to pay :(
jjahcspringer5 4 months ago
Craig is a piss poor chicken shit excuse for a western horse trainer. Thank God a man like yourself is willing to stand up and tell people this is wrong. You, along with all the other people exposing creeps like him, deserve one hell of a standing ovation. Thank you for posting this! God Bless you!
DressageHorsesRUs 5 months ago
I was at a show the other day, and was horrified by what happened. I've been to many shows before, it's great for young horses to get used to stuff, and old farts to get out and about. my mare is 16 and retired, but I still have fun showin her off from time to time. Anyhoo, i was there and a horse layed down in the middle of the class. Underweigh,t obviously sick, and even the judge said "he's colic-y, take him home", and they just thought he was "Being lazy" and made him keep going. So sad.
MysweetAnnabelle53 5 months ago
I was at a show the other day, and was horrified by what happened. I've been to many shows before, it's great for young horses to get used to stuff, and old farts to get out and about. my mare is 16 and retired, but I still have fun showin her off from time to time. Anyhoo, i was there and a horse layed down in the middle of the class. Underweigh,t obviously sick, and even the judge said "he's colic-y, take him home", and they just thought he was "Being lazy" and made him keep going. So sad.
MysweetAnnabelle53 5 months ago
@c0wb0y9 Are you serious???? This yahoo in the video needs to have a bit in his mouth and have someone yank the shit out of it !! The best in the world you say !!! He's a maggot and proves in this video that the only way he can cowboy up is by abusing horses..c0wb0y9..you are a class act
katchkittie 5 months ago
This is not a horseman who considers the health an the natural behavior of horses at all. . This is called hyperflexion and seriously dameges the horses body. Since the head and the neck are unnaturally bend down the muscels allover the back become stiff further it s hard for he horse to breathe. There is no excuse for this kind of ‚riding‘ even if tainer try to whitewash the facts everyone who knows a little bit of a horses anatomy and horses behavior sees that this is animal torture.
loxnix 5 months ago
I jump my horse, he has never in his life nor his mom, and dad have they had an injury or had any intercourse with buite! (how ever you spell it). I will never in my life use a bit on Blue.
122RIVER 5 months ago
your videos are grate
timewar60 5 months ago
PS why does this horse have a bandage on is offside knee???
LitlMiraclePupnPony 5 months ago
@LitlMiraclePupnPony they are a boots used so that when the horse spins and if they hit the front leg on the other leg it wont cut them i think... bad video of someone supposed to be a top trainer. good example of how ppl care only about money and winning rather than fullfilling a horses needs as an animal first and keeping them mentally and physically healthy. This horses neck looks sore...
Hudson2012 5 months ago
Totally agree with you...this horse is being made miserable. They call reining "western dressage" All I know is that this horse, (and most dressage horses) never look happy...swish swishy tails everywhere.
LitlMiraclePupnPony 5 months ago
poor animals.... :'( Rick is right, he's the voice for the horse, who is unable to speak for himself.... if this poor horse could talk, I'm sure he would say that he does NOT want to do this..... animal cruelty "sugar coated" through a show.
MsKasia61 5 months ago
Some people are sick if they think that this man is not being cruel to his horse ,how about i come and put a giant bit of metal in your mouth and rag you about everywhere ,stupid people!
DELILAH600 5 months ago
the one time my horse carried his head down like this, he had been starved by the stable i paid good money to care for him. i brought a gorgeous buckskin and came back 2 weeks later, he was hungry and sad and walked with his head like this and probably had been on half ration. now i feed myself rain or shine gas money or ride bike to do it.
greatbigbubby 5 months ago
the only time a horse's head is in this position is when he's scratching his chest or snapping at a fly. these people are cruel, selfish creeps.
greatbigbubby 5 months ago
oh my God!! they do this for prizes?
greatbigbubby 5 months ago
"no signs that the horse is in distress".....seriously that horses back is so hollowed out in pain and these idiots can't tell he is distressed? someone needs a lesson in classical horsemanship
qtrhorse89 5 months ago
My husband and I used to love reining and then we got over it. We have owned several reining horses and I realized that I never enjoyed it and neither did my horses. Then I got to see Shawn Flarida show an obviously lame horse at the NRHA Futurities in Oklahoma City. It was disgusting. This guy makes a lot of money training reining horses and that's part of the problem. I just saw that one reining futurity has added over $300,000 to the pot. What does that tell you?
FunnyGirl0808 5 months ago
Do you know what would be really amazing? To see a rider riding a horse with a robe halter with no bit. You would get more eyes open wide to see that. If a horse is trained to give to pressure then no bit needs to be used.
777appy 5 months ago
Do you know what would be really amazing? To see a rider riding a horse with a robe halter with no bit. You would get more eyes open wide to see that. If a horse is trained to give to pressure then no bit needs to be used.
777appy 5 months ago
This guy talking is oh so true! And when he said when I want my horse to stop, I want it to stop, not slide 20 feet! LMAO
Saence 5 months ago
I agree with Rick! That horse is not comfortable! They can't talk and tell us what hurts, we have to learn to LISTEN to them! Learn their language and try to understand them. That is NOT normal people! Do you ever see a horse put their nose in their chest in the pasture of their own free will?! I use a bit on my horse but you will NEVER see me jerk my horse like that! A feather touch is all it takes. I hate shows like that, they don't care about the horses, just the money they win. Ugh!
Mdequifever 6 months ago
@horseawareness, good on you, 'there are no signs that the horse is in distress' - look at his neck you blind fucks, does that look natural and painless?
ThreeGums 6 months ago
Half the people who commented her don't know sh** about what a horseman is and the crelty behind the actions of this man. That bit is digging in and causing so much pain, the horse probably can't think strait. It's like smashing your hand in a car door and telling you to listen and pay attention. Those spurrs don't help at all, either.
Popsickle24680 6 months ago
This guy is a total dick. I've taken reining from 9 people in just the region. All of them use spurs, no matter what, which is very uncomfortable for me, since their horses are very tame. Only one of the trainers has told me to allow my horse to have as much head as she can take and have soft hands, allow her to think and make everything her ideas, so that we have a partnership. I agree with every comment you made, and I've done this crap.
Tweepa 6 months ago
hey dickhole rickhole this is fei no drugs allowed talk about something you know about like sucking cocks
mowilson69 6 months ago
@mowilson69 : Wow what an articulate AZZ you are. Guess the saying : You can't fix stupid, was made for you.
sucks to be your horse, hope you get what you give.
horseawareness 6 months ago 8
@mowilson69 I don't think anyone wants to hear about Your hobby's mowilson69...lmao
katchkittie 5 months ago
@mowilson69 Good grief, girl!! Dial it down and mind your manners. You're trying to make a point, and you succeeded. You showed all of us what a moron you are. Congratulations.
HokeeDokey 4 months ago
I love reining :) No matter what sport you look at, some folks take it to far. For example: Western Pleasure- I cannot stand peanut rollers....whats the point? the horse looks lame, but thats what wins.
luckyappy 6 months ago
Totally agree with you..
AnimalLeftist 6 months ago
@c0wb0y91 OK ... OK.... i wish the horse will smash the rider lol...
Tecolote41 6 months ago
i think ur awesome lol..
Tecolote41 6 months ago
All this guy cares about is the money he thinks he can win, he wins the money, he dosnt care if the horse burns out, goes lame, looses his mind or whatever else, he will just sell it off and buy another one and go screw that up to. Just how many of these horses end up at the meat market once they are too messed up to fix? Look at it's neck. come on people look at it's damn neck just for starters, thats so far from natural Im hurting just looking at it
Firebird894 6 months ago
I'd like to know what this 66666666 guys idea of abuse is if this isn't, the only thing worse than this as I see it is slowly amputating this poor horse. who gives a flying shot about Rick letting loose a few "naughty words" while he's showing passion for something, he doesn't use them much so get over it. If that's the only thing you can focus on in this video then why watch?
Veiwergirl 6 months ago
Thank you, thank you for posting this and for your on-target comments. I posted the video on my FB wall a few months back, and horse people came out of the woodwork to defend that jerk rider. I can't believe a client willingly let him "train" their horse in that manner. So very sad what people will do for a win.
lorzink 6 months ago 2
You're focusing this in a way...look, reining bases itself on unnatural position of the horse ! Wether you like it or not but that's the truth. Dressage is the same shit. Have we seen a view behind the scenes of Fappani or Westfall ? A mediocre horse will be dumped immediately because fame and recognition is all that counts. Isn't America itself based on these pilars....the show must go on! ....Keep on smiling ! etc....? Worse! Most Americans think they invented the horse !!!
crazyhorseriding 7 months ago
Right on Rick Gore!
MikeThomasHorsemen 7 months ago
Im Professor of DVM at Osaka University of osaka, Japan...I agree with your views..all these horses get leg injections are drugged and buted constantly.I like your ability to speak the truth sir.
Dojocho 7 months ago 2
You seem like an okay guy and a good horseman, and I'm glad you're standing up to this crap. It's still going to happen sometimes... There's just always going to be bad riders. It's good to raise awareness though. But you don't have to trash every kind of show and discipline to do it. There is a right and a wrong way of showing, humanely and abusively. Either way you can have success, but the abusive side will trash your horse, make him less responsive, and eventually wear him down.
MsHorsecrazycowgirl 7 months ago
Every discipline has it's..... Well I could say another name but, I'll go with 'jerks'. Reining is about the least amount of contact with your legs and your hands, this guy isn't doing it right. Most reiners are very soft handed and don't jab. Stacy Westfall, being an example. You are totally right, he's not a horseman and he's hurting that poor horse, but please don't just assume that all reining is like this. Watch any reining show (or warm up ring) and you'll see better than this scum.
MsHorsecrazycowgirl 7 months ago
Comment removed
MsHorsecrazycowgirl 7 months ago
I went to the University of Findlay in Ohio for three years for Equine Studies and some of the best riders in the world went there too. I watched them ride, doing some of the same patterns and maneuvers in the video, and you know what? They should have been in this show, not this "cowboy" one of the main instructors is one of the best horsemen I have ever met and I swear to theis day by his practices and he never beat on his horse the way this guy does. This is not true horsemanship.
MyWicked81 7 months ago
omg i love you i fell the same way as you no horse should be made to do that and you haters if you do not like him go find some one like JB to hate
kelseysara101 7 months ago
Wow this person is so stupid u dont treat a horse like that i honestly hope that horse injures him one day just to teach him a lesson :@
lyne220896 7 months ago
Rick you need to look into the endurance world...I would be very interested on what your opinion is on that sport, and if you don't find anything bad...like I suspect you won't, than maybe you might just find something of interest....just a thought!
ThundernWildfire 7 months ago
@ThundernWildfire
thats what i plan on doing! ive always hated the idea of running around in a circle, i decided i would be better off outside seeing the country on horseback than stuck going round poles all day, and then i found out theres a whole discipline of endurance. maybe im being naive, but i believe endurance riders treat their horses with the most respect, along with true horseman like Rick, and by the way, where i live there is no prize for finishing, there is absolutely no money
olliethekitty 7 months ago
Respond to this video...
involved, so i tihnk the riders just do it for the fun (not in a gymkhana way). would like to see what Rick would think of the sport too!
olliethekitty 7 months ago
@c0wb0y91 : Notice this big cowboy MAN?, does not give his real name and hiding behind some fake profile that he just made today, listing his age a 110, so he could post this. Big man, hiding and taking up for another big man but speak up for a helpless horse. Stay off my channel coward! Or put up your real name and post your own videos showing how smart you are.
horseawareness 7 months ago 13
theman66666666666 dude - you are seriously not so much of a 'man' if you think that video of that poor mare was not abuse. How can you not see that??? Oh my God. Please wake up and see...
SexyHaras 7 months ago
dude you are stupid. you realy have no clue what u are talking about. these horses are not forced to do anything, second you cant show a horse on bute. it numbs the mouth. reiners are treated better then any other horse. reining is about a team not about beating the shit out of a horse. the horses are trained very slowly and they know what to do. this isnt abuse. ive seen abuse and this deff aint abuse. go to a walking horse show. thats abuse.
theman66666666666 7 months ago
@theman66666666666 Well you sure proved yourself a MORON. Horses show on bute all the time and wth does that have to do with anything? So the horse cannot feel the mouth somehow justifies what the trainer is doing to it? Craig Schmersal is anaggressive trainer - watch the video in full screen mode and try to think before you write. The FEI stewards failed to do their job to protect the horses - that is the stewards job - PROTECTION OF THE HORSE - FEI rules have been lost along the way.
LoveMyHorsesReiner 7 months ago
@theman66666666666 wow. you're really blind on the show world. of course people use bute to numb the mouth...haven't you seen the footage? have you been to shows? it's cute that you say "reining is about a team" i applaud you if you treat your horses the way you say these "pros" do. however, it's highly unlikely that you're up to date on your education on the show-biz of the equine world. there is abuse in all aspects of showing. DR. HEUSCHMANN'S TUG OF WAR will be wonderful education for you.
equinequality1120 7 months ago
I dont think bits are cruel AT ALL, but this is sad. :( There was no reason for the jerking on the reins. The horse looks so sweet and calm... This isnt very fair.
GreenBayBreyerFarm 7 months ago
ok i have to say this pony does look sad it has that look in its eyes. this rider is not a reel cowboy he needs to learn to be real its not right hes not doing the sport right!
angelaseipel 8 months ago
Thanks Rick!!! Thank you for making us all aware of what goes on in just about every level of equestrian "sports"! Im no expert and hate people who claim they are, but as an owner of 3 horses myself, you are helping me to make sure I see what things like this do to a horse before I even go to a show. At this point Ill probably never go to another show. I have stopped using bits, AND Ive never used a whip for any reason and see spurs as absolutely cruel and unnecessary. Just THANKS!
tammymurdock313 8 months ago
Horrible.
jppestana1 8 months ago
"I don't give a shit about these idiots!"
Best line in the whole thing. Amen, sir. Amen!
gretchenpc 8 months ago
Good for you Rick. We need more exposure of this kind of cruelty. Reiners are so familiar with this sight, they do not see the confusion and pain that they are causing. The rules have to be changed and ENFORCED.
XCallofDutyBlackOpX 8 months ago
You can go to petitiononline com and search FEI 142 to sign a petition asking the FEI to enforce article 142 dealing with abuse. We need to send a message LOUD AND CLEAR from the USA that we do not accept abuse of a horse for competition - do not write anything hostile in your comments on the peitition - ENFORCE ARTICLE 142.
711rlwilliams 8 months ago
This video is distressing at best. Now, " Martina New, who is a supporter of this rider, suggests in her comment on the Purina Horse Feed on FB "Personally, I think the FEI events are such a small portion of the sport of Reining that it is time for us to review the value added to the industry." Can you believe that short-sighted thinking in our enlightened age? The sport of reining is going to suffer further with this "Dumb Lil Addy Tude."
711rlwilliams 8 months ago
train horses to keep there heads up.
TheMidnadarkness 8 months ago
oh my god if i was ever cruel enough to hurt and upset my horse like this i would hope he bucked me of.... why on earth would you want your horses head that low? what purpose would it have? if a horse travelled well with it's head that low why doesn't the head come out of their knees, how the hell can the horse see clearly in front of it with the head tucked that low, it just looks very depressed to me. i feel pain and pity for the poor darling. it deserves much better treatment than that.
bigmuddy11 8 months ago
my family has just gotten into reining a few years back, we have one horse and she was trained with time and patience not pain, we waited for results instead of forcing it. I have to say this man is terrible, and he should not be allowed to ride like this, especially in a competition, but just because a few people (sadly a growing number) ride like this doesn't mean everyone who participates rides like this, I know I don't. Good job posting though, keep it up.
crazyeightbar 8 months ago
This is a selection of clips and is suspect. The rider is not kicking the horse with spurs, but applying pressure with legs and backs up legs with spur stroking. The rider is bumping the horse's mouth, but note the bit - it has a lot of give. There is no evidence in the clip that the horse is subject to distress or cruelty. In most of the clip the reins are slack. The horse is trained to give to pressure and note that the rider immediately releases pressure when the horse responds.
whishaw 8 months ago
@whishaw : If you can justify this with nice sounding words like spur stroking and bumping and cannot see the over flex, pain, and can't see the lost look in that horse's eyes, then I can only say - We see this very differently.
horseawareness 8 months ago 9
@whishaw Do you honestly not see the pain in that horse? His eyes are dead, his head hanging I can see his neck spasim every time he jerks that bit,
FireFlyHorzey 8 months ago
@whishaw the rider in this video is not simply "bumping" the horse's mouth. he is cracking the high port of the"collection" bit into the horses hard palate. First off, collection should come from the seat and should NEVER include aggressive hands. Distress is clear. The open mouth, braced back, pinned ears and the hyperflexion of the neck are CLEAR signs of distress. Even though the reins are slack, a person can perform Rollkur. If the horse has been subjected to this he will be over developed
equinequality1120 7 months ago
@whishaw neck muscles causing this constant form of the horse. You're right, training does give into pressure, but aggressive treatment is not tolerable. Please educate yourself on noting the signs of abuse and incorrect training! Also educate yourself on the use of bits and their action on the horse's face. "Collection bits" are LEVERAGE bits which have NO give... Using them in this fashion is completely insane. You're just as blind as the judges and spectators and riders in this clip.
equinequality1120 7 months ago
@whishaw Would you mind if I "bumped" your mouth with that bit, or "stroked" you with my spurs like that? Come on. Many viewers here are not naive about horses and know better. The horse has no opportunity to give to a specific pressure like the frequent rein jerking; rather, the jerking is sporadic and context-less, therefore meaningless, and the horse is taught to keep his head to his knees ALL the time, trying to avoid the inevitable. Who are you, that you try to justify this abuse?
NancyWorld 7 months ago
@whishaw that's not give, that's leverage . . .
ShameAndBlame 6 months ago
I agree this trainer is an idiot and he is NO horseman he is a horse abuser. I would love to put a bit in his mouth and jerk him around. He should be banned from horses period. Thanks for talking about this Rick.
kimgouldwende 8 months ago
I sent you a video of the same guy "shoeing " a horse
Skippytrucking 8 months ago
CRAIG I NEED YOUR HELP!! I HAVE IMAGES OF A MAN RIPPING A HORSES MOUTH OFF- IM BEING SUED FOR DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER FOR POSTING THE IMAGES ONLINE. YOUR OPINIONS ON THE IMAGES WOULD HELP ME OUT!
Skippytrucking 8 months ago
The deal is....too many people involved in reining see nothing wrong with this....this "methodology" has gone on for so long that those individuals involved in this see nothing wrong with it....and thus this perpetuates itself....you're right...Schmershal (sp) got caught with his pants down....he should know better....do your "schooling" (if you care to call it that)at home....you NEVER know who is watching.....or who will video you.....he shot himself in the foot.
crstardust 8 months ago
I totally agree with you dude...it is aweful...glad to hear someone is willing to tell it like it is.
Synergyofsorts 8 months ago
I have decided to laugh at idiots from now on, because no matter what people say their only concern is proving that Rick is wrong. So I have decided that instead of getting mad and angry at people who will never change, I will just laugh at their pettiness and wrongness. Rick I believe that in order to buy spurs, cretin kinds of bits and whips they should treat it like buying a taser and use those items on them. I would sing up for that job in a heart beat!!
Lynzhx0813 8 months ago
That video pissed me off...poor horse..Ughh
katchkittie 8 months ago
@iateurbrains : Hence the saying: The horse stopped with a jerk and the jerk fell off.
horseawareness 8 months ago 6
@mustangsthree - hell yeah! I was born in the wrong century and country! Ever wondered if humans didn't evolve how beautiful this earth could have been? Spirit - that film makes me cry every time I watch it LOL and I'm, like, 30...
SexyHaras 9 months ago
I never got the people who critique their horse on every little thing. When they say stop the horse better stop now or get beat, take up a correct lead, transition perfectly, their horse has to spin on a dime and backup faster than they can trot. I allow my horse to show her personality and she is greatful for it. I am greatful that an animal so beautiful allows me to ride her and control her as much as I do. We, and other horseman have bonds with our horses that this guy could never have.
Zallein093 9 months ago
UGH. I saw a woman at my barn do the same yanking. I was just standing there, squirming. Poor horse.
ValtronW 9 months ago
I even saw the poor horse limping. The people these days...what happen to the people who used to ride in harmony with there horse?
I know this is not the best example but it's my favorite one. I advise all horsepeople to re watch or watch Spirit: Sallion Of Cimmaron. Even though it is a made up cartoon, it's a good example of what horsemanship was. Horses were prt of the family and sometimes even let into the tepees, that is if they were owned by the plains/plateau people.
Tsk tsk
MauiFan123 9 months ago
@MauiFan123 I heard that the arabians were known for that also. the horse actualy protected family members how true that is I don't know but sounds plausible. but even the old cowboys and such treated them better because they were part of your livelyhood. one of the reasons horse theives were hung. there wasn't a surplus of horses like now. get rid of cars and watch how fast that changes. ever wonder if you were born in the wrong century?
mustangsthree 9 months ago
This is sad. To see that poor horse be subjected to that mans stupidity. That horse is in so much pain. The way it walks with that leg, it mouth wide open in pain from that bit. I just want to put on a pair of spurs and ram them into that guys side and see how he likes it!
lunanightwolf 9 months ago
@5ltlboyz we have our own pasture but we made the mistake of helping some people. they got good results and refered us to others, sounds great but then the barn witches get pissed and now were in the middle of a bunch of garbage. like I said I can truly understand ricks frustration. I am glad he puts up with it since I do use his video's to improve what I do. I spot things I do wrong that I would never have picked up on otherwise. it's been a great help to us.
mustangsthree 9 months ago
@5ltlboyz funny thing is I read ricks comments on people in the horse world and the frustration they cause. My wife comes home from work and after reading the usual crap on her facebook account from horse people trashing one another. (one insisting if you don't compete at horse shows your not a true horseman yea she blankets and stalls her horses go figure). she said I love having horses but forgot about all the idiots I have to deal with when we have them.
I understand rick frustration.
mustangsthree 9 months ago
@5ltlboyz ya but she is damn good at flying a broom.
mustangsthree 9 months ago
As for that Liz person, can you say "bitch"?
I fucking hate how she misuses the word "misogyny". A REAL neurosurgeon does not mis-use that word at all.
Bankotsuswife 9 months ago
FEI - ACTION NEEDED NOW !!! Stand up and be counted for what you are supposed to be PLEASE !
BanRollkur 9 months ago
As and Intermediate Horseman, I don't see the need for this kind of sports action. Easy and Slow and Good Balance is Horsemanship.
thelegendrush 9 months ago
I have heard about trainers who will run horses face first into hard walls and thats how to teach a horse how to get a great sliding stop, ya know for all the pretty pink shows their going to! I want to say that I agree with RICK, what an asshole!!! He shouldnt be allowed near a horse, Craig seems like the type of trainer that has ran a few horses into the ground, or a wall, or what ever he could find. . . . And to the horse in the video, im so sorry!!!
myartfuldodger1 9 months ago
To all you idiots complaining about the random drops of curse words GROW UP! If you dont like the way Rick talks get off of his channel! Geez can yall not tell how heated up and angry he is about this? You ladies need to pull up your big girl panties and stop all your bitching.
tabbi20kat 9 months ago