I Took My $500 Rescue Horse to a Show

Follow along as I enter my rescue horse Romeo into his first competition where he shocks everyone! I compete in eventing, which includes 3 phases; dressage, showjumping, and cross country. You are scored on all three phases, and whoever has the highest score in all three combined wins.
Romeo is an Off the track thoroughbred that came to me 10 months ago starved and untrained. He is so fun to work with and has become my dream horse. Follow along on our journey of making him a competitive jumper and eventer.
Thanks for watching! This video was made in collaboration with my horse blog, Stable Talk - Your Trusted Source For All Things Equine. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just starting your journey into the world of horses, we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.
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[@user-vg5rf5dd1q]

I’m a retired nurse who has ridden all my life and when I see these accomplishments with this horse that was a throw away I get very thankful and happy for you and Romeo. I will be watching your progress and reliving dreams. Thank you

[@annepettit3855]

The idea of a noseband is not to tie the horse’s mouth shut. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’re doing great with Romeo! (Fellow Romeo owner here 😊)

[@cindya.esquivel6876]

Actual question here because I have never ridden English, what is the actual function of the noseband? Because out of ignorance on my behalf it does look exactly like that, is it being used incorrectly? I am trying to learn here so please don't get snarky

[@annepettit3855]

@@cindya.esquivel6876 it most likely originated as something to fasten devices to that keep horses from carrying or throwing their heads too high. And now of course those devices get used to tie horses’ heads down too low (sigh)

[@cindya.esquivel6876]

@@annepettit3855 thank you for your answer, and I understand what you mean by originally we're used for a different reason. I believe that a lot of the original use of certain equipment has been redefined. And abused

[@Fidelia2202]

@@cindya.esquivel6876 The actual use of a noseband is not to tie the mouth of a horse shut. If used correctly (one or two fingers between the noseband and the nasal bone of your horse, depending on the kind of noseband used) it helps to keep the bit stable. Also especially with young horses still learning to go on the bit, the noseband supports the jaw and therefore helps your horse to relax their muscles. And it prevents horses from opening their mouths too far, e.g. a horse that puts its toungue above the bit or opens its mouth very wide to evade the bit. If used correctly, your horse can still chew on the bit and also take treats without any problems. There is also a danish/american study on the use of nosebands on 3000 english ridden horses in shows and competions in Denmark. They looked for micro lesions in the horses mouth and found significantly fewer if a noseband was used correctly (compared to no noseband at all or a too tight noseband) So a noseband is nothing bad. And without knowing her dressage trainer or how tight her noseband actually allready was, maybe her trainer just wanted to give her horse a little bit more support or a softer, more stable, smoother bit? The riders hands could be more stable and quiter at points (no hate, nobody is perfect) and therefore the horse could profit from a tighter noseband as long as it is not too thight. But thats really just speculating without having been there. If the trainer wanted it pulled really thight, get a new trainer, one that knows what he/she is doing. Sorry for my long winded answer, I hope it helped.

[@cindya.esquivel6876]

@@Fidelia2202 thank you for the response, and it is helpful. And I can understand how it can be abused or helpful depending on the people involved. Actually never did understand the purpose before besides holding a horses mouth shut, which I understand now was and is not the intended purpose. Just like in Western riding

[@taylorthompson2073]

Congrats with your boy and thank you for showing what slaughter bound horses can do. I got a 4 y/o unbroke mare from a kill pen in August 2023. She's become quite the trail mount. She was also supposed to be a project to sell, but now has a permanent home with me. She's been to the mountains, on parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, been ridden along highways, ponied babies, camped, is a sweep horse for endurance, and has done so much more. On July 20th she's sweeping part of the Tevis Cup as well. Some of the best horses I've known have come from kill pens (Sweep riders for endurance are riders who follow behind the competitors to make sure no one gets lost on trail and to be first contact if a rider and/or horse end up hurt or in any other kind of compromised situation. Sweep teams are usually made up of 3 to 4 people with at least 1 HAM radio operator. Sweep legs are usually around 10 miles, but can also range between 4 to 20 miles)

[@sandrabradshaw2864]

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!Love conquers all, maybe our World leaders need to learn that kindness, patience, justice and love will bring peace to our World.😊😊🐴🐎🌹🌹💛

[@POTPachyOTP]

the english and western together looks honestly great

[@Amara_Lux]

Please ask your family to keep this Horse. He seems to be part of it… ❤

[@XxBlueEyedxX]

Didn't she say in the video that she is keeping him?

[@naevrys]

Never let anyone tell you to tighten a noseband. They are entirely aesthetic and there is no purpose to them, much of classical dressage (which is biomechanically correct dressage) doesn’t use a noseband. If a trainer complained about my noseband not being tight enough, I’d drop the trainer immediately and tell them why their opinion is bullshit. The jaw needs to have full mobility to retain a state of relaxation and suppleness.

[@bostack6714]

I totally agree with you. My riding teacher said that my gelding chewed his bit too much and wanted to put a noseband on him. I took it off and told him that I didn't want to, I also refused to let him put spurs on because my horse didn't need that. I also decided not to put a noseband on it anymore or I wouldn't tighten it. I think horses don't need that, I prefer a horse to be able to open his mouth and breathe, I also like not having a bit at all 🤭 (I dropped the trainer lol)

[@stable-talk]

Yes I won't lesson with her again.. didn't like her 'negative' coaching style. (She mainly complained about my riding, with no positive feedback).

[@Error-wp1ub]

@@stable-talk That is such a red flag. A good trainer should be straigth forward but you need feedback when you do something good to know if you're actually doing it correctly!

[@hitago4551]

Entirely aesthetic??? How to prove you have no idea xD

[@audreywineland1426]

Glad you are keeping him.

[@stable-talk]

Me too

[@vickyburton2434]

It breaks my heart to see horses so mistreated. As an endurance junkie, I find a lot of great rescued Arabians, mules and half Arabs that make excellent endurance animals. It does take time and patience to allow healing both physical and mental issues. I love a bitless bridal with an endurance saddle. So comfy and I can stay hours in the saddle with little discomfort for both of us. I have dressage background. I found I love the freedom and relaxation of endurance riding.

[@Error-wp1ub]

Eyes on the ground? You should look through the front of the ears.. the competition looks good, the feeling is the thing to strive for. You should be really proud

[@sereneprincess4940]

As per other commenters: If you're working with a trainer who only gives negative feedback, and never has anything positive to say about you or your horse, then they are a bad trainer and probably need therapy to work thru why they hate their job. However, your Romeo looks like he realises that while he may be scared of something, and that fear is still something he's working his way thru, he's starting to trust the people and animals around him to not put him in unsafe environments... and that, above all else, is going be better to heal whatever he was subjected to at his previous barn. Bravo, and I look forward to seeing more of you & Romeo in the future.

[@janedeclarico5920]

He is such a lovely bay boy. Glad you decided to keep him. It was meant to be.

[@jccastle3452]

Wow! What a gorgeous boy. I can't wait to see his progress in the future. He is so lucky that you found him.

[@popcornsuniverse1861]

what a wonderful horse he has loads of potential!

[@j.elizabeth4621]

Man he’s got great confirmation, I don’t blame you for keeping him

[@mypointofview1111]

All he needed was a good home, a kind heart and someone who would show him his purpose in life. You gave him all three. Both of you are heroes in the truest sense. Keep up the good work

[@CrayCrayJumpingPonies]

OMG that horse is absolutely precious ❤❤❤❤

[@shell5673]

Stunning transformation ❤

[@lavahawke46]

This was fantastic! Thanks for sharing the journey. He's such a beauty!

[@lurleenmonteleone5119]

Thank you for showing him so much love.

[@meganfisher831]

Aw, how wonderful. Since other people are sharing their stories of slaughter rescues, I'll input my shocker! My family had a horse sales business. We'd buy low at the auction house, especially during pasture flooding disasters, then sell the horses for a modest markup after a month of feeding them up, grooming, and some light extra training to place them in the right sales bracket. But we always gave a hard no to true slaughter quality horses because most of them were not trained at all and had too many expensive medical issues. There were a couple college girls bareback riding this paper skin on bones mare who looked barely able to stand, but had very fiery stubborn eyes as if she were fine. I had to have her. I bought her out of pocket, and she barely stood the ride home. After a day of rest and an appropriately sized hearty meal for a tentative recovery, I slipped on bareback with a halter out of curiosity to take her up the short driveway and back only. It drew a huge crowd as we were a public tight knit stable and this was a rare event for us. As she turned to trot back to the stall, she lifted her legs SO high and gave me everything she had, a beautiful gait in appreciation of her oats. Turns out she was a smoky black Tennessee walker. I kept her as my own, didn't ride her again for weeks so she could make a full recovery and exercise first, then we had so many adventures..

[@meganfisher831]

She was a whopping 186 bucks by the way, as she was literally listed for slaughter and my father was able to talk to the meat buyers personally to ask if they could please let us bid on this one to give her a forever home, and people were kind enough not to bid knowing what we had planned. It was so satisfying peeling her sales sticker off.. Missing you Sanga, rest in peace black dove.

[@user-vg5rf5dd1q]

Well done I’m crying

[@jansilverthorn777]

Good job and best wishes for a long and successful career with Romeo. ❤

[@NZKiwi87]

He’s beautiful, thank you for loving him!

[@topcat32349]

I bought a QH that was a reject from a hack line. He was in poor condition but he popped over a cavelleti on a loose rein and up and down a worn out double drop. His feet were broken off above the soles but he trotted up sound. I started working him through the three phases with basic dressage and tiny jumps but he naturally wanted to jump big. He jumped out of a paddock over a 5 ft gate to rejoin his friends. I did a schooling horse trial at about 4 months and though he wasn’t the prettiest jumper he went clear and did honorably in dressage so he won. We went on to do all sorts of showing for 7 yrs and he carried my daughter over x rails very carefully and jumped anything I aimed him at. I had to sell him and he went on to compete nationally and do very well. So much for a reject!

[@rexietielrex2121]

Sorry for seeing this so late! You are doing super good with him and I hope more and more people see your amazing work/videos and you even start making some profit out of it!! Keep up the great work!! Stay strong!

[@brinleyisawesome6398]

Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL horse!

[@lindanorris2455]

I KNEW!! THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ROMEO!

[@samsgirl4138]

Wow! What a good ending for this beautiful boy! He found someone to care about him! And Thoroughbreds are the most beautiful, capable breed out there (in my opinion). I love seeing stories like this! Hoping to see lots more on Romeo!!

[@stable-talk]

Yes I'll keep posting videos about him and our journey together!!

[@michellestrickland7613]

You have such a wonderful relationship together. Congratulations.

[@stable-talk]

Thank you

[@lindanorris2455]

he is mess! gorgeous animal!

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

CLEARLY he LOVES jumping the most!!

[@lousylvester923]

It's really amazing how good he did. I'm so glad you decided to keep him. ❤

[@fluffymountainbunny]

Congratulations to you and Romeo! I'm glad you're keeping him, you two have a wonderful future together... the slaughterhouse situation is so sad, but at least you were there to help get him out. He looks *so* much better.

[@kiriedwards371]

What an amazing job you and this little horse have done together so far 🎉 I look forward to seeing where you go together! Wow he’s gorgeous 💜

[@shazraff2010]

Just a gorgeous story - good luck wth Romeo!!🥰

[@lizbethstringer3583]

Good eye to see his potential as a rescue!

[@karabnp87]

My first horse was an auction/slaughterhouse bound rescue, who was also an OTTB, as well. He cleaned up nicely too, like your boy has and is continuing to do.💕 This has pulled on every heartstring within me.🥲 THANK YOU for giving this boy a chance. I wish more who had the experience and also the patience and love to give these horses, would consider it and do so. So many gems out there, if people would only see the potential and put forth the care, love, and effort to see them through to shine.💖

[@Marisa_.eq_]

Romeo is gorgeous ❤he looks great❤

[@kao9379]

Romeo❤

[@stardust949]

Congratulations! Great Work!

[@user-vg5rf5dd1q]

Spot on

[@today7518]

Amazing. Great story.

[@patveldhoven4919]

He is a credit to you.

[@falcolf]

Romeo is so gorgeous❤❤❤

[@lisakuehn6436]

Congratulations

[@norajuliavdv]

you got yourself a new abbonnee. love your videos

[@wendyclayton5709]

I find the use of pulling the horses head down with the reins that connect the girth to the bit creates an over bent outline and is not popular in my horsey circles in the UK. But what a fantastic job you have done with him

[@Flash3-22]

That is the first I have heard of riding with eyes on the ground.

[@rebeccapekarske5788]

Right? I was always taught to look ahead at where you want to go, not down at the ground. I had an instructor tell me that the horse will always eventually take me where I'm looking, so if I'm looking at the ground, I'm going to end up there 😆

[@darkpaprika6221]

My instructor would hunt me for this statement. Rightfully 🤣

[@perseytaber1376]

4:45 love the minions jump 😭

[@dexine4723]

Really hope he works out for you. He's a good looking horse with great movement and so much potential, if only you can tap into it. Good luck with your partnership!

[@jacquelineanncollins7412]

Significant achievement due to your belief and horsewomanship.

[@egeegee7146]

Once he gains trust in you as his leader the napping should stop. I would work flexion to stop the rear but also work from the ground is vital to show him rearing isn't the answer. (Steve Young Horsemanship is the best on KZbin re this). But he has landed on his feet and looks stunning now he has a home and nutrition and a job to do where he can use his brain. Super work

[@stable-talk]

Thank you so much for feedback, I will definitely check him out!! I also like Ryan Rose and Warwick Schiller on youtube. I think so too, he's becoming more trusting every month

[@LilA-zl6tf]

Your family from Sweden? Greetings from Finland. Romeo made so quick recovery into the competition! I think he will do great in the future! - Well - Sorry - He did SO WELL in this one!!!! Marvelously! (P.S. You know Piia Pantsu?)

[@trottinghorsestudios]

aww! ❤

[@ohnoes7032]

You definitely need to find a nice and kind dressage trainer, but one that works with you first and foremost (and the horse second). It looks like you need some work on relaxing and keeping your hands low and steady. They do flop around quite a bit, so i think maybe when you get nervous, you also tense up. This is why i would suggest a kind dressage trainer. If the dressage trainer can't make you relax, which often doesn't happen if the trainer is sharp and critical from the get go, then neither you or the horse will perform well.

[@user-vg5rf5dd1q]

He lives you

[@NovasVLOGAR]

Han är jätte fin

[@snickerswo1f519]

so pretty

[@alisav8394]

Had to stop when I heard about the spurs. Sprry

[@cheesyplayer1096]

2:18 I would definitely find a new dressage trainer, if you want to continue doing dressage of course😄

[@cheesyplayer1096]

Also i would never use draw reins, they do not build muscle quite the opposite actually

[@NoraFeonix778]

Your western saddle is so nice, does it accommodate higher withers? Brand? (Taking a saddle suggestion for my young sharkfin OTTB).

[@malin1153]

Weird dressage trainer! Not only the comment about the noseband, but also the "eyes on the ground" comment. Never heard a dressage trainer wanting you to look down of all things... xD

[@blessedfire365xgf]

God help our family farmers ranchers horses

[@iammajor562]

Why do you need spurs???

[@tempelhof1986]

I'm no vet or medical expert but does he need testing for early kissing spine?

[@janetcameron4743]

😇 😘 🐎

[@sheilaklerks1681]

Sometimes the diamonds in the rough turn out to be the best horses

[@user-je9uz2pu9n]

Is he a Ottb

[@stable-talk]

Yeah :)

[@johnruggiero3366]

spurs&the flash on bridle need to go

[@lottiedahlin6474]

Are you Swedish?

[@stable-talk]

Yes :)

[@DevineAmara]

BLESS YOU & YOUR EFFORTS. Your dedication, consistency, variability, & compassion are all paying off fantastically with him. I too typically do this type of work. The bond thats created from proper communication... no matter what comes into his life, he's set. I love seeing others use the gifts like this.🥰🦸‍♀️ Let others talk... your doing amazingly, hun. .... & sadly, ppl starve the horses b4 auction because of their own individual anger, rage, & pain at their own situation they created for themselves, & so are angry & disrespectful towards the horse... some people cant afford to feed any more... some get into a bad situation & dont have any other choice... but to actually go & starve a horse, b4 auction... well that is just human cruelity & anger. Stay focused on the healing work & creating the fun & enjoyable experiences like you are. Its a true GIFT to do this type of work with rightful action leading the way. A true gift to all. Keep on hun. Thanks for sharing the journey. Namaste

[@stable-talk]

Thank you!!!