Leaping in Harness - Rebuilding Confidence and Patience
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Say hello to Jake!
Some of you may recognise him, as we broke and trained Jake originally a few years ago. You can see his videos in the links below.
However, after some time off and a change of homes, his new owner found Jake was lacking confidence in himself in heavy or unusual traffic and lacking patience when asked to stand at the side of the road or at junctions.
In this video, we see some of Jake's more obvious behaviour - i.e. leaping in harness when asked to stand for extended periods of time - and how we deal with it, but also his more subtle behaviour and how we read it.
Barry also talks about the importance of a horse having discipline, why we don't use metal bits and how he first came to using different kinds of bit for driving; including the leather handles he used to cut off sheet music cases!
Jake's Previous Training with us:
• Training Jacob - A Tra...
• Traditional Cob, Untra...
UPDATE 14/08/2020 - Jake has now been fully retrained by HDP and is now back to his old, reliable self! You can see the video of that here: • After Retraining: Jake...
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After watching this channel for some time, it's refreshing to know that there is still true horsemen in the world. You and your lessons remind me of my grandfather, who taught me to work and train horses. Always a calm demeanor, a soft hand, and a quiet voice. Thank you for what you are passing on.
I was taught by my father and his cronies. All of them grew up before automobiles were at all common, so they had to learn to use horses for work and travel every day. They had to be clever horsemen, and they were. I was lucky; many people learning to work with horses these days don't get started the same way, and that's where a lot of uneducated handling starts.
Barry is a joy to watch. I'm glad to see the trend for quiet, gentle training is catching on all over the world -- Western, dressage, equitation, jumping, etc. Many trainers now use the quiet approach, paying attention to the way horses think and view their world.
Hi pretty woman with a lovely smile. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there??
Maybe alot of people can "break" horse's but only 1 can start and finish a horse to perfection with kinds words and even kinder hands.
Your amazing Barry. It's a joy to watch you work.
wow, yes, you said/wrote it.
Yeah the hook family are the best
This was lovely. I felt like I was there myself looking at the flowers, scenery and enjoying the weather. Beautiful pony and it's wonderful to be kind to them.
Please don't apologize for being passionate about your craft. You are a true master
THIS. We need more real trainers like this. I looovvveee that you actually give them an opportunity to deal with ‘real world’ issues- too many, especially in the driving world, keep their horses so sheltered that when a real situation appears they cannot handle it. (Case in point, canter to stop transition on pavement- real world) am so so happy I found you all. I learn something new EVERY TIME! If I ever go across the pond, I’m skipping allll the tourist things and going to camp out on ur door step to watch and learn!!!!!!
I love your channel because you really understand horses and you are so right when you say you must be able to read a horses body language. I used to drive horses for a living and we had to break the new horses in when they were on a job. I think that no one should be able to see what a driver is doing with their hands because the feel on the reins should always be as light as it can be.
Confidence allows driver to enjoy the horse and from that the horse can enjoy being driven
It’s a gift Barry has !
Thank-you, Maggie! Hope you and the boys are well!
Barry...”I’m Just an ordinary fellow”
Wrong....You are the Master of Horse training‼️‼️👍
What a testimony to your training when the whole group of motorcycles passed!
You live in such a beautiful country! There is no garbage & trash lying everywhere, NO JUNK, No blasting loud cars & their stereos, Looks very clean there! Beautiful!
Oh, @tinnybird1971, I wish that was true. But I'm glad you are seeing the best of it, not the ugly parts.
You are an absolute pleasure to watch. Excellent trainer on every level. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Listening to someone so experienced is very special. Glad you have apprentices who make it possible for us to see. Thank you 🙏
Love your videos. It's obvious you love and appreciate horses. My great grandparents were timber merchants, logging with horses in the late 1800s near Pontywaun in Wales. I often think that when you see horses with a lot of gear on it's because the rider or driver really can't control them any other way and of course it's the horses that suffer for their ignorance.
You often rant about bits. It always reminds me of the time I tried to buy a rubber bit. They are common, but only for driving (so I was told). I wanted it for riding, but the girl refused to sell it to me because it wasn't for riding. That was when I quit using a bit. I ride in a halter now. People can't understand how I can control a horse in a halter. I think you know. I feel sorry for the young girl that wasn't allowed to compete because of her rubber bit. Idiots dictate your horsemanship. Here (Saskatchewan Canada), they even tell you what kind of metal to shove in their mouth. There is a reason I don't show. The horse is more important.
Unbelievable!! Thank you for riding bitless👍🏻💕
I love that you work with the lightest pressure possible. Retaining their sensitivity and being kind is so important, in my opinion. What a beautiful horse and a beautiful drive. Those flowers spilling over into the roadway are so gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information from all your years of work and sharing such beautiful drives. It's such a treasure.
Love your videos.... I am “restarting” my Morgan mare in a rubber bit now... I was afraid to before as she would be so strong and bracing against the bit... but we have solved MANY different pain issues... I’ll fitting cart (to narrow), I’ll fitting harness, (back band to narrow and hard), poor balance of cart (to much weight on the narrow back band).... and last but not least... a VERY imbalanced mouth... which cause problems in her mouth! Thank God she is super forgiving... We have had one drive so far in the rubber bit and will continue our re-work this way.... Thank you for your videos! I appreciate your work and have hope we (I) can do a better job with my mare... we have replaced, all the above! Good fitting cart, comfy harness, dental work... and more understanding on MY part... with more to go... the hardest thing right now is to get her used to VERY large/truck like cement mixers or dump trucks coming up behind her... she panics... How do you approach this problem? Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for all you present. I refer new drivers and old to your site, because I think we are lucky to have the technology that enables your wisdom to be shared. Thanks again.
Thanks Carol!
I worked at Roosevelt raceway on Long Island in New York, and I believe in what you do and Love the style in which you do it! With kindness comes great reward! Thanks to you and the whole crew!! 😘🌎🕊🐴
Hi how are you
Amazing training methods!!! Fascinating you working with a rubber bit. Most would use a curb bit for driving for "safety". My own horse hat 2 hours of drive training. First time normal bit - he, well prepared, worked like a professional hero in harness (25 years old at that time), second time the trainer put a curb bit on (we were too lazy to change) and the poor guy reared and nearly damaged some cars. you cannot really controll a horse by a tough bit, at least not compensate missing decent and thorough training by a curb bit. You are sooo right.
Thanks. Hope lots of horse people listen and learn from you.
YOU handled the rearing so well so calm I love your technics you truly have a gift with these gracious horses ponys... love goes a long way patience goes a long way x
Every time I see a new video posted from HDP my day is made. Jake is a pony of character. Barry manages him with the laid back competence of great experience. Jake doesn't know it but he is a very lucky pony.
I absolutely love what you are doing! You have explained so very much, and I do appreciate that! Thank you for taking your time !!!!!
Great to see how a gentle direction gets this pony to settle down - as opposed to over-reacting and possibly upsettling him which would have led to even more dangerous behaviour.
Instead both pony and driver have a pleasant and safe trip. By the end, I'm sure that all that the pony will remember of the day's drive was that they had a nice time and when they got home he got a wash and a good meal. Perfect!
Empathy and Old World wisdom....watching these is a treat.
Every time I see driving events there is always some accident. Horse accidents are happening as a driver drives, its how you read and deal with your horses that keeps them from manifesting as an actual incident. This guy is very good. I love watching Barryhook.
You are a true horseman Barry.iyour experience shines through.you take horses and ponies from all backgrounds.and they all go in the same confident way.calm assertive. A joy to whatch. Who cares about the others .like to see them match you.the horse world is a lot better with you in it.
Thanks for a lovely drive through town and countryside. Beautiful scenery! Vehicles are quieter in your country than the US! And people keep the hedges trimmed so nicely. As to the rubber bits, I say bravo! The proof is in the pudding.
Wow, this was such an amazing video! Jake is in good hands. Beautiful scenery💛very lovely to watch.
When you retrain horses, how in the world do you retrain the owners so the same problem doesn't happen again? I love how you are so consistent so that the horses aren't confused.
Excellent question!! That's one of the trainers biggest dilemmas! Very, very often the problem lies with the way the horse is being handled, not with the horse per se.
That is sometimes the problem, Jeanne - yes!
@@barryhook2 Humans are always the problem. Horses are simple.
It’s as much retraining humans 🙏🏻
Thank you for everything you do ! I've learned a great deal about driving horses from you (your videos), and it has made driving horses better without comparison for both me and the horses !
Hi Barry,I have just came across your film.It is wonderful to see such a knowledgeable and kind old fashioned horseman in action.You remind me of my dear old uncle.He would have been over a hundred had he been alive today.He spent his life training and schooling driving horses.No matter how damaged the horse.I never seen him once raise his Hand or his voice to a horse.
But with kindness and patience he was always In charge.It is a privilege to watch You.I will be looking out for your posts.
I have enjoyed your videos, and learning about driving horses. Thank you so much. I am from United States and love horses.
so nice to hear another person telling people what I have been saying, try the bit on yourself.... then tell me how 'gentle' it is
If had metal bit,he’d be chomping on it.
Rubber bits keep their mouth softer I think.
I agree you got to make them stand still when u need them too.
And your desensitising system is the right way; for a horse to be bomb proof must be used to any eventuality on the road.
Your a master horseman ,that’s what you are barry.
Good show barry.
No equine on this planet is “bombproof”
Thats so interesting Barry - i had no idea there were leather bits at all let alone in the 1800's! Thanks for sharing that info! 😄
You are a very good instructor for people and your horses . good lessons. I cherish this sound advice . Thank you.
I'd like to point out that one of your training "tricks" is that you don't overreact to the horses first reaction. So you don't add fuel to the fire, so to speak. I recall one very good handler saying that you need to be the calm center in your horses world.
Amen!! If you don't "freak out" the animals you are with pick up on that
Absolutely - no situation has ever been improved by panicking!
True, I've been working under my trainer with young colts, and the most important thing is to lead by example. I've had horses rear, kick, and try to run, but staying calm and centered and they come back on their own
I love hearing about the olden days 😊. I’d never heard of leather bits before. I’d love to see those catalogues!
Your perfect, I love your opinions based on years of experience.
I do wonder if you used to play horses as we did as kids!😂
You've made your decisions based on your experience, not what is the done thing.
Your videos give us all the tools to carry on what , we also agree......is a better way of doing things.
I hear you correcting me as I drive😁
Love your patience and understanding ❤
I have learned so much from your videos and I’ve been recommended your videos to several people who are learning about driving . Thank you for sharing the wealth of information
Interesting to see the difference in his ears towards the end of the video. I don’t drive, but I thoroughly enjoy your videos.
Think it’s wonderful how calm and gentle you are with him and how you explain everything he’s beautiful
Hi Barry, I am grateful you posted this. I have a youngster who I will put between the shafts sometime in the next 12 months. At his current 2 years of age I have been working on his manners (standing and relaxing) when being led somewhere, in preparation for his future job. (He finds me a boring owner!) I have noticed his "go to" when excited or frustrated in the paddock is a similar form of leap to Jake. My lad does a half rear, straight into a handstand. He often does it in front of a gate. I expect at some stage of his carriage work, he will exhibit this behaviour. It will, therefore, be nice for me to have this reference of you (the maestro) to remember when this eventually occurs.
On the subject of herd behaviour; I have had the luxury of living in countries where space is not at a premium as it is in the UK. I have, at various times, had groups horses turned out "on the hill" for a year or more. A horse that has developed a bond with you, will occasionally leave the herd to approach you, given the opportunity. It is very special moment when it happens!
As far as critics go, re driving styles: I think it is easy for some people to have a narrow view of "what is acceptable". My observation is that many people get bogged down in their own small discipline and forget that for thousands of years, tens of millions of horses and people have worked together in some form or another (much of this in harness). It can almost become a "tribal" attitude....Our way or the highway.... Humans have always, and will continue to battle the primal part of our brains. We need it for survival, yet it can be all too easy to allow it to affect day to day relationships with the world around us. We find it "safe" to have a familiar patterns to things around us. Often, it is (an unconscious form of) this, that causes people to become dogmatic about there only being one "correct" way of doing things. Instead of embracing diversity, they become insular and obsessed with detail. If they can influence the people around them to think, act and behave the same way, then they feel even safer in the order of their world. Some people find this mindset harder to overcome than others do. The world and history are full of examples of these actions and ideas becoming "religious" ideals. It can be hard work to look for a reason behind the differences we come across in life. It being all too easy to jump in and criticise ideas that are not familiar to us. It takes effort and thought and time to critique an idea; rather than simply criticising it Education is generally the key to opening people's minds to other thoughts and ideas. You are currently doing a great job of this with your youtube channel.
PS Is there a reason you do not use leather bits today?
I love the magnificent drives through England, with a wonde
rful, kind good looking driver. Just like a lesson with a story and scenery...Just perfect.
That emergency stop was impressive, and you’re quite right, one day it may be needed.
My favourite video of yours so far. ❤❤❤ this.
Enchanted with your videos. They are wonderful! I love your talent.
I love you say it as it is, especially about bits etc.
You're a very smart man with horses. Thank you for your advise. Matt Clarke
We had several pleasure horses growing up (Florida). They were quarter horses. When we got them, they were each used to a bit. We changed and used a hackamore with a leather chin strap on them. They handled beautifully.
Another Barry success. I love you Barry!
Who or where can I buy rubber bits? Your training makes great sense to me. I have cutting horses and just got a 2 yr old green broke in harness mini from my brother. She's a joy to drive but I plan to watch more to do her justice going forward. Thanks Mr Barry
Hi KMS, you can generally find soft, flexible, rubber bits online or in tack stores. If you are looking to use the same kind of bits as we do, make sure you get the flexible kind, not the solid rubber, nylon bits or rubber 'coated'.
Wonderful! Thanks for reminding us there is another way. Where can I find the steps to start a horse to drive.??
Thank you for these informative videos
this is the lesson my new off track STB is 'struggling' with. Patience, we can stand still..... a real foreign concept to a racehorse 🙂 he is learning it in a flat nylon halter because he came with a major bit issue, instantly and consistently puts his tongue over
Glad you're working on it!
I have retrained clients horses into a rubber bit that where very reactionary they couldn't stand the mettle in their mouth and where really violent and fearful of the pressure and I have had some horses that work happily with a plain snaffle and are satisfied. Some that prefer other bits like a French link etc. In my mind I work with what they are happy to go in and have many no leverage bits I have leverage bits with the tags still on that look pretty on the wall but have never used them. I think with your hands you could drive a horse in any bit it's the skill and feel and quality of communication. Your preparation etc. I have watched people for years and seen people with unhappy horses doing lots of unruly thing and people doing everything from no bits to horrid bits and the horses not listening regardless of the efforts. So communication and training . If they put the work in like you they should have good results.
After watching many of your videos I also use only rubber bits for my horses. Thank you!
Amen sir. You are so right. Thank you so much for your video
Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there???
I've done a tiny but of driving when I was younger. I loved it.
I first drove a pony and trap (supervised of course) on Coronation Day 1952. I was 6 years old.Always wanted my own set up but sadly it never happened. Just love your videos!
What a lovely little boy, hardworking and pleasent. Oké, here and there a litle temper, but overall very nice and an hard worker, strong also😊
Barry this is a pleasure to watch.god bless huw an rie.from huw butty in South wales
Thank you for all your wonderful tips! :)
Great to watch.
Hi. What are your thoughts on not using blinkers? Will be interested to hear.
Hi Rachael,
We have a done a few videos on this subject!
You can check them out here:
ua-cam.com/video/MAyJzdSvqZs/v-deo.html
You sir are amazing 🤩
Love watching your video's.
This really good n I always enjoy these videos .
Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there??
How could I start driving?. I have been riding but lost my nerves and would love to learn driving. Thank you very much. Your horses are so good
The best way is to find someone experienced near to you - somewhere you can go and drive a well-trained horse and get some lessons.
LOVED the note at the end. Such a nice explanation. But talking of keeping out of the horses mouth, I ride Quarter Horses in the US - mainly Western Pleasure. From the age of 5 & up if we show we are required to have a bit with a solid mouth and sides. Basically a curb bit. Most WP horses now are “spur trained” so you ride with your legs/spurs & most spurs are blunts or very soft rollers. This way we can leave the mouths alone or even ride without any head gear at all. But I just wish you were here training. I would send my 6 yr old gelding to you in a heartbeat. Thank you for thinking of the horse but expecting them to do as told.
Please show us your lights and how there connected on the back of the carriage, iv wanted to do it on my carriage,
We'll try get a video, Lisa!
Oooo I’d like to see the lights as well.
I have only been driving a year or 2, when I came alone your videos! I find them insightful and with wonderful content. I have a 2 wheeled cart with no break system on it, and so I have to use the rain to stop it. How could I change that? Or maybe put a break system on it? I live in the US in a small town and as far as I know I am the only one here that drives my horses. I would appreciate any suggestions. I watch your videos as often as I can. You have been extremely helpful with helping me to train my 2 boys to harness. I love to drive and I love my boys! Thank you.Carrie
Exactly-the standard of how you train them!
I love all your videos. Any horse I have in for backing, is backed with a rubber bit in its mouth. Even the ones in for rehabilitation, when it came to putting them back into work, I always, stud, gelding, mare, put in a rubber bit. Because I get a better response everytime with that rubber bit and voice. There is no one who can tell me otherwise that this is incorrect. If you leave yourself open to learning, the world's your oyster. Close your mind to learning, and you will always live in a cave. Best Regards from Ontario, Canada, Jenn.
I agree: Always use a rubber bit after a horse has had a bad experience with a harsh bit in poor hands.
Hello Jennifer,
Also from T.O., Ontario...I enjoy reading your occasional comments, always make sense, and we are so fortunate to have Mr. Barry Hook's wisdom to help both humans and horses!
Fantastic video again. Just a quick question. Do you do any long reining in traffic before going out with the cart or is it all done when driving?
Hi Jeanette, no we don't do any long-reining in traffic - it is all done in cart. We feel it is dangerous to long rein out on the public highway as if the horse spins away, it could get tangled in the lines or drag the handler into a dangerous situation.
@@barryhook2 thank you for your advice. I'm just starting a little 4 year old section d and wanted to do things right. I've usually broken ponies that have been ridden so they have a bit of experience.
"Pressure and release" refers to a lot of training things that aren't related to bits. In a nutshell, anything that encourages a horse to do something is "pressure" and removing that cause or pressure is "release". The release is as a type of reward for the horse's positive or desired response to the pressure.
I totally agree with what you're saying about bites
I listened to my horse and end put her to harness as a 4 year because she wanted to be challenged mentally ( I have a horse that has a brain)
She is a driving mare but unfortunately due to my lack of experience, my lack of help I have stopped driving now, which I deeply regret she really would take much to put back in harness as very well to learn
Hi - I'm curious about the lower transition towards the very end of the video. I would like it if I could see his hands and the direct response from the horse, but I can't. It looks like there's some slack into the reins to slow down. If there's a video with the hands and relationship to the horse's response I'd like to see it.
Thank you
Thanks for your comment, we'll stick that on our list of films to make!
@@barryhook2 thank you! And yippee! 😄
Hi im just watching your videos on utube wow your good!!.. I was just wondering do you train cobs to drive too I have a 2year old hes not been rode or driven before but he is so laid back I would think he would learn quickly and I want to learn to drive myself but haven't got a clue
Jacob in this video is a cob! We train. any kind of equine to drive. We do not take them for training until they have had their third birthday and would always recommend getting professional help when training your horse for driving or riding. If you'd like more information about our training, please get in touch via email on: barryhook1@gmail.com
A lovely lesson.. thank you. Would you ever have a rubber bit with a thin mouthpiece? I purchased one from Korsteel, but the mouth piece is so fat that he really didn't like it. He now is in a bit with what referred as "maximum. Tongue relief " mouthpiece, and I only use the snaffle rein when driving, and he is quite happy, but if you would ever have any of your bits available, I would be more than happy to purchase.
Barry designed some thinner bits a while ago, however we struggled to find a rubber that was both flexible and durable enough for the job. Currently we're using Korsteel or Shires.
I was in a barn of an old Standardbred harness racer not log ago. I think he was active in the '60's-'80's, maybe? Sure enough, I found a 100% leather driving bit.
B Cazz, what a great find! Hope you kept it :))
What a lovely way you have with horses. have you heard if the Beauriful Jim Key? Please take the time to read the story on you-tube. It is a true story and very inspirational.
We call that sneaky tail where I come from. 🤣
where do you actually buy your rubber bits? i have happy mouth bits bu they are certainly les flexible than you describe yours. thank you
Korsteel or Shires currently, but we're looking at some other brands presently.
@@barryhook2 ,thank you! I bought a shire one there a week ago but it's fairly stiff and has those 2 little nobbles on it it the middle,which I am not so sure about .
We used to drive all horses in leather bits in the late 70s but it's almost impossible to get them now.
I love your films so much!
Wonderful horse black and White 🐴🐴👍❤️
Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there
What would happen if you took off the blinders and allowed the horse to see around him like he is supposed to do being a prey animal?
Funnily enough, Jake does do blinklerless work too! Have a look at our 'Blinkerless' playlist to see just how horses can be when they don't wear blinkers for driving.
From a training perspective, this is building resilience. This can mean the animal gets put in a situation where it's uncomfortable and slightly painful but training for it gives the animal confidence to either try something else or carry on depending on the situation
That's the gist, yes!
My new idol is Barry, have learned much from him😊
I have a horse I would like to start on a buggy, road horses all my life but want to try a buggy, but never done it how do I start, I love watching your videos, but haven't seen the one for beginners yet
Hi Rebecca, we do not believe in step by step videos, as every horse is so different what is the best way of doing things for one will be the opposite for another - and without experience it is hard to judge which method and which order a horse needs. We suggest you find an experienced trainer in your area to help or train your horse for you.
I somehow like the fact that you have so many roads unseen from the fields, hidden with bushes, we don't have that in Switzerland. The people living behind these bushes don't see the roads and cars , which is nice...
Great video
I would love to just sit in on one.of your training outings.
Barry u are a good driver. So many people misuse horses and I'm glad u dont
Why would anyone choose to use a metal bit after you have proved that rubber works?
Beyond me.
My horse is rearing and hates waiting. Paws the floor and bunny hops. Been watching your videos . Where are you based?? Thanks
Hi Katie, we're based near Andover, Hampshire - UK.
I might give you a call and discuss bringing her to you for some training. ❤
@@MsKatie1987 No problem, send an email to: barryhook1@gmail.com and we'll send you our training information.
Thank goodness someone understands bits and horse anatomy pressure release no pain release and we can not do that to humans. Why Because that torture
Hey Barry. My Shetland pony was attacked by a dog and now she throws her head, thrashes around, and generally wants nothing to do with anyone touching anywhere near behind her ears. She takes a bit willingly but you can’t get the bridle behind her ears. Any advice? I have been scratching her forehead and sneaking a brief touch for a year and no progress.
Hi Chelsea, you'd be welcome to give us a ring on (01264) 720200 around 18:00GMT to talk to Barry about her.
Just going back to the bits, I drive my boy in a butterfly, but it’s a flexible rubber without a curb chain and it’s on the snaffle loop. Looks like a ‘driving dit’ but is gentle. Silly rule in the show ring if that’s the case.
More than once we've had people with horse's we've trained been told in the show ring that they cannot drive in rubber bits!
barryhook2 do you know if the rules can be challenged? Shows are to show off the training and ability of the horse, a rubber bit shouldn’t be a disqualification.