Training a Shire Stallion Who Kicked - Billy

[@TinaFate9]

This guy is the best so kind and always puts the horses welfare first ❤

[@joycee5493]

The cadence of that trot is music to the ears.

[@jodyhuston1516]

Wow ! There's a lot of daylight under Billy's kicks ! I'm eager to find out how you got him to reach past his fears. So many horses with early bad experiences remember them for a lifetime. He looks wonderful in cart , relaxed and confident. You probably saved this boy's life. Looking forward to learning more about you and Billy !

[@barryhook2]

Hi Jody, Billy is the kind of horse that took solace from 'firm but fair' handling, rather than any 'mollycoddling'. Judging this for each individual horse is often difficult without experience and if gotten wrong, can cause more issues than it solves! Once he had confidence in his driver/handler, he was able to become a safe, confident and happy driving horse.

[@jeanviarengo231]

what a beautiful animal. Thank you for showing his kicking! I needed to see that. Love what a nice boy he has become

[@barryhook2]

Had to be seen to be believed, given how he is after training!

[@ellafields9424]

Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing. Love that you turned that boy around and probably saved His life and maybe some humans as well. 😇 So many unfortunate horses have People problems - Thankfully some find their way to You and get help. He is now such a wonderful guy. Love another success story for The 🐎!!! God Bless you!

[@tinnybird1971]

I love how slow & easy his trot is! It would make a good posting trot if he was ridden under saddle! You could just post all day long on this fella!

[@comesahorseman]

Know what? That broad back would make a secure place to sit; I'd like to try to sit to his trot!

[@tracyjohnson5023]

What a nice cross he would be on a TB mare!

[@SocialShires]

I can tell you from experience shires are amazing to ride. The trot is like riding a snowmobile. I only do shires now that I can afford them. I'm not yet ready for a stallion. But I said that about a dominant lead mare and she's the best experience of my life. (To be fair, I probably got it easy as she choosed me out of everyone).

[@Sine-gl9ly]

​@@tracyjohnson5023In generations past the TB/Shire cross (generally a TB stallion on a Shire mare, though) was very popular as a heavy hunter or heavy, but well-bred, carriage horse. That way was more economical, and safer, as the mare could continue working - in chains of course, not in shafts - until quite late in her pregnancy, had a wider pelvis for delivery and offered more room for the foal to grow in uterus, and more milk after birth, than the general run of TB mares could, or still can. Also, having a Shire stallion mount a TB mare would've been risky back then. No AI and little in the way of safety 'gadgets' back then ... just the skill of the 'travelling stallion man' (who often had a reputation not dissimilar to that of his 'charge' ...)

[@tracyjohnson5023]

@@Sine-gl9ly thank you for replying. Correct draft mares are much easier as broodmares than TB.

[@martdram]

hi barry, i have just watched this video with great interest as i am now the proud owner of billy ....

[@barryhook2]

Hi Martin, we have a couple of update clips sent to his owner at the time, but no other long videos. Feel free to get in touch by email and I'll send you the links to them. Also, give us a call if you get chance! We heard Billy was up for sale and would love to hear how he's getting on in his new home. [e-mail] [phone] - evenings are best to catch us in.

[@franciestokes3195]

I love the sound this horse makes with he hoofs beautiful sound 👍☘️🇮🇪

[@clwest3538]

Lovely vid .. it was not lost on me the "romance" of trotting down the tree covered road coming in town with the beautiful buildings, then in the rain, made me feel for a second what it might have been like a couple hundred years ago (well, except the occasional closeup of your hand - LOL)... thank you!

[@EliannaCH]

He's huge! Imagine riding Billy!

[@barryhook2]

Watch all the way to the end - Rhi doesn't have to imagine haha

[@ruthmcchesney4957]

Thank you Barry for yet another extremely watchable, enjoyable and hugely informative video. Watching Billy trying to double-barrel you was an eye-opener. And yet look at him now...fabulous! I'm glad that whenever you do a video involving a young horse, you always mention that the very best thing once the horse goes home would be for it to be turned out and allowed to absorb all it has learned. Great to see a heavy horse wearing a proper collar!!

[@barryhook2]

Thank-you for your kind comments, Ruth. Yes, we are strong believers in turning a horse away should the individual need it. It can really help to consolidate their training and give them much needed time to grow up both physically and mentally before starting their careers.

[@pookah7]

What a wonderful video. Sigh. Very relaxing, informative with stunning scenery. Thank you ❤️

[@ldg2655]

F.C.Artist : I find it relaxing too. I just stumbled onto this channel two days ago and have already binge-watched quite a few videos. Besides being very informative, it is relaxing to hear the clippety-clop of the horse’s hooves and watch his body moving with.. And Mr. Hook is wise, kind and a delight to listen to...

[@yvonneshort681]

You do them proud Barry x

[@laurakirk4129]

Such a HANDSOME horse!!!!!

[@Cheshyre.]

I wish I could live with you guys for a year so I could first hand absorb your knowledge, gain my confidence and get back into horses the way I used to be a long time ago.

[@Cheshyre.]

@Amy Stewart Yeah, problem is I'm across the pond.

[@honesttraitorbear3527]

Same

[@janepearson7794]

Love this chaps accent. Great to hear

[@jamesspiker6024]

That was a nice showing of what a little time and patience can do you have to think about how a horse thinks thank you !

[@comesahorseman]

Confident handler, confident horse; that's usually the case.

[@thessie]

Cor BLIMEY that's a kick and a half in the outtake! Brilliant work, he's going so nicely now.

[@coniyoung2122]

I am new to driving (10 months) in the US and absolutely love it! Fortunately, I have a 22 yo Haflinger who has been so patient as I learned to tack up and conquer the elementary skills of driving. I have watched so many of your videos and would absolutely be honored to be schooled by you. My concern now is I do not know how to correct a bad situation such as an unexpected spook or a tack malfunction that causes a runaway...my Haflinger is so well trained and virtually spook-proofed. Of course we do not drive on the roadways with auto traffic. I would love to see a video of you demonstrating your techniques and ‘tricks of the trade’ on how you safely handle a bad situation. I am over the golden age, so things seem to break more easily and take longer to heal!! Stay safe!!

[@barryhook2]

Firstly, *staying calm* is the only across the board 'trick of the trade' we can give you, as every situation is different and even very similar situations with different horses can require entirely different responses to get out of them safely. Accidents can happen very quickly and even the most experienced drivers can be left on the back foot when it comes to reacting to an unexpected incident - horses are a lot faster than us, after all! You can train for tack and carriage equipment malfunctions (you can see some of the things we do on our videos across our channel) and you can 'bomb-proof' your horse as much as possible (again, most of our videos show some of what we do to achieve this), but there may still be something one day which happens which was unavoidable. There is no hard and fast rule of things to do, except to train your horse as much as possible and earn their trust in advance, so they are more likely to listen to you if they are frightened. The horse having confidence in themselves and their driver can go a long way towards safely handling a bad situation. Most importantly, do not panic. Hauling on their mouths violently and shouting and screaming at them is also no good as a response. A calm, clear, slow but firm 'steeeaaady' or 'whoooaaa' or whatever you normally use to bring your horse to a stop is far more likely to get through to them than shouting 'whoa whoa whoa!' or 'steady steady steady!' loudly and rapidly. They will not hear the words, they will only hear you making loud, scared noises behind them. If you are out driving your horse and something bad happens, the rule is that only one of you is allowed to panic at a time and you must remember that it is *never* your turn! No situation has ever been improved by panicking, but it is easier said than done sometimes!

[@melaniehellum1281]

Wow love your video, the country side is lovely. It's nice to go on virtual cart rides and hear your stories of experiences and training tips.

[@Sine-gl9ly]

Love your philosophy on giving them experience of the many, many things that can startle horses which work in any way. My philosophy was always the same; it was an incident about 50 years ago (I'm 80 now) with an un-netted skip lorry, a plastic sack which blew off it and the reaction (or rather lack of reaction, other than 'oh look mum!) of the dramatic-looking Arab I was riding, which really kickstarted my part-time 'career' with rehabbing kid's ponies (I'm just under 5ft tall, so could even ride the tinies). Although I loved rehabbing ponies, I didn't have the patience for many of the owners (the kids were mostly fine, it was the parents ...) so for many years I would buy problem ponies at down-market auctions and 'put them back together' before selling them on to the right home. Some would take weeks, some would take months, and I ended up with a couple that never went anywhere until the captive bolt pistol took them away to a dreamland where they would never have the least pain, worry or fear again... those are the ones I remember best.

[@suerode500]

Love the soothing rhythm bells ,finally found another person who has the balls to say it's the PEOPLES FAULT NOT THE HORSE AS nobody wants to say it's my fault I f@#ked up .I enjoy watching you're channel xx Love from Australia wa

[@jwjechura1276]

I love the bouncy, free flowing way this big stallion moves. A joy to watch.

[@britbyname3620]

You’re soooooooo amazing Barry , too much to go into now , but saying that the horse “. Cant take any more in “. Speaks volumes.. I’m in awe. .. and i dont have horses, but would have loved to ... in the past , your connection with theses animals is overwhelming

[@JennB21]

Love all the vids. Thanks for Sharing your talent and love for horse.

[@Oakleaf700]

First time I ever drove {a motor vehicle} on the motorway with my instructor, I knew how a horse felt.{instructor had gradually built up my confidence driving round heavy Artics at Avonmouth... just as one would with a horse With the instructor saying ''it's ok, come on, overtake''...with him being so calm, I took confidence from him. Horses need to trust their handlers. Bright lights are so noticeable these days on cars.. :)

[@barryhook2]

Taking a jog down the path on the edge of a busy road gives a good experience too!

[@Oakleaf700]

@@barryhook2 Absolutely..

[@martdram]

Hi barry... Would be interested in tbe swert itch posion you mensioned in the video... Billy has proved to be a superstar.. Love him to bits...

[@barryhook2]

It's a combination of things including anti-dandruff shampoo (such as head and shoulders or off-brand equivalent), creams such as aqueous cream to sooth the problem and then neem oil and fly sprays to keep the biting insects away that cause the problem in the first place.

[@barryhook2]

Also, glad to hear he's doing well in his new home!

[@PhyllisGlassup2TheBrim]

I've started doing the lottery and if I have a modest win, I shall be sending my Merlin to you. He doesn't kick but he's terrified of anything on his behind and believe this is tied to his fractured back legs when he was a youngster. I haven't got what it takes to train him. I'll send both him and Rosie as I'd love to drive them as a pair.

[@barryhook2]

That would be great, Pam!

[@WOLFIEDOGUK]

Barry, I know it is not a 'skill' but I have to say that you have "balls of steel". The skill with horses you may have spent a lifetime achieving but it cannot be applied in situations like this without the B o S to go with it. Hats off to you sir!

[@thomasrussell2997]

Am I suprised that this beautiful Horse is as good as he is now ,The answers is No ,I am not in the least Suprised. With your Patience and Dedication and the Professional way you handle thing's ,and Other Horse's is Second to None.God Bless you Barry and Thank You Fantastic video 👍👍👍🐎🐎🐎

[@barryhook2]

Thank-you for your kind words, Thomas!

[@hannahambler1993]

The name is very fitting 😂 my son is called Billy and he’s similar to this lad haha bless. What an absolute stunner he is though, wow! Got a bit of a soft spot for the heavier horses.

[@martdram]

if you do have any more on billy i would love to see it ... great work barry regards martin .

[@inkwhiskers9948]

Beautiful!

[@renatefeller5208]

Tolles pferd,super kutscher 🙋🇨🇭

[@lizziehounslow4621]

He's a real gentle giant

[@sallyannefrancis8647]

Another amazing Video !!

[@lindamclean8809]

Awesome 👏

[@lizziehounslow4621]

I'm a big lover of shire horses I wish I could be taught how to drive one

[@Oakleaf700]

Churngold {big heavy skip lorries/plant} near Avonmouth were so good with horses :) The falling motorcyclist would have been a startler for you, too..hope he was ok.

[@KKIcons]

Wow I forgot all about training for wipers. I am going to get them out in wet weather a little more this winter.

[@susanbrowne9100]

What lovely well trained horse a credit to Barry and Rhi you spoke about rubber bits you have manufactured does horse drawn promotions sell them I plan to have my Shetland pony broken to harness and want to use a rubber bit not used here in Australia much thank you again authorise drawn promotions

[@barryhook2]

Hi Susan, we do not currently manufacture our own bits, as we have yet to find a material durable and flexible for how we want them. We currently use Shires and a bit marketed as a: Korsteel Flexi Rubber Mullen Mouth Loose Ring Snaffle

[@saradenhollander3768]

Hi Barry, what about leather bits like what www.starlakefarm.com sells for minis and small ponies?

[@barryhook2]

@@saradenhollander3768 Barry used leather bits back in his youth - maybe they could be useful! - Rhi

[@sherrieaton6444]

Thankyou for sharing this. So many would think Billy would be no good as he’s a kicker and dangerous.....you have shown how with proper training he can go on to a happy life👍. We’ve also had a bad year for sweetitch here in Ireland....and laminitis has also been bad this year😖

[@barryhook2]

Yes, we expect he would have been 'written off' by a lot of people. We are glad we got to find the lovely boy that was underneath all his insecurities and bravado! We've been using neem oil on our Freddie and anyone who has come in with sweetitch this year - seems to have worked!

[@SocialShires]

What a cute little shire stallion.

[@BRPFan]

Nice video! What’s the name of the song? Love it!

[@barryhook2]

It was written especially for Barry by a Canadian man called Stan Garchinski and was performed by his band!

[@BRPFan]

barryhook2 I see! Nice song and very nice horse!

[@jenniferlehman2464]

Barry Hook, do you ever have any problems with burns from the britching? A lot of Standerdbred Pacers I've worked with, always had issues with rub burns from the hobbles, at the same place that the britching lies. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Best Regards from Ontario, Canada, Jenn.

[@barryhook2]

Hi Jenn - not usually, no. If the horse is experiencing britching rubs, it is usually because it has been set too tight. There should be a fist of space between the horse's quarters and the britching when the the horse is in draft (traces are tight).

[@jenniferlehman2464]

@@barryhook2 Thank you so much for your reply. I will show this to some people I still know at the track, it might help them out. Best Regards, Jenn

[@chfgypsy]

Barry, I am in the states, bought a rubber bit ( rubber tubing with chain ).. the horse chewed it to pieces, is there a source for a solid rubber bit?

[@phubblewubbphubblewubb]

Oh God, the tyre, the most dangerous breaking gadget out there....once it bounces, it cork screws and twists the traces tight.

[@barryhook2]

Indeed - but also very common!

[@teddyhoward315]

How far can a shire travel in a day when pulling a cart? It’s therapeutic to watch!

[@barryhook2]

Depending on fitness of the horse and weight of the carriage, easily in the dozens of miles given appropriate feed, water and rest breaks.

[@V13470]

Amazing video! Why did he kick thought?

[@1942rita]

Does he drive in tandem without kicking out too? how about his stable behavior? Good job so far.

[@bevakathedementedraccoon]

i truly admire and respect the training you do, it just always seems such a shame that you never film the horses at the start of the training. or that you do and then don't show more than a few seconds of it. it would then be a true before and after to be showing people instead of a few short clips and half an hr of the end result. don't get me wrong the end result is amazing to see, and i'll still watch regardless, it just seems like a wasted opportunity to truly show off how far they've come in a short time. even doing a 2 part series might work? ie: this is ... he's just arrived, this is the issue the owners want us to work on etc etc, and then this type of vid with a recap and the end result? just food for thought :-)

[@barryhook2]

Hi Bev, we prefer to only show short 'before' clips - often alongside the 'after' video - as we prefer to focus on what the horse can do now, rather than what they used to be like. Also, we often aren't filming very early on in the horse's training as we need hands for horses, rather than for cameras! I do agree that it would be very nice to have clear 'before and after' clips and - in some cases - an impressive difference, but there often isn't the opportunity to get the footage! Best laid plans and all that! Thank-you for your comment :)

[@bevakathedementedraccoon]

@@barryhook2 i appreciate the reply! i hadn't realised it was actually someone holding the camera, i'd always assumed it was a gopro attached to the carraige and therefore handsfree lol. i understand now, thanks :-)

[@janicerosenthal8798]

Love your videos and all helpful tips for horse care & training. Please could you text me the recipe for the sweet itch I’d appreciate it for my Fjord . Thank you keep these videos coming please and take care ❤️🐴

[@barryhook2]

For Billy what worked best was the human-brand "Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner". We treated him with that all over and then covered any sores with E45 lotion. For our Friesian, Freddie, Neem Oil worked wonders.

[@debtompkins5363]

really can get those hooves up there....do you hook any longer or shorter in the trace with an expected kicker? I'd be afraid of him hanging a hoof in the cart grill and really panicking... I saw a supposed experienced driving Morgan (no truth from those previous owners) suddenly go into a kicking frenzy and demolish a Meadowbrook and harness. Left me concerned about ever being behind one who kicks...

[@barryhook2]

We always have our horses put to a bit further out than 'normal' in case of kicking and to be able to see how they are moving their hind legs to watch for brushing or unusual movement.

[@tanon2703]

I need your magic recipe for calming itchy skin in horses. My fellow likes to remove his tail in spring and summer. I have tried everything from vet recommendations to commercial products. It would be nice to find something that works. 😏

[@barryhook2]

For Billy, what worked was a wash with the human shampoo brand 'Head and Shoulders'. For Freddie, our Friesian, we use Neem Oil and that seems to work for him.

[@tanon2703]

Thanks! Will give it a try next Spring. 😊🐴

[@chfgypsy]

I too, would appreciate your thoughts on this

[@chfgypsy]

Ok ..thank you....

[@jaykneegarner2479]

barryhook2 Interesting, I have used H&S for cannon crud but haven’t tried it anywhere else. As for Neem oil are you using cold pressed or the hydrophobic extract stuff and how are you applying. I have one currently scratching the crap out of her throatlatch and belly.

[@bonnieclotfelter5030]

Is Billy still resentful of his hind quarters being touched?Some horses are genetical kickers ,buckers,or strike when you pressure them & they don't want to behave.Kicking is a bad problem for a harness horse.How did you cure him?

[@abhishekhbs2798]

U are so lucky

[@shevhunter986]

Can Rhi share her recipe for sweet itch treatment? It would be great to know what she uses please

[@barryhook2]

Hi Shev, it varies from horse to horse. For Billy we found the human dandruff shampoo 'Head and Shoulders' worked great. For our Friesian, we used to use Neem Oil, which worked well for him. Often it is a combination of things, including keeping them very clean with the pressure washer.

[@SocialShires]

FYI Mares are seldom under 17 unless bred too early. Stallions? The one that covered my mare is 19.3HH and he's not alone in the 19 range

[@barryhook2]

Does depend on breeding - the 'show' style tend to be taller, the 'working' lines can be as short as 16hh, which is closer to what they used to be back when farmers were working them, as nobody wanted a horse so big it was difficult to harness from the ground! We tend to see them in the 17hh-18hh range here.

[@barryhook2]

Will keep letting you know what's upcoming!

[@kimmyrolfe486]

Those Blue removal lorries did not slow down much

[@SocialShires]

I'd love to see him now at full size . 7.5 years old is what I consider shires to be fully adults

[@barryhook2]

Absolutely - according to bone development charts, heavy breeds mature at around 8 years old.

[@SocialShires]

@@barryhook2 From the ones I saw grow up, they grow fast in the first 3 years and then slowly for what seems like forever. 8 years seems about right. Last 3 mares I saw growing up were already 17 at 3 years old hence why I think they get bred too early. My colt was 16h when he hit 1yo. There is one that's 4 years old I want to convince owner to sell it to me, so I could let her grow to 8yo isntead of them breeding her. The shire is the biggest breed historically and I believe we should let them reach full size before reproduction. There's plenty of people who loves having a heavy horse they know they wont overburden. People are also taller now, so harness a 18hands isnt a problem for someone just as tall (6ft tall).

[@Kazcat1]

I was working on having my pony broken to drive, I’d gotten him to accepting the cart on the yard. Then a friend suggested a “professional “ driver to help getting my pony to pull the cart, he took him in the field, got in the cart and took him up a slope then coming down it my pony got scared bucked out the cart tipped over and my pony ran off. It petrified my pony doing a lot of damage to his back end dragging the cart behind him. I’m gutted as been advised never to try driving him again.

[@barryhook2]

Hi Kazcat1, what country are you in? We take a lot of horses who have been involved in accidents and a lot whose owners have been advised they 'can not be driven'. If you would like to see if we can help, please send an email to: [e-mail] or Call Barry on [phone]

[@Kazcat1]

Thank you, I’ll give you a call in a few months time. He’s got health problems due to the accident at the moment, once he’s back to normal I’ll ring you. Thank you!

[@tracyjohnson5023]

What’s Brie’s recipe for sweet itch?

[@susanbrown2909]

Would he not be better gelded ...he seems harder work based on what you said. Thanks Barry..

[@barryhook2]

If he had been gelded, he may still have shown his original behaviours. His owner plans to use him for breeding, so it's not currently an option.

[@mcransley]

Isn’t it foolish and unscrupulous to breed from a stallion with sweet itch?

[@claretollerton9715]

I wonder if the previous owner wasn't very nice with the horse . Sometimes if an human bullies a horse with whips etc they associate it with a certain person or all people with aggression also in experience can show so the horse takes control being the leader so intimidate the human who isn't confident showing non clear signals it is fine line from bullying cruelty and being the leader without scaring and stressing me out . The tyre hitting him after a bit would have bothered him but if he had been sacked out before and after the tyre hit his rump and hocks then he would be better with being touched at the rear.

[@barryhook2]

Possibly - we often find humans cause more problems than horses! Luckily for Billy, he is now with a very understanding owner who is determined to do the best for him.

[@claretollerton9715]

@@barryhook2 yeah sure is now and it would be nice to have his bloodline carried on for sure . He may even win awards in his class , I have always had a soft spot for heavy horses less flighty and more gentle than some breeds just hope more people ditch tractors and go back to the heavy horse for pulling power.

[@abhishekhbs2798]

This is a huge horse This bread horse is not available in India

[@debtompkins5363]

maybe traffic is better behaved by you than it is here in the US, because it is clear there is nowhere for horse or vehicle to get off the road, it must be shared. Drivers here seem to think the horse will go off in the ditch or bushes...

[@britbyname3620]

Are you able to find any potential new “ learners “. ( human ) !! To learn from you the art of horsemanship ? I hope so

[@sheilasmith1109]

We couldn't drive our horses on the main public roads where we live! People are just too inconsiderate and mindless! They have No respect!