Thank you for posting this. People need to realize that horses respect their leader, not necessarily their owner. I have faced down horses with a lead rope in place of a whip during feed time often enough to recognize if we as their owners don't have their respect, we'd be better off letting the dream of owning a horse go unrealized. Horses understand "yes" or "no." They don't understand "please."
Lets face is, whilst not with a whip most people will chase their horse back when being bossy round food and never seems to work, so chasing back with a whip whilst entering makes alot f sense!! Its shocking people because you have the balls to show what works! Being sharp is what the head of the herd will do over food for respect, makes sense. cool :)
Bravo... thank you... I've just realized...this is exactly where my horse lost respect for me! This is where it began to go wrong..from day one. He was able to intimidate me, that is how the relationship continued. I loved him so much so I foolishly tried over and over to talk him into respect so I began to accomidate his behavior, instead of making him respect me. 3 months in a wheel chair and 2 years of hell!! I've learned alot from your videos. I have learned to gain respect!!.
LOVE this video, I've used a few of the techniques here on a few horses. I also recommend it whenever someone mentions respect issues with their horse. Great job!!
I definitely agree with your way of handling this horse, I tried it on my filly, who for the most part is very gentle, but at feeding time wants to be all in my space and such. I didn't have to spank her or anything, but just watching these video has given me knowledge on how to gain respect and she does respect me even more now that I show her who is boss at feeding time. Thanks mate, Joe.
thank u for putting this vidio up i had a grain bucket once and i was going out into the pasture to feed the horses grain buckets and the mare totally lost controll and nocked me down and walked right over me and stepped on my ancle bown and broke it but i know even though they had no respect for me it still was my fault for even going out there the way i did know what could happen
Habe selten einen so schlechtes Video / schlechten Horseman gesehen. Man arbeitet ein Pferd nicht in einem Rechteck bei soviel Veletzungsgefahr für das Pferd
@TheHighlander311 I don't understand you because I don't speak the language but Greetings and Thanks. I think you are from Europe and if the post is negative, I can sell understand that for a have spent time in the EU the last two Years and found that true HORSEMANSHIP is very thin on the ground. Go have a look at my Mouthing vids. That is the same Horse later. Let the Horse tell you what he thinks of me :)
Thanks for your reply. First of all I would like to apologize for my English. I think a real Horseman should work in a Round Pen with his horse and not on a paddock as the risk of injury is extremely high. Please have in mind that a lot of layman watch your video and they think that they can work their horse on a paddock as well. From my point of view it's very dangerous to show your video.
Hi again. I live in a Round Pen :) Daily. I grabbed the Camera impromptu as this Horse had just tried to kick me twice when I went to feed. I didn';t want to miss the educational opportunity. As I said, this day was the turning point for this Horse and we became very good Friends. Regards
@TheHighlander311 Normalerweise Pferde, die ich aus Deutschland gesehen haben über gearbeitet, Foul nutritioned und in schlechtem Zustand. Dieser Mann, der auf der anderen Seite, seine Pferde in sehr guter Form sind, schauen Muskeln groß und hat das richtige Konzept zur Steuerung eines Pferdes bei der Fütterung.
This reminds me of how they have to rehabilitate dogs that are food aggressive. They are also dangerous, though not like a horse. The pack leader always has say over food, whether a horse or a dog. The human must be the pack leader and to not be the pack leader is to have an animal that walks all over you and, disrespects you. This is pretty cool and thanks for sharing this type of advice free. Safety is paramount! It's a shame uneducated bleeding hearts just don't get it!
FOR THE ANTI-WHIP & "HE'S JUST INQUISITIVE"-POSTERS: horses who don't keep their distance at feeding time are not only a danger to the feeder, but also to themselves. a fork with straw in the box, horse pokes nose in the straw, gets hurt by the fork. feeder leaving the box, horse to close gets hurt by the closing gate. horse leaning over feeding person, gets elbow in the eye or on the nose. i could go on. rather on clear lesson, then constant and pointless bickering, not to mention accidents.
I absolutely agree with you in this case. It can lead to a dangerous situation if not taken charge of. I don't have any feeding problems, but I used clicker training to train my boy to stand at a marine target and wait for his feed. Only when i pat him on the shoulder and say OK is he allowed to walk calmly to his feed bin. He has very good feeding manners.
I appreciated this video. Your method here looks natural and you did not overdo your discipline with this horse. I am eager to go through the rest of your videos. To those who are saying he is being a bad trainer here, thats just silly. He isn't hurting the horse, yes he laid a whip across his quarters, but compare that to a horse full blown kicking another horse at pasture or other training methods. And he's very correct, horses can become very dangerous if you dont establish respect.
Ridiculous, the horse is inquisitve not dangerous! He's been left in a pen with nothing to eat and you expect him not to be interested in the bucket?! Madness.
@muddle100 Lol Muddle. You can't Flame me old Mate :) You are talkn out your back side my Friend and know not what you talk about. Check out the condition of the Horse and tell me if he is hungry? Read the whole thread and find where Mummy used to sit in his feed bin stroking his ears :) Cheers
Love your work John. People who don't agree with this simple advice have either had horses that were already trained to be respectful and/or never come across an intelegent horse.
Just a few words to thank you. I check you out whenever possible cause I find your advice very positive. I'm a 44 yro horse lover from Madrid, brought up in Kent (boarding school)riding since 4yro, 6 yrs ago decided to start buying my own and now have 4 horses. I have them in semi-liberty in the Gredos mountain range(200 km Southwest of Madrid)in the tiny village my mom is from. I have tamed 4 horses in the passed 2 yrs and a lot has come from you. I find you original and practical, THANKS.
This is great info...my gelding used to barge to the feed bin ears back and would spin his backside at you. I have followed this advice and I now have a much more respectful horse, he backs away from the gate and waits for feed patiently. He even does it for my 8 & 10 yr olds when they through hay over the fence, funny though he has always been more respectful of "little people" and never once has tried to nip them like he did with adults! "Love your Ass" also worked wonders with is ADD child :)
i will admit i dont lyk the idea of wipping the horse i would prefer to threten the horse with a crak of the wip first if i believed he?she was not behaving appropriately but i think i would only actually use the wip if he/she doesnt respond to the cracking.
@horseproblems ya i am thinking that it is me that is the problem, but i don't know how to fix it. i do join up, T-tuch, and i try to bisiplen him but he stell hates me.
what about the most mare-ish, mare, in season frozen in front of the gate hormones raging her muscles so tense she doesnt even fell the whip or hear the noiseof the crack...unmovable? My 4 year old QH is like an absolute angel but when in season the devil incarnate. Should i just leave her alone...i know i want to be left alone when i feel like that. it seems to last only like 20 minutes then her body relaxes and she's her sweet self again.
@nadinesnoopy Obviously, that is an exception Nadine. Work around them and trian them when you have their mind. We now know this Horse was having sex with Mares and was a rig. regards
Not the cute little Disney characters people like to think they are.... LOL... I had a naughty filly that used to pin her ears and turn her bum to me when I was bringing the feed into her stall... I hadn't dealt with a young one before and wasn't sure how to deal with her... I didn't want to "ruin" her by being harsh with her (my mistake) finally I had enough and pretty much did what you did with that colt... got her attention and her respect in a hurry LOL
let me tell you the horse i leased dumped everybody in the outdoor...except me and now he doesnt buck. he has his little bunny hops but their nothing and if he ever bucks me off he come back and finish the job cause i'll work his little ass off.
Honestly how good is this guy!! he's prob got to be the most easiest person to watch and learn from - does everything so clear and basic and keeps everything simple - doesnt over complicate anything like half the so called trainers over here in the UK! Well Done!! this clip may have just saved my life with my nasty super heavey weight cob who does exactly the same and has a bad attitude! thank you!
I love this clip! But how do you make it work with two or three horses in fence together? This is dangerous within itself because they are all getting pushy with the pecking order. Any suggestions?
No problem Trish, just perhaps a bit more experience, timing and positioning but they can all be trained together. However, if an amatuer, train one at a time and then build them together. Regards
I had more then a two horses at feed time in the same pen. They all had to wait to get to there feed, you just have to hold you ground dont dump there feed until they have given you your space. Then once you dump it they still have to waite. The only horses that can go to there feed are the one waiting and respecting you. Teaching this was a little work and a few close calls, set rules and follow them
Excellent.. I'd rather give a harsh correction one time that is effective than a 1000 ignored ones that are turned out and proving I am inadequate.
Agreed on that NH stuff, I did that with my horse a few years ago and he nearly killed me. I started methods similar to this and he's now a sweetheart and SAFE to be around.
It is soooo much better to never let it get to this point. This boy must have had some very unsavvy owners. Hope you are training the owners as well : )
Hi All. We attmpted to train the Owner. We found out later, that he had been having Sex with a Mare at his Home. She forgot to mention that one when the Horse came to us. When he came back for a tune up, he was alongside a Mare in our Yards. My wife saddled him up and he bucked like a Bronc for thefirst time ever. Mare related. So there you go. He had A.D.D. as well and an extreme I/Q. Regards
I like this method. Not only is he saving the horses life but he is potentially saving a human's life in the process. Horses are strong and powerful animals and I think that some people forget that. This horse is gorgeous and I'd like to take him over some jumps! lol.
If i ever get thrown off my pony, like only if it was him buckin or playin up, he gets i kick in the side while im standin beside him & tell him NO!!!. Llf then i get bak on & he doesnt do it again. Lolz. he learns v. quickly.
I love this horse! He's sucha stunner, I love his tail. I wouldnt do this, I really don't ever have a problem with my horses. They don't barge or anything for feed, I just don't like the idea of useing that whip. This kind of remind me of a story my dad told me when he was hacking out. This horse trying to get this guy off while they were galloping through a wood, so he got off, punched the horse in the nose, got back on. End of problem. Putting a horse in its place I supose.
i love your methods. i practice the same ones. you have to put horses in their place, this is not fairytale world where you can be nice to horse and expect them to be nice back! thank you for making a video that shows how it really is. it is nice to see one once and a while.
its about connection between horse and owner, one needs to earn respect and trust of the horse then they would never ever go against you, even at feeding time, my horses would never do that, they even retreat at command when i'm feeding them, never had problems or any of that, but then again i have a great relationship with my horses, and THAT'S most important!!!!!!
I had to do this the last few days.I was inside his paddock about to put the feed in his bucket,I put my hand on his chest, just to get him to step back out of the way and he bit me in the stomach.I threw the feed bucket at him,and chased him around the paddock for a few minutes.Since then I have been doing this ,moving him away and making him wait until I let him come to the feed.
Just watched Pt 2 Dangers at Feed Time. Thanks so much for Part 1, it was the re-starting point for me and my bossy mare. She used to push into me, crowd me and it made me very nervous. Now I can get her to backup just by command before her feed and she stands and waits until I call her in, pat her on the face and then let her feed. Our relationship is much less threatening, my confidence has built and my mare and I have a relaxing time around each other. Thanks Mr HP!
I got my mare because of this problem. She wouldn't even let me in the field with the grain bucket without her stomping at the gate. I had to drive her away with a driving whip,i would make her wait. Once she understood that she isn't going to eat until she setttles she got better. She had a few homes. I was able to talk to the original owner. He said he use to dump the grain and run.She is the best little mare at feeding time. I 100% agree with you.
Can I just point out that these horses seem to be on dry sand lots, ie no grazing at all, and the guy is standing there with the only feed they have access to.This is totally unnatural for the horse, who is a trickle feeder who will graze all the time.Of course they are going to get over excited and pushy.Their management is causing the problem!My horses are kept in as natural a way as possible,with constant access to forage, which is how they have evolved to live.He has caused this problem!!!
In fact Leah, the Horse was only delivered for the purpose of attempting to fix the feeding problem as he was chasing the Husband and Son out of his paddock. He was kept on pasture and he was spoilt rotten by his Mummy who sat in his feed bin playing with his ears as he ate. Typial spoilt rotten little Boy like a lot of Teenie Weenies these days :)
my filly has constant access to food and she is Still pushy with grain and wanted to be the boss.. its not just management.. it has to do with pecking order.
WELL DONE. I can not think of a trainer, in these days of natural horsemanship, that would step up to do the deed that needed to be done. Not in public anyway. Lifesaving indeed!
Then when I came in the paddock, she started turning around and striking out at me with her hind quarters and at one point barely missing my head. Thats when I smartened up and starting using the whip to show her I was the boss and there would be no more insolent behaviour toward me. As far as I am concerned, John is the BEST horse trainer in the WORLD and he is not only saving horses lives but horse owners lives as well!
Thanks elliemay. I devote my life to the Leaner/novice people in the Industry and so I do not have time to be "Oh so poetic" to impress the masses with words like "response mechanisms" :) This video as saved hundreds of people and their complete association with their Horses. I get the emails every week. Of course, one doesn't have to go about such horses so quickly but this was a particularly out of control horse with a high intelligence profile. He had A.D.D. as in Human form. Thanks and rega
I'm amazed at all the comments this video got. To me it's a no brainer. If the horse doesn't respect your space you are putting yourself in a position to be seriously injured or worse. In my experience I learned the hard way. I spoiled my first horse and never disciplined her for invading my space. I never punished her for anything because that was the NH way. She took over and became boss and it didn't matter how much love I showed her, she would try to walk over me and would get pushy.
Last week, a 6 month old let fly at one of our clients and missed her ear by mm. The Most dangerous are the babies imho and in my injury experience :)
Excellent video.... so many people get hurt at feedtime, and you illustrate why & what to do very well.
In defense of Natural Horsemanship, although you said 'this is no time for natural horsemanship', that you then use classic NH technique when you employed "approach and retreat" (when inviting the horse to eat). NH is not synonymous with "wimpy".... boundaries must be established for the safety of the human no matter what your training style.
I was going to bite my tongue(escpecially reading some negative comments about this video, some people obviously are completly biased, unless they havent stated themselves clear enough!), but i shall just give my two cents :)
Horse's want a leader. They feel happier knowing who's where in the pecking order. And John was doing exactly that, sorting out 'who's da boss'...right at the start.
John wasn't trying to abuse the horse. A few cracks, and the horse knew to keep their space.
i really like how this guy is no nonsense about the method. i havent had to hit my horse with a wip yet. but if it came to me gettin ran over or bit, i wouldnt hesitate. it seems like too many people would avoid the situation by thowing the hay or feed over the fence to the horse.rather than just wack the horse once or twice and end it all together.
luckily, i've never had problems at feed time with MY horses, but i fed for my friend once, and her horse used to charge you as soon as you tried to feed him. a few cracks of the lunge whip sorted him out.
Trainers the World over are often not given all the facts. Yes, I know, we don't need the facts as the Horse tells us all but the first two times around at my place, there happened to be Geldings each side of him. Only on the third time back was there a Mare. He then gave my wife the full Bronc Show when taken away to the arena. Never a sign of such b4
Update. As you see in the sequel of this vid, he finished a dream boat under saddle. He came back 6 months later. Totally out of his Box, in turmoil and with no mouth left whatsoever. We were only then told he had been having full on sex with a Mare at home so he was a rig. That explains much
horses constantly kick and bite one another when correcting each other. there is nothing wrong with someone using a whip as long as it is used correctly. horses are 600kg + animals and most of us are only 10% of its body weight. must i add cruelty lies in a lot of shows where a child or adult beats a horse/pony constantly without reason. my heart tells me that you used this whip unnecessarily in this instance as i dont believe the horse was doing wrong.
All animals (humans,tool) need to understand personal space. A 1200 lb horse that doesn't respect yours is dangerous. There are 2 ways to use a whip: 1)with anger & aggression 2) with respect. It seemed to me this video portrayed "respect". He wasn't angry at the horse but he needed to let the horse know that the horse IS NOT top dog & can't dominate another's space whenever he bloody well feels like it. A horse reads both body language & feelings. What you give is what you get. Exc video!
my horses problem is that he was hit so much by a whip from his previous owners that he is completely terrified of them. any tips on how to get a horse to have respect, not fear for a whip? he isnt afraid of small whips if im just holding it while riding,but i have only used a small whip once. but using a long whip to guide him freaks him totally out, even though the whip is not even touching him.any tips would be appreciated:)
my horse is the same, he is well mannered for the most part (young) but the second he sees the whip, he acts up, what i have been doing is carrying it with me at all times, touching him with it, rubbing him all over, talking to him, get him so he doesnt even "see" the whip anymore, patience is called for in huge amounts.
aww hes stunning! thats the horse that learned leg yeilding in 5 mins wasnt it? anyways its increadable how well you understand the horses body language (especially in the "forgiveness" vid). if a horse kicks me i assume its cranky XD dont u luv the people telling you that theyre gonna beat YOU up with a stockwhip? ive been reading ur site for a couple of hours a day for the last few weeks, and its increadable how much ive picked up from it. i mean, im still terrible with horses but who cares?
He broke in really well. We recommended his owner get once a wk lessons due to his extreme intelligence and A.D.D. She didn't. He eventually came back 6 weeks later, in complete turmoil through confusion.
This horse, is not scared.. You need to make the horse respect you, if he don't he is your boss. If you don't get your horse to respect you, they will end up dead. I agree with this video..
Hi latnahc. My wife is Dutch. If you go to horseproblems with your nl after it and go through my site which ranks one above Monty Roberts at No. 4 in the World Horse Training, you will see thousands of instances where I stand up for horses. You can relax therefore. Regards
one thing a lot of people never think about is, that when you see a group of young unhandled horses, they deal with each other by biting and kicking at each other, the more dominant one, will actually CHASE the individual it is trying to gain respect from, they take no crap, and if the line is crossed, they make sure their lessons are never forgotten, he isn't beating the horse, just giving it a warning nip,
this horse and others that I have dealt with will show disrespect by turning their rear towards you threateningly, and crowd you, you cannot allow this! but try walking up to it and push it away, I dare you, see if you don't get kicked, lead ropes and in the winter, snowballs serve their purpose, the horse clearly wasn't terrified, or traumatized from the correction, he just learned not to cross the lines, and ask before approaching the feed.
Aah Fishy. Well done. An experienced Horse person has arrived :) As I said at the outset, he had tried exactly that just prior to me going and getting the camera, which is why I did. He thought it was all clean fun but people in a coma do not :) Regards
I've been training a poorly confused 6 yr old for 4 months now and we are now buds. Can't really ride her yet but at least she isn't going backwards anymore lol Poor thing was so confused...Went from bad handling feet, backing up, bucking, rearing etc 4 homes later and shes learning how to free jump and is just the sweetest thing now that she knows her role in life.I've got a few clips up of her.But I'll be sure to email you if I have any problems ^-^
Thanks so much for making this information available and FREE. I have miniature horses and shetlands, these little guys are so dominant. You have to treat them firmly and get them to respect your space, but try telling someone else that ! On another topic, I bought a new horse float the other day as a result of reading your article on floats and realising that the one I had was a potential death trap. That trailer has now been converted for general use, no more animals in it !
This word "Thankyou" doesnt convey to you how eternally grateful i am for this website. Somehow i stumbled across it this morning after a sleepless night of worry and sadness.
I live in NewZealand and i have been trying to find someone here to help me with my very alpha mare... it has proved to be incredibly difficult and last night she lounged at me again over her food...
I will never ever go into a horses space again while they eat.You have given me such a boost to carry on with her as alot of people have told me to give up... i nearly did. I also know if i sold her on she would end up at the knackers... she is to good for that.
I cannot believe you are saying you are gaining respect! You are gaining fear! That horse was doing NOTHING wrong and you cracked the whip so hard! I cannot believe people think you are a good horseman!
He's not a good horseman Imo, he's one of the best around. You mustn't be able to read body language, as the horse was CLEARLY being very disrespectful of John's space. Better one touch of the whip, than a bullet.
I have a young percheron stalion and I havent had any problems with him, however he gets agitated whenever somebody else tries to pet him or groom him. Nobody even dares to try and ride him instead of me. He is a beautiful creature and I intend to keep him till the end. How would i go about introducing people to him without getting him worked up? Thank you in advance.
Tie him up to a proper tie up facility then and do let other kindly grrom him and get about him. He can't do anything about it then, he can't evade, his flight from fear is negated and he will realize that others are nice like you :)
I love your videos. True horsemanship in work :) I use alot of your techniques with my horses and they work wonderfully. Thanks so much! Mona from California
With respect, I have to agree with Indio. Your timing and the degree you used the whip did cause the horse to have fear and therefore stay backed off. This should not have been the intention and if it was then you are really missing the point of training. You need to look at the video again with a more open mind. In regards to your response to Indio I have 2 comments.
Good debate, the horse told me today that it was in fact perfect :) You have to remember this though. I spend half my life having to fix horses that go all the way to bucking owners off, because of feeding rules amongst other things. I know I gave him a fair swipe but I wanted to send the message to those people that they can lift from their low assertive base. It worked. Dozens have written with thanks. Regards
I'll give him your regards in the morning Indio. I am Riding him at 9am. By the way, he was a completely normal and well adjusted, well mannered horse tonight at feed time so you can stop worrying :) Regards
The principle of what you tried to do was fine. But your application was really bad. Your timing for using the whip was all wrong and instead of teaching understanding, you got obedience through fear. You are trying to do the right thing, but for a professional with so many years experience you have a lack of understanding of the finer details that go into making a really good horseman.
I think what you did was great and some people have absolutely NO idea how dangerous this can be.
I have six horses and they are all very different,I did not use a whip(only because I don't own one)If I did I would probably hit myself with it LOL.
I do have a NH stick and string,around feed time,I would carry that and I would keep it behind me,I would swing it if they got too close, would get a hit.
My cousin owns a horse, at feeding time she bucks and rears and bites at other horses in her stall. Tho she was straved before we got her. she should not act like that. Can anyone give me some advise?
If she is on her own and other horses are in adjacent stalls and been starved, I would have understanding for her. If in the mob, then it is the pecking order at work. That's horses. This video was about the safety of people. cheers
Great video with a lot of interesting concepts. Personally I'm not crazy about the use of whips, but I can see how they are a useful tool in this situation when you are dealing with a highly aggressive horse that is actively trying to hurt you. I am looking forward to the next video on this naughty boy to see how you turn him around! :)
He was turned around that day ponymare. He was there for ground manners as he was chasing the Husband out of the yard and I rode him 3 days later, as part of his ground manners work :) He was great and we became good Mates. Regards
ok I'm offended here. This man says its no time for natural horsemanship cause its "touchy feely" Pat talks ALOT about respect and from a horse like the one in this vid you do need to be furm for it. I don't dissagree with what this man did but I am dissapointed and hurt that people say stuff like that. Not all natrals (and I don't know any) are whimps
I think what he's trying to say here is that you need to take a strong dominant stance when dealing with a horse that is strong-willed at feeding time. "Touchy feely" is what some people try to do because they want to be gentle 24/7 with horses, and that is a dangerous thing b/c horses are NOT gentle with us! They are large animals that can hurt us if we do not get their respect.
yeah I get that and I totally agree. I'm just saying he said that Natral horsemanship ment being a sissy. I'm hardly ever gental with my dominate horse because he will not hesitate to take a chop from you if your not. But I am a natral horsewoman. hope this message doesn't sound rude I do agree with the video and don't want to argue
I don't think he meant it like that. I think he meant like, most people will try to pet the horse when they go to feed it and stuff. And it's not a good thing to be doing if your horse is out of control during feed time. So it was not time to try to act like that.
Ok Dimples, you are being obnoxious and obviously have an agenda. Professionals in the Industry get these from time to time. The owner rang last night. Booked him back in for 23.1.08. I'll do a special vid for you so you can see what a wonderful relationship we will have. Cheers
Sorry but you didn't answer my question,Do you let your own horse stand at the gate at feed time?Also do you spend time with your horse at feed time,groom or pet him at feed time.Are you telling people there horse should not stand at the gate,no matter what.
It's clear in the video that he says you shouldn't let your horse stand at the gate during feed time. It's extremely dangerous. If the horse wanted to, he could easily bolt right on out as soon as that door opens if he was standing there. He also says that you shouldn't spend time with your horse when he's eating. Eating is HIS time, not yours and your horses. They're jsut like people, they need time to be with themselves.
horses are herd animals. They do not need time to themselves and do not enjoy it. Feed time isn't the time to do things with your horses but it is a great time just to sit in there with me. Don't look at him don't get near him just be there like another horse would
It is interesting that if there were another horse there, just sitting watching, it would be ears back, ass to the other horse at all costs, looking back with glare and kicking mid air. Just an observation. Regards
yes but if the other horse was missing as you can see with my horses. The one would not eat at all seeing the other is gone. Its a good observation. But my horses and many that I have met don't want to be alone. Also if your horse sees you as the alpha I have never seen a horse just turn around and kick the alpha. I don't think you should bother your horse if he's trying to eat but I don't think its wrong to be there. I have to be there at grain time or the one will steal the others grain
remember, the horse just arrived. it is the alpha or was until right there where the pecking order changed, which is what this was about. I have said b4, the husband was being edjected from the yard by this horse
Virtually every day of my working life, I get thanked for this Pod Cast where people have finally fixed their out of control horses. Twice yesterday in fact and that is just in my immediate vicinity. That equals probable saving of horses lives and that makes me happy. The ultimate horse welfare. Merry Christmas
Horses are lethal weapons in the hands of the amatuer. Deaths occur across the Planet. They can spin 180 and kick your head off far quicker than we can ever move. Especially those 'out of their box' like this one was. regards
Dimples, you need to read the whole thread here. All your questions are answered. The horse was fixed before your eyes and it's dangerous behaviour was caused via bonding at feed time. regards
I'm only talking about what happens in the video,a horse at the gate cause he knows it feed time.If you didn't have the feed cart there the horse won't be at the gate,right?Even your horse is not suppose to be at the gate?You don't spend time with your horse at feed time.I love sending time with my horse at that time,i groom her when she is eating.
I see it the other way.Respect issues are done outside of his(home)pen.if you get respect outside of his home he will carry the respect for you to there.Even then he learns that i give his feed(what he wants)and also can take it from under his nose.The horse knowing that there's respect.right or wrong?
Isn't your "stop" whip a bull whip that can cut flesh?I've watched your video about 10 times now and trying to see the purpose to you methods.The horse never made a sour move to you.Are you saying feed time is not a time to bond with your horse?
Thanks Folks. I can understand some being slightly dismayed but this horse was at the 10/10 on the scale and it had gone past cute. The owner couldn't even lead him adequately and he was even striking with the front feet whilst on the end of the lead rope. The scene was amazing. Similar to the World Boxing Champ entering the ring :)
It's like raising children; sometimes you do need to put your foot down for their sake. I would rather give one well timed, well considered hard smack and never have to do it again, than to constantly slap, growl and nag for years. Smart horses like this quickly become dangerous, then it's the abbatior for them. He saved this horse's future by making sure it knows the rules.
Thanks. Too many people assume that any use of a whip is mistreating an animal. A lead mare would NEVER let a sub horse invade her space, and she would do a lot more than a tap on the rump. We do our horses (and dogs) a disservice by ignoring their own communication style. Thanks again.
Thanks LLove and murph. To the person who couldn't see any threat from the body language of the horse, then they missed it. However, just 4 filming, which is why I went and got the camera, he tried to kick my head off twice as I entered the yard. The owner was here yesterday
Good job John, from your article I've adopted your feeding regime with any horses that I have had to feed, I find it takes them only a day or two to figure it out. I certainly feel that this regime is much safer. thanks and keep those vids coming!
thank you for this! RESPECT!!I never saw you do anything abusive to gain this horse's respect--good! I hate it when people assume that using whips or whatever is always "bad"..what would another horse do in the wild if this horse was trying to invade his space? Kick him! and that's a lot worse than anything we could do to him.
I see that you are someone who gets the response that is wanted.=)But I don't understand how you can say a horse 'must' or 'must not' do something. I don't find that respectful towards the horse. I believe that the same results could have been achieved without being so agressive. Your theory about how important being respected at feed time is very true!
If you want to know how I handle feed time with my horses I will write it down.
Could you tell me why you use the whip so suddenly ?
The horse 'MUST NOT' kick his owners head off or mine, which is where he was 5 minutes prior. Lethal Weapon totally out of control. Such horses often end up with their heads on the abbotoir floor. Now he is a dream, going to the Andalusion Championships this month and then back to me for ridden. Simple as that. Regards
O man i would LOVE to own that horse!! He is beautiful! I like the way you work! I wish I could come down there and i could get some lessons from you on training!! thats what i want to be wen i get older!!
Just answering you all, thanks for your comments. Much appreciated. I copped a bit of flack over that one (on here) but you wouldn't believe the thanks I have had from individual horse owners with problems. He is coming back next months for riding. Regards
This is an awesome refresher, I'm glad I wasn't wrong to do something like that with my horse. I hadn't actually had anyone tell me to do that with horses, I'd only seen the concept with dogs. Predator nature to prey nature training transfers are risky, but usually they translate well. So yeah, just glad other people do in fact establish the feeding rule. xD
I have a 2 1/2 year old gelding and I have no real problems with him surprisingly. I bought him to save his life as he was needing a Vet Very bad from being kicked by another stud at the time. Your video is an inspiration because of the respect and understanding it takes with horses. Great Job!
That's Ok Twist, I'm from Australia and my English isn't all that good either lol. Yes, I am the Trainer. I was in your Country last year. My wife is Dutch and we went to Aachen. Regards
point one, he didn't slap on te horse, but behind or before the horse... and if u are so against whipes it is maybe because you can't use it the right way..
and point 2 the trainer has done somethin in seven minutes were i did more then 3 week over!! and don't say it Is not a natural way, becaus ur ways of workin are less natural then my dad's way to make ommelette and believe me that say's somethin!!!!
as nuch as i love 'nalural" horsemanship some people seem to inturpate it as 'let the horse get away with murder' horses need respect and to be treated kindly but the horse needs to respect you to giving the horse a slap if they get pushy isnt a bad thing.
You're an awesome horse trainer, and I respect that you know what you're doing. I don't know if you've posted this, but I have a horse myself, her name's Ginger and she's been very jumpy for the past couple weeks. Nervous and spirited, but she's normally calm and expectant of everything around her. It's starting to happen under saddle as well, what do I do?
I must say, I am a strong supporter of Natural Horsemanship, and I understand that in the wild horses kick at eachother/bite etc, but I do believe smokin' him with a bullwhip when he's 5ft away is extreme. Learn to read body language - and for the sake of us all, please stop training horses. :)
Thanks for your comments Button. In response, I can tell you that I can not only read their body language but also their minds, 100% of the time. Something that I feel privilaged about. Now you should go and check the body language of some fo the NH horses on this Site and tell me about their body language. Regards
I'm sorry, but I think shaking a bucket at the horse/cracking the bull whip at it/ explaining how 'tomorrow' you'll hit it over the fence to get it to back off, are all extreme measures. The horse follows you sure, but it's hungry. It is not being violent and not stomping all over you, so I dont see why these measures are needed.
Glad you believe you can read their minds. It is clear to me that you cannot.
Fair enough Button. You are obviously a plant which all Professionals pick up along the way. That'll be the end of the subject now but in October you can assess the horse for yourself and if you want to put your money up now, you'll see that he loves me :) Happy Trails and no more negative please. Regards
good deal. Actually- to anyone posting that it's cruel.. it's natural horse life.. there are tiers in a natural herd.. and you have to make your place known. There is nothing cruel about it and it's in the best interest of the horse.
I had an email from the owner last night. He is coming back for small tuning as he has his Andalusian State Show coming up. The higher the intelligence, the more they work them out :) This one is smart as.
Someone said that you are only gaining fear by hitting him... He showed caution - but not fear. After being whacked he was standing away from you and watching like he should be. Compared to before when he was dancing around you trying to get closer and closer. After being whacked he wasn't trying to break out of his yard and he wasn't trembling and running around - THAT would have been fear!
Very observant of you CCmatt. I have had a run on people reporting lie altering changes due to fixing the feed time attitude. Check the body language pics now here: my website/problems index/dangers at feed time. :)
Thank you for posting this. People need to realize that horses respect their leader, not necessarily their owner. I have faced down horses with a lead rope in place of a whip during feed time often enough to recognize if we as their owners don't have their respect, we'd be better off letting the dream of owning a horse go unrealized. Horses understand "yes" or "no." They don't understand "please."
halavana1 3 weeks ago
Lets face is, whilst not with a whip most people will chase their horse back when being bossy round food and never seems to work, so chasing back with a whip whilst entering makes alot f sense!! Its shocking people because you have the balls to show what works! Being sharp is what the head of the herd will do over food for respect, makes sense. cool :)
echoebabe1 1 month ago
Bravo... thank you... I've just realized...this is exactly where my horse lost respect for me! This is where it began to go wrong..from day one. He was able to intimidate me, that is how the relationship continued. I loved him so much so I foolishly tried over and over to talk him into respect so I began to accomidate his behavior, instead of making him respect me. 3 months in a wheel chair and 2 years of hell!! I've learned alot from your videos. I have learned to gain respect!!.
ACH05040 10 months ago
i think you techniques are brilliant and work well.
jmaritz328 10 months ago
LOVE this video, I've used a few of the techniques here on a few horses. I also recommend it whenever someone mentions respect issues with their horse. Great job!!
JinbaHGS 10 months ago
I definitely agree with your way of handling this horse, I tried it on my filly, who for the most part is very gentle, but at feeding time wants to be all in my space and such. I didn't have to spank her or anything, but just watching these video has given me knowledge on how to gain respect and she does respect me even more now that I show her who is boss at feeding time. Thanks mate, Joe.
levi501ish 11 months ago
very well video
horsetraining101 1 year ago
thank u for putting this vidio up i had a grain bucket once and i was going out into the pasture to feed the horses grain buckets and the mare totally lost controll and nocked me down and walked right over me and stepped on my ancle bown and broke it but i know even though they had no respect for me it still was my fault for even going out there the way i did know what could happen
horselover99100 1 year ago
Habe selten einen so schlechtes Video / schlechten Horseman gesehen. Man arbeitet ein Pferd nicht in einem Rechteck bei soviel Veletzungsgefahr für das Pferd
TheHighlander311 1 year ago
@TheHighlander311 I don't understand you because I don't speak the language but Greetings and Thanks. I think you are from Europe and if the post is negative, I can sell understand that for a have spent time in the EU the last two Years and found that true HORSEMANSHIP is very thin on the ground. Go have a look at my Mouthing vids. That is the same Horse later. Let the Horse tell you what he thinks of me :)
horseproblems 1 year ago
@horseproblems
Thanks for your reply. First of all I would like to apologize for my English. I think a real Horseman should work in a Round Pen with his horse and not on a paddock as the risk of injury is extremely high. Please have in mind that a lot of layman watch your video and they think that they can work their horse on a paddock as well. From my point of view it's very dangerous to show your video.
Take care! Frank
TheHighlander311 1 year ago
@TheHighlander31
Hi again. I live in a Round Pen :) Daily. I grabbed the Camera impromptu as this Horse had just tried to kick me twice when I went to feed. I didn';t want to miss the educational opportunity. As I said, this day was the turning point for this Horse and we became very good Friends. Regards
horseproblems 1 year ago
@TheHighlander311 Normalerweise Pferde, die ich aus Deutschland gesehen haben über gearbeitet, Foul nutritioned und in schlechtem Zustand. Dieser Mann, der auf der anderen Seite, seine Pferde in sehr guter Form sind, schauen Muskeln groß und hat das richtige Konzept zur Steuerung eines Pferdes bei der Fütterung.
LongLiveCowboys18 2 months ago
If that horse is dangerous then i might as well put my horse down bc she is worse then that,
XxCalliMaexX 1 year ago
@XxCalliMaexX Never in thousands of problem and dangerous Horses including two buck jumpers this week
regards
horseproblems 1 year ago
This reminds me of how they have to rehabilitate dogs that are food aggressive. They are also dangerous, though not like a horse. The pack leader always has say over food, whether a horse or a dog. The human must be the pack leader and to not be the pack leader is to have an animal that walks all over you and, disrespects you. This is pretty cool and thanks for sharing this type of advice free. Safety is paramount! It's a shame uneducated bleeding hearts just don't get it!
sithvixen 1 year ago
FOR THE ANTI-WHIP & "HE'S JUST INQUISITIVE"-POSTERS: horses who don't keep their distance at feeding time are not only a danger to the feeder, but also to themselves. a fork with straw in the box, horse pokes nose in the straw, gets hurt by the fork. feeder leaving the box, horse to close gets hurt by the closing gate. horse leaning over feeding person, gets elbow in the eye or on the nose. i could go on. rather on clear lesson, then constant and pointless bickering, not to mention accidents.
talentlessbilly 1 year ago
I absolutely agree with you in this case. It can lead to a dangerous situation if not taken charge of. I don't have any feeding problems, but I used clicker training to train my boy to stand at a marine target and wait for his feed. Only when i pat him on the shoulder and say OK is he allowed to walk calmly to his feed bin. He has very good feeding manners.
trickhorse22 1 year ago
I appreciated this video. Your method here looks natural and you did not overdo your discipline with this horse. I am eager to go through the rest of your videos. To those who are saying he is being a bad trainer here, thats just silly. He isn't hurting the horse, yes he laid a whip across his quarters, but compare that to a horse full blown kicking another horse at pasture or other training methods. And he's very correct, horses can become very dangerous if you dont establish respect.
Equestrian08 1 year ago
Ah yes...seriously dangerous horse....right.
Ridiculous, the horse is inquisitve not dangerous! He's been left in a pen with nothing to eat and you expect him not to be interested in the bucket?! Madness.
muddle100 1 year ago
@muddle100 Lol Muddle. You can't Flame me old Mate :) You are talkn out your back side my Friend and know not what you talk about. Check out the condition of the Horse and tell me if he is hungry? Read the whole thread and find where Mummy used to sit in his feed bin stroking his ears :) Cheers
horseproblems 1 year ago
Love your work John. People who don't agree with this simple advice have either had horses that were already trained to be respectful and/or never come across an intelegent horse.
0Kazeshini0 1 year ago
Is it okay though, if a horse is already at the trough when you come to feed him (and is not being pushy in any way)?
halfgoodhalfevil 1 year ago
Oh my. So much depends on respect. I am definitely too touchy feely.
You are such an inspiration John.
louiseiiid 1 year ago
I do something close to what you have shown us here. Good to know i'm on the right track, and will be changing the way I do thing a little as well.
Elise2921 1 year ago
Just a few words to thank you. I check you out whenever possible cause I find your advice very positive. I'm a 44 yro horse lover from Madrid, brought up in Kent (boarding school)riding since 4yro, 6 yrs ago decided to start buying my own and now have 4 horses. I have them in semi-liberty in the Gredos mountain range(200 km Southwest of Madrid)in the tiny village my mom is from. I have tamed 4 horses in the passed 2 yrs and a lot has come from you. I find you original and practical, THANKS.
akanewe 1 year ago
This is great info...my gelding used to barge to the feed bin ears back and would spin his backside at you. I have followed this advice and I now have a much more respectful horse, he backs away from the gate and waits for feed patiently. He even does it for my 8 & 10 yr olds when they through hay over the fence, funny though he has always been more respectful of "little people" and never once has tried to nip them like he did with adults! "Love your Ass" also worked wonders with is ADD child :)
nicki073 1 year ago
i will admit i dont lyk the idea of wipping the horse i would prefer to threten the horse with a crak of the wip first if i believed he?she was not behaving appropriately but i think i would only actually use the wip if he/she doesnt respond to the cracking.
AmethistGirl1 1 year ago
what if they disrespesk you 24/7?
animalejover 1 year ago
@animalejover Then you must seriously go and look in the mirror because the problem is not the Horse lover regards
horseproblems 1 year ago
@horseproblems ya i am thinking that it is me that is the problem, but i don't know how to fix it. i do join up, T-tuch, and i try to bisiplen him but he stell hates me.
animalejover 1 year ago
what about the most mare-ish, mare, in season frozen in front of the gate hormones raging her muscles so tense she doesnt even fell the whip or hear the noiseof the crack...unmovable? My 4 year old QH is like an absolute angel but when in season the devil incarnate. Should i just leave her alone...i know i want to be left alone when i feel like that. it seems to last only like 20 minutes then her body relaxes and she's her sweet self again.
nadinesnoopy 1 year ago
@nadinesnoopy Obviously, that is an exception Nadine. Work around them and trian them when you have their mind. We now know this Horse was having sex with Mares and was a rig. regards
horseproblems 1 year ago
Not the cute little Disney characters people like to think they are.... LOL... I had a naughty filly that used to pin her ears and turn her bum to me when I was bringing the feed into her stall... I hadn't dealt with a young one before and wasn't sure how to deal with her... I didn't want to "ruin" her by being harsh with her (my mistake) finally I had enough and pretty much did what you did with that colt... got her attention and her respect in a hurry LOL
itsibitsirider 1 year ago
let me tell you the horse i leased dumped everybody in the outdoor...except me and now he doesnt buck. he has his little bunny hops but their nothing and if he ever bucks me off he come back and finish the job cause i'll work his little ass off.
sunnyandmusic 1 year ago
Honestly how good is this guy!! he's prob got to be the most easiest person to watch and learn from - does everything so clear and basic and keeps everything simple - doesnt over complicate anything like half the so called trainers over here in the UK! Well Done!! this clip may have just saved my life with my nasty super heavey weight cob who does exactly the same and has a bad attitude! thank you!
stacieloup 2 years ago
my pleasure
horseproblems 2 years ago
I love this clip! But how do you make it work with two or three horses in fence together? This is dangerous within itself because they are all getting pushy with the pecking order. Any suggestions?
242trish 2 years ago
No problem Trish, just perhaps a bit more experience, timing and positioning but they can all be trained together. However, if an amatuer, train one at a time and then build them together. Regards
horseproblems 2 years ago
I had more then a two horses at feed time in the same pen. They all had to wait to get to there feed, you just have to hold you ground dont dump there feed until they have given you your space. Then once you dump it they still have to waite. The only horses that can go to there feed are the one waiting and respecting you. Teaching this was a little work and a few close calls, set rules and follow them
yukontanya 2 years ago
the pecking order is up to you not up to them, you dont allow a pecking order when you are with them, you are the leader
yukontanya 2 years ago
Excellent.. I'd rather give a harsh correction one time that is effective than a 1000 ignored ones that are turned out and proving I am inadequate.
Agreed on that NH stuff, I did that with my horse a few years ago and he nearly killed me. I started methods similar to this and he's now a sweetheart and SAFE to be around.
horseisbeauty 2 years ago
It is soooo much better to never let it get to this point. This boy must have had some very unsavvy owners. Hope you are training the owners as well : )
gmwwc 2 years ago
Hi All. We attmpted to train the Owner. We found out later, that he had been having Sex with a Mare at his Home. She forgot to mention that one when the Horse came to us. When he came back for a tune up, he was alongside a Mare in our Yards. My wife saddled him up and he bucked like a Bronc for thefirst time ever. Mare related. So there you go. He had A.D.D. as well and an extreme I/Q. Regards
horseproblems 2 years ago
love the horse and the method........
Cloudruby9 2 years ago
I like this method. Not only is he saving the horses life but he is potentially saving a human's life in the process. Horses are strong and powerful animals and I think that some people forget that. This horse is gorgeous and I'd like to take him over some jumps! lol.
SwizzleStick25 2 years ago
If i ever get thrown off my pony, like only if it was him buckin or playin up, he gets i kick in the side while im standin beside him & tell him NO!!!. Llf then i get bak on & he doesnt do it again. Lolz. he learns v. quickly.
Shamoo93 2 years ago
I love this horse! He's sucha stunner, I love his tail. I wouldnt do this, I really don't ever have a problem with my horses. They don't barge or anything for feed, I just don't like the idea of useing that whip. This kind of remind me of a story my dad told me when he was hacking out. This horse trying to get this guy off while they were galloping through a wood, so he got off, punched the horse in the nose, got back on. End of problem. Putting a horse in its place I supose.
xXfillyfoalXx 2 years ago
i love your methods. i practice the same ones. you have to put horses in their place, this is not fairytale world where you can be nice to horse and expect them to be nice back! thank you for making a video that shows how it really is. it is nice to see one once and a while.
Hudson2012 2 years ago
its about connection between horse and owner, one needs to earn respect and trust of the horse then they would never ever go against you, even at feeding time, my horses would never do that, they even retreat at command when i'm feeding them, never had problems or any of that, but then again i have a great relationship with my horses, and THAT'S most important!!!!!!
Sisty41 3 years ago
Some common sense at last! You can see this horse has an assertive attitude, great a breath of fresh! You are a true animal lover.
exracehorse 3 years ago
I had to do this the last few days.I was inside his paddock about to put the feed in his bucket,I put my hand on his chest, just to get him to step back out of the way and he bit me in the stomach.I threw the feed bucket at him,and chased him around the paddock for a few minutes.Since then I have been doing this ,moving him away and making him wait until I let him come to the feed.
neza2277 3 years ago
Wow! Thank you! Very clear cut instructions.
phyldil 3 years ago
Just watched Pt 2 Dangers at Feed Time. Thanks so much for Part 1, it was the re-starting point for me and my bossy mare. She used to push into me, crowd me and it made me very nervous. Now I can get her to backup just by command before her feed and she stands and waits until I call her in, pat her on the face and then let her feed. Our relationship is much less threatening, my confidence has built and my mare and I have a relaxing time around each other. Thanks Mr HP!
ojeka2008 3 years ago
I got my mare because of this problem. She wouldn't even let me in the field with the grain bucket without her stomping at the gate. I had to drive her away with a driving whip,i would make her wait. Once she understood that she isn't going to eat until she setttles she got better. She had a few homes. I was able to talk to the original owner. He said he use to dump the grain and run.She is the best little mare at feeding time. I 100% agree with you.
lazyhorse73 3 years ago
I wish I had known this when I had my horse.
He could have a really bad additude at times.
great tips. I have since traded my boots for a set of wings. If I ever get back into it I will keep your training vid's in mind. Thanks.
greetingsearthlings1 3 years ago
this would be easy for the owner to fix al you would hve to do is whack that horse with a feed bucket a time or two and all would be ok
montanaflytyer 3 years ago
Can I just point out that these horses seem to be on dry sand lots, ie no grazing at all, and the guy is standing there with the only feed they have access to.This is totally unnatural for the horse, who is a trickle feeder who will graze all the time.Of course they are going to get over excited and pushy.Their management is causing the problem!My horses are kept in as natural a way as possible,with constant access to forage, which is how they have evolved to live.He has caused this problem!!!
LeahLa17 3 years ago
In fact Leah, the Horse was only delivered for the purpose of attempting to fix the feeding problem as he was chasing the Husband and Son out of his paddock. He was kept on pasture and he was spoilt rotten by his Mummy who sat in his feed bin playing with his ears as he ate. Typial spoilt rotten little Boy like a lot of Teenie Weenies these days :)
horseproblems 3 years ago
my filly has constant access to food and she is Still pushy with grain and wanted to be the boss.. its not just management.. it has to do with pecking order.
hadleymydream 3 years ago
WELL DONE. I can not think of a trainer, in these days of natural horsemanship, that would step up to do the deed that needed to be done. Not in public anyway. Lifesaving indeed!
LadyAkashe 3 years ago
Then when I came in the paddock, she started turning around and striking out at me with her hind quarters and at one point barely missing my head. Thats when I smartened up and starting using the whip to show her I was the boss and there would be no more insolent behaviour toward me. As far as I am concerned, John is the BEST horse trainer in the WORLD and he is not only saving horses lives but horse owners lives as well!
elliemae60 3 years ago
Thanks elliemay. I devote my life to the Leaner/novice people in the Industry and so I do not have time to be "Oh so poetic" to impress the masses with words like "response mechanisms" :) This video as saved hundreds of people and their complete association with their Horses. I get the emails every week. Of course, one doesn't have to go about such horses so quickly but this was a particularly out of control horse with a high intelligence profile. He had A.D.D. as in Human form. Thanks and rega
horseproblems 3 years ago
I'm amazed at all the comments this video got. To me it's a no brainer. If the horse doesn't respect your space you are putting yourself in a position to be seriously injured or worse. In my experience I learned the hard way. I spoiled my first horse and never disciplined her for invading my space. I never punished her for anything because that was the NH way. She took over and became boss and it didn't matter how much love I showed her, she would try to walk over me and would get pushy.
elliemae60 3 years ago
Ya gotta love em LOL
chiburui6 3 years ago
My experiance over the years (8 horses) has shown me the most dangerous time with a horse while afoot is at feeding time.
You must keep your eyes on all the horses at this time.
chiburui6 3 years ago
Last week, a 6 month old let fly at one of our clients and missed her ear by mm. The Most dangerous are the babies imho and in my injury experience :)
horseproblems 3 years ago
Excellent video.... so many people get hurt at feedtime, and you illustrate why & what to do very well.
In defense of Natural Horsemanship, although you said 'this is no time for natural horsemanship', that you then use classic NH technique when you employed "approach and retreat" (when inviting the horse to eat). NH is not synonymous with "wimpy".... boundaries must be established for the safety of the human no matter what your training style.
That said, I am looking forward to more videos!
AeronRiding 3 years ago
I was going to bite my tongue(escpecially reading some negative comments about this video, some people obviously are completly biased, unless they havent stated themselves clear enough!), but i shall just give my two cents :)
Horse's want a leader. They feel happier knowing who's where in the pecking order. And John was doing exactly that, sorting out 'who's da boss'...right at the start.
John wasn't trying to abuse the horse. A few cracks, and the horse knew to keep their space.
:-)
friesiangirl24 3 years ago
i really like how this guy is no nonsense about the method. i havent had to hit my horse with a wip yet. but if it came to me gettin ran over or bit, i wouldnt hesitate. it seems like too many people would avoid the situation by thowing the hay or feed over the fence to the horse.rather than just wack the horse once or twice and end it all together.
gixxerrick2002 3 years ago
same.
luckily, i've never had problems at feed time with MY horses, but i fed for my friend once, and her horse used to charge you as soon as you tried to feed him. a few cracks of the lunge whip sorted him out.
emilyXevil92 3 years ago
I realy agree with your methods
Some dont but with a horse like that its one of the only options to gain respect in order not to get hurt
Good work u have my respect
bigjono13 3 years ago
I just discovered your videos. I appreciate how you explain things....really helps those of us who do not learn by reading.
Keep up the good work!
Freedomnchrist 3 years ago
Trainers the World over are often not given all the facts. Yes, I know, we don't need the facts as the Horse tells us all but the first two times around at my place, there happened to be Geldings each side of him. Only on the third time back was there a Mare. He then gave my wife the full Bronc Show when taken away to the arena. Never a sign of such b4
horseproblems 3 years ago
Update. As you see in the sequel of this vid, he finished a dream boat under saddle. He came back 6 months later. Totally out of his Box, in turmoil and with no mouth left whatsoever. We were only then told he had been having full on sex with a Mare at home so he was a rig. That explains much
horseproblems 3 years ago
horses constantly kick and bite one another when correcting each other. there is nothing wrong with someone using a whip as long as it is used correctly. horses are 600kg + animals and most of us are only 10% of its body weight. must i add cruelty lies in a lot of shows where a child or adult beats a horse/pony constantly without reason. my heart tells me that you used this whip unnecessarily in this instance as i dont believe the horse was doing wrong.
ps. i do not want to be insulted guys!
jenrenloveshorses 3 years ago
Oh I just read your comment 3 weeks ago, what a shame, he looked extremely intelligent, needed an more experienced owner.
SonnyLees 3 years ago
Very good points made, he was a cheeky shit but probably too smart for the average joe. Well done!
SonnyLees 3 years ago
All animals (humans,tool) need to understand personal space. A 1200 lb horse that doesn't respect yours is dangerous. There are 2 ways to use a whip: 1)with anger & aggression 2) with respect. It seemed to me this video portrayed "respect". He wasn't angry at the horse but he needed to let the horse know that the horse IS NOT top dog & can't dominate another's space whenever he bloody well feels like it. A horse reads both body language & feelings. What you give is what you get. Exc video!
JayBeeCee108 3 years ago
my horses problem is that he was hit so much by a whip from his previous owners that he is completely terrified of them. any tips on how to get a horse to have respect, not fear for a whip? he isnt afraid of small whips if im just holding it while riding,but i have only used a small whip once. but using a long whip to guide him freaks him totally out, even though the whip is not even touching him.any tips would be appreciated:)
bellanoxia 3 years ago
my horse is the same, he is well mannered for the most part (young) but the second he sees the whip, he acts up, what i have been doing is carrying it with me at all times, touching him with it, rubbing him all over, talking to him, get him so he doesnt even "see" the whip anymore, patience is called for in huge amounts.
oblayus 3 years ago
aww hes stunning! thats the horse that learned leg yeilding in 5 mins wasnt it? anyways its increadable how well you understand the horses body language (especially in the "forgiveness" vid). if a horse kicks me i assume its cranky XD dont u luv the people telling you that theyre gonna beat YOU up with a stockwhip? ive been reading ur site for a couple of hours a day for the last few weeks, and its increadable how much ive picked up from it. i mean, im still terrible with horses but who cares?
cwaabaa 3 years ago
He broke in really well. We recommended his owner get once a wk lessons due to his extreme intelligence and A.D.D. She didn't. He eventually came back 6 weeks later, in complete turmoil through confusion.
horseproblems 3 years ago
how do the horses use that feed bin?good vid all your videos have taught me so muchXD
xxbbykxx 3 years ago
Yes, it's a doosie, isn't it. They work it out but I have chucked it. An agistee built it and gave it to us :)
horseproblems 3 years ago
i agree with everybody
kayyLie 3 years ago
i think it's grose that you think he respects you!!
you just r beating him away with a whip and he is just scared!!
latnahc 3 years ago
Go have a look at the sequal latnahc. Let the Horse speak :)
Regards
horseproblems 3 years ago
This horse, is not scared.. You need to make the horse respect you, if he don't he is your boss. If you don't get your horse to respect you, they will end up dead. I agree with this video..
jennifer48723 3 years ago 2
you can't MAKE a horse respect you you need 2 earn it and not by hitting him!!
you don't make another human respect you by smacking him in the face with a fist.
latnahc 3 years ago
yeah but that is a human- this is a horse. Once you understand the difference you might be able to fix problems on your own...
Remo6293 3 years ago
Hi latnahc. My wife is Dutch. If you go to horseproblems with your nl after it and go through my site which ranks one above Monty Roberts at No. 4 in the World Horse Training, you will see thousands of instances where I stand up for horses. You can relax therefore. Regards
horseproblems 3 years ago
that don't meen anything 2 me!
i think monty roberts isnt very good eighter!
i don't think you can resolve problems by hitting a horse like that.
it gave me the chills when you said and 2morrow i'm going to hit him from outside the gate!
i think thats just bull shit and not very good training.
you can wait for the horse to kick you because you made this a physical power strugle.
if you ever did this 2 my horse i would take that whip and beat you with it!
latnahc 3 years ago
fair enough. Thanks
horseproblems 3 years ago
one thing a lot of people never think about is, that when you see a group of young unhandled horses, they deal with each other by biting and kicking at each other, the more dominant one, will actually CHASE the individual it is trying to gain respect from, they take no crap, and if the line is crossed, they make sure their lessons are never forgotten, he isn't beating the horse, just giving it a warning nip,
fishyhelper288 3 years ago
this horse and others that I have dealt with will show disrespect by turning their rear towards you threateningly, and crowd you, you cannot allow this! but try walking up to it and push it away, I dare you, see if you don't get kicked, lead ropes and in the winter, snowballs serve their purpose, the horse clearly wasn't terrified, or traumatized from the correction, he just learned not to cross the lines, and ask before approaching the feed.
fishyhelper288 3 years ago
Aah Fishy. Well done. An experienced Horse person has arrived :) As I said at the outset, he had tried exactly that just prior to me going and getting the camera, which is why I did. He thought it was all clean fun but people in a coma do not :) Regards
horseproblems 3 years ago
Thank you, I take that compliment to heart.
I've been training a poorly confused 6 yr old for 4 months now and we are now buds. Can't really ride her yet but at least she isn't going backwards anymore lol Poor thing was so confused...Went from bad handling feet, backing up, bucking, rearing etc 4 homes later and shes learning how to free jump and is just the sweetest thing now that she knows her role in life.I've got a few clips up of her.But I'll be sure to email you if I have any problems ^-^
fishyhelper288 3 years ago
Thanks so much for making this information available and FREE. I have miniature horses and shetlands, these little guys are so dominant. You have to treat them firmly and get them to respect your space, but try telling someone else that ! On another topic, I bought a new horse float the other day as a result of reading your article on floats and realising that the one I had was a potential death trap. That trailer has now been converted for general use, no more animals in it !
ponycat152 3 years ago
This word "Thankyou" doesnt convey to you how eternally grateful i am for this website. Somehow i stumbled across it this morning after a sleepless night of worry and sadness.
I live in NewZealand and i have been trying to find someone here to help me with my very alpha mare... it has proved to be incredibly difficult and last night she lounged at me again over her food...
horseproblems 3 years ago
I will never ever go into a horses space again while they eat.You have given me such a boost to carry on with her as alot of people have told me to give up... i nearly did. I also know if i sold her on she would end up at the knackers... she is to good for that.
horseproblems 3 years ago
Wow, I can actually see how to apply this to my horse, who used to be an aggressive feeder but has lessened.
Great lesson.
keither56 4 years ago
Then you had better go to the sequal and let the Horse speak to you. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
I cannot believe you are saying you are gaining respect! You are gaining fear! That horse was doing NOTHING wrong and you cracked the whip so hard! I cannot believe people think you are a good horseman!
Imo15 4 years ago
He's not a good horseman Imo, he's one of the best around. You mustn't be able to read body language, as the horse was CLEARLY being very disrespectful of John's space. Better one touch of the whip, than a bullet.
Caeiago 4 years ago 3
I have a young percheron stalion and I havent had any problems with him, however he gets agitated whenever somebody else tries to pet him or groom him. Nobody even dares to try and ride him instead of me. He is a beautiful creature and I intend to keep him till the end. How would i go about introducing people to him without getting him worked up? Thank you in advance.
suburban19 4 years ago
Tie him up to a proper tie up facility then and do let other kindly grrom him and get about him. He can't do anything about it then, he can't evade, his flight from fear is negated and he will realize that others are nice like you :)
horseproblems 4 years ago
I love your videos. True horsemanship in work :) I use alot of your techniques with my horses and they work wonderfully. Thanks so much! Mona from California
moniebadonie 4 years ago
Thanks Monnie. Did you see the sequal with this horse? I finished him a cuple of weeks ago. A real character who I love a lot. Kind Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
Like I said before, GREAT, horsemanship with a mixture of common sense, I love it. Good Job Mr. HP
littlesassylawgirl 4 years ago 2
With respect, I have to agree with Indio. Your timing and the degree you used the whip did cause the horse to have fear and therefore stay backed off. This should not have been the intention and if it was then you are really missing the point of training. You need to look at the video again with a more open mind. In regards to your response to Indio I have 2 comments.
indiopony 4 years ago
Good debate, the horse told me today that it was in fact perfect :) You have to remember this though. I spend half my life having to fix horses that go all the way to bucking owners off, because of feeding rules amongst other things. I know I gave him a fair swipe but I wanted to send the message to those people that they can lift from their low assertive base. It worked. Dozens have written with thanks. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
I'll give him your regards in the morning Indio. I am Riding him at 9am. By the way, he was a completely normal and well adjusted, well mannered horse tonight at feed time so you can stop worrying :) Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
The principle of what you tried to do was fine. But your application was really bad. Your timing for using the whip was all wrong and instead of teaching understanding, you got obedience through fear. You are trying to do the right thing, but for a professional with so many years experience you have a lack of understanding of the finer details that go into making a really good horseman.
indiopony 4 years ago
Well the Horse disagrees Indio. He arrived back here last night and we worked together this morning. We got on famously :)
Cheers
horseproblems 4 years ago
As to all who complained would you or family/ friends rather get double barreled in the head,by the back legs.
Would you rather make contact with them a few times, to get respect, or would you rather get run over,kicked or worse killed.
Think about that!!!
Thanks for you time to show us these videos John.
Anne
Anrose42 4 years ago 3
HI John
I think what you did was great and some people have absolutely NO idea how dangerous this can be.
I have six horses and they are all very different,I did not use a whip(only because I don't own one)If I did I would probably hit myself with it LOL.
I do have a NH stick and string,around feed time,I would carry that and I would keep it behind me,I would swing it if they got too close, would get a hit.
Now they respectfully follow.
Anrose42 4 years ago
Wow, it's amazing how many people have the wrong idea about natural horsemanship. What you demonstrated about this.. it's very natural horsemanship..
seabisquit45 4 years ago 3
My cousin owns a horse, at feeding time she bucks and rears and bites at other horses in her stall. Tho she was straved before we got her. she should not act like that. Can anyone give me some advise?
LauraLovesMocha 4 years ago
If she is on her own and other horses are in adjacent stalls and been starved, I would have understanding for her. If in the mob, then it is the pecking order at work. That's horses. This video was about the safety of people. cheers
horseproblems 4 years ago
Great video with a lot of interesting concepts. Personally I'm not crazy about the use of whips, but I can see how they are a useful tool in this situation when you are dealing with a highly aggressive horse that is actively trying to hurt you. I am looking forward to the next video on this naughty boy to see how you turn him around! :)
ponymare1 4 years ago
He was turned around that day ponymare. He was there for ground manners as he was chasing the Husband out of the yard and I rode him 3 days later, as part of his ground manners work :) He was great and we became good Mates. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
ok I'm offended here. This man says its no time for natural horsemanship cause its "touchy feely" Pat talks ALOT about respect and from a horse like the one in this vid you do need to be furm for it. I don't dissagree with what this man did but I am dissapointed and hurt that people say stuff like that. Not all natrals (and I don't know any) are whimps
BlazingAva 4 years ago
don't quite understand there Blazing but thanks for the comment anyhow. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
I think what he's trying to say here is that you need to take a strong dominant stance when dealing with a horse that is strong-willed at feeding time. "Touchy feely" is what some people try to do because they want to be gentle 24/7 with horses, and that is a dangerous thing b/c horses are NOT gentle with us! They are large animals that can hurt us if we do not get their respect.
ponymare1 4 years ago
yeah I get that and I totally agree. I'm just saying he said that Natral horsemanship ment being a sissy. I'm hardly ever gental with my dominate horse because he will not hesitate to take a chop from you if your not. But I am a natral horsewoman. hope this message doesn't sound rude I do agree with the video and don't want to argue
BlazingAva 4 years ago
I don't think he meant it like that. I think he meant like, most people will try to pet the horse when they go to feed it and stuff. And it's not a good thing to be doing if your horse is out of control during feed time. So it was not time to try to act like that.
ferretbabe101 4 years ago
Ok Dimples, you are being obnoxious and obviously have an agenda. Professionals in the Industry get these from time to time. The owner rang last night. Booked him back in for 23.1.08. I'll do a special vid for you so you can see what a wonderful relationship we will have. Cheers
horseproblems 4 years ago
Sorry but you didn't answer my question,Do you let your own horse stand at the gate at feed time?Also do you spend time with your horse at feed time,groom or pet him at feed time.Are you telling people there horse should not stand at the gate,no matter what.
dimplesDlux 4 years ago
It's clear in the video that he says you shouldn't let your horse stand at the gate during feed time. It's extremely dangerous. If the horse wanted to, he could easily bolt right on out as soon as that door opens if he was standing there. He also says that you shouldn't spend time with your horse when he's eating. Eating is HIS time, not yours and your horses. They're jsut like people, they need time to be with themselves.
ferretbabe101 4 years ago
horses are herd animals. They do not need time to themselves and do not enjoy it. Feed time isn't the time to do things with your horses but it is a great time just to sit in there with me. Don't look at him don't get near him just be there like another horse would
BlazingAva 4 years ago
It is interesting that if there were another horse there, just sitting watching, it would be ears back, ass to the other horse at all costs, looking back with glare and kicking mid air. Just an observation. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
yes but if the other horse was missing as you can see with my horses. The one would not eat at all seeing the other is gone. Its a good observation. But my horses and many that I have met don't want to be alone. Also if your horse sees you as the alpha I have never seen a horse just turn around and kick the alpha. I don't think you should bother your horse if he's trying to eat but I don't think its wrong to be there. I have to be there at grain time or the one will steal the others grain
BlazingAva 4 years ago
remember, the horse just arrived. it is the alpha or was until right there where the pecking order changed, which is what this was about. I have said b4, the husband was being edjected from the yard by this horse
horseproblems 4 years ago
and I agree with you I was just pointing something out to feretbabe about horses in general I didn't want to argue
BlazingAva 4 years ago
Virtually every day of my working life, I get thanked for this Pod Cast where people have finally fixed their out of control horses. Twice yesterday in fact and that is just in my immediate vicinity. That equals probable saving of horses lives and that makes me happy. The ultimate horse welfare. Merry Christmas
horseproblems 4 years ago
Horses are lethal weapons in the hands of the amatuer. Deaths occur across the Planet. They can spin 180 and kick your head off far quicker than we can ever move. Especially those 'out of their box' like this one was. regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
Dimples, you need to read the whole thread here. All your questions are answered. The horse was fixed before your eyes and it's dangerous behaviour was caused via bonding at feed time. regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
I'm only talking about what happens in the video,a horse at the gate cause he knows it feed time.If you didn't have the feed cart there the horse won't be at the gate,right?Even your horse is not suppose to be at the gate?You don't spend time with your horse at feed time.I love sending time with my horse at that time,i groom her when she is eating.
dimplesDlux 4 years ago
I see it the other way.Respect issues are done outside of his(home)pen.if you get respect outside of his home he will carry the respect for you to there.Even then he learns that i give his feed(what he wants)and also can take it from under his nose.The horse knowing that there's respect.right or wrong?
dimplesDlux 4 years ago
Isn't your "stop" whip a bull whip that can cut flesh?I've watched your video about 10 times now and trying to see the purpose to you methods.The horse never made a sour move to you.Are you saying feed time is not a time to bond with your horse?
dimplesDlux 4 years ago
Keep up the good work John you're the best there is.
millanvally 4 years ago
Thanks. x
horseproblems 4 years ago
Thanks Folks. I can understand some being slightly dismayed but this horse was at the 10/10 on the scale and it had gone past cute. The owner couldn't even lead him adequately and he was even striking with the front feet whilst on the end of the lead rope. The scene was amazing. Similar to the World Boxing Champ entering the ring :)
horseproblems 4 years ago
It's like raising children; sometimes you do need to put your foot down for their sake. I would rather give one well timed, well considered hard smack and never have to do it again, than to constantly slap, growl and nag for years. Smart horses like this quickly become dangerous, then it's the abbatior for them. He saved this horse's future by making sure it knows the rules.
tunagirll 4 years ago
Thanks. Too many people assume that any use of a whip is mistreating an animal. A lead mare would NEVER let a sub horse invade her space, and she would do a lot more than a tap on the rump. We do our horses (and dogs) a disservice by ignoring their own communication style. Thanks again.
bmerb 4 years ago
Thanks LLove and murph. To the person who couldn't see any threat from the body language of the horse, then they missed it. However, just 4 filming, which is why I went and got the camera, he tried to kick my head off twice as I entered the yard. The owner was here yesterday
horseproblems 4 years ago
Good job John, from your article I've adopted your feeding regime with any horses that I have had to feed, I find it takes them only a day or two to figure it out. I certainly feel that this regime is much safer. thanks and keep those vids coming!
murphhe 4 years ago
and was telling me that he still stays back but has to be made to and rears like the black stallion each time :) He is a tryer :)
horseproblems 4 years ago
thank you for this! RESPECT!!I never saw you do anything abusive to gain this horse's respect--good! I hate it when people assume that using whips or whatever is always "bad"..what would another horse do in the wild if this horse was trying to invade his space? Kick him! and that's a lot worse than anything we could do to him.
Ilovereining 4 years ago
I see that you are someone who gets the response that is wanted.=)But I don't understand how you can say a horse 'must' or 'must not' do something. I don't find that respectful towards the horse. I believe that the same results could have been achieved without being so agressive. Your theory about how important being respected at feed time is very true!
If you want to know how I handle feed time with my horses I will write it down.
Could you tell me why you use the whip so suddenly ?
TinkaVK 4 years ago
The horse 'MUST NOT' kick his owners head off or mine, which is where he was 5 minutes prior. Lethal Weapon totally out of control. Such horses often end up with their heads on the abbotoir floor. Now he is a dream, going to the Andalusion Championships this month and then back to me for ridden. Simple as that. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
O man i would LOVE to own that horse!! He is beautiful! I like the way you work! I wish I could come down there and i could get some lessons from you on training!! thats what i want to be wen i get older!!
RayvenAppy 4 years ago
Just answering you all, thanks for your comments. Much appreciated. I copped a bit of flack over that one (on here) but you wouldn't believe the thanks I have had from individual horse owners with problems. He is coming back next months for riding. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
This is an awesome refresher, I'm glad I wasn't wrong to do something like that with my horse. I hadn't actually had anyone tell me to do that with horses, I'd only seen the concept with dogs. Predator nature to prey nature training transfers are risky, but usually they translate well. So yeah, just glad other people do in fact establish the feeding rule. xD
TwilightToxin 4 years ago
I have a 2 1/2 year old gelding and I have no real problems with him surprisingly. I bought him to save his life as he was needing a Vet Very bad from being kicked by another stud at the time. Your video is an inspiration because of the respect and understanding it takes with horses. Great Job!
MtnTracker 4 years ago
horseproblems -> great video :) I don't know if u are the trainer in the video but anyway, you showed me something :D
PS: I'm sorry for all language mistakes, but I'm from belgium and my english isn't that good yet :)
xx
michelle
and good luck
Twistjuh01 4 years ago
That's Ok Twist, I'm from Australia and my English isn't all that good either lol. Yes, I am the Trainer. I was in your Country last year. My wife is Dutch and we went to Aachen. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
heye,
point one, he didn't slap on te horse, but behind or before the horse... and if u are so against whipes it is maybe because you can't use it the right way..
and point 2 the trainer has done somethin in seven minutes were i did more then 3 week over!! and don't say it Is not a natural way, becaus ur ways of workin are less natural then my dad's way to make ommelette and believe me that say's somethin!!!!
Twistjuh01 4 years ago
as nuch as i love 'nalural" horsemanship some people seem to inturpate it as 'let the horse get away with murder' horses need respect and to be treated kindly but the horse needs to respect you to giving the horse a slap if they get pushy isnt a bad thing.
yls23 4 years ago
You're an awesome horse trainer, and I respect that you know what you're doing. I don't know if you've posted this, but I have a horse myself, her name's Ginger and she's been very jumpy for the past couple weeks. Nervous and spirited, but she's normally calm and expectant of everything around her. It's starting to happen under saddle as well, what do I do?
HorseCrazyx0x 4 years ago
I must say, I am a strong supporter of Natural Horsemanship, and I understand that in the wild horses kick at eachother/bite etc, but I do believe smokin' him with a bullwhip when he's 5ft away is extreme. Learn to read body language - and for the sake of us all, please stop training horses. :)
Button428 4 years ago
Thanks for your comments Button. In response, I can tell you that I can not only read their body language but also their minds, 100% of the time. Something that I feel privilaged about. Now you should go and check the body language of some fo the NH horses on this Site and tell me about their body language. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
I'm sorry, but I think shaking a bucket at the horse/cracking the bull whip at it/ explaining how 'tomorrow' you'll hit it over the fence to get it to back off, are all extreme measures. The horse follows you sure, but it's hungry. It is not being violent and not stomping all over you, so I dont see why these measures are needed.
Glad you believe you can read their minds. It is clear to me that you cannot.
Happy Training.
Button428 4 years ago
I see you are 26 Buttons so I will bow to your experience as I am only 61.
regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
Age has not a thing to do with it. It's common sense.
Which I would expect a man at your age to have a bit of.
Happy Training
Button428 4 years ago
Fair enough Button. You are obviously a plant which all Professionals pick up along the way. That'll be the end of the subject now but in October you can assess the horse for yourself and if you want to put your money up now, you'll see that he loves me :) Happy Trails and no more negative please. Regards
horseproblems 4 years ago
good deal. Actually- to anyone posting that it's cruel.. it's natural horse life.. there are tiers in a natural herd.. and you have to make your place known. There is nothing cruel about it and it's in the best interest of the horse.
Veecee76 4 years ago
I had an email from the owner last night. He is coming back for small tuning as he has his Andalusian State Show coming up. The higher the intelligence, the more they work them out :) This one is smart as.
horseproblems 4 years ago
Couldn't fit everything in one comment lol!
Someone said that you are only gaining fear by hitting him... He showed caution - but not fear. After being whacked he was standing away from you and watching like he should be. Compared to before when he was dancing around you trying to get closer and closer. After being whacked he wasn't trying to break out of his yard and he wasn't trembling and running around - THAT would have been fear!
Cya!
ccmattyjayde 4 years ago
Very observant of you CCmatt. I have had a run on people reporting lie altering changes due to fixing the feed time attitude. Check the body language pics now here: my website/problems index/dangers at feed time. :)
horseproblems 4 years ago
Ahhh I've seen horses like that spotty boy in the pics...
Mainly school horses who live in yards and kids ponies. They hunt you down and try to jump on top of you!
A whack over the arse and no one gets hurt :]
ccmattyjayde 4 years ago
Hey John, great video. It has helped many people!
The idiots saying that you