Another Happy Update for Black Jack!

Black Jack continues to improve, and I'm thrilled to be making happy updates on how he's doing (FINALLY!). It's been a long journey since I bought Black Jack back in March, but I feel he's really got a lot of forward momentum going now.
If you're new, WELCOME! You can check out the beginning of Black Jack's long journey with me by watching the videos in the Black Jack's Saga playlist here: • Black Jack's Saga . They do a pretty good job of explaining all the craziness we went through right after I bought him.
You can catch up with all his updates in the Black Jack Updates play list here: • Black Jack Updates .

[@ShintogaDeathAngel]

He’s looking much better, that yard obviously suits you both.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!

[@MMargaretRiley]

Sweet Black Jack is living the good life he deserves because you have provided it for him. Congrats to you both.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I think he's got it pretty good now.

[@jaysmith8199]

Black Jack looks lovely! That's good that you're going to video your lessons. So happy you're making friends at your new barn, don't be intimidated just because it's a professional barn. Sometimes these folks get stuck in their ways and a new fresh view is needed 😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

The folks are really nice at the barn, and I'm so thankful about how helpful they are. :) Thank you for your kind words!!

[@SharonP8356]

He looks wonderful!!❤ Hoping he will remain sound because you have more than dotted your i's and crossed your t's with his ailments! You are on the correct road to being a great first horse Mom!❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I'm trying really hard to do the right thing for Black Jack. :)

[@Lambee303]

He looks so amazingly healthy!!!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!

[@2kblueberries]

He’s so shiny and pretty. Just throwing this out there, but while you are waiting for Blackjack to be ready it might be a good idea to take horse handling and riding lessons just to help bring up your confidence. We horse people are never be done learning. Keep asking questions and watching how other folks are around their horses. You’ll see folks that impress and folks that you can see that you don’t want to be.

[@MarisaBlack-f5b]

You’re so amazing. He is so lucky to have you.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm actually taking lessons once a week using my instructor's horse. He's a great horse, trained WAY better than Black Jack.

[@JovieStroll-f8t]

So happy to hear more good news! Blackjack definitely does look healthier in my opinion! Spending time with a horse in the pasture just hanging out is truly one of the best ways to bond!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm so glad you think he looks healthier! :)

[@sherylbartlett3871]

WOW! He lost his big belly and his conformation looks great along with his shiny coat and happy grazing! You are doing fantastic!❤😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!! He does look thinner in this video. To be fair, he's still a chunk, but we're working on it. Hopefully he'll continue to improve with more activity.

[@fleetskipper1810]

I noticed that he’s lost his big belly, too. He’s rounding into better condition, and now that he’s being ridden, he’ll get some muscles and look even better. I’m so ticked for you both.

[@gdiup9241]

I bet with more weight loss it'll be easier on his hooves /joints. The fungus, we had that on my t-bred, i read that could be part diet. I couldn't try it at my barn due to barn rules and schedule.

[@slunt3123]

Black Jack looks great. The waiting that you have had to go through is going to be worth it.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I think so! And I've learned a TON!

[@susanm3503]

He is absolutely stunning ❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

wow, thank you!!

[@janicewink4614]

So glad he's moving in the right direction. Good for him (and you)❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!

[@carolheck3877]

You're doing a GREAT job, and "just hanging out and spending time with him" is important, builds his trust in you, is actually good for communication, because every time with him shouldn't be work

[@JovieStroll-f8t]

That’s exactly what I said! 👍

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I love hanging out with him! I think he'll be shocked when I actually do start riding him again. lol

[@charlene-zw]

Wonderful to see Black Jack so happy and healthy !!! You two are doing Great 😃🐴✨👏👍

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!! I appreciate that!

[@leftnoname]

Well, first horse is like a first car - there will be a process of discovery and challenge. Glad you, guys, are both doing well.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

That's a way to think about it! :)

[@annmarshall7560]

Black Jack looks so beautiful, well groomed and loved😍. Such a lucky horse . Enjoying your videos from the uk .

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Hi there in the UK!!! Thank you for watching!

[@MozeyDnTheTrail]

Great news! Enjoy all the positive developments! ☺

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm really enjoying getting to report all the good stuff!

[@matthewalexander2436]

He looks gorgeous, happy and content.. thanks to you.❤ He didn't use his tail once, ultimately whether or not to plat his tail is solely your prerogative. There don't seem to be many flies bugging him anyway.❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

There are hardly any flies here right now! Honestly, I love his tail free and flowy, but it was kind of fun to have it braided for a hot minute.

[@WickedNeedle]

He looks great, you sound better too- more relaxed. A bit of advice, once you start "bending the knee" to people nitpicking about minor things such as braided tails, etc., it wont end. There is a huge difference in a horse in a stall with a braided/bagged tail vs a horse in a pasture that has wind and lots of movement. Even my horse's tail and mane is always braided bagged, hes in a stall with fans to keep the flies off, and after lessons, and on weekends, he's in a huge paddock. Moral of the story, its sweet and honorable that you want to remain open and friendly, and MOST folks are here to help and do this journey with you. Others are on the opposite side, and will always find a fault with what you are doing and essentially saying its your fault because you put it on here. I learned years ago the 3 F's with life and my horses. If you're not: Feeding me, Fking me, or Funding me - then you can go away. Horse people are crazy cat ladies with more money. Big hearts, big mouths, and big opinions. Excited to see your next video and to hear how his lessons are going.

[@JovieStroll-f8t]

I totally agree with everything you said!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Oh my gosh! I love this! Thank you!

[@cmoorewv]

I can't wait to see you ride him! ❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

ME TOO!!! :)

[@alclubb]

He is looking really good and you sound so happy and relieved to be away from the other barn. As far as ideas for videos until you can ride him, maybe a video of what the trainer is doing with him. At least we could see him in action, so to speak. But, I just enjoy your updates.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion!!

[@valeriemoran842]

He is just beautiful!! So glad he is doing well :) He looks like a very happy boy!!!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I think he's very happy now.

[@myradeen1]

A barn tour would be great❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I would love to, but I'm kind of hesitant because I'm not sure the manager would appreciate it. I'm trying to be very respectful of his business.

[@kittypage333]

Im just loving the happiness i can hear in your voice! Good job horse mama ❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Awww, thanks! I am happy!

[@edwinawareing2395]

Nothing more beautiful than a true black horse❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I agree! They're so beautiful and shiny!

[@garland_of_cats]

I'm glad to hear things are going so well with Black Jack!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

Oh bless you ……

[@suzycue9278]

Black Jack’s coat is gorrrrgeous!!! He looks awesome! Kudos to you for being a good mom!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I love how shiny he is (when he's not covered in dust lol).

[@MegF142857]

Fantastic! On a great path! -- Oh, those fire ants are awful. I had mine once lay down on some & got bitten all over his belly. We may get some rain over Labor Day which will bring mounds back up to surface to treat. Yes, impressed how few flies in your videos. He looks good. (and comment is good for the algorithm for you growing your channel).

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yes! Thank you for the comment on my growing channel! ❤️

[@carolheck3877]

And this barn probably practices good manure control which means fly control. Also while you're waiting to get in the saddle, a great thing to do is use ground poles, make obstacles, practice leading, stopping, turning, backing, there are lots of good KZbin videos on it. Look for Jec Ballou, she has lots

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for that recommendation - I haven't seen that channel yet. I was thinking of working him with some obstacles this weekend. Should be fun!

[@budnspud]

He’s lovely. I think I mentioned in another video to check out Ryan Rose. He’s wonderful in helping riders take on the leadership role with their horses and working them where their at. How every interaction is an opportunity to form a good working relationship with your horses. Can’t say enough good things about him.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I love Ryan Rose. I actually subscribed to his Patreon for a while after I got Black Jack. I need to resubscribe now that I can be doing more with Black Jack.

[@DS-ky9dl]

Gosh, he looks great... shiny and healthy. You did the perfect thing when you moved him out there. I hope you can video when you start lessons,.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

My husband has promised to come up and video me riding him, so I'll definitely get videos of something other than him eating. I promise! lol

[@SusanBowker]

When he is in the field grazing why don't you get a chair and sit in the corral with himand you can drink your coffee and when he comes over to you for attention give him some treats, alfalfa treats, carrots, apples thin sliced and just hang out with black jack and that is another way to bond with other. Give him attention and he will give you attention. Black Jack is a beautiful horse, pray you keep him until you can give him the last act of kindness, once a horse bonds with you and trusts you, that means you are stuck with each other until the end of his time or yours. So don't sell even if later on you can't ride him, have him as a barn pet and even get him a buddy that he can hang with if you get busy at times and can't be with him all the time, that buddy will keep him busy until you get free to spend time with black jack and his buddy, always treat all your animals equal, because animals get jealous of each other so you must pay attention to all the animals you have. Glad to see Black Jack is doing much better, I pray that his legs get stronger and stronger everyday so you are able to ride him and also do trail riding to. You must take Black Jack to a beach where you can ride horses on the beach he will love it. If the weather is nice and cool out and a nice breeze and also salt water is very good for horses legs, if you don't want to ride on the beach you can walk him into the water, so the water goes half way up his legs, and if you want him toget use to water buy a small pool where he can step in and out of it and fill it up with fresh clean water and slice thin slices of apple and let him get the apple even thin sliced carrots go for it in the pool he might not go in but he will put his face in the water toget the apples and carrots, and sometimes horses like to splash the water with their legs, when he gets use to it he will enjoy it and I think you will to. I hope you try this it's something new to you and Black Jack. [e-mail]

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for the suggestions, Susan! And no worries, I'm not selling Black Jack, regardless of whether or not I can ride him. He's stuck with me!

[@MaryintheMiddle118]

He is a beautiful boy and you are doing a great job!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you so much!

[@NYCisland]

Glad he's doing well and that you're in such a great barn. I hope he can be a lesson horse for you. We'll know soon.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yes, fingers crossed!!

[@user-bi6ro8rx2m]

He looks healthy and shiny and relaxed...you are doing a good job! I am from E. TX so I know how hot it gets there! I am glad your situation has improved. 😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I bet it's even worse in East Texas with all that humidity!

[@thedesken]

You're doing great. There is something about you and Blackjack that is really special.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Awww, thanks! I think he's really special too. He's such a good boy.

[@ankebibusch]

The tail is also a mood indicator not only a fly swisch, best to leave it alone if you want to read your horse.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I pay attention to that swish, especially when we're working!

[@lonnyhollywood]

I’m hoping 1 day will get to see you riding video he looks great

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I hope to get those videos soon! My husband is ready to come up and record; just need to get riding. :)

[@Nickysmom]

He looks great. I rode for over 25 years, and had two lessons a week and had my trainer ride him twice a week. I did that because there is a difference between being a passenger on a horse vs. learning to really ride. Olympic riders still take lessons. A pair of trained eyes on the ground ensure success. I didn’t know this when I was a beginner but came to realize as time went on.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Very good point! Wish I could afford two lessons a week, but if needed, I could still have the trainer work with him. Just not sure how much riding he’ll be able to take with his old injury.

[@beabarber4300]

For not very severe face fungus, try sponging the affected area with a solution of 1 litre of clean water with 1/2 cup (no more!) of ordinary white vinegar mixed in. Restores the ph balance of the skin and does wunnderful things for healthy hair. Also works on humans in hot sticky impossible weather. The smell dissipates in a few minutes. Back when I was a professional showjumper and 3 day eventer, I'd use this solution as a rapid action coolant - just sponged over the sweaty bits to air dry after a hard run. I also used it routinely for cleaning the sheath - outside and inside, and I never had a problem with nasty bits or infections on my geldings in that area. I was originally told about this by a stud manager of a thoroughbred stud here in Australia. He used this solution rather than disinfectant when mating studs etc. Just as effective, and much much easier on the horses. Cheaper too.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Ohhhh! Thank you for that tip! Sounds WAY cheaper!

[@laurelrennacker7010]

It's really nice to see you really honestly 😍❤️ finally smiling I missed the super important part that he is heading in the hopefully sound for good direction 😁⬆️ That's great great news the kinda news that no one can begin to understand 😔 until you get taken by some evil human that sells us a broken 💔 horse 🐎 and after going through it myself..The vets the chiropractor, feed, and or corrective shoeing , !! And when you want and pray 🙏 for nothing more than to have. Sound horse even 1/2 sound even if they require meds , shots , or special pads with shoes!!!! AND I MISSED THE VIDEO WHATE YOU AND YOU FELLA ARE ONE THE ROAD GOD WILLING TO MEND AND THAT YOU I.E. RODE HIM !!!! AND ARE GONNA BE ABLE TO RIDE !! ❤❤❤HIM THATS ALL YOU WANTED AND COULD HOPE FOR..🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤😊😊 !!! I AM SO HOPEFUL 🙏😌❣️ AND HAPPY FOR U2 💖😘 DAWN N BLACK JACK HAPPY TRAILS !!! IM PRAYING FOR Y'ALL!!!!! ☺️🙏

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for the prayers! We'll gladly take them!!

[@tnit7554]

Black Jack is in pretty good shape now. I am really looking forward to his progress. So many good news. Hugs from Germany.😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Hi there over in Germany! Thank you for watching. :)

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

Hes looking so fabulous and you will be fine ❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!

[@marthajbrown7162]

Yay!!! He looks great/ so shiny & happy!! I’m a woman that’s a young 70 lol and want to get my first horse too!! ♥️🐴♥️👍

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm so glad I did, even with the struggles we've had. I totally plan on having horses for as long as I'm physically able!

[@stephaniedavis7033]

braided or tail bags allow them to swat flies plus if flies were bad, he would be swinging it like crazy. so happy he is doing so well - keep being kind & blessings always!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yeah, thankfully flies just aren't bad at this barn. They do a great job with keeping the place spotlessly clean.

[@grannieannie1371]

I dunno if I'm imagining it but he looks like he's lost a little weight and gained some muscle. His topline is looking better too. He's obviously moving a lot more at his new stable. He looking good.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I think he's lost a little weight, but he's still heavy. I'm sure as we add some more work into his life, he'll get in better shape. I've noticed that he looks thinner/fatter depending on where I record him in the pasture. There must be a slight slant to the pasture.

[@fish3339]

So glad that he's getting on better and I like all you say!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thanks!! I'm so glad to be able to report happy news! :)

[@fleetskipper1810]

Maybe your barn controls the fly population be using Fly Predators from Spaulding Labs? Many of the better-run barns do.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm not sure what their fly system is, but it works wonders! My previous barn also had one, but you certainly couldn't tell. I'm sure it also helps how crazy clean this place is...

[@debbieleerepscher2549]

So glad you both are doing so well now....sometimes all we need is a change !!!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Especially a change that's so much for the better!!

[@debbieleerepscher2549]

@HorseTaleswithBlackJack do you think at the old place someone who thought BJ was his...would run him at night time with no one around ???

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@debbieleerepscher2549 Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know that someone who “loved him” enjoyed chasing the horses around the pasture with the ATV. 😡

[@debbieleerepscher2549]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack omg how traumatizing for the poor boy....

[@lindathompson3982]

I am so thrilled that hope is more viable...Plus he's feeling so much better and is now able to tentatively look forward to his day, every day... What are some of the causes for fungus? What helps?

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I think he got the fungus because when it's so hot, he sweats a lot and his face stays a bit moist. I noticed he had it a little when were at the previous barn and he had to have a fly mask on all the time. I bought some Banixx horse spray, and that seems to be helping.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

One thing you could do, is clean his do dah,,,,, xx people often get and pay someone, but good to do yourself and saves you a ton of money, and YES YOU ARE SO CAPABLE, HUGGS to you both xx

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

My friend and I actually did this a short time ago. I didn't video it because I was quite "involved." lol

[@myhappygecko2895]

Curry comb the fongus I spend $80 on stuff and because I didn’t curry it all out of his face it got super bad and he had to have nystatin for his face. He finally looks normal again. 😂 ignore people about flies. A horse can still swing its dang tail even in a braid. Ur gonna get so many opinions! My opinion is curry comb his face for head etc and I now also do it on the bottom front straight part of the leg and a load of fur comes out when I do it in the areas he gets stuff like that and it helped better then the medicine if I caught it first. The nystatin vet prescribed stuff was amazing but I bought all the other things powders and sprays. Didn’t stop it once it got under the hair. Hopefully ya just get lucky and your stuff they gave y works no issue. I bought stuff two would told me to get, stuff I researched. None of it stopped it till the vet prescribe a thing. Good news is once ya find the right stuff it honestly gets better very fast.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm definitely keeping my eye on it to make sure it doesn't get worse!

[@cherjohnson5807]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@marcushoover5410]

Good to hear you may have a horse you can ride soon.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yes, fingers crossed!

[@nancyhamlin9169]

Canesten also works well for fungus issues

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@hah.365]

I hope you can ride Blackjack soon! Maybe consider voice overs when the quality is bad.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I definitely should have done a voice over!

[@donnie9455]

I don, see playmates

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

He has friends who share his pasture. I just try not to have them in my videos because I don't want to invade the privacy of others at my barn. :)

[@Ozarkhillbillyhippy]

What spray? One of my horses has fungus on his face.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm using Banixx Horse spray. It seems to be working well so far.

[@melindamiller2804]

Do you ever lunge him?

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Right now he's in training, and they're lunging him a bit.

[@user-bi6ro8rx2m]

Oh yes, terrible!