Horse Drawn Promotions - Breaking horses to harness

[sillychicken1314]

The bag on the head while their going through the course was a good idea :)

[ZombieRant]

WHat are they doing to the horse at 6:47. is it blindfolded?

[barryhook2]

@ZombieRant This mare was terrified of plastic bags when she came. We put one over her head to show that she now has the confidence in herself and the driver to walk forwards, and that she is therefore no longer scared of the plastic being around her head. When Barry worked at Youngs, a plastic bin liner did exactly this - blew in the air and caught on a horse's blinker, covering its head, so we train them to cope things like this without panicking.

[qualitycobs]

@barryhook2 TOP MAN

[TwilightRiverRanch]

What tyoe of horse was being driven at 1:08?

Thanks for your time!

[barryhook2]

@TwilightRiverRanch He is a Gelderlander (imported from Holland).

[TwilightRiverRanch]

@barryhook2

The grey/gray one? Anyways I love your work!

[barryhook2]

@TwilightRiverRanch Thank you - yes that's the one; he's also shown entering the river and being driven back along another stretch of road.

[TwilightRiverRanch]

@barryhook2

I've never seen a gray/grey one before! I'm getting into the carting business! So, if I have any questions will you help me? Thanks for your time!

[barryhook2]

@TwilightRiverRanch Yes we are always willing to help!

[Beelie2007]

Very instructive I am going to get a few bollards and a tarp to get my mare to go over it - she does when riding so she should be good with it when driving.

[barryhook2]

@Beelie2007 Thanks for your comment - however what I would say is that it takes a lot of training to get to the stage shown on our videos, with the horse accepting things calmly and happily. Just because your mare goes over the tarp and cones when ridden, does not mean she will accept it as confidently when driven. You also have to take care that nothing gets caught up under the carriage, or that the noise of the carriage passing over the hazard afterwards doesn't spook her.

[barryhook2]

Along with our training methods comes 50 years of experience with breaking horses to harness. Our videos are designed to show clients what it is possible to achieve with a driving horse, they are not meant to be an instruction on "How to" break a horse.

[lovesbriardi]

I love watching your videos because you show what can be done when the horse trusts you and works with you. So many people feel the horse has to be dominated to get those results and use cruel harsh means to get there.

[fancyangel21]

Thank you for this video, I love all that you do, I think that the bag is a good idea because that the horse will listen to your voice commands and pay more attention to you and what you are saying.you never know what situation you will be in when riding or driving, It can be fatal if a horse freaks out driving cause they can hurt themselves & others it is a good idea cause that horse will trust you more in that even though he couldnt see, You never took him anywhere that would hurt him,. Thanks

[cassiemyclyde]

If you have a fit, healthy horse kept at a consistant trot how far approximately can they travel with the carriage?

[barryhook2]

@cassiemyclyde This is an almost impossible question to answer - everyone has different ideas of what "fitness" is, and how fit their horse needs to be for a particular job. It also depends on the type of horse, terrain, weight of the carriage, number of passengers etc.

[ICEYMONTAGES]

@barryhook2 How about for about 2 miles on rough terrain, a typical carriage or coach horse at about 10 years old, and about 6 passengers with 1 driver?

[barryhook2]

@ICEYMONTAGES Thanks for your comment but please see above answer to @cassiemyclyde - what you define as "typical" might not be the same for someone else. It is a bit like asking "how to break a horse to harness" - we believe you cannot rigidly apply one method for all horses because not every horse will follow it happily. The same applies here - it is impossible to say "a horse pulling x will do y miles at the trot" because this may not be the same for every horse - they are all individuals.

[MrSpeedway22]

break my colt in :)

[animefreak128]

the Freisian team at 1:40 was amazingly teamed with footing

[MadPossumProductions]

i wish i'd thought of the plastic bad thing ,i run a pony ride farm in new york . we do things like this to get our ponies ready for traveling to birthdays and fairs . lots of rolling balls under them and popping balloons , I had a plastic bag fly across a field and cover a ponies head once,at a job and with a child on him ! I would have filed that possibility under "never happen "if it had not happened to me .

[vwgolfnutter]

obviously if you are to have a safe driving horse and avoid accidents you need your horse to be used to many things but i dont think that putting the bag over its head is at all right. fair enough blindfold it with a carrier bag so it cant see or wrap it round the ears but from the videos ive seen you are actually covering the horses whole head and it must panic somewhat with the lack of oxygen, i think this part of it was slightly cruel

[barryhook2]

@vwgolfnutter The horses can still breathe even when the plastic is over their heads - obviously the bag has to be open in order to be placed over the horse's head in the first place, and we perforate the bottom of the bags too so at no point is their breathing restricted. Also if you watch the videos, you can see that none of the horses panic when the plastic bag is on their heads, even when it covers their entire face.

[barryhook2]

The reason we do this is because when I worked at Youngs in the middle of town, a dustbin liner wrapped itself around one of my horse's heads; we believe it is far better that they experience things in a controlled environment, so that if it ever did happen when being driven, they are less likely to panic. None of what we do is to stress the horse, but rather to build up its own confidence. The bag over their whole head gives a complete different sound than just having it covering eyes/ears.

[operaluvr]

@vwgolfnutter

No worries, mate. Neither Barry, Melanie nor anyone they would have work for them would ever put the horse in physical, mental or emotional jeapordy. I would not send my horse to just about anyone, but I would feel completely confident sending him to Barry and Mel because I know they have nothing in their hearts but love for all horses, troubles or not, trained or not.

[operaluvr]

@vwgolfnutter

Part 2-They would carefully assess what each horse needs in terms of training and exposure and go about it without overfacing the horse, causing him to lose confidence. Everything they do is to help the horse deal with the world around him and in order to do that, they must expose them to things that we might prefer they never get exposed to. They only are looking out for the horse and driver, who, guaranteed, will not be as experienced a teamster as are they.

[Saartje05]

@vwgolfnutter I agree. I do thinking the training is very well done, but it's no need to cover their heads totally. Also at 7.12, when the blind folded has has to step over the metal plate, shows how dangerous that was. Because the plate isn't totally flat the horse could have hurt himself badly. I understand why the meaning is, but this wasn't very wise. Also driving a horse into a truck is totally nonsense, that's just for show.

[barryhook2]

As we explained before, the bag over their heads is exactly what happened when Barry worked at Youngs - a dustbin liner blew up and wrapped itself around the horse's head, completely covering his eyes, ears and nose. The metal plates in this video have rolled edges; of hundreds of horses we have trained, we have never had any hurt themselves.

[barryhook2]

@Saartje05 Everything we do with horses is to build their confidence to enable them to work happily, safely and confidently wherever they may be driven. Driving the horse into the trailer again shows the confidence the horse has in its driver. The white stallion was sold to go to the USA and we were asked to ensure he would go over a covered bridge (as they have them in the US); the horsebox is the closest thing we had in order to replicate this obstacle - i.e. a ramp, and then an enclosed area.

[rachelsbeauty]

@vwgolfnutter The horse was not panicing, he did not tie the bag around its head. it couls still breath.

[Smilla13]

Amazing and wonderful video from obviously extremely knowledgeable folks - real horsemen is what you are - I am a great believer in sacking out but you guys have given me lots to think about and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[KnightHawke01]

absolutely amazing. I do most of these things with my riding horses as a rule! I want to train my older arab to drive, and I wish that I could go to you guys to do it! Just inspirational!

[rbissy]

fantastic video you should come for a holiday to New Zealand so you can teach my horse what a great job you do.

[steffany1979]

Where are you located?

[sdslancs]

Absolutely rivetting!! You're very generous to share these incredible videos. I'm just starting my Shire stallion in harness and finding a wealth of information and ideas from watching your footage. Thank you for showing us how it should be done. You're an inspiration!

[68taf]

fantastic barry, i just been and got my self my first cob 3yr old i wanna brake to drive, always loved it but only ever riding my horses. loved watching this video. shame we aint closer would of paid you to brake mine xxx

[sergeantsailorman]

Loved this video. I assume this is England. I spent a few months there at Mildenhall with the USAF. Really liked it. I grew up on a working American cattle ranch and have been around horses most of my 61 years. Used to drive a stagecoach in Tombstone, Arizona. Working with harness animals, either horses, or mules is definately an enjoyable activity.

[quiethorseranch]

Very nice job of desensitizing horses to scary objects!! Truly top notch!

[pmarie2003]

Take a careful look at Mr. Hook's video folks. I know some people who decided to teach their pony to drive. The two biggest mistakes were driving him "A COUPLE" of times while dragging a tire, before they hitched the first time (!!), and having the pony headed by a non-horsey person. The pony was half hitched, panicked, bolted, and eventually fell, upside down into a ditch. Two riders, fell off their spooked horses. The pony was cut and bruised, and the harness and cart were destroyed.

[ryantheroper]

you guys are just awsome ya know that?

[talentlessbilly]

A pleasure to watch and learn. I'd have my pony trained by you in a minute, if I wouldn't happen to live in Germany. Love that you build up confidence, not just obeyance. Am very impressed by the horses on the motorwaybridge, makes me realize how far I have to go. thanks and keep posting vids :)

[SexiZahara]

Best videos EVER!!!!! Driving and the horsemanship required to do so is a practically lost art, and these people are ARTISTS, period!! I drive and I love these vids...everytime I hear "You can't make a driving horse or pony do that" I send people links to these vids! This is SO inspiring, and if I lived in the UK I would send all my horses and ponies to these people! Kudos!

[barryhook2]

Thank you very much for your comment - it is great to hear what people think of what we do and that they understand why we do it! We have been asked to come out to America to teach and if there is enough interest and we do arrange to come over, then we will let you know. Again, many thanks for your comment.

[SuperBartes]

i dont understant  what for is it???!!!!....

[potap555]

why to do with Traken horses ??:DDD

[Bodana63]

I am inspired!! thank you

[WiresAnSteel]

I don't know horses but recognise skill pateince & determination from years of experience. I see here extremes managed with ease. Off camera chalenges must be mundane as well as radical because life is very dynamic (affected by many influences, some more relevant, but all contribute to the outcome).

Your video clip could be used effectively to inspire trainee managers or outward bound youths to artists & singer. Me? I'm just a guy who likes fixing things discarded by others who lost hope.

[sheeeeeeeva]

WOW. This is grate. So many trainers just get em in a trap round a field then send em back. You have taken the time to think about and train them for whot thay will expereance in the real world and then some. I would trust 1 of your horses any day. Well done and keep going

[horsesinnyc]

see my videos on the cruelty of NYC carriage horses.

[Ntrlhrsgrl]

wow- these horses are all obviously very well trained. I'm impressed, and amazed!

[ridesawhitehorse]

Overall, the horses look well trained and capable. But the bag over the paint horses head is pointless and rediculous stunt training. The horse is annoyed and worried. It does nothing for good training, just a gimmicky stunt.

[barryhook2]

The reason we put the bag over the horses head is to get them used to plastic around their heads. One day out driving when I worked for Youngs Brewery in London, coming out into 3 lanes of traffic on a windy day a dustbin liner (large black plastic bag) blew up and got tangled round the horse's blinkers and ears, making him panic. This horse had been in commericial work for 3 years; yet he still tried to bolt as he was terrified. he retained that fear of plastic bags for ages afterwards.

[barryhook2]

We have found that by introducing the plastic bag over their heads in this way (as shown in the video) at home, they are not afraid of them. Therefore our clients know that if such an event were to happen to them, after our training their horses would not react in such a manner, considering the rubbish often discarded on todays road. The coloured horse in this film had an extreme fear of plastic bags; one reason why it was sent to us for retraining. It would not go past building sites

[barryhook2]

where plastic was flapping, or past plastic bags caught in a hedge. If you look at some of our other videos, we use plastic bags to rub over their heads; with this particular mare that wasn't sufficient to remove her fear. Her owner was very happy with our training and the results achieved and can now drive her anywhere without worrrying about meeting plastic bags. We believe this is beneficial training and relevant to any horse driven on todays roads.

[Wolfina63]

@ridesawhitehorse im not for the bag on the horse's head but it i think it has something with what they said earlier in the video about training in confidence with the horse or something. Agree they are well trained horses ^^

[ELZHARZ]

the horse at 6:31 looks TROMATISED!!!

[Shady8967]

umm actully she isnt - she used to hate plastic, however after going to horse drawn promotions - she loves the stuff ;)

Sorry, just thought I would let you know as shes my mare :)

x

[fladraft]

Your amazing and so very glad you put out the videos for everyone to view. I also have a lovely 10 yr. old perchron Iam training to drive. He was extremely shy, but coming along slowly. I would rather train then run a carriage business, as was my first intention, you have enlightened me from across the waters! Keep the videos coming...SDaughtry in the U.S.

[Shady8967]

Hey Barry.

Dont know if you remember me but my friend found this and told me so I came to have a look and here I am. We sent my horse to you ages ago, Shady, although you called her Donkey? Shes in the movie (6:30) and I just wanted to say how much shes come on from in the clip!

Thanks

Sarah

[barryhook2]

Really lovely to hear from you! Hope everything is going alright, would love to see you if you're ever in the area and hear how Shady is getting on.

Take care,

Barry and Mel

[twizzinav]

Great video!

[prisonbreakobsessed]

wow! this is absolutely AMAZING!

great job...your horses are VERY well trained!

[outbackpc]

Thanks for some great ideas of desentizing. I have a 11 yr old percheron that I'm having trouble making her stand for example at a stop sign. She stops but then she moves off and into traffic. Any suggestions?

Thanks Peggy

[barryhook2]

Patience works wonders - we are lucky as we can spend all day teaching a horse to stand still. We practice in our arena:the horse stands on a loose rein. When it moves, we tell it to stand again. Some horses get fidgety and start to rear or move sideways - you have to move them back to the position you had them in. We don't get anyone down to their heads - the horse has to stand still because you asked it to, not because someone is holding it there!Different things work4 different horses though.

[bexnalfie]

your amazing!!!

xxx

[pippamckernan1987]

Hey big sis! Looking good!!x

[appaloosa720]

I would love to have a bunch of horses and a wagon.I'm going to be a vet when im older,so hopefully I will have it one day.Great job training those horses.You know what your doing and I would deffintly trust you with any of my horses.