If you have never had an accident with horses, you haven't worked with them that long. I'm in my 61st year of working with horses and I had a few accidents, one also with a manure spreader when I stepped off and in stepping back on again I slipped since it was icy, fell to the ground and lost hold of the lines. They marched on, gained speed because it was downhill, and back to the barn they trotted. Now , some will say didn't they stop on 'whoa', well, this time they didn't. I was lucky that basically no big harm was done except for a few bruised ribs and a bruised ego.
It's been a long time since I've worked with horses. I grew up with horses yes accidents do happen the key is to learn from them and to always be cautious
I admire your honesty & teaching beginners what could happen at anything. You’re right farming, working with horses, & life is dangerous. Glad you’re all okay. I admire your calmness & kindness towards your horses. God bless.
Hi Josh! I'm glad you, Hildy & Hugo all survived this unfortunate incident. Good on you for stepping up to the plate with this video. Others are always watching & learning do's & don'ts. You never know how many lives may be saved by your experience. God bless you, Josh! Some man!😊
Hi Josh takes a lot to show and admit to failures especially on a utube I think most people wouldn’t show or talk about that on there channel for all to critique I have a lot of respect for u in that sense I’m glad your horse are good and I learned something from your video
I hesitated to watch all the way through but I’m glad I did. I can’t imagine what you were feeling when you went to find your team. I’m relieved y’all are ok.
I feel where you’re coming from, I was on a buggy ride with my Belgian cross mare one day, same road we always travelled. Worst case scenario happened, we were coming the hill heading home when a truck pulling a camper behind it. She looked over and saw the truck and didn’t care, took a second look as the camper passed us and she wasn’t expecting it to be there and it startled her, she jumped and started to pick up speed. As I reined her in the britchen got tight and that added to the scare. Before I know it we were at a gallop headed towards the bridge over the river. The more I pulled the more agitated she got and started kicking, folding the dashboard over onto my lap and trapping me in. Just as we got to the bridge I gave a solid left hand pull to steer her onto the bridge and not over the railing. She turned and slipped on the pavement and fell on her side, braking the shafts and skidding into the guard rail. She laid there long enough for me to lift the dashboard and jump out to grab her head as she was jumping up. I unharnessed on the side of the road leaving the smashed buggy and harness in a pile to get her home. It was a long 2 km walk with both of us dripping blood from scraps. I still use her to this day, she still the best horse I’ve had, everyone has bad days. Highlight of the story is I can tell people I was in a high speed buggy accident. Glad everyone is safe on your end
Wow! I can relate wholeheartedly to that experience. Thank god you could turn her to safety and that the dashboard somewhat protected you, even if it trapped you. Terrifying to say the least
This is a literal record of s*** happens (when spreading it)! :) Glad all turned out well and the fact that your horse stayed down and calm is a credit to the relationship you two have!
No matter how long we've worked with horses it never hurts to be reminded how quickly things can turn bad. So glad you and your team weren't badly injured. Thank you for being so kind and considerate of your animals .
Riding isn't easy. Horseman ship isn't easy. And obviously, it's the same for work with horses like you do it. Huge respect to you for being so gentle and loving with your horses.
I admire you for sharing your experience. I have ridden and driven horses for 50 years. In most situations, driving is a trickier proposition than riding. Stories like yours serve an important purpose in reminding us all that horses are complicated - especially when being driven. By nature, horses are uneasy about things clattering along behind them, because horses are prey animals and thus wired to worry about something sneaking up behind them. Add to that the complexities that come when 2 horses are asked to work together as a team, and (my husband likes to say): "It is a plain fact: there is a reason tractors became popular so quickly!" So everyone - Keep trying to learn safety first when driving. And if trouble happens, take the time to reflect on what went wrong so you can learn. In this case, I had questions about the past of the older mare who had been bought and was more fiesty. Had she had a wreck before? You won't always be told the truth when buying a driving horse. Best of luck to you trying to make a quiet team out of these two. I might recommend pairing up your younger, more mellow gelding with a seasoned, rock solid older horse for his first few years of serious work. Good luck to you - be safe!
Ich sage immer ein Pferd hat keine Bremse und keinen Zündschlüssel zum ausschalten. Ich habe Höhenangst, wenn ich auf der Leiter stehe. (Ich wäre fast einmal aus einem Riesenrad gefallen, in der Jugend.) 2 Mal saß ich auf einem Pferd. Es ist nichts für mich. Ich mag Pferde, aber nur wenn ich auf dem Boden stehe und nicht abspringen muß. Haha
Everybody has a runaway at some point, usually early on. Mine happened 20 years ago driving someone else's newly purchased horse, in someone else's harness on someone else's sketchy wagon. Hardest way to learn. Glad no horses or men ended up injured or dead. I've been at this for just over 35 years and you need to make those horses work at a flat walk. Farm work is no place for prancy half-assed buggy horses. 2.5 to 3 mph is working speed. I farm and log alone, working singles, pairs, 2 and 4 abreast or 4 up, all alone. Whoa and Stand are the first and most important gaits they need to master. Get a spreader that you can reach the levers from the seat. You made the right decision with the liverpool bits. I do not use leverage bits as my horses are all soft in the mouth, but you have to work with what you've got, and now you know you can't hold them in a milder bit.
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I have been asked by others to try and train various mixed-breed horses for farm work over the years and have never been satisfied with the end result in most cases. Too light boned, light muscled, and too hot in the head for me. The steady predictable placidity of a farm type full draft horse makes a far more workable horse in my situation. The standardbreds off track are always a can of worms physically and mentally. Just go to the races and watch how they handle and drive them then compare it to normal farm or bush work. If you want a buggy horse they are fine. carriage driving fine. I need steady slow power all day.
@gentlegiants1974 appreciate the feedback. Hugo might prove quiet enough but i intend to breed hilde to a full draft to make a 3/4 percheron... but i do see what youre saying
@@ruggedridgeforest7775I commented on your hay mowing video last summer. There I foreshadowed something like this happening. One thing I see is they have no respect for you. In the mowing video the roan horse bucked and you did nothing to reprimand him and in this video, when you were leading them, he pawed and acted up and again you did nothing. You're to worried about hurting their feelings. You need to swallow your pride, sell them, and get a team that's two years past retirement. Life is to short. Get a team you can enjoy.
@@woodsgremlin9995 when he pawed, I tightened the the nose band on his halter and applied steady pressure, he then continued to push forward, and I applied a light corrective jerk, applied pressure to his chest, and got him back into the correct position. That walk and talk wasn't a training video, but you're right, everything is training, to be honest I thought my corrections were subtle and sufficient in the moment, but of course the behavior is undesirable. And you did foreshadow this happening, and you were correct, and I appreciate your input and concern. Often as horse folks we are in our own spheres and don't get all the input we need when we need it, so I will take the tough love and apply it. I won't be selling this team however. We will continue to work and grow with input from all angles. I do enjoy this team, and I made a mistake in putting a heavy spreader behind them on steep terrain.
Just found your channel. I really like your content! This was an educational video. Appreciate you sharing these unpleasant experiences. Most content out there focuses on aesthetics and unrealistic horse perfectionism and how perfect they are together. I think most people panic and do more harm than good to/for their horse in an emergency situation. We need realistic content like this! These scenarios are very important lessons. That’s just my opinion though.😁 Your calmness and overall handling of this situation was spectacular and again, educational. Cheers
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I subscribed because of your compassion and treatment of your beautiful, hard working horses... I'm pleased you gave them 2 wks off as I'm sure they were sore and traumatized; then tragically started them back into hauling again. I'm grateful you and your beloved horses were not harmed... The black horse has a beautiful gait much like a fox trotter does... 🦋💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🦋
I have no experience working with or around draft horses. By the time I was old enough to work my grandfathers had both sold their teams. They were both men from the late 1800s and had large dry farms in northern Utah and Southern Idaho. Both were very good men and farmers/ranchers. I was fortunate to be a beneficiary of what these men had achieved. I learned from them some of the patience, care, love and some understanding needed to “work with” these big animals a very small part. I did get plenty of time riding, learning and being around good working horses. I’ve never watched your channel before now but from listening to you talk and seeing you working your team I think you know what you’re doing.
Simply being a rider, I understand your self preservation instinct to ‘dive left’. My 17h horse would bolt with me for unknown reasons. While I believed the goal of riding was to stay on, I also had a self preservation instinct. Due to that instinct I developed my personal emergency flying dismount procedure. Thankfully the horse and I lived through all of these, without injury. Sounds like you made many good calls.
I'm actually glad that the accident wasn't filmed. I am, beyond happy, that no got hurt in this wreck. I will say that both animals looked a little hot in the collar for harness work. I guess they just need more time. Best wishes. Thank you for sharing
I’m glad no one was injured,I admire your patience not to mention all the work and effort that goes into this ,the smaller darker horse has a proud gait like a trotter or show horse , interesting film thanks for posting.
During my life from the very childhood, I had also few life dangers accidents with the horses. But still I have horses and continuously once a year or two have some accidents. My grandfather had two horses, the mare and the gelding, the mare was crazy one. Once , when I was 8 y.o., I was left by my grandfather on a carriage alone with my older friend, he was 10 and we started to clean the carpet shaking it in our hands, the friend was stronger, so he waived harder and I fall from a carriage under the mare. She freezed and did not move at all until my friend went for my grandfather and bring him back to save me, horses understood, that it was a child under and no one move a step until my grandfather gave me a hand...
Thanks for sharing the good with the bad! So many people only post unicorns popping rainbows and make everything look easy, then when people find out they're not perfect they freak out. Thanks for showing the newbies working with horses is not ALWAYS perfect! Thank goodness everyone is okay and God Bless you all ❤
I'm interested in learning to drive, so I was watching this video closely. I'm not sure what lesson we are supposed to take away from your experience? Horses will spook, that's not on you. When in the saddle, I've been on a bolting horse, and I've learned to not let it get started. My mare's trainer told me when I took home my green horse who he knew would bolt--"don't let the worst thing be the first thing--stay on and ride." Sure enough, she bolted, and I wanted to bail, but I remembered what he'd taught me--wait for her adrenaline to start to come down and then turn in a wide circle. We also had a bolt that was headed for a fence, and I did bail on that one. Pretty soon I could feel when a bolt was imminent and I cut it off at the pass. She never bolted again, because I could feel it coming and turned her before she got out of control. But I don't know how or if any of that applies when driving. Could you have started trying to turn them sooner, as soon as you felt their energy come up? Can you even feel their energy come up when you aren't sitting on them? What do you think you could have done differently?
Too much alfalfa the day before was one thing. Reading the team, they were hitting the collar hard and hot to trot. And most importantly, not putting them in a compromising position (ie on a downward slope with a full spreader). Lastly, the three piece snaffles werent enough to stop them when things got bad. I cant blame any one thing, but all three contributed. Like others said, getting my horses to walk flatter under load is something ill have to continue to stride for
And one last thing: it is always "on you". Horses dont put themselves in these positions, we do, and regardless of whether its my fault or the horses, its my problem and i should have control of the situation. I manage people at work, and a refrain i often give myself is even if it isnt my fault, it is my problem, and so what can i do to remedy that in the future. Regardless i hope you find some good take aways from this content or our other content, thanks again
How scary. So glad everyone is okay. It's difficult to know what to do when everything happens so fast. You do the best you can at that moment. It seems like you did everything right because everyone is okay.
I have grown up with horses and have been riding since I was five. My father worked horses for plowing and other farm chores.. Those horses are really on the slim side .. if you are gonna work a horse you have to feed them well!
They are crosses so they aren't as heavy boned as full percherons... additionally Hugo is only 4 years old so he is still filling out... I think he just finished growing up, now he should begin growing out. You can feel the ribs, but not see them in their summer coat, which is my metric
Years 5:39 ago my uncle was killed by a runaway team. My mother was very good training saddle horses and teams. They were poor. Had to train whatever they got..mother liked horses. My dad on the other hand had no use for them..but then his dad died when he was a kid. They only got wild horses that no one else wanted to deal w..those kids and their mother had to the best they could .Grandpa developed black lung from all the mining. So they got the farm. No experience..my grandparents were immigrants. There was no help. It's how they survived..my dad never cared for horses..of course I love them. They sure can hurt you tho
There will always be someone out there who just can't help themselves,the not so nice ones 😊 But l can see your a good man,your horses are well groomed well fed and look very happy and contented....which is wonderful to see.Your harnesses are in good condition,and you have a beautiful place.Ive just found this channel but this video dose look familiar maybe l came across it quite some time ago.Wishing you and your family all the very best uk England
You handled it well, and have a good attitude about it. I think that team would benefit from being separated and worked single. If they were under a heavier load it would knock off a lot of that trotting If you have shafts for your pioneer cart, you could pull that spreader with one. Make ‘‘em scratch and pull and think a little. But again your approach and attitude is spot on. I’ve hitched around 2000 Times in my life and had 3 runoffs. It’s a helpless feeling.
I think youre right. I should work them single more. Hugo,being just 4, i started double, but truth be told i havent hooked him single yet. Hilde could prolly use a refresher herself
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 basics are always good to be refreshed...remember no bit stops a run away horse..no matter under saddle or pulling.. you are wiser now about hills and down hill actions...thank the Lord you all survived well.
First and foremost, praise God you're all ok!! Thats most important, as you well know. Secondly, don't we all learn every day? I know I do, or at least I try to. Bravo to you for your courage to share and hopefully your audience will be as thoughtful back to you in return. I'm positive there are seasoned horse handlers who can, and hopefully will, help to address this constructively for you. Check with someone more in the know but I know that my friend overgrained his horses and it caused a runaway situation. NOT saying that definitely applies here, as I'm not sure, but you may want to look into it. God bless you and yours.
Thanks for the kind words. I have recieved some constructive criticism in the comments that have led me to revise some of my trainings. Everyday is a winding road, thats brings us a little bit closer
No matter what the bit is, if your horse is scared enough, they will continue to bolt, even if that means ripping their mouth up really bad. Keep working on having gentle hands, keep working on your relationship with your horses. Sometimes stuff just happens.
No judgement here, i was riding my horse in the creek one time and was un aware there was a slippy flat rock slate shelf. My horses feet slipped out from under him, we got wet but neither of us got hurt.
UA-cam premium eliminates all ads across the platform for 1/10th the cost of cable tv. Also, this was an educational video discussing an accident that occurred while working horses in agriculture... it was not intended to shock the viewer, rather to discuss how what could be going right could go wrong in an instant and how to adjust afterwards
Showing one picture of the horse lying in a tangle doesn’t show how the animals spooked. I have been in horses as long as you have, mainly jumpers and race horses. No harness stock. Actually this is the reason I don’t do harness! Not as much damage when a single horse freely gets loose.
@@barbarabrown9269 we didn't have video of the actual incident. The animals "spooked" when I pointed them down hill, they hit the collar with gusto, then once the manure spreader got going, the loud noise, heavy, downhill momentum, and manure flinging at their backs spooked them. Tried to discuss it in video. Opposite of click bait, this was intended to be an educational discussion video. We do farm work with our horses, so its not harness or saddle, its about what we are trying to achieve. thanks for the feedback and I hope you find some of our other content more enjoyable.
Glad y/all are ok for the most part , sounds like a scary ride . Wish you and the horses all the best lol just part of life when dealing with horses as you know Sir .
Ok story time . Driving a pair of minis through traffic lights on a big crossroads.. allowed them to canter because of steep uphill rise. Trainee pony started galloping and upset the older pony. I lost steering control, we hit the kerb and I fell off. Kept hold of the reins and they stopped. I had a big hole in my jeans and skin off my arse. Had to get home with a hi-viz vest tied over the embarrassment
Thanks for sharing and thank god youre alright. It happens really quickly and how we respond often dictates how bad it gets. Glad you lived and learned!
just a tip here, the liverpool without a curb chain is no different than the snaffle you were using before. The liverpool is a curb bit and the leverage comes from the curb chain. Hildy looks like she got more standardbred than draft. Could be why she is so quick to go. I've had two runaways. Never get out of the cart. Never bail out.
I have heard that about the chain and I believe you are right. Although the liverpool w/out the chain does offer additional leverage. Its also a straight bit which alone is more severe than a snaffle. That said, the curb chain would add. As far as staying with the run away... there comes a moment when a collision is inevitable and youve done all you can. Many have died in such circumstances. Risking being crushed by a spreader or slammed in between the horses and the cart were not worth being apart of when I had offered all the input I could and the outcome was inevitable
My brother in law had a big cart he did rides with his shires did the same and he was thrown .. I found him in barn unable to get out of chair. Being a paramedic ,I found he had rib fractures due to the height of fall he also was a big guy. Been around the horses for 27 yrs ! They do spook or get upset . . Just make the trust thing work the drafts are incredible. We also had Percheron . Glad to see all is good. Vet bills are💰. Just cost us 20k+ only to loose our oldest AQH . We r 30 min from tuft Cummings large animal hosp . 1 of the best in NE if not USA
A lot can go wrong in driving. There are plenty of videos out there of horses going down in harness. I have even seen Budweiser horses go down, so even the professionals get it wrong sometimes. Don't beat yourself up.
Jush you did well. I had and raised Perch and Perch crosses. These things happen . And being an advanced horseman/ driver. The Liverpool bit is your best you have leverage if needed. If needed. As for treats. Apple is a good one😊. Blood sugar lift maybe. Alfalfa is tougher on their kidneys. So just keep your balance of feed. Enjoy your horse training and use projects. Later, Mary Ann Alphin.
Horses can just go wrong at times, add humans, equipment, harness and even more can go wrong. I've been on the ground too, my friend, once stopped myself hurling headfirst over a barbwire fence by grabbing the barbwire. Better a little blood than a broken neck.
looks like you just have a simple snaffle on each horse, also they are stepping out pretty lively, I would not allow that, they need to be consistent and not managed at whatever gait they choose. You might try an over check or side checks to give you better stopping power. They could easily pull you and that cart and a full load of manure on their mouths, no effort. That manure cart is small enough you could use them single on it and work each one individually. Also, with that simple snaffle a straight pull has zero effect if they are bolting. your only hope was to see saw that bit back and forth and really hard jerks to get their attention and refocus on you.
If you have horses accidents do happen. We had 2 shires ,we also had 3 AQH. We now have a freisian cross. Nice team ! Amish are not very good to them ! Ours was poor shape hooves n weight. Just always look to other who learn too ! Good luck.
we do the horse work because it is interesting, we love it, and if we didn't do it, even fewer folks would. Trying to keep the craft, culture, and history alive in an ever changing world. It is also a cool thing to do that helps us to share our story and our business with more folks around the world.
You need to learn how to spread manure first. Them big gaps between spreader passes is going to have your soul nutrients at all kinds of different levels. There's not that high of nitrogen or phosphorus so to keep an even covering run the spreader wheel in the same next to the previous glad your ok
I turned off the sound of the video not to be distracted from what I was seeing as I usually do when watching horse videos. What I see is a team that had no business to be behind the spreader. Too fast, too nervous.
Thank you for your video & honest sharing. We are always learning with horses. I learned it wasn't 'if' I would have an accident but 'when.' If you want a YT channel to learn more about driving horses/ponies, I love the channel barryhook2. He's in the UK where there's better horsemanship and he's been driving/training all his life. I think you'll enjoy watching him train & overcome all sorts of things. Take care💙
Hi Joseph, I would love to watch your video all the way through but there’s a lot of whistling going on when you’re speaking I’m thinking maybe you have the mic too close to where you’re speaking
It was for the hill i thought id be better with a smaller/plus it was whats available. Theres nothing flat about my place, besides that one little pasture
Sir, I have some suggestions for you but it would probably be better one and one. I'm not trying to be critical but you do need some help. Let me know I you would like to chat.
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I noticed you said it was a learning curve for you. I have been following Working Horses with Jim for about 4 yrs, aged man who learned from his father, this is his life's work, he's had all possible prangs, boggings and runaways over a lifetime, and shares his daily lifestyle, farmer and logger. Also champion at horse-pulls, his horses being very fit and calm. Full of tips.
This is so so sad...these horses are not draffts...drafts are huge! Drafts are calm...drafts are bred for their strength and calm..the team in this video are light weight buggy horses..it appears that the roads harness is irritating him...(swishing tail)...maybe those fancy show collars are rubbing too big perhaps? Change them over to working collars and adjustable hames...lunge that roan to a good sweat then maybe just maybe you'll have a good harness team....but they will NEVER be a pair of gentle hard working drafts...😊
If you are using equipment to load. Why use horses to spread? What are you trying to get too? By saying your farming with horses. I have a couple of friends who farm by horses. They load by hand and this horse drawn scraper thing. They own no equipment. So is this just for likes or a hobby?
A labor of love. I couldnt employ 5 folks with horses (as i do now), but i am passionate about the craft, and am in the position to do what i can with it. If i didnt do what i could, when i could, then this art and craft would continue in decline. I do what i can, where i can with the horses (mostly as hobby, but to compliment my profession), and lean on equipment to run an efficient business alongside the team and support 5 families in rural vermont
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I don’t mean to be rude ! But runways are incredibly dangerous for u and the horses ! Blood sugars don’t rise ! It’s an old wife’s tail it what there pancreas regulates with insulin ! Your harness isn’t fitted well and your collars a way over sized !
He is only four and still growing accustomed to the occasional brush of the traces on his hocks. We are working on that and other things, but he is generally good natured
If you have never had an accident with horses, you haven't worked with them that long. I'm in my 61st year of working with horses and I had a few accidents, one also with a manure spreader when I stepped off and in stepping back on again I slipped since it was icy, fell to the ground and lost hold of the lines. They marched on, gained speed because it was downhill, and back to the barn they trotted. Now , some will say didn't they stop on 'whoa', well, this time they didn't. I was lucky that basically no big harm was done except for a few bruised ribs and a bruised ego.
Glad you got lucky too. Thanks for sharing
Fall and get back up; that’s life and we get stronger!
@@patalexander3702 amen
It's been a long time since I've worked with horses. I grew up with horses yes accidents do happen the key is to learn from them and to always be cautious
I admire your honesty & teaching beginners what could happen at anything. You’re right farming, working with horses, & life is dangerous. Glad you’re all okay. I admire your calmness & kindness towards your horses. God bless.
Thanks for the kind words
Hi Josh! I'm glad you, Hildy & Hugo all survived this unfortunate incident. Good on you for stepping up to the plate with this video. Others are always watching & learning do's & don'ts. You never know how many lives may be saved by your experience. God bless you, Josh! Some man!😊
Thanks very much for the kind words!
Hi Josh takes a lot to show and admit to failures especially on a utube I think most people wouldn’t show or talk about that on there channel for all to critique I have a lot of respect for u in that sense I’m glad your horse are good and I learned something from your video
I hesitated to watch all the way through but I’m glad I did. I can’t imagine what you were feeling when you went to find your team. I’m relieved y’all are ok.
@@jessethompson9039thank you jesse
@@JohnFieldingUSAthank you John, we are all relieved
I feel where you’re coming from, I was on a buggy ride with my Belgian cross mare one day, same road we always travelled. Worst case scenario happened, we were coming the hill heading home when a truck pulling a camper behind it. She looked over and saw the truck and didn’t care, took a second look as the camper passed us and she wasn’t expecting it to be there and it startled her, she jumped and started to pick up speed. As I reined her in the britchen got tight and that added to the scare. Before I know it we were at a gallop headed towards the bridge over the river. The more I pulled the more agitated she got and started kicking, folding the dashboard over onto my lap and trapping me in. Just as we got to the bridge I gave a solid left hand pull to steer her onto the bridge and not over the railing. She turned and slipped on the pavement and fell on her side, braking the shafts and skidding into the guard rail. She laid there long enough for me to lift the dashboard and jump out to grab her head as she was jumping up.
I unharnessed on the side of the road leaving the smashed buggy and harness in a pile to get her home. It was a long 2 km walk with both of us dripping blood from scraps. I still use her to this day, she still the best horse I’ve had, everyone has bad days.
Highlight of the story is I can tell people I was in a high speed buggy accident.
Glad everyone is safe on your end
Wow! I can relate wholeheartedly to that experience. Thank god you could turn her to safety and that the dashboard somewhat protected you, even if it trapped you. Terrifying to say the least
This is a literal record of s*** happens (when spreading it)! :) Glad all turned out well and the fact that your horse stayed down and calm is a credit to the relationship you two have!
Thanks for the understanding
No matter how long we've worked with horses it never hurts to be reminded how quickly things can turn bad. So glad you and your team weren't badly injured. Thank you for being so kind and considerate of your animals .
Riding isn't easy. Horseman ship isn't easy. And obviously, it's the same for work with horses like you do it. Huge respect to you for being so gentle and loving with your horses.
Much appreciated
I admire you for sharing your experience. I have ridden and driven horses for 50 years. In most situations, driving is a trickier proposition than riding. Stories like yours serve an important purpose in reminding us all that horses are complicated - especially when being driven. By nature, horses are uneasy about things clattering along behind them, because horses are prey animals and thus wired to worry about something sneaking up behind them. Add to that the complexities that come when 2 horses are asked to work together as a team, and (my husband likes to say): "It is a plain fact: there is a reason tractors became popular so quickly!"
So everyone - Keep trying to learn safety first when driving. And if trouble happens, take the time to reflect on what went wrong so you can learn. In this case, I had questions about the past of the older mare who had been bought and was more fiesty. Had she had a wreck before? You won't always be told the truth when buying a driving horse.
Best of luck to you trying to make a quiet team out of these two. I might recommend pairing up your younger, more mellow gelding with a seasoned, rock solid older horse for his first few years of serious work.
Good luck to you - be safe!
thanks for the kind words.. and its true, theres a reason tractors are so popular
Ich sage immer ein Pferd hat keine Bremse und keinen Zündschlüssel zum ausschalten.
Ich habe Höhenangst, wenn ich auf der Leiter stehe. (Ich wäre fast einmal aus einem Riesenrad gefallen, in der Jugend.) 2 Mal saß ich auf einem Pferd. Es ist nichts für mich.
Ich mag Pferde, aber nur wenn ich auf dem Boden stehe und nicht abspringen muß. Haha
Everybody has a runaway at some point, usually early on. Mine happened 20 years ago driving someone else's newly purchased horse, in someone else's harness on someone else's sketchy wagon. Hardest way to learn. Glad no horses or men ended up injured or dead. I've been at this for just over 35 years and you need to make those horses work at a flat walk. Farm work is no place for prancy half-assed buggy horses. 2.5 to 3 mph is working speed. I farm and log alone, working singles, pairs, 2 and 4 abreast or 4 up, all alone. Whoa and Stand are the first and most important gaits they need to master. Get a spreader that you can reach the levers from the seat. You made the right decision with the liverpool bits. I do not use leverage bits as my horses are all soft in the mouth, but you have to work with what you've got, and now you know you can't hold them in a milder bit.
Thanks for the kind words and good advice. Now would my team qualify as half assed buggy horses in your opinion? No offence taken if yes
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I have been asked by others to try and train various mixed-breed horses for farm work over the years and have never been satisfied with the end result in most cases. Too light boned, light muscled, and too hot in the head for me. The steady predictable placidity of a farm type full draft horse makes a far more workable horse in my situation. The standardbreds off track are always a can of worms physically and mentally. Just go to the races and watch how they handle and drive them then compare it to normal farm or bush work. If you want a buggy horse they are fine. carriage driving fine. I need steady slow power all day.
@gentlegiants1974 appreciate the feedback. Hugo might prove quiet enough but i intend to breed hilde to a full draft to make a 3/4 percheron... but i do see what youre saying
@@ruggedridgeforest7775I commented on your hay mowing video last summer. There I foreshadowed something like this happening. One thing I see is they have no respect for you. In the mowing video the roan horse bucked and you did nothing to reprimand him and in this video, when you were leading them, he pawed and acted up and again you did nothing. You're to worried about hurting their feelings. You need to swallow your pride, sell them, and get a team that's two years past retirement. Life is to short. Get a team you can enjoy.
@@woodsgremlin9995 when he pawed, I tightened the the nose band on his halter and applied steady pressure, he then continued to push forward, and I applied a light corrective jerk, applied pressure to his chest, and got him back into the correct position. That walk and talk wasn't a training video, but you're right, everything is training, to be honest I thought my corrections were subtle and sufficient in the moment, but of course the behavior is undesirable. And you did foreshadow this happening, and you were correct, and I appreciate your input and concern. Often as horse folks we are in our own spheres and don't get all the input we need when we need it, so I will take the tough love and apply it. I won't be selling this team however. We will continue to work and grow with input from all angles. I do enjoy this team, and I made a mistake in putting a heavy spreader behind them on steep terrain.
Just found your channel. I really like your content! This was an educational video. Appreciate you sharing these unpleasant experiences. Most content out there focuses on aesthetics and unrealistic horse perfectionism and how perfect they are together. I think most people panic and do more harm than good to/for their horse in an emergency situation. We need realistic content like this! These scenarios are very important lessons. That’s just my opinion though.😁 Your calmness and overall handling of this situation was spectacular and again, educational.
Cheers
Really appreciate the kind words. Thanks
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I subscribed because of your compassion and treatment of your beautiful, hard working horses... I'm pleased you gave them 2 wks off as I'm sure they were sore and traumatized; then tragically started them back into hauling again. I'm grateful you and your beloved horses were not harmed... The black horse has a beautiful gait much like a fox trotter does...
🦋💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🦋
I have no experience working with or around draft horses. By the time I was old enough to work my grandfathers had both sold their teams. They were
both men from the late 1800s and had large dry farms in northern Utah and Southern Idaho.
Both were very good men and farmers/ranchers.
I was fortunate to be a beneficiary of what these men had achieved.
I learned from them some of the patience, care, love and some understanding needed to “work with” these big animals a very small part. I did get plenty of time riding, learning and being around good working horses.
I’ve never watched your channel before now but from listening to you talk and seeing you working your team I think you know what you’re doing.
I appreciate the kind words, those are lovely memories
Simply being a rider, I understand your self preservation instinct to ‘dive left’.
My 17h horse would bolt with me for unknown reasons. While I believed the goal of riding was to stay on, I also had a self preservation instinct. Due to that instinct I developed my personal emergency flying dismount procedure. Thankfully the horse and I lived through all of these, without injury.
Sounds like you made many good calls.
I'm actually glad that the accident wasn't filmed. I am, beyond happy, that no got hurt in this wreck. I will say that both animals looked a little hot in the collar for harness work. I guess they just need more time. Best wishes. Thank you for sharing
I’m glad no one was injured,I admire your patience not to mention all the work and effort that goes into this ,the smaller darker horse has a proud gait like a trotter or show horse , interesting film thanks for posting.
Shes got a touch of fire. Thanks for the kind words
During my life from the very childhood, I had also few life dangers accidents with the horses. But still I have horses and continuously once a year or two have some accidents. My grandfather had two horses, the mare and the gelding, the mare was crazy one. Once , when I was 8 y.o., I was left by my grandfather on a carriage alone with my older friend, he was 10 and we started to clean the carpet shaking it in our hands, the friend was stronger, so he waived harder and I fall from a carriage under the mare. She freezed and did not move at all until my friend went for my grandfather and bring him back to save me, horses understood, that it was a child under and no one move a step until my grandfather gave me a hand...
Thats a great horse!
Kudos to you for bravery and honesty! Glad everyone is ok.
Thank you
Thanks for sharing the good with the bad! So many people only post unicorns popping rainbows and make everything look easy, then when people find out they're not perfect they freak out. Thanks for showing the newbies working with horses is not ALWAYS perfect! Thank goodness everyone is okay and God Bless you all ❤
Thanks for the kind words. Not always easy showing your mistakes to a big audience, glad you found some value in it
I'm interested in learning to drive, so I was watching this video closely. I'm not sure what lesson we are supposed to take away from your experience? Horses will spook, that's not on you. When in the saddle, I've been on a bolting horse, and I've learned to not let it get started. My mare's trainer told me when I took home my green horse who he knew would bolt--"don't let the worst thing be the first thing--stay on and ride." Sure enough, she bolted, and I wanted to bail, but I remembered what he'd taught me--wait for her adrenaline to start to come down and then turn in a wide circle. We also had a bolt that was headed for a fence, and I did bail on that one. Pretty soon I could feel when a bolt was imminent and I cut it off at the pass. She never bolted again, because I could feel it coming and turned her before she got out of control. But I don't know how or if any of that applies when driving. Could you have started trying to turn them sooner, as soon as you felt their energy come up? Can you even feel their energy come up when you aren't sitting on them?
What do you think you could have done differently?
Too much alfalfa the day before was one thing. Reading the team, they were hitting the collar hard and hot to trot. And most importantly, not putting them in a compromising position (ie on a downward slope with a full spreader). Lastly, the three piece snaffles werent enough to stop them when things got bad. I cant blame any one thing, but all three contributed. Like others said, getting my horses to walk flatter under load is something ill have to continue to stride for
And one last thing: it is always "on you". Horses dont put themselves in these positions, we do, and regardless of whether its my fault or the horses, its my problem and i should have control of the situation. I manage people at work, and a refrain i often give myself is even if it isnt my fault, it is my problem, and so what can i do to remedy that in the future. Regardless i hope you find some good take aways from this content or our other content, thanks again
How scary. So glad everyone is okay. It's difficult to know what to do when everything happens so fast. You do the best you can at that moment. It seems like you did everything right because everyone is okay.
appreciate the kind words. we are all lucky to be a little wiser now
So glad you're all ok. I've not had any major wrecks, but enough to know how scary it can be. God bless.
Thank you
I have grown up with horses and have been riding since I was five. My father worked horses for plowing and other farm chores.. Those horses are really on the slim side .. if you are gonna work a horse you have to feed them well!
They are crosses so they aren't as heavy boned as full percherons... additionally Hugo is only 4 years old so he is still filling out... I think he just finished growing up, now he should begin growing out. You can feel the ribs, but not see them in their summer coat, which is my metric
Years 5:39 ago my uncle was killed by a runaway team. My mother was very good training saddle horses and teams. They were poor. Had to train whatever they got..mother liked horses. My dad on the other hand had no use for them..but then his dad died when he was a kid. They only got wild horses that no one else wanted to deal w..those kids and their mother had to the best they could .Grandpa developed black lung from all the mining. So they got the farm. No experience..my grandparents were immigrants. There was no help. It's how they survived..my dad never cared for horses..of course I love them. They sure can hurt you tho
Thanks for sharing. That is certainly a tragedy, and im sorry for your loss. Horse deaths surpassed auto deaths per capita by a longshot in their time
There will always be someone out there who just can't help themselves,the not so nice ones 😊 But l can see your a good man,your horses are well groomed well fed and look very happy and contented....which is wonderful to see.Your harnesses are in good condition,and you have a beautiful place.Ive just found this channel but this video dose look familiar maybe l came across it quite some time ago.Wishing you and your family all the very best uk England
Thank you kindly!
You handled it well, and have a good attitude about it. I think that team would benefit from being separated and worked single. If they were under a heavier load it would knock off a lot of that trotting If you have shafts for your pioneer cart, you could pull that spreader with one. Make ‘‘em scratch and pull and think a little.
But again your approach and attitude is spot on. I’ve hitched around 2000
Times in my life and had 3 runoffs. It’s a helpless feeling.
I think youre right. I should work them single more. Hugo,being just 4, i started double, but truth be told i havent hooked him single yet. Hilde could prolly use a refresher herself
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 basics are always good to be refreshed...remember no bit stops a run away horse..no matter under saddle or pulling.. you are wiser now about hills and down hill actions...thank the Lord you all survived well.
single will give you more one on one time together.
First and foremost, praise God you're all ok!! Thats most important, as you well know.
Secondly, don't we all learn every day? I know I do, or at least I try to. Bravo to you for your courage to share and hopefully your audience will be as thoughtful back to you in return. I'm positive there are seasoned horse handlers who can, and hopefully will, help to address this constructively for you.
Check with someone more in the know but I know that my friend overgrained his horses and it caused a runaway situation. NOT saying that definitely applies here, as I'm not sure, but you may want to look into it. God bless you and yours.
Thanks for the kind words. I have recieved some constructive criticism in the comments that have led me to revise some of my trainings. Everyday is a winding road, thats brings us a little bit closer
No matter what the bit is, if your horse is scared enough, they will continue to bolt, even if that means ripping their mouth up really bad. Keep working on having gentle hands, keep working on your relationship with your horses. Sometimes stuff just happens.
Agree
Everyone makes mist akes but it takes a man to admit it. Well done, it is a learning curve.
i appreciate the kind words
A good strong bit is worth its weight in gold.
Amen
Yes we’ve all witnessed accidents with driving horses, it happens.
glad i am not alone
No judgement here, i was riding my horse in the creek one time and was un aware there was a slippy flat rock slate shelf. My horses feet slipped out from under him, we got wet but neither of us got hurt.
They stuck a stupid ad in where the accident should have been. Click bait.
UA-cam premium eliminates all ads across the platform for 1/10th the cost of cable tv. Also, this was an educational video discussing an accident that occurred while working horses in agriculture... it was not intended to shock the viewer, rather to discuss how what could be going right could go wrong in an instant and how to adjust afterwards
Showing one picture of the horse lying in a tangle doesn’t show how the animals spooked. I have been in horses as long as you have, mainly jumpers and race horses. No harness stock. Actually this is the reason I don’t do harness! Not as much damage when a single horse freely gets loose.
@@barbarabrown9269 we didn't have video of the actual incident. The animals "spooked" when I pointed them down hill, they hit the collar with gusto, then once the manure spreader got going, the loud noise, heavy, downhill momentum, and manure flinging at their backs spooked them. Tried to discuss it in video. Opposite of click bait, this was intended to be an educational discussion video. We do farm work with our horses, so its not harness or saddle, its about what we are trying to achieve. thanks for the feedback and I hope you find some of our other content more enjoyable.
Glad y/all are ok for the most part , sounds like a scary ride . Wish you and the horses all the best lol just part of life when dealing with horses as you know Sir .
Thanks for the kind words
Ok story time . Driving a pair of minis through traffic lights on a big crossroads.. allowed them to canter because of steep uphill rise. Trainee pony started galloping and upset the older pony. I lost steering control, we hit the kerb and I fell off. Kept hold of the reins and they stopped. I had a big hole in my jeans and skin off my arse. Had to get home with a hi-viz vest tied over the embarrassment
Thanks for sharing and thank god youre alright. It happens really quickly and how we respond often dictates how bad it gets. Glad you lived and learned!
just a tip here, the liverpool without a curb chain is no different than the snaffle you were using before. The liverpool is a curb bit and the leverage comes from the curb chain. Hildy looks like she got more standardbred than draft. Could be why she is so quick to go. I've had two runaways. Never get out of the cart. Never bail out.
I have heard that about the chain and I believe you are right. Although the liverpool w/out the chain does offer additional leverage. Its also a straight bit which alone is more severe than a snaffle. That said, the curb chain would add. As far as staying with the run away... there comes a moment when a collision is inevitable and youve done all you can. Many have died in such circumstances. Risking being crushed by a spreader or slammed in between the horses and the cart were not worth being apart of when I had offered all the input I could and the outcome was inevitable
My brother in law had a big cart he did rides with his shires did the same and he was thrown .. I found him in barn unable to get out of chair. Being a paramedic ,I found he had rib fractures due to the height of fall he also was a big guy. Been around the horses for 27 yrs ! They do spook or get upset . . Just make the trust thing work the drafts are incredible. We also had Percheron . Glad to see all is good. Vet bills are💰. Just cost us 20k+ only to loose our oldest AQH . We r 30 min from tuft Cummings large animal hosp . 1 of the best in NE if not USA
Im sorry to hear that. Thanks for the kind words
A lot can go wrong in driving. There are plenty of videos out there of horses going down in harness. I have even seen Budweiser horses go down, so even the professionals get it wrong sometimes. Don't beat yourself up.
Thanks for the kind words
I remember watching a runaway horse when I was a kid 😮
certainly a sight to behold!
Thank God u all are alright. accident's happen that's just life.i bet that was a scary situation to be in.
Sure was, glad everyone is okay. Thanks for the kind words
They are horses.Thanks for sharing your experience.
thanks for the kind words
Inspiring and appreciated, actually. Thanks. Be well.
Thanks for the kind words
Jush you did well. I had and raised Perch and Perch crosses. These things happen . And being an advanced horseman/ driver. The Liverpool bit is your best you have leverage if needed. If needed. As for treats. Apple is a good one😊. Blood sugar lift maybe. Alfalfa is tougher on their kidneys. So just keep your balance of feed. Enjoy your horse training and use projects. Later, Mary Ann Alphin.
Thanks Mary Ann
I love your attitude! That spreader is awesome - homemade? Awesome spread you' all live on! I just subscribed!!!
Thanks a ton! Bought the spreader off a neighbor
You are lucky ...run aways are the scary...glad everyone is ok
Thank you
Limit the grain, grass and alfalfa hay mix
We run a pretty lean diet, but the day before the incident (i good work day) i doubled the alfalfa....
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 the Amish around here work their horses hard in the spring. They may drop a couple of sizes on the neck collar .
@@danthurman9076 that steady work is why many old amish horses are so safe and confident
Horses can just go wrong at times, add humans, equipment, harness and even more can go wrong. I've been on the ground too,
my friend, once stopped myself hurling headfirst over a barbwire fence by grabbing the barbwire. Better a little blood than a broken neck.
looks like you just have a simple snaffle on each horse, also they are stepping out pretty lively, I would not allow that, they need to be consistent and not managed at whatever gait they choose. You might try an over check or side checks to give you better stopping power. They could easily pull you and that cart and a full load of manure on their mouths, no effort. That manure cart is small enough you could use them single on it and work each one individually. Also, with that simple snaffle a straight pull has zero effect if they are bolting. your only hope was to see saw that bit back and forth and really hard jerks to get their attention and refocus on you.
Interesting tip on the sawing. Hope to never have to use it but if all else fails thatll be my second to last effort
A bit won’t matter for bolting horses. Good luck,
You should really get into writing books or audio book story telling! You really know how to draw in the audience 👏
If you have horses accidents do happen. We had 2 shires ,we also had 3 AQH. We now have a freisian cross. Nice team ! Amish are not very good to them ! Ours was poor shape hooves n weight. Just always look to other who learn too ! Good luck.
Lovely Video.
thanks for the kind words
where is the accident? did not seen one....
Camera was not rolling at that moment, though i describe it, the circumstances, and fhe aftermath in detail
Beautiful horses😊❤
Thank ya kindly
I cant believe you are using them in open bridles.
I drive my pony in an open bridle.
I am training one of those sissy horse to drive as mentioned above. I had a runaway and it was terrifying. She was ok afterwards
glad you both were ok
There are machines to do that work- I would be afraid they maybe don’t feel good, don’t want to- a machine feel nothing
we do the horse work because it is interesting, we love it, and if we didn't do it, even fewer folks would. Trying to keep the craft, culture, and history alive in an ever changing world. It is also a cool thing to do that helps us to share our story and our business with more folks around the world.
Poop happens! Glad all is going to be ok!
Thanks
Why don't you use blinders on your bridles?
we have a video which discusses this entitled "why we don't us blinders"
ua-cam.com/video/QWF5WwqZh3U/v-deo.html
You need to learn how to spread manure first. Them big gaps between spreader passes is going to have your soul nutrients at all kinds of different levels. There's not that high of nitrogen or phosphorus so to keep an even covering run the spreader wheel in the same next to the previous glad your ok
Appreciate the tip
I turned off the sound of the video not to be distracted from what I was seeing as I usually do when watching horse videos. What I see is a team that had no business to be behind the spreader. Too fast, too nervous.
You arent all wrong
Thank you for your video & honest sharing. We are always learning with horses. I learned it wasn't 'if' I would have an accident but 'when.' If you want a YT channel to learn more about driving horses/ponies, I love the channel barryhook2. He's in the UK where there's better horsemanship and he's been driving/training all his life. I think you'll enjoy watching him train & overcome all sorts of things. Take care💙
Barryhook2 is fantastic
Hi Joseph, I would love to watch your video all the way through but there’s a lot of whistling going on when you’re speaking I’m thinking maybe you have the mic too close to where you’re speaking
I will look into it!
You need a real manure spreader. Hard work is what breaks stock to work. You had no load for a team.
It was for the hill i thought id be better with a smaller/plus it was whats available. Theres nothing flat about my place, besides that one little pasture
Sir, I have some suggestions for you but it would probably be better one and one. I'm not trying to be critical but you do need some help. Let me know I you would like to chat.
Sure send me an email
Wrong sorta horses, these are roadsters, you need heavy horses, cool blooded, steadier.
Youre not all wrong
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I noticed you said it was a learning curve for you. I have been following Working Horses with Jim for about 4 yrs, aged man who learned from his father, this is his life's work, he's had all possible prangs, boggings and runaways over a lifetime, and shares his daily lifestyle, farmer and logger. Also champion at horse-pulls, his horses being very fit and calm. Full of tips.
glad everthing is good
Thanjs
This is so so sad...these horses are not draffts...drafts are huge! Drafts are calm...drafts are bred for their strength and calm..the team in this video are light weight buggy horses..it appears that the roads harness is irritating him...(swishing tail)...maybe those fancy show collars are rubbing too big perhaps? Change them over to working collars and adjustable hames...lunge that roan to a good sweat then maybe just maybe you'll have a good harness team....but they will NEVER be a pair of gentle hard working drafts...😊
Those are farm collars w adjustable hames and theyre draft crosses you are correct
Im going to use my tractor
theres a reason theyre so popular. But not as rewarding
If you are using equipment to load. Why use horses to spread? What are you trying to get too? By saying your farming with horses. I have a couple of friends who farm by horses. They load by hand and this horse drawn scraper thing. They own no equipment. So is this just for likes or a hobby?
A labor of love. I couldnt employ 5 folks with horses (as i do now), but i am passionate about the craft, and am in the position to do what i can with it. If i didnt do what i could, when i could, then this art and craft would continue in decline. I do what i can, where i can with the horses (mostly as hobby, but to compliment my profession), and lean on equipment to run an efficient business alongside the team and support 5 families in rural vermont
And everyone else you know (even the amish i know) run equipment. My amish buddy logs with a bulldozer because his church doesnt allow pneumatic tires
Do your horses a favour and just stop driving horses ! You are soooo far off on your assumptions of what’s happening! 😮
Unfortunately i wont be giving up just yet, but i did subscribe and i hope to learn a few things from you
@@ruggedridgeforest7775 I don’t mean to be rude ! But runways are incredibly dangerous for u and the horses ! Blood sugars don’t rise ! It’s an old wife’s tail it what there pancreas regulates with insulin !
Your harness isn’t fitted well and your collars a way over sized !
For that small area geeze I could do it myself, my dad and I tilted that size with a walk behind tiller
we got a couple other pastures of equal size, but yes, our horse and pasture area is relatively small fish
Yeah I saw the male wanting to kick
He is only four and still growing accustomed to the occasional brush of the traces on his hocks. We are working on that and other things, but he is generally good natured
Those are NOT DRAFT horses.
Draft crosses. Percheronxstandardbred
👎
Damn horses, not worth a damn.
@rockofagesusa7942 only good for dog meat.
@rockofagesusa7942dange horseman not worth a dang is more like it... but hes a touch wiser now
@rockofagesusa7942 thanks for the kind words, we're in it for the long haul