I was helping one of our guides saddle the horses one very cold morning in Montana. I didn't know the techniques for putting in a bit and the first thing he told me is to put the bit inside my jacket under my arm for a few minutes. He explained how uncomfortable a cold bit must be for a horse to take and I really appreciated the wisdom that Tom gave me. I rode a particular horse there for six years and came to really love him. He was a big mountain horse with a Roman nose and wide withers. He was always wanting to be in the lead, but would settle eventually and be farther back in the line. He wasn't fast but he could pull you up an incredibly steep grade in complete darkness in the forest. He eventually was retired and is living out his years on the eastern front of the Rockies. He loved apples and peppermints. My friend Tom is no longer with us and his passing was really hard to deal with. I miss them both.
All good & agreed on the grooming & bit. When I got my Belgium-Quarter, Babe, she was "roached, bobbed, bit & shod." I let her mane & tail grow out, took the bit out of her mouth & the shoes off her feet, rode her bare back mostly. She loved the freedom and flourished. She would follow me around like a big dog. God I loved that horse.
Not being a horse rider but a primary school teacher, I find that your quiet ways and demeanor gives me constant food for thought, and for that I thank you, Sir.
I took my 13 old son and myself to Dewayne's horsemanship school a couple summers ago. Although I have a couple horses, I am not an experienced horseman and don't have the time to ride often or train them right. I enjoy learning his tips and his insights, and learning from his wisdom. He's a very well read and intelligent individual and keenly intuitive. It was fun and interesting. My motivation for going to his school was less about horses and more about his approach on life and horsemanship and a chance to take an educational trip with my oldest. From his videos I gathered that the way I treat my horses, the mindset I am in when I am trying to train them, and whether or not I am picking up on their nonverbal cues, directly correlated to how I am when I am doing the same w/one of my 3 sons. I wanted my son and I to learn horsemanship together, and as a product of that learn about communication and understanding. Learning to practice that calm proper mindset when I want them to hear and learn from me, learning to practice finding and understanding their cues as feedback....anyways, I could drone on and on. I am sure you understand. It was monumental for me and how I build my relationship with my boys. How we interact with horses is very indicative of how we interact with other people, particularly children. Just wanted to share my idea with you. Good luck during this year at school! I am sure you have more impact than you realize every day.
@@MrJrFishI am honestly seriously considering applying for his school in 25 for my 10y and I. It would be as much about learning horses as well as being together and keening each other with Dwayne eye on it. He is the oldest of 4 boys and I was absent chasing security in paying off our debt and it shows in our relationship and he loves horses as much as I do though we do not own any. My mother has 3 which is where I am found our common ground. Any thoughts? Thank you
@@drob762 It would be life changing for you both. Horses saved my life growing up. I no longer have horses and I listen because the philosphies are applicable across species.😊 i find it particularly helpful to bear in mind while working with ptsd. The non dominating mind, patient gentle noticing frame of mind set is incredibly helpful and healing.
I learned when I rescued an AQHA foundational gelding who was so shut down that horses have muscle-memory from the hard-handedness, abuse, trauma & whippings that he had been subject to (he had bullwhip whip/slash marks along his body from the mid-barrel to his rear on both sides). If I could have found the person/people who had done this to him, there would have been a retribution. He would freeze up, shut down or attempt to flee. I decided (after the vet & I treated all of his medical conditions, injuries, deworming him was a tricky thing- he was so full of worms, that it took 3 trips to the dump to unload a pickup bed toppled with huge black Hefty lawn bags from his droppings, before he finally stopped passing all of the worms.), that I was going to turn him out to pasture for a year, in the hopes the herd would heal his trauma & ground him. I wanted him to just learn how to be a horse again. I smiled, as he was a such a loner (just like me) & would often just stand under a huge cypress tree in the shade, ignoring all of the other horses & just staring off into the hills. I learned that he loved water! When the rains would come in the winter, this stream would flow thru the ranch in his pasture(s) & he would lay down on his tummy, with his hole head & body beneath the waters surface, then resurface like Pegasus flying up from the ocean. He became my water pony. I’d only bring him in to give him his mash, groom him & give him a treat or two (he had never even had a carrot 🥕 before, let alone a cookie, as he had no idea what they were😞), vet checks, floats, vaccinations & farrier visits. I started having him just follow me everywhere on a lead rope - barn, stalls, tack room, feed room (where the cookies were!), any tight quarters. As I wanted him to learn that he could trust me, that we would always be able to get out of a tight spot. I used music therapy to touch his soul - at first, classical music, but I found that he was more of a Willie & Waylon fan. I’d just have my cellphone & let the music play softly, if I were treating a wound or in our curious explorations of the Ranch. He quickly became fearless & would follow me anywhere. On the first day that I got him shipped out here in California from that hellhole Kauffman’s killpen in Texas, I told him he was my horse now, that no one was ever going to lay a hand on him again or ride him & that was how it was gonna be…I let him know he was safe now. I wanted to give him a name after a famous warhorse, so I started researching warhorses since antiquity (while waiting for my boy to get shipped out here) - Bucephalus (Alexander the Great’s horse, who looked like a Fressian/black Andalussin), other great warhorses - such as Chief Crazyhorse’s horse (he was called this name because he was a horse whisperer), etc. none of them fit my bay foundational QH, who was built like & looked like Doc Bar. Then, I read about general Robert E. Lees famous warhorse who was named Traveller. This horse had quite the reputation. When I examined drawings & statues of the general’s horse, I thought, “that’s it!”, as he looked similar to him, although I suspect that the general’s horse Traveller had more TB in him. So, that’s what my boys name became - Traveller. He was fearless after he found himself again. There were a herd of 50 Italian water Buffalo 🐃 (like the kind in Africa with big horns that fight off lions, but a little smaller) that moved onto the adjacent property fence line. LOL, Traveller would rather go lie down with them & the rest of the herd gave the water Buffalo a wide berth. In the end, it was the water Buffalo herd that grounded Traveller & gave him the courage to live again. He became the kindest horse - always one to spot/know that someone was sad/distraught & to approach them. He just knew. One day, when he was ready, I decided to take him for his first ride in the arena. I told him I was pretty sure he must’ve been a ranch horse at one time. So, I put a fancy head stall on him with a snaffle bit & saddled him up. He looked as amused as me, as I told him this was either going to be a nice, slow walk around the arena, or I was going to find a new way to fly, LOL. My guess was right & he’d been ridden before, but he had no idea what a snaffle bit was. So I switched to a curb bit & we were now in business! I soon took him out for his 1st trail ride. Ever. He’d never been trail ridden before & this was overwhelming for him, just unloading him & taking him up in a beautiful open space was blowing his mind! We had ourselves a nice little trail ride thru fields & forests & we both watched the sunset over the hills. He didn’t want to leave. I then took him to the headlands one day, as I wanted to ride him to show him the Pacific Ocean. He could smell the sea, but couldn’t see it initially & knew something was up. He stood in awe when we came out of the headlands & he could see the huge open Pacific for the first time ever. After that, Traveller & I had many adventures going down different trails in different places. He always loved it! He had a beautiful, smooth canter & trot. I guess I learned this with horses, trust takes time. That you need to get your horse to follow you fearlessly. All of my horses would walk with me through 🔥. That if you’re real quiet & listen, you just might get lucky & have the honor of hearing your horse. One has to let go of their ego & anything that is bothering them, they’re worried about, angry about, they had a bad day at work. Whatever. One has to just let that all go as soon as one opens the gate or stall to colllect their horse. Because horses feel all of that energy & it affects how they interact with you, especially after you get on them, because all of those emotions you’re having flow right down from you into them. So, you got to let it all go beforehand. It’s also important to just go out everyday & just hang out with the herd & your horses. Come out with a cup of coffee & just hang out with them. No expectations that you’re going to try & Catch ‘em, put a halter on them & lead them out the pasture gate to the barn. Just hang with them. It becomes a social gathering & they quickly realize that everytime you come walking out, you’re not going to put them to work or whatever. I learned to stop telling people the story of rescuing & rehabbing Traveller from slaughter, because that was our private story. He was a horse that I treated like any of my horses to ride & work with. He was such a good boy, so he didn’t have any bad habits to correct. Although, when first starting to condition him (he had been starved, neglected in every possible way & was really deconditoned), I learned he could count to 10, LOL, as I would only have him do a canter 10 times one way & 10 times the other way. As soon I had counted out the 10th lap, he’d spin around & do 10 laps the other way. He was smart! & he had learned how to protect himself & at first, give me only what I asked for, nothing more. I’d put him & Flyer, my big Polish Arabian in the round pen together, & Flyer would be doing about 50 million laps & Traveller would just do his 10 each way & that was it, LOL. Both of my boys were bays with black manes & tails, Traveller had brown highlights in his. Flyer had 4 black socks & Traveller was sockless. Even though Flyer was 16.1 HH & Traveller was 15’HH, people would get my boys confused all of the time. They became known as “The Twins.” When I eventually had to put my beloved heart horse Flyer down due to arthritis & laminitis (I thought seriously that he would outlive me for years) @ the age of 21, it broke me & I was very sad. Traveller is the one who gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. One day, I put him in the round pen, but he started cantering fast & wouldn’t stop & would switch it up & go at warp speed, just like Flyer used to do. Traveller had NEVER done this before. Ever. He was showing & telling me that it was time to ride again. So we did! I used to tell people that I rescued Traveller, but really, my sweet boy rescued me. Ride them like you stole ‘em, because you’ll never know when the day will come when you won’t be able to ever ride them again, until it’s too late. Also, ladies (& some men too), never miss an opportunity to kiss your horse, because one day you won’t be able to again & you’ll wish you had. One final piece of advice - always know what time it is by the position of the sun, so you’ll also know which direction is N, S, E & W, for navigating, in the event you ever get lost out there in the wilderness trail riding. Buy a compass & learn how to use it. Finally, always trust your horse if you get disoriented on going the right direction in taking the trail back to the trailhead. The horse knows the way. Happy trails.
@@lindaed3594 my dear boy colic’d severely about 2 years ago & I had to let him go. I figure he was about 28 years old when he passed away. I miss him every single day.
Too many people treat their horses as a human would like, NOT what a horse would like. We are suppose to be the smarter beings according to humans, but we are actually the most deadly creatures on Earth.
@@HorseLady1109 Horses are living thinking feeling beings, equipment is not. Anyone that sees horses as equipment or tools shouldn't own horses ever. This world needs changed for the better.
@@topazzsky I meant that I didn’t know enough, as I was just beginning my horse journey, to understand or figure out the saddles I had available to me (I didn’t own my own yet) we’re not working for this mare and I was causing her pain. I did not say or imply horses are equipment.
Thank you for the shout out! Pat calls our snaffle The Missing Link. He came up with it for the exact reason you’re talking about in your video. He noticed a lot of horses in our clinics balling up their tongues and bracing their jaws. Bottom line is he couldn’t get them to focus completely on what he was as asking them to do. So he wanted to figure out how to make it better for these horses. Thanks again!
I bought one of your missing link bits for my daughters boy. He is a bit of a sensitive lad, quarter horse, and he has come a long way to relaxing. The bit was whizzing at first, now barely so. It really helped my daughter too. She could hear when he was struggling, overwhelmed, distracted etc. It has been a great tool. It is well made. It is definitely worth the money and postage to get it here to Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. This is why I love You tube. I would not have found Pat and his bit otherwise. My shout out for Pat and his missing link bit.
“ I will never groom my horse to their detriment, for the sake of my pride.” That is succinct wisdom that only some of us will ever know. Pass it along until the young ones come to understand.
@@quakslikeaduckThe idea is that you can work them harder without them getting all sweated up. However, few of us work our horses that hard and it's totally unnecessary to clip off their winter woolies. They should be rugged and stabled if you do this. Mine live out all year with their natural coats and I ride them most days. They're very happy, healthy horses. A lot of people hardly work their horses but remove their hair simply because they look smarter.
My mare was harshly trained as a Reiner and ridden in a correction bit with her chin on her chest - I bought her when she was 9 and changed the bit to a Mylar Comfort Snafffle - it took me years to undo what that harsh training did to her mentally but her body… she’s retired now with a lot of arthritis and navicular and she’s not 20yrs old yet. I will never ride a horse who is in pain and worried about it. She is fairly stoic and compliant but I see ever bit of tension, every wrinkle, every head position, ear, eyes, tail - it’s all right there to see and notice and let them know that you see them. Thank you for listening to your horses!
I love those mylar comfort snaffles! I use one with a low port and a roller in the middle that is very much like that Puckett bit he talks about in the video (only it doesn't squeal like the Puckett bit does when the horse plays with the roller).
Yesterday, I got to help gather pairs to treat pinkeye near the Missouri River. The pasture was rugged with steep ridges, boggy bottoms, rolling hills, and densely wooded with fingers of thick brush and cedar groves. It was the most difficult riding I've ever done, and I faced it with the best riding I've ever done. I referred back often to what I learned with you, and it was invaluable. Thank you, Dewayne. Hanging in there.
I like your perspective on horsekeeping. Horses do not have a choice in who owns them, what we do with them and the situations we put them in. I find it amazing that they are willing to go along with most of what we ask of them, even if it hurts them. It is our responsibility to keep them safe, and comfortable and never betray their trust. It seems like you see it that way too, Dwayne. Thanks for sharing what you have learned. It may help a horse some day.
Am 85, had horses all my life and what you are saying is truth. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to know about horses. Horses are wonderful. I am basically a trail rider, but now my last horse is about old as me in horse age and we are both kind of creaky. Retired and me, lame. One thing I notice with people and their horses, some tend to think they are schooling their horses by riding in circles. Horses do not really like that but people keep pushing them until they have had enough and get rid of their "problem" person, sometimes getting person hurt badly. NOT the horses fault. JMHO. Oh, and watching some trying to load their horse. (sigh) I have not had a lot of horses, as I keep them until they need to retire. The joy of riding the trails and seeing wild game is just in memory now, Your horses sure are fine looking. Your wisdom is appreciated. God bless you and your ponies. K
Dewayne, I’ve been in dangerous situations out on the range, where people would tell me to “be on the look out” for one thing or another (sometimes a human) that could hurt me. I’ve always said that if I pay attention to my horse, they will alert me before I can ever detect danger. Their defenses can be to our benefit. You’re right on all three things. I use a bosal or hackamore when I don’t need something more specialized.
When we invite these beautiful animals into our lives, the least we can do is take care of them and ensure that when we ride them, we do not put them in pain.
Sir, I have been watching your videos for a long time, and have learnt a lot about life from you. I am a young 20-something guy from a completely different part of the world, and have nothing to do with horses or wrangling or cowboying. Yet I learned a lot about life from your videos. I am currently going through a hard time. If you are seeing this comment, please pray for me sir. Best wishes for you and your family and keep sharing your wisdom with the world. :)
Sending you all the prayers. Hang in there. We all go through crap and it’s hard. But you can overcome almost everything I’m 65 and have had hardships and I still struggle. But I just try to out one foot in front of the other. Life is so much better than the alternative. I hope you overcome hun keep trying. Give yourself grace. ❤️
In this fast-paced life of a busy city I live in, your videos and the way you talk make me feel like I am taking a long break from it all. Much love to you and all the beautiful horsies from Poland
Thanks for sharing your wisdom on horses so eloquently. I felt totally engaged in your teaching on caring for our majestic friends. Your horses are so beautiful, I felt their lovely energy as I listened to you. 🙏🌟🐎🌟😢
Glad you mentioned the nutcracker effect that snaffles have. I've noticed some need to shift to a dogbone or French link to ease them back into trusting hands.
It’s so nice to see somebody that has learned from past mistakes and realize that we all make mistakes. But we should all continue to learn. I’m so glad I don’t do the same things now that I did 20 years ago.
Great thoughts Sir. I always blame myself instead of the horse. I'm the one that needs to learn and grow. Been grieving the loss of a mare that got out and made her way to the highway and was killed by a semi. Thankfully the driver was uninjured. Been pretty rough to get past. Spending more time with my other horses. Thankful for you
I am so sorry, as I totally understand. I'm 70, but I was about 19 when my beautiful gray 3yo mare Quarter Horse, somehow jumped/went thru the fence at my grandparents farm in MD just as it was getting dark. By the time we found her, she had been hit by a car and died that night. Will never know what got into her, as I was putting my other horse in and she ran back into the pasture running around like crazy. Wasn't her at all. Had her since a 2yo and had just saddle broke her right after she turned 3. Still brings me to tears all these yrs later. Sending you prayers.💕
I had two horses - back to back - for 35 years of my life, and I totally agree with you. I found the 'Spooky Days' were often the windiest days bringing the smells of all sorts of predators to them, faster ! So, yeah - if they spook a bit at that ? They're just thinking about their own self preservation - so give them a break, everyone ! Your comments on bits were right on, too. :)
Amazing Tips! I’m not a horse owner, however I follow Clever Girl and she has educated me with the horse world and it makes me sad that people can be cruel and give up on a horse based on their behavior issues. Everything takes time and patience in Life ❤ CG rehabilitates them to learn to trust and brings them back to good health.
Thank you for your input and wisdom sir. I come from a ranching family from Mexico and I grew up wishing I could have been raised in more of a cowboy setting. I plan on having a ranch of my own and raising livestock. I really appreciate your wisdom.
To the second point, I feel like horses are like us, we have our "off" days where every little thing sets us off; such days in horses may be the ones they are fidgety, easily spooked, etc. There may not seem to be any logical reason, but emotions or mental state can be a fickle thing. To the third, a more comfortable horse is a happier horse, and a happier horse is going to be more calm and focused on what you're doing together instead of a thought of "I'll be glad when this is over with". I'm glad you are about their mental and emotional well-being along with the physical, because those aspects are just as important and affect the other areas of life. Animals may not have the same minds as us, but how life affects us, apply similar to them, and if we're cognizant of that, it's better for everybody.
Oh and the analogy about the horse deserving the same pair of comfortable boots as you helped me realize something I never would have took into consideration. That was a lil nugget of gold, thank you.
The ones I bred myself, we ended up working with one mind, they could read me, and I read them. One mare, if she did something out of character, always had a reason. I was out droving, got off to relieve myself and roll a smoke. Late afternoon, bringing in the tail, horses and camp ahead. When I remounted, she went about 5 paces and baulked. Very strange. Gave her her head, clucked her on, and she turned back and stood over my stockwhip, which I had left in the grass and forgotten! Go figure, do horses really think like that? Another time I was packing through town easements, beside the bike paths, under main roadways through tunnels, mostly real high. One tunnel was round and lower, but they were ears up and going through (her sister had the pack on). I ducked my head, and she baulked real sudden. I heard her opinion, clear as you like. She said "If I have to manoeuvre in here, this ain't safe." They were in to their shoulders, I backed them out, rode back along the railing below the road, up the bank onto the sidewalk, along to the major intersection with traffic lights, , reached down and pressed the pedestrian button, crossed with a green signal, made our way back down to the parkland. What a hoot, these days, motorists staring. My two, any issues, I listened, they knew more than I did, and our mutual trust was profound. Traffic was never scary, they knew I understood it. I never clipped or cleaned up any hair, God put it there and they need it. Bit was almost always a plain jointed snaffle. They were little, Snowy River blood in their veins, bred from legends, not paperwork. I am a strong believer in Genetic Memory. Greetings from Australia. I love this channel.
Couldn't agree more with you on these 3 things Dewayne, thank you!! I would add to your number 2...the horse could also be uncomfortable physically. At times when I thought my horses were being 'difficult', I became frustrated. Soon discovering a physical issue. Not proud of MY frustration!! But always learning 🙏🐴💕 Thanks for all of your wisdom and transparency
I thank you so much for this video. I used to follow an English lady with two beautiful riding horses, until I saw her one day shave off the hairs around her horses mouth. I was shocked to see her do this and I unsubscribed from her channel. I could almost feel the sensation the poor horse felt as those very long hairs, I call them feeler hairs, came off. I don't have horses, I used to ride as a child and loved it very much. It's good to hear you have learned new things and implemented them in order to do the best things for your horses. They look very comfortable and calm.
I like your approach and insight. In 61 years of having horses and working with them I learned a lot from them: Planning ahead, organizing, being considerate and accepting limitations. Roaching manes and docking tails belong to the things that seem to be popular with draft horse people here in the States ( back in Bavaria where I am from horse owners appreciate long manes and tails); manes and tails function as a protection against insects there where the horse can't fight them with its mouth. Traditions that ease the work for the owner are not always in sync with the horse's needs. Much can be said about the harnessing as well as shoeing. You rightfully point out that things that are a discomfort should be avoided, for example in my opinion overchecks that force the head up artificially. Greetings from Missouri
Love your videos.In the old days, the bit was part of the sale. That's why anyone worthy of being a hand has multiple options. Each horse is unique, and individual so what works on one might not work on another.
So glad that back in my horsey days, a spooking here or there never really bothered me. Sometimes we would take time to investigate the thing and sniff around. As for bits...they are connected to a sensitive mouth. No need get heavy handed. There are better ways as you and I are always learning. Every living thing is learning. Thank you for validating my insticts too.
I see Pat and Deb Pucket gave you a shout out and I got this bit -The missing link- and it is working great for all my horses, It has a tongue roller which distracts and seems like it comforts all of them Happy with it Love your videos
Lovely video and absolutely heartwarming to hear such common sense. I was around and worked with horses a lot in my younger days, although we never had our own sadly, but there are so many people out there who just don't respect horses as individuals with their own likes and dislikes - they should always be respected. I used to ride a beautiful thoroughbred mare and she was super spooky about every tiny little thing, but that was OK, she was who she was! And she was the fastest horse I've ever ridden. I used to call it flying! Thank you for a great video.
Well said Dwayne thank you. More please. I’ve seen many “seasoned” Aussie campdrafters and young rodeo participants, use the bit as a punishment after they haven’t scored high enough in a competition. They had deliberately purchased a twisted snaffle, specific for the reason to punish, and by pulling from side to side, “see sawing” it in the horses mouth in a very harsh way causing shocking pain. Some rusted as well. Disgraceful behaviour. Those horses often end up at sale yards, the injuries are visible, hence go to slaughter. Very few are rescued. Very sad.
We have some big fires near us. Also I am very sorry to hear that about your state. I know some of the states have just hundreds of fires it seems like I am in Southern California to the fires are in Mexico 5 miles to the south of me and about 50 miles to the west of me and then one that’s another 45 miles to the north west of me but I think they’re all under control. Thank you for that great advice.
When I was starting my mare she was a horrible head tosser. I tried multiple different bits and when that didn't solve it I tried making her "suck it up" and get over it. But I finally said "you're not going to learn anything like this" and started her bitless. I'm not anti-bit and I did have full intentions to teach her to ride in one once she learned enough in the hackamore because she was originally only meant to be a project to eventually sell. She's done so well bitless though and I've decided she'll be sticking around, so for now she's happy and I'm happy so she'll remain bitless On the flip side my mom had a gelding who would get anxious in the hackamore but was happy in a short shank, low port Myler
I totally agree with the grooming and trimming of the ear hair and the the whiskers,,,my dad told that probably 30 years ago..but I have a lot to learn about bits,, thank you for the information.
Dwayne, made me go jog my memory. I can't recall ever trimming hairs around muzzle, but I probably did some, when young & showed horses for a bit as a youth. I wish I could claim, not blaming a horse for something, but; as you stated, had to mature out of that. As for bits, I would like to think, I was a little more perceptive . Not as deep as you describe; but, was not so stubborn, I wouldn't make change, if horse was visibly agitated, with a bit; snaffle, or spade, etc. Great topics, would enjoy seeing more. Thanks
Very true On the bits I used to teach riding classes for beginners and studied bits To teach people what hands can do if used harshly in a horse’s mouth I used a snaffle bit put it in the area of the arm that bends and then told them to lightly apply pressure That’s what will happen in the horses mouth Worked well for them to understand Had the best snaffle that everyone like made by Sam Powell Very great training bit Praying you are all safe and the fire gets put out soon Be blessed
Thank you so much for this video. It was very helpful for a beginner like me. I would greatly appreciate a video on how to use the different types of bits.
Great advice! The Myler brothers have done a lot of research into the shape of the horse's palate and how bit function affects them. The Myler and Billy Allen tongue relief mouthpieces are very similar to Pat Puckett's " Missing Link" version. If the horse is comfortable in his mouth, he will be more comfortable in his training or riding and become a better partner with his rider or trainer.
I got into horses later in life. My first "horse" was actually a female mule; best darn horse I ever had. I'm getting ready to move to a little town on the Colorado River called Ehrenberg, Arizona. There are tons of burros and wild horses and warm air, that in the summer and winter time, makes my bones feel good. Watching Dwayne vids had made me realized and everything I own, actually owns me; and, simple is more. It seems to help me in my quest to return to God, or the Great Spirt, and live a life that is simpler. Have a good day Dwayne. Roy, So Cal, Brawley California
I loved horses growing up, I was never able to own my own, but I had family that would let me ride every weekend with them. I haven't been riding in about 20 years and I miss it so much, and my daughters love horses too and I can't wait until they get to experience so they know mommy isn't joking about how fun it is! My top for things I want to do with my kids is going trail riding and camping on a mountain. It'd be so wonderful!
What a wonderful Roan Quarter Horse you got there Sir! And yeah, these things should be learn at first when you get a horse, because they can look simple, but theyre very useful, like the hair inside of their ears. If i learned something, is that something is somewhere, for a reason. I like your videos a lot Sir, thanks for taught us important things and values 🤠 I really think that cowboys have true values that this modern society is loosing, sadly.. Ive been going to the Spanish thoroughbred fairs in my village my entire life, i swear i love horses, theyre wonderful creatures Greetings from a tiny Village in Spain 🇪🇸
Amen! My QH mare would bolt if a dry leaf skittered across the road but now she can ride past a busy train track or road no problem, and I never shave her face. I only fold her ears and trim flat the outside hairs, if we go to an event, and always barefoot. (She's mostly a pasture puppy anyhow.) I only have her wear a simple bit and saddle if we ride outside the property for my safety sake.
Thank you for the video! I believe it might be that the Pat Puckett snaffle is called “The Missing Link” (I know it drives me crazy when I’m trying to remember the name of something! Just so happens that I was riding a horse with one while I was listening to this)
Good advice! All my horses are different. One hates all bits and I use a hackamore. I tried all kinds of bits. She’s good in a hackamore and no problems. I am the same about the Justin boots and they just don’t feel right. I wear Ariat. Your horses are really nice!💜
The most precious lesson that I´ve learned so far in dealing with my horse was to keep calm on it´s back, no matter what. Sometimes I tend to get angry if some exercises doesn´t work the way I want them to be and if you don´t keep calm in that situation and cool yourself down, your body tensioned and so does your horse. Hence nothing works anymore.
At 71 I have been around horses all my life. Anyone getting a horse should learn and study horse behaviour and horse sense/ thinking. Why do they do what they do ??? Learn to think like a horse. Be patient and consistent , firm but gentle and be a partner and thier leader. My life with these 1200 lb animals has been a journey of learning. Wouldnt trade it for anything.
Good info on the bits Dewayne. I quit trimming the muzzle and ears myself a couple years ago. Also I don’t make bridle passes at the poll anymore either. I don’t show, so let them be natural in those areas. Thanks always enjoy your insight.
Agree with all of this! Well said. Understand that they are a horse and not a "mini-me". They have a horse perspective as you said. Let them BE A HORSE and not try to "train the horse out of them". They have good instincts for very good reason. A good trainer will understand that and will KEEP a good relationship with their horse(s). Definitely agree about the bit! We have no idea what discomfort they might be in (although understand that a bit is SUPPOSED to be slightly uncomfortable in terms of incentive to move the direction the rider wants) - that being said a bit should NOT be uncomfortable to them when resting and yes indeed every horse is slightly different in their individual anatomy of their mouth. I just don't like bits period and tend to not even use them but prefer a Hackamore.
Amen, amen, amen.... I sure wish that I knew, when I was young, what I know now. I know everyone has said that before, but I have made so many mistakes but I know better now and I'm over sixty and still learning. This is a good video topic, Dwayne and I hope you will do a little more with it.
There's some things that I hope I'll learn to never want to do to a horse too! And I hope when I learn them, I will always carry that out from here on out. I pray that God will give me the opportunity to learn!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, insight, and wisdom regarding horses. It helps me and my string so much. About the only thing I can offer regarding horses and my experience with them is: give the critter an honest chance. I have had three since i started cowboying in '21, and all of them had been written off by the folks i got 'em from. Every one of my mentors have commented positively regarding what the horses are capable of and showing as far as potential after a few months. I am not an experienced horseman at all, i just love critters and want any in my care to thrive. I guess i just dont have calcified expectations, so the ponies have had a chance to relax and start enjoying the work.
Hello sir, greetings from Wales 🏴 , I work for an gentleman who is a horse whisperer, I listen to his fascinating insight for hour s , thank you for all you do .
Only been riding for two years, but I learned to be very vigilant for sings of real discomfort. I used to lease a horse that ended up getting a bad back (there were a lot of historical reasons why), and I was too much of a novice to realize that she was becoming less and less responsive because of the pain she was in. No one at that barn at the time really stopped to zero in on what was wrong, and I had very little horsemanship experience, so I could only do as I was told. Now, I make sure my horse isn't showing any signs of real discomfort around anything. I make sure to check his hoofs, massage his back, etc, just to prevent soreness from becoming a serious problem.
I enjoy your videos wholeheartedly. I adore Pat Pucket videos as well. I like what you said about bits because that has been very important to me. Same with saddle fit. I've always preferred bitless but I have a donkey that responds beautifully to a bit. I'm in the process of finding that bit that she can enjoy in her mouth. Saddle fitting her has been a challenge, but I found an English saddle that has rigging on it for a belly cinch, breast collar and britchen. I worked on finding all of this out because of your videos. So thank you so much. My donk is a pleasure to ride. I just bought a 1.5 year old colt that I gelded a few days ago and we're working on saddle fit and bits for him as well. He just got his wolf teeth pulled the same day he was castrated, so I'll give him a little bit to heal his mouth before I throw another bit in his mouth. Anyway, my point is that you keep my training process humble. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks so much for posting this, I just happened on this video and now I'm going to scour your site for more horse info. appreciate your approach and your wisdom, & your obvious affection for horses. It makes me feel really interested to learn more about horses from you.
I was helping one of our guides saddle the horses one very cold morning in Montana. I didn't know the techniques for putting in a bit and the first thing he told me is to put the bit inside my jacket under my arm for a few minutes. He explained how uncomfortable a cold bit must be for a horse to take and I really appreciated the wisdom that Tom gave me. I rode a particular horse there for six years and came to really love him. He was a big mountain horse with a Roman nose and wide withers. He was always wanting to be in the lead, but would settle eventually and be farther back in the line. He wasn't fast but he could pull you up an incredibly steep grade in complete darkness in the forest. He eventually was retired and is living out his years on the eastern front of the Rockies. He loved apples and peppermints. My friend Tom is no longer with us and his passing was really hard to deal with. I miss them both.
Sorry for the loss of your friend Tom. He is with you. 🐴🙏🐎🕊️
All good & agreed on the grooming & bit. When I got my Belgium-Quarter, Babe, she was "roached, bobbed, bit & shod." I let her mane & tail grow out, took the bit out of her mouth & the shoes off her feet, rode her bare back mostly. She loved the freedom and flourished. She would follow me around like a big dog. God I loved that horse.
Babe was blessed to find her way to you 💜 What a wonderful cross….ill bet she was beautiful 🤩
Good for you, and Babe! You speak my language....my horses respect me, and I respect them and Most Of All, Their Comfort. It's a beautiful balance.
My favorite way to ride and share life with my equine companions, so grateful! 🐴🙏🐎🕊️
Not being a horse rider but a primary school teacher, I find that your quiet ways and demeanor gives me constant food for thought, and for that I thank you, Sir.
I took my 13 old son and myself to Dewayne's horsemanship school a couple summers ago. Although I have a couple horses, I am not an experienced horseman and don't have the time to ride often or train them right. I enjoy learning his tips and his insights, and learning from his wisdom. He's a very well read and intelligent individual and keenly intuitive. It was fun and interesting.
My motivation for going to his school was less about horses and more about his approach on life and horsemanship and a chance to take an educational trip with my oldest. From his videos I gathered that the way I treat my horses, the mindset I am in when I am trying to train them, and whether or not I am picking up on their nonverbal cues, directly correlated to how I am when I am doing the same w/one of my 3 sons. I wanted my son and I to learn horsemanship together, and as a product of that learn about communication and understanding.
Learning to practice that calm proper mindset when I want them to hear and learn from me, learning to practice finding and understanding their cues as feedback....anyways, I could drone on and on. I am sure you understand. It was monumental for me and how I build my relationship with my boys. How we interact with horses is very indicative of how we interact with other people, particularly children. Just wanted to share my idea with you. Good luck during this year at school! I am sure you have more impact than you realize every day.
@@MrJrFishI am honestly seriously considering applying for his school in 25 for my 10y and I. It would be as much about learning horses as well as being together and keening each other with Dwayne eye on it. He is the oldest of 4 boys and I was absent chasing security in paying off our debt and it shows in our relationship and he loves horses as much as I do though we do not own any. My mother has 3 which is where I am found our common ground.
Any thoughts? Thank you
@@drob762 It would be life changing for you both. Horses saved my life growing up. I no longer have horses and I listen because the philosphies are applicable across species.😊 i find it particularly helpful to bear in mind while working with ptsd. The non dominating mind, patient gentle noticing frame of mind set is incredibly helpful and healing.
@@Prizmn1 thank you
@@MrJrFishI get it… & think that says a lot about you as a parent… that you did this course to help communication with your children …
The good horseman never stops to learn. Keep on this way! 🤠
I think you mean … never stops learning…which I agree with you on that…
I learned when I rescued an AQHA foundational gelding who was so shut down that horses have muscle-memory from the hard-handedness, abuse, trauma & whippings that he had been subject to (he had bullwhip whip/slash marks along his body from the mid-barrel to his rear on both sides). If I could have found the person/people who had done this to him, there would have been a retribution. He would freeze up, shut down or attempt to flee. I decided (after the vet & I treated all of his medical conditions, injuries, deworming him was a tricky thing- he was so full of worms, that it took 3 trips to the dump to unload a pickup bed toppled with huge black Hefty lawn bags from his droppings, before he finally stopped passing all of the worms.), that I was going to turn him out to pasture for a year, in the hopes the herd would heal his trauma & ground him. I wanted him to just learn how to be a horse again. I smiled, as he was a such a loner (just like me) & would often just stand under a huge cypress tree in the shade, ignoring all of the other horses & just staring off into the hills. I learned that he loved water! When the rains would come in the winter, this stream would flow thru the ranch in his pasture(s) & he would lay down on his tummy, with his hole head & body beneath the waters surface, then resurface like Pegasus flying up from the ocean. He became my water pony.
I’d only bring him in to give him his mash, groom him & give him a treat or two (he had never even had a carrot 🥕 before, let alone a cookie, as he had no idea what they were😞), vet checks, floats, vaccinations & farrier visits. I started having him just follow me everywhere on a lead rope - barn, stalls, tack room, feed room (where the cookies were!), any tight quarters. As I wanted him to learn that he could trust me, that we would always be able to get out of a tight spot. I used music therapy to touch his soul - at first, classical music, but I found that he was more of a Willie & Waylon fan. I’d just have my cellphone & let the music play softly, if I were treating a wound or in our curious explorations of the Ranch. He quickly became fearless & would follow me anywhere. On the first day that I got him shipped out here in California from that hellhole Kauffman’s killpen in Texas, I told him he was my horse now, that no one was ever going to lay a hand on him again or ride him & that was how it was gonna be…I let him know he was safe now. I wanted to give him a name after a famous warhorse, so I started researching warhorses since antiquity (while waiting for my boy to get shipped out here) - Bucephalus (Alexander the Great’s horse, who looked like a Fressian/black Andalussin), other great warhorses - such as Chief Crazyhorse’s horse (he was called this name because he was a horse whisperer), etc. none of them fit my bay foundational QH, who was built like & looked like Doc Bar. Then, I read about general Robert E. Lees famous warhorse who was named Traveller. This horse had quite the reputation. When I examined drawings & statues of the general’s horse, I thought, “that’s it!”, as he looked similar to him, although I suspect that the general’s horse Traveller had more TB in him. So, that’s what my boys name became - Traveller. He was fearless after he found himself again. There were a herd of 50 Italian water Buffalo 🐃 (like the kind in Africa with big horns that fight off lions, but a little smaller) that moved onto the adjacent property fence line. LOL, Traveller would rather go lie down with them & the rest of the herd gave the water Buffalo a wide berth. In the end, it was the water Buffalo herd that grounded Traveller & gave him the courage to live again. He became the kindest horse - always one to spot/know that someone was sad/distraught & to approach them. He just knew. One day, when he was ready, I decided to take him for his first ride in the arena. I told him I was pretty sure he must’ve been a ranch horse at one time. So, I put a fancy head stall on him with a snaffle bit & saddled him up. He looked as amused as me, as I told him this was either going to be a nice, slow walk around the arena, or I was going to find a new way to fly, LOL. My guess was right & he’d been ridden before, but he had no idea what a snaffle bit was. So I switched to a curb bit & we were now in business! I soon took him out for his 1st trail ride. Ever. He’d never been trail ridden before & this was overwhelming for him, just unloading him & taking him up in a beautiful open space was blowing his mind! We had ourselves a nice little trail ride thru fields & forests & we both watched the sunset over the hills. He didn’t want to leave. I then took him to the headlands one day, as I wanted to ride him to show him the Pacific Ocean. He could smell the sea, but couldn’t see it initially & knew something was up. He stood in awe when we came out of the headlands & he could see the huge open Pacific for the first time ever. After that, Traveller & I had many adventures going down different trails in different places. He always loved it! He had a beautiful, smooth canter & trot. I guess I learned this with horses, trust takes time. That you need to get your horse to follow you fearlessly. All of my horses would walk with me through 🔥. That if you’re real quiet & listen, you just might get lucky & have the honor of hearing your horse. One has to let go of their ego & anything that is bothering them, they’re worried about, angry about, they had a bad day at work. Whatever. One has to just let that all go as soon as one opens the gate or stall to colllect their horse. Because horses feel all of that energy & it affects how they interact with you, especially after you get on them, because all of those emotions you’re having flow right down from you into them. So, you got to let it all go beforehand. It’s also important to just go out everyday & just hang out with the herd & your horses. Come out with a cup of coffee & just hang out with them. No expectations that you’re going to try & Catch ‘em, put a halter on them & lead them out the pasture gate to the barn. Just hang with them. It becomes a social gathering & they quickly realize that everytime you come walking out, you’re not going to put them to work or whatever. I learned to stop telling people the story of rescuing & rehabbing Traveller from slaughter, because that was our private story. He was a horse that I treated like any of my horses to ride & work with. He was such a good boy, so he didn’t have any bad habits to correct. Although, when first starting to condition him (he had been starved, neglected in every possible way & was really deconditoned), I learned he could count to 10, LOL, as I would only have him do a canter 10 times one way & 10 times the other way. As soon I had counted out the 10th lap, he’d spin around & do 10 laps the other way. He was smart! & he had learned how to protect himself & at first, give me only what I asked for, nothing more. I’d put him & Flyer, my big Polish Arabian in the round pen together, & Flyer would be doing about 50 million laps & Traveller would just do his 10 each way & that was it, LOL. Both of my boys were bays with black manes & tails, Traveller had brown highlights in his. Flyer had 4 black socks & Traveller was sockless. Even though Flyer was 16.1 HH & Traveller was 15’HH, people would get my boys confused all of the time. They became known as “The Twins.” When I eventually had to put my beloved heart horse Flyer down due to arthritis & laminitis (I thought seriously that he would outlive me for years) @ the age of 21, it broke me & I was very sad. Traveller is the one who gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. One day, I put him in the round pen, but he started cantering fast & wouldn’t stop & would switch it up & go at warp speed, just like Flyer used to do. Traveller had NEVER done this before. Ever. He was showing & telling me that it was time to ride again. So we did! I used to tell people that I rescued Traveller, but really, my sweet boy rescued me. Ride them like you stole ‘em, because you’ll never know when the day will come when you won’t be able to ever ride them again, until it’s too late. Also, ladies (& some men too), never miss an opportunity to kiss your horse, because one day you won’t be able to again & you’ll wish you had. One final piece of advice - always know what time it is by the position of the sun, so you’ll also know which direction is N, S, E & W, for navigating, in the event you ever get lost out there in the wilderness trail riding. Buy a compass & learn how to use it. Finally, always trust your horse if you get disoriented on going the right direction in taking the trail back to the trailhead. The horse knows the way. Happy trails.
Thank you for taking the time to write this moving history out. I enjoyed reading it immensely. Is Traveller still with you or has he passed on?
This made me tear up!! Very well written!!! Lucky horse to find you!! You’re very articulate! Thanks for the read! 😊
@@lindaed3594 my dear boy colic’d severely about 2 years ago & I had to let him go. I figure he was about 28 years old when he passed away. I miss him every single day.
@@lornabourns6922 I cannot tell you how edified I am by your story! Thank you!
Such a lovely story. Thank you so much for sharing. You have excellent writing skills, ❤️🐎
Well said - hear ya!
1. Never groom them to their detriment
2. Never blame the horse
3. Never insist acceptance of a bit that the horse doesn't like
Too many people treat their horses as a human would like, NOT what a horse would like. We are suppose to be the smarter beings according to humans, but we are actually the most deadly creatures on Earth.
That goes for any piece of equipment.
@@HorseLady1109 Horses are living thinking feeling beings, equipment is not. Anyone that sees horses as equipment or tools shouldn't own horses ever. This world needs changed for the better.
@@topazzsky I meant that I didn’t know enough, as I was just beginning my horse journey, to understand or figure out the saddles I had available to me (I didn’t own my own yet) we’re not working for this mare and I was causing her pain. I did not say or imply horses are equipment.
Thank you for the shout out! Pat calls our snaffle The Missing Link. He came up with it for the exact reason you’re talking about in your video. He noticed a lot of horses in our clinics balling up their tongues and bracing their jaws. Bottom line is he couldn’t get them to focus completely on what he was as asking them to do. So he wanted to figure out how to make it better for these horses. Thanks again!
I bought one of your missing link bits for my daughters boy. He is a bit of a sensitive lad, quarter horse, and he has come a long way to relaxing. The bit was whizzing at first, now barely so.
It really helped my daughter too. She could hear when he was struggling, overwhelmed, distracted etc. It has been a great tool.
It is well made. It is definitely worth the money and postage to get it here to Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. This is why I love You tube. I would not have found Pat and his bit otherwise.
My shout out for Pat and his missing link bit.
“ I will never groom my horse to their detriment, for the sake of my pride.”
That is succinct wisdom that only some of us will ever know.
Pass it along until the young ones come to understand.
I don't get it though. Is it just for aesthetics that you'd get rid of all the hair he talked about?
@@quakslikeaduckThe idea is that you can work them harder without them getting all sweated up. However, few of us work our horses that hard and it's totally unnecessary to clip off their winter woolies. They should be rugged and stabled if you do this. Mine live out all year with their natural coats and I ride them most days. They're very happy, healthy horses. A lot of people hardly work their horses but remove their hair simply because they look smarter.
Amen
The girl who taught me to drive carriages gave me the best advice, regarding animal handling: less is more. Gentle, subtle signals.
Dewayne get that cough looked at. We got to keep you healthy.
My started with a dry cough for three months before he got a massive heart attack
@@nathanmunoz6232 oh no! I’m so sorry for your loss.
Try some mullein extract or tea...
I have COPD and have found that it helps me immensely.
Could be from the cigars he smokes
@@lornabourns6922 thank you 🙏
My mare was harshly trained as a Reiner and ridden in a correction bit with her chin on her chest - I bought her when she was 9 and changed the bit to a Mylar Comfort Snafffle - it took me years to undo what that harsh training did to her mentally but her body… she’s retired now with a lot of arthritis and navicular and she’s not 20yrs old yet. I will never ride a horse who is in pain and worried about it. She is fairly stoic and compliant but I see ever bit of tension, every wrinkle, every head position, ear, eyes, tail - it’s all right there to see and notice and let them know that you see them. Thank you for listening to your horses!
I love those mylar comfort snaffles! I use one with a low port and a roller in the middle that is very much like that Puckett bit he talks about in the video (only it doesn't squeal like the Puckett bit does when the horse plays with the roller).
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Finally some sensible comments about horses
Yes!!!🙌
Yesterday, I got to help gather pairs to treat pinkeye near the Missouri River. The pasture was rugged with steep ridges, boggy bottoms, rolling hills, and densely wooded with fingers of thick brush and cedar groves. It was the most difficult riding I've ever done, and I faced it with the best riding I've ever done. I referred back often to what I learned with you, and it was invaluable. Thank you, Dewayne. Hanging in there.
Good job!
Lovely post, happy riding! 👍🐴🙏🐎
The world is better because of you brother.. god speed
Nice roan. So many things I've done in the past that I would never do today.
That's why God made the present and the future. No mistakes no successes
I like your perspective on horsekeeping. Horses do not have a choice in who owns them, what we do with them and the situations we put them in. I find it amazing that they are willing to go along with most of what we ask of them, even if it hurts them. It is our responsibility to keep them safe, and comfortable and never betray their trust. It seems like you see it that way too, Dwayne. Thanks for sharing what you have learned. It may help a horse some day.
Well said.
Am 85, had horses all my life and what you are saying is truth. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to know about horses. Horses are wonderful. I am basically a trail rider, but now my last horse is about old as me in horse age and we are both kind of creaky. Retired and me, lame. One thing I notice with people and their horses, some tend to think they are schooling their horses by riding in circles. Horses do not really like that but people keep pushing them until they have had enough and get rid of their "problem" person, sometimes getting person hurt badly. NOT the horses fault. JMHO. Oh, and watching some trying to load their horse. (sigh) I have not had a lot of horses, as I keep them until they need to retire. The joy of riding the trails and seeing wild game is just in memory now, Your horses sure are fine looking. Your wisdom is appreciated.
God bless you and your ponies. K
❤
Dewayne, I’ve been in dangerous situations out on the range, where people would tell me to “be on the look out” for one thing or another (sometimes a human) that could hurt me. I’ve always said that if I pay attention to my horse, they will alert me before I can ever detect danger. Their defenses can be to our benefit. You’re right on all three things. I use a bosal or hackamore when I don’t need something more specialized.
Yes we had a horse in the family that never knew a bit. You could ride her with a hackamore and she was just fine no matter who the Rider was
When we invite these beautiful animals into our lives, the least we can do is take care of them and ensure that when we ride them, we do not put them in pain.
Dwayne, you did well and you showed the love of God's kind character as a changed man of the Bible...it even helped me at 80. thanks ,, joy to u.
Sir, I have been watching your videos for a long time, and have learnt a lot about life from you. I am a young 20-something guy from a completely different part of the world, and have nothing to do with horses or wrangling or cowboying. Yet I learned a lot about life from your videos.
I am currently going through a hard time. If you are seeing this comment, please pray for me sir.
Best wishes for you and your family and keep sharing your wisdom with the world. :)
I wish you well, praying for you, God bless you!
Thank you madam, really means a lot.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones too.
@@DB-bi5xk Thank you! 😊
🙏🙏🙏🌹🙏🙏🙏
Sending you all the prayers. Hang in there. We all go through crap and it’s hard. But you can overcome almost everything I’m 65 and have had hardships and I still struggle. But I just try to out one foot in front of the other. Life is so much better than the alternative. I hope you overcome hun keep trying. Give yourself grace. ❤️
In this fast-paced life of a busy city I live in, your videos and the way you talk make me feel like I am taking a long break from it all. Much love to you and all the beautiful horsies from Poland
Thanks for sharing your wisdom on horses so eloquently. I felt totally engaged in your teaching on caring for our majestic friends. Your horses are so beautiful, I felt their lovely energy as I listened to you. 🙏🌟🐎🌟😢
Your love and respect for these beautiful beings is so touching ❤
Glad you mentioned the nutcracker effect that snaffles have. I've noticed some need to shift to a dogbone or French link to ease them back into trusting hands.
Billy Allens work very well also.
The world needs people like you in it. You should get that cough checked out. God bless. 🙏
He addressed the cough in another video.
Sounds like Arthur Morgan to me
@@AlafndyAlosh yeah, the whole arc lol
Nothing is stopping you or any of us from becoming a "people like him" or anyone else you admire.
@@raggamuffinmcgee except that beard. That beard has a glory all it's own. 😊
I love the horses nose. So soft
Wise words sir. I wish I knew many years ago what I know now. What I DO know, is that the more you know, the more you realize how little you know. 😉
If you get stepped on it's your fault. If you get stepped on again guess what, It's still your fault.
Thank you. I could never understand trimming ear hair. I leave ‘em alone.
Pat’s bit is The Missing Link snaffle & I love it. It has a solid bar and a cricket. ❤
The Billy Allen is very similar to the Missing Link.
Great advice and that it's "All about your horse." Your horses are beautiful! Much Respect!🦋
It’s so nice to see somebody that has learned from past mistakes and realize that we all make mistakes. But we should all continue to learn. I’m so glad I don’t do the same things now that I did 20 years ago.
Great thoughts Sir. I always blame myself instead of the horse. I'm the one that needs to learn and grow. Been grieving the loss of a mare that got out and made her way to the highway and was killed by a semi. Thankfully the driver was uninjured. Been pretty rough to get past. Spending more time with my other horses. Thankful for you
Sorry for your loss
very sorry for your loss . i lost my heart horse of 18 yrs in April ( colic) …. not the same as you but i am with you in grief . 😔 I understand
I am so sorry, as I totally understand. I'm 70, but I was about 19 when my beautiful gray 3yo mare Quarter Horse, somehow jumped/went thru the fence at my grandparents farm in MD just as it was getting dark. By the time we found her, she had been hit by a car and died that night. Will never know what got into her, as I was putting my other horse in and she ran back into the pasture running around like crazy. Wasn't her at all. Had her since a 2yo and had just saddle broke her right after she turned 3. Still brings me to tears all these yrs later. Sending you prayers.💕
I had two horses - back to back - for 35 years of my life, and I totally agree with you. I found the 'Spooky Days' were often the windiest days bringing the smells of all sorts of predators to them, faster ! So, yeah - if they spook a bit at that ? They're just thinking about their own self preservation - so give them a break, everyone ! Your comments on bits were right on, too. :)
Amazing Tips! I’m not a horse owner, however I follow Clever Girl and she has educated me with the horse world and it makes me sad that people can be cruel and give up on a horse based on their behavior issues. Everything takes time and patience in Life ❤ CG rehabilitates them to learn to trust and brings them back to good health.
Thank you for your input and wisdom sir. I come from a ranching family from Mexico and I grew up wishing I could have been raised in more of a cowboy setting. I plan on having a ranch of my own and raising livestock. I really appreciate your wisdom.
To the second point, I feel like horses are like us, we have our "off" days where every little thing sets us off; such days in horses may be the ones they are fidgety, easily spooked, etc. There may not seem to be any logical reason, but emotions or mental state can be a fickle thing.
To the third, a more comfortable horse is a happier horse, and a happier horse is going to be more calm and focused on what you're doing together instead of a thought of "I'll be glad when this is over with". I'm glad you are about their mental and emotional well-being along with the physical, because those aspects are just as important and affect the other areas of life. Animals may not have the same minds as us, but how life affects us, apply similar to them, and if we're cognizant of that, it's better for everybody.
Oh and the analogy about the horse deserving the same pair of comfortable boots as you helped me realize something I never would have took into consideration. That was a lil nugget of gold, thank you.
The ones I bred myself, we ended up working with one mind, they could read me, and I read them. One mare, if she did something out of character, always had a reason. I was out droving, got off to relieve myself and roll a smoke. Late afternoon, bringing in the tail, horses and camp ahead. When I remounted, she went about 5 paces and baulked. Very strange. Gave her her head, clucked her on, and she turned back and stood over my stockwhip, which I had left in the grass and forgotten! Go figure, do horses really think like that? Another time I was packing through town easements, beside the bike paths, under main roadways through tunnels, mostly real high. One tunnel was round and lower, but they were ears up and going through (her sister had the pack on). I ducked my head, and she baulked real sudden. I heard her opinion, clear as you like. She said "If I have to manoeuvre in here, this ain't safe." They were in to their shoulders, I backed them out, rode back along the railing below the road, up the bank onto the sidewalk, along to the major intersection with traffic lights, , reached down and pressed the pedestrian button, crossed with a green signal, made our way back down to the parkland. What a hoot, these days, motorists staring. My two, any issues, I listened, they knew more than I did, and our mutual trust was profound. Traffic was never scary, they knew I understood it.
I never clipped or cleaned up any hair, God put it there and they need it. Bit was almost always a plain jointed snaffle. They were little, Snowy River blood in their veins, bred from legends, not paperwork. I am a strong believer in Genetic Memory.
Greetings from Australia. I love this channel.
♥
Absolutely LOVED this wise advice ❤
I do respect you, Mr Dwayne, because you have poured your heart and soul into this. That's why you ought to take care of it.
After riding I have alot of respect for these strong animals! They are awesome.
Thank ya for sharing this information I don't understand why anyone put a bit in mouth if he doesn't like it ✌️❤️
Couldn't agree more with you on these 3 things Dewayne, thank you!! I would add to your number 2...the horse could also be uncomfortable physically. At times when I thought my horses were being 'difficult', I became frustrated. Soon discovering a physical issue. Not proud of MY frustration!! But always learning 🙏🐴💕
Thanks for all of your wisdom and transparency
Well put to everything, especially the beginning. Thank you for sharing 🩵
Good for you in bringing these facts to light. Very perceptive! Thank you.
Wonderful video. Please do more. My horse and I thank you.
I thank you so much for this video. I used to follow an English lady with two beautiful riding horses, until I saw her one day shave off the hairs around her horses mouth. I was shocked to see her do this and I unsubscribed from her channel. I could almost feel the sensation the poor horse felt as those very long hairs, I call them feeler hairs, came off. I don't have horses, I used to ride as a child and loved it very much. It's good to hear you have learned new things and implemented them in order to do the best things for your horses. They look very comfortable and calm.
I like your approach and insight. In 61 years of having horses and working with them I learned a lot from them: Planning ahead, organizing, being considerate and accepting limitations.
Roaching manes and docking tails belong to the things that seem to be popular with draft horse people here in the States ( back in Bavaria where I am from horse owners appreciate long manes and tails); manes and tails function as a protection against insects there where the horse can't fight them with its mouth. Traditions that ease the work for the owner are not always in sync with the horse's needs.
Much can be said about the harnessing as well as shoeing. You rightfully point out that things that are a discomfort should be avoided, for example in my opinion overchecks that force the head up artificially.
Greetings from Missouri
Love your videos.In the old days, the bit was part of the sale. That's why anyone worthy of being a hand has multiple options. Each horse is unique, and individual so what works on one might not work on another.
So glad that back in my horsey days, a spooking here or there never really bothered me.
Sometimes we would take time to investigate the thing and sniff around.
As for bits...they are connected to a sensitive mouth. No need get heavy handed.
There are better ways as you and I are always learning.
Every living thing is learning.
Thank you for validating my insticts too.
Thank you Dwayne...this is the first time I have " met". you.... But the advice about bits makes perfect sense.....
Your horses love you❤❤❤
And I totally agree with you.
Those are things I used to do, but not anymore. I learned to do better over the years as well.
I see Pat and Deb Pucket gave you a shout out and I got this bit -The missing link- and it is working great for all my horses, It has a tongue roller which distracts and seems like it comforts all of them Happy with it Love your videos
Lovely video and absolutely heartwarming to hear such common sense. I was around and worked with horses a lot in my younger days, although we never had our own sadly, but there are so many people out there who just don't respect horses as individuals with their own likes and dislikes - they should always be respected.
I used to ride a beautiful thoroughbred mare and she was super spooky about every tiny little thing, but that was OK, she was who she was! And she was the fastest horse I've ever ridden. I used to call it flying! Thank you for a great video.
Lovely ! ❤❤❤. From an old horseman ❤❤ We all are supposed to learn along the way and each horse is as unique as each person.
True wisdom from years of learning. I admire you sir. So pleased for you and your horses.
Grew up around horses back in West Africa. This is really good information, thank you, and look after that cough. God bless
Much love from south africa, never used to watch your horse videos aswell but now that I'm around horses your videos helped a tonn❤️❤️
Not to mention the scars that bits can leave.
Well said Dwayne thank you. More please.
I’ve seen many “seasoned” Aussie campdrafters and young rodeo participants, use the bit as a punishment after they haven’t scored high enough in a competition. They had deliberately purchased a twisted snaffle, specific for the reason to punish, and by pulling from side to side, “see sawing” it in the horses mouth in a very harsh way causing shocking pain. Some rusted as well. Disgraceful behaviour. Those horses often end up at sale yards, the injuries are visible, hence go to slaughter. Very few are rescued. Very sad.
We have some big fires near us. Also I am very sorry to hear that about your state. I know some of the states have just hundreds of fires it seems like I am in Southern California to the fires are in Mexico 5 miles to the south of me and about 50 miles to the west of me and then one that’s another 45 miles to the north west of me but I think they’re all under control. Thank you for that great advice.
When I was starting my mare she was a horrible head tosser. I tried multiple different bits and when that didn't solve it I tried making her "suck it up" and get over it. But I finally said "you're not going to learn anything like this" and started her bitless. I'm not anti-bit and I did have full intentions to teach her to ride in one once she learned enough in the hackamore because she was originally only meant to be a project to eventually sell. She's done so well bitless though and I've decided she'll be sticking around, so for now she's happy and I'm happy so she'll remain bitless
On the flip side my mom had a gelding who would get anxious in the hackamore but was happy in a short shank, low port Myler
I totally agree with the grooming and trimming of the ear hair and the the whiskers,,,my dad told that probably 30 years ago..but I have a lot to learn about bits,, thank you for the information.
Dwayne, made me go jog my memory. I can't recall ever trimming hairs around muzzle, but I probably did some, when young & showed horses for a bit as a youth. I wish I could claim, not blaming a horse for something, but; as you stated, had to mature out of that. As for bits, I would like to think, I was a little more perceptive . Not as deep as you describe; but, was not so stubborn, I wouldn't make change, if horse was visibly agitated, with a bit; snaffle, or spade, etc. Great topics, would enjoy seeing more. Thanks
Very true
On the bits
I used to teach riding classes for beginners and studied bits
To teach people what hands can do if used harshly in a horse’s mouth I used a snaffle bit put it in the area of the arm that bends and then told them to lightly apply pressure
That’s what will happen in the horses mouth
Worked well for them to understand
Had the best snaffle that everyone like made by Sam Powell
Very great training bit
Praying you are all safe and the fire gets put out soon
Be blessed
Thank you for addressing these things. And I think that the blame point has some relation to the bit point.
Thank you so much for this video. It was very helpful for a beginner like me. I would greatly appreciate a video on how to use the different types of bits.
Great advice! The Myler brothers have done a lot of research into the shape of the horse's palate and how bit function affects them. The Myler and Billy Allen tongue relief mouthpieces are very similar to Pat Puckett's " Missing Link" version. If the horse is comfortable in his mouth, he will be more comfortable in his training or riding and become a better partner with his rider or trainer.
I got into horses later in life. My first "horse" was actually a female mule; best darn horse I ever had. I'm getting ready to move to a little town on the Colorado River called Ehrenberg, Arizona. There are tons of burros and wild horses and warm air, that in the summer and winter time, makes my bones feel good. Watching Dwayne vids had made me realized and everything I own, actually owns me; and, simple is more. It seems to help me in my quest to return to God, or the Great Spirt, and live a life that is simpler. Have a good day Dwayne. Roy, So Cal, Brawley California
Love your video. I have been riding for nearly 35 years. Far from perfect, but I try my best to do good by my horses and learn each day.
I loved horses growing up, I was never able to own my own, but I had family that would let me ride every weekend with them. I haven't been riding in about 20 years and I miss it so much, and my daughters love horses too and I can't wait until they get to experience so they know mommy isn't joking about how fun it is! My top for things I want to do with my kids is going trail riding and camping on a mountain. It'd be so wonderful!
What a wonderful Roan Quarter Horse you got there Sir!
And yeah, these things should be learn at first when you get a horse, because they can look simple, but theyre very useful, like the hair inside of their ears. If i learned something, is that something is somewhere, for a reason.
I like your videos a lot Sir, thanks for taught us important things and values 🤠 I really think that cowboys have true values that this modern society is loosing, sadly..
Ive been going to the Spanish thoroughbred fairs in my village my entire life, i swear i love horses, theyre wonderful creatures
Greetings from a tiny Village in Spain 🇪🇸
Amen! My QH mare would bolt if a dry leaf skittered across the road but now she can ride past a busy train track or road no problem, and I never shave her face. I only fold her ears and trim flat the outside hairs, if we go to an event, and always barefoot. (She's mostly a pasture puppy anyhow.) I only have her wear a simple bit and saddle if we ride outside the property for my safety sake.
Thank you for the video! I believe it might be that the Pat Puckett snaffle is called “The Missing Link” (I know it drives me crazy when I’m trying to remember the name of something! Just so happens that I was riding a horse with one while I was listening to this)
Good advice! All my horses are different. One hates all bits and I use a hackamore. I tried all kinds of bits. She’s good in a hackamore and no problems.
I am the same about the Justin boots and they just don’t feel right. I wear Ariat.
Your horses are really nice!💜
The most precious lesson that I´ve learned so far in dealing with my horse was to keep calm on it´s back, no matter what. Sometimes I tend to get angry if some exercises doesn´t work the way I want them to be and if you don´t keep calm in that situation and cool yourself down, your body tensioned and so does your horse. Hence nothing works anymore.
Yes sir. They do teach endless patience.
At 71 I have been around horses all my life.
Anyone getting a horse should learn and study horse behaviour and horse sense/ thinking.
Why do they do what they do ???
Learn to think like a horse.
Be patient and consistent , firm but gentle and be a partner and thier leader.
My life with these 1200 lb animals has been a journey of learning.
Wouldnt trade it for anything.
Pat Puckett calls his bit The
missing Link Snaffle. I have two geldings using the missing link and like them quite a bit.
"Bein' a horse..." - So right Brother!
Good info on the bits Dewayne. I quit trimming the muzzle and ears myself a couple years ago. Also I don’t make bridle passes at the poll anymore either. I don’t show, so let them be natural in those areas. Thanks always enjoy your insight.
Agree with all of this! Well said. Understand that they are a horse and not a "mini-me". They have a horse perspective as you said. Let them BE A HORSE and not try to "train the horse out of them". They have good instincts for very good reason. A good trainer will understand that and will KEEP a good relationship with their horse(s). Definitely agree about the bit! We have no idea what discomfort they might be in (although understand that a bit is SUPPOSED to be slightly uncomfortable in terms of incentive to move the direction the rider wants) - that being said a bit should NOT be uncomfortable to them when resting and yes indeed every horse is slightly different in their individual anatomy of their mouth. I just don't like bits period and tend to not even use them but prefer a Hackamore.
Amen, amen, amen.... I sure wish that I knew, when I was young, what I know now. I know everyone has said that before, but I have made so many mistakes but I know better now and I'm over sixty and still learning.
This is a good video topic, Dwayne and I hope you will do a little more with it.
There's some things that I hope I'll learn to never want to do to a horse too! And I hope when I learn them, I will always carry that out from here on out. I pray that God will give me the opportunity to learn!
Beautiful, happy, healthy horses and wonderful man, Nicely put info
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, insight, and wisdom regarding horses. It helps me and my string so much.
About the only thing I can offer regarding horses and my experience with them is: give the critter an honest chance. I have had three since i started cowboying in '21, and all of them had been written off by the folks i got 'em from. Every one of my mentors have commented positively regarding what the horses are capable of and showing as far as potential after a few months. I am not an experienced horseman at all, i just love critters and want any in my care to thrive. I guess i just dont have calcified expectations, so the ponies have had a chance to relax and start enjoying the work.
Hello sir, greetings from Wales 🏴 , I work for an gentleman who is a horse whisperer, I listen to his fascinating insight for hour s , thank you for all you do .
1:49 Love the confused look on the horse's face XD
Omg. You have the same outlook that I do. I'm so glad I found you.
Thank you so so much sir! 🙌🙌❤️❤️ have pasture prince and princesses...i just let them live and be loved🥰🥰 You definitely gained another sub😊
you're a good man. much respect
Only been riding for two years, but I learned to be very vigilant for sings of real discomfort. I used to lease a horse that ended up getting a bad back (there were a lot of historical reasons why), and I was too much of a novice to realize that she was becoming less and less responsive because of the pain she was in. No one at that barn at the time really stopped to zero in on what was wrong, and I had very little horsemanship experience, so I could only do as I was told.
Now, I make sure my horse isn't showing any signs of real discomfort around anything. I make sure to check his hoofs, massage his back, etc, just to prevent soreness from becoming a serious problem.
I enjoy your videos wholeheartedly. I adore Pat Pucket videos as well. I like what you said about bits because that has been very important to me. Same with saddle fit. I've always preferred bitless but I have a donkey that responds beautifully to a bit. I'm in the process of finding that bit that she can enjoy in her mouth. Saddle fitting her has been a challenge, but I found an English saddle that has rigging on it for a belly cinch, breast collar and britchen. I worked on finding all of this out because of your videos. So thank you so much. My donk is a pleasure to ride. I just bought a 1.5 year old colt that I gelded a few days ago and we're working on saddle fit and bits for him as well. He just got his wolf teeth pulled the same day he was castrated, so I'll give him a little bit to heal his mouth before I throw another bit in his mouth. Anyway, my point is that you keep my training process humble. Thank you for what you do.
Sir ! i agree with you so moch as a man similar in age and wisdom. thank you for sharing your wisdome
Please do more of this!!! I'm an Aspiring horse owner and would love to draw from your well of knowledge.
Thanks, Dwayne y’all have a blessed weekend🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thanks so much for posting this, I just happened on this video and now I'm going to scour your site for more horse info. appreciate your approach and your wisdom, & your obvious affection for horses. It makes me feel really interested to learn more about horses from you.
I really appreciate the talks about horses! Please make more. 😊
Great lessons!! Some horses get hard mouths, and a hackamore can often be a good alternative.