Buying A Good Trail Horse

[@bluejay9940]

I love getting to know the crew, and especially the addition of Reba the mule!

[@tuckerallen3621]

Now I know what to look for. Thank again Dwayne! Good job on the camera “Momma”👍🏻

[@dulaneyp]

Yessir, Mules are like mopeds. Fun to ride, you just don't want your friends to see ya. Kidding aside. Mules are like riding a Cadillac, smooth as glass and sure footed. Love em on the trail.

[@stupidcircle4413]

I'm not sure why, but the fact that the cute mule got the highest praise compared to the other horses just tickled me and had me chuckling! Gorgeous babies.

[@aliciamarie9704]

That tank is a nice looking horse. So happy & well taken care of. Great muscles.

[@kldice5212]

Recently watched your video on should I sell my horse. I wish I would have seen it a few years ago! It would have helped me feel better, although I knew what I needed to do & did it. My grandfather taught me to ride when I was four & I received lessons as well. I bought my first horse a few years ago, & something felt off, but I did it anyway. I ended up selling & waited almost a year & bought another horse. A horse that I thought was a better fit. The experience of the first horse poured over to the second & I lost the joy. It was a heartbreaking thing to go through. I did what I thought was best for the horse & sold him. I hope I will one day find my fun horse & get back the joy I once had. My grandfather has long passed, so your advice is gold to me! 👍

[@brucebissell7626]

GROOM THEM AND GIVE US A LOOK AT THE AWESOME TREE IT WILL MAKE THEM FEEL LOVED AND AT HOME. A HAPPY HORSE IS A GOOD HORSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND MOTHER. GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEW SCHOOL. A FAN IN SOUTHWEST UTAH/

[@1HeavyHitr]

Why are you yelling at everyone ?

[@catwoman2596]

Maybe they can't see...???

[@MrJrFish]

Dwayne! Thanks for the recent vids aimed at less experienced horse owners. There's are so many little tidbits of knowledge in so many areas, tack, training, health & care, and the big one here...how to approach buying a good horse for leisure use. Please keep this type info coming. Immeasurably helpful!

[@TMats100]

Pretty dang cool. 15.0 -> 15.2, that’s my wheelhouse

[@karenatha7890]

Love a good big riding mule! Rode one thru the snow up a mountain to watch the sunset.

[@alwentzel4776]

Good to know things are coming together there at Dry Creek Wrangler School. Enjoying your videos of life lessons of which we are still learning. Be good.

[@kristycook6041]

Reba is just lovely.

[@alexzander7386]

The pride for reba is practically oozing from your voice, im jealous!

[@custerranch]

Have to smile at hearing someone else refer to front legs that look like they grew out of the same hole. That was my dad's phrase, too. His other one was that he didn't want a horse with "a rear end like a housecat". 😁 He didn't have to worry about that with the Hancocks he always raised. They tend to have wide front ends like a bulldog. Keep the videos coming. Very nostalgic for me.

[@amouramarie]

"The critters." :D I love Reba the mule.

[@kurtreinhardt6789]

Thanks for the info on what to look for Dwayne

[@adamlemons7909]

Awesome new additions to the family!

[@evanshaw1000]

I was wondering how you were doing on picking up some more horses. Tank looks a good bit like my quarter horse mare CeCe. Looking forward to meeting your herd. 🙂

[@JBLynch]

Found this video by accident. Soon as you said Reba was going to become your personal mount, I subscribed! Have never spent time around mules. Loved how you described purchasing a trail horse.

[@sharongruener6078]

Looks like you have some nice mounts. Good for you. Blessings.

[@MyDarkSide62]

Don't know much about horses but Tank looks like a really nice horse with a nice demeanor. Thanks for the video!

[@rickshell4200]

It is so exciting watching your family and crew getting ready for the school. I wish I could have scheduled being in the first class, but am looking forward to the videos about how it progresses throughout the summer.

[@jonbontobi504]

NICE!!! And all 3 had really good confirmation 👌 ❤🐴 FUN!!!!!

[@deanjenkins4716]

Good video! Love Reba! Which having experience riding mules as a trail rider in both hilly and flat but most important rocky situations I'd pret a mule over most horses! Have had many different types and breeds of horse very hard to find a horse as smart safe as a mule

[@juliobranco9476]

Hi there, Greetings from France. Always glad to get good solid straightforward useful tips from knowledgeable people. I've got a silly question though : where can I get a jacket like the one you wear in the video ?

[@frankirwin2377]

Good to see your crew and school, coming together Dewayne. Tank looks good and Reba looks to be a real sweetheart.

[@OdeeOz]

Two horses and a mule. What's not to like? 🙂👍 If you can see the ribs, Tank ain't fat. Just stocky like a good muscled 1/4 hoss. 🖖 Number 2's head looks Thoroughbred, or maybe Walker even? She's inquisitive as heck for sure. Now Reba ... Wow what a mule, and them Long Ears can see all 4 feet, which makes them so steady on rough terrain. You got yourself some winners for sure and for true. Makes me wish I could afford another Trail Horse.👏

[@pano-rific8838]

Thank you for your insights as always Dwayne. Interesting you brought in the mule and proudly announced her as your likely mount. ~ your neighbor.

[@dorothydeyev9240]

Love this channel. So much wisdom and practical knowledge,compassion,peace,caring,humility, wonderfully woven together with the subject of God's most amazing animal creature, the horse. All this, plus a beautiful countryside background. Well, what's not to love? 😊👍🙏

[@scottwiggins3637]

This is awesome; thank you for the introductions.

[@rowanjones6537]

Thank you for the video, love the lessons learned from it. Tank is a beast and one of the first perfect examples I’ve seen of what a horse can be. Wisdom on point as always

[@grannyhorsetraining878]

Nice mule, Reba's a three bell mule 😍

[@paulahall4080]

Where do you look for your horses? Tank definitely has that nice kind eye! Thank you for sharing this helpful information!

[@sheilareser9696]

Congratulations on the new venture and especially on your new mule, Reba. I knew you’d come around eventually…;) Greg

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

I was trying to get one of your mules while I was still in Soldotna. 😄

[@thomasapplewhite8672]

I like that good looking mule! Nice practical information.

[@jpthrift9210]

Congratulations on your dream coming together with the school. Horses look good. I have always wanted to see a video on packing. Maybe you could use the new mule to do a, how-to, video on packing.

[@algoreHasNoRythm]

Best stock to buy right now👍

[@OverOnTheWildSide]

I’m glad you mentioned the leg placement on that first one. I have a stout mare who’s front legs are out further, not in and closer together. I really don’t know what to make of it.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

If they are outside on the corner of the horse, further apart, that’s where they need to be.

[@OverOnTheWildSide]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool I think I’m in good shape then, thanks

[@clarencewood1363]

Now I like that mule, that would be my choice also. I think mules are just underrated as good mounts. I also like the 2 quarters as you said because they're not to tall and gangly looking. Have fun and I wish you all the best with your school,Tommy

[@lorenlieder9789]

Looking great Dwayne horses and the mule look to be very good!!

[@judithwright5084]

Oh wow lookin good. Love your choices. ❤️

[@stephaniechapman2010]

I agree with the kind eye. Copper seems like she may be a bit green. Miles and confidence. I am not a fan of mules but that is based on my opinion only.

[@cybrarian9]

Good luck on your new and growing herd. May they offer many joyful hours of riding and just the simple pleasures of working with a good horse. I saw that mule right off and figured that would be your mount. As for the other two, a few extra (100-150 plus pounds of muscle) and some experience (especially with Copper) and I'm sure you'll have a good team. My only question is on their relative size to your potential riders. A lot of lesson and trail riding barns have an upper weight of 250 pounds, and Americans aren't getting any lighter. So put a heavy western saddle on a short-backed horse with a heavy rider makes me question your logic. Your horse experience far exceeds mine, but I'm still curious why such small horses for the potentiality of very large (and heavy riders). I ride my friend's 24-year-old Arabian mare, and Arabians by nature are short-backed, and I've ridden 17-something hand horses with necks and backs as big as a dining room table, but either way, I as a man still need a larger saddle than would fit a lot of thinner women. I'm not tall at 5'6" and not so heavy as a man so I prefer a shorter horse. And I'm also learning to "ride lighter", which is a great skill in terms of becoming a better and more sensitive rider. I also prefer a close-coupled horse as I prefer their trot and canter gaits. I'm by no means in a hurry to get anywhere and so if I'm on trail especially, a smaller horse is just "handier" and I don't have to duck as much from the overhanging branches. But that's me. I wondered what kind of situations you'd have and given that you might have larger riders who'll need larger saddles how that would work for your guests.

[@rodrod1515]

Great point Bob

[@cybrarian9]

@@rodrod1515, thank you. I was just looking at these younger horses and their smaller frames, the fact that they really could use some more muscle on them (if I had to make a less than expert assessment based on my limited experience), and some more saddle time, and just wondered how they'd carry larger riders, both men and women. I've been to lots of lesson barns and lots of trail riding places and I usually don't see smaller horses in their strings unless they are Haflingers or Icelandic Horses, even Arabians, Morgans, and Mustangs. And most of these are ridden by children and teenagers and adult women who weigh very little. And even still, a lot of these places won't let a rider of a certain size on a given horse. But if I see a string of draft-crosses or old-timey thickly built Quarter Horses (or crosses) or Appaloosas or Pintos or Paints, or maybe some kind of larger gaited horse like a Tennessee Walker, then I know this place usually gets a lot of heavy adult riders who usually don't know how to ride and want the slowest and most reliable animals for their strings. I'm not by any means any sort of expert on "wrangling," or buying horses for that matter, but I'm curious to know Dewayne's logic on buying a smaller horse with a shorter back when he might be getting larger and heavier riders.

[@karenatha7890]

@@cybrarian9 i was trail guide for a stable in the mountains of New Mexico. A very motly but super well cared for string of 40 horses. Always considered the rider and horse match. We seldom had heavy men for these usually one hour trail rides. One Morgan-ish horse could walk a trail while his head was busy chewing on my boot toe. That was always hilarious. Glad the customers were on more normal horses. Though they all had their own personality.

[@bill2953]

Good basic information in that it makes sense. Obviously Copper needs some ground work to desensitizer her more and darn guys, get that tag end on Tank's rope halter aiming down.

[@micah___bell_3434]

I got me a mustang, he’s a good horse I’d say about 14-15 hands, he decided to smack me in the nose the other day and leave me with a bad nose bleed. My dad got a quarter horse, he’s calmer but doesn’t ride well. He only rides in groups, my horse rides better in groups but rides good alone too. My dads horse would rather just stand there than ride alone. We go on trail rides every couple weekends with my cousins, they’re all chill when they’re together.

[@ssr4656]

Gave a friend our Haflinger that was given to us cause he was unbroke and a problemed horse but I sure wish I could have had him broke for riding and plowing, he was built like a tank but was a little dangerous. great video

[@wilddog1985]

When I get that way, I'll bring my mule out and ride with you.

[@wilddog1985]

Good looking mule.

[@cricket12ish]

do a vid on buying a coors banquet beer

[@mjheart94]

That Sir is a fine looking mule

[@samtheriverspirit2536]

that mule knows something

[@noahdemassy7895]

Hi! From Quebec! I would be really interrested in a video about do you consider a finished horse, a horse that dosen’t require more horse. Really like the content. Merci!

[@johnpeterson4868]

Thanks for sharing

[@kds1451]

Dang fine mule!!

[@eternalbeauty7350]

Love me a good mule. Congratulations on Reba. May I ask where you purchased Reba from?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

From some folks over near Chattanooga

[@jameseverly661]

Hi Dwayne, I've been enjoying your videos for several months now. One thing I would appreciate is some of the 'whys' of the characteristics you prefer. Such as why is a short-backed horse preferable to you?

[@kristencora]

I'm not Dwayne, but a short back has less length to sag under weight, all the vertebrae are closer together and stronger. Because of this, in general, a short back will be stronger, sore less, and last longer than a long back.

[@mitchelldavis6850]

Yall catch me up.............. Where are ya???

[@TammySaj-zm6kr]

You look at teeth too, and legs, I feel down the legs for any heat or swelling.

[@1HeavyHitr]

Reba is a lil sweetie

[@nancylaino712]

New subscriber here. Reba is really nice! You mentioned she was "smooth as glass" when trotting. By chance, is she a gaited mule? I'd love to have one of those! Good video, I enjoyed watching.

[@thedillpickle100]

Don't really know much about a horse. when I was a teenager I helped out on a hobby farm. The owner's horse was a big one. Had to watch him in the barnyard, never turn your back! The new foal would steal the rake out of the wheelbarrow. Boss told me to watch their eyes. Also, they look at our eyes. If they see fear they get excited.

[@mitchelldavis6850]

Didn't know you left Texas................ Whered you go?

[@Alex-horsman]

Could you shortly describe the idea of your school? Thanks.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

What is Dry Creek Wrangler School? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4HZqoKQlJ1mj80 This should help

[@jamesmccaghren3711]

Just recently started watching your videos. Hello from Caddo Mills, Tx. Love Reba, she's better looking than you are. And probably smarter. (But can she make coffee?)

[@joshgall3661]

You missed it man, sometimes there are vids about your mom too! Fat ol' lazy bulls. And they cant cook either.

[@stevenhelton4778]

Hello Dwayne. Thanks for the videos.. they’re very helpful. I’m a larger person, not huge, but 6’2” 260. Do you agree with the 20% rule when choosing the right size of horse? I’m just starting to explore buying my first horse for trail riding.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

Steve, the 20% rule is completely bogus. 260 is pretty big, but there are horses out there will carry you just fine.

[@stevenhelton4778]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Thank you Dwayne. I actually spoke with your wife a couple of weeks ago about coming to the school. I won’t make it this year, but I hope to make it next year when you get to WY. I’m trying to cut some pounds off. Lol. I rode a Percheron a couple of weeks ago. He was a big boy.. I would like a smaller horse, but not at the expense of injuring the horse. I won’t do that. Thanks for your response.

[@myhappygecko2895]

What does "eat corn out of a 5 gallon bucket" mean?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

A horse with a very long, narrow head 😁

[@kds1451]

Mr. Duane, I was just wondering if you were by chance in Salmon,Idaho around October 7th or 8th of 2018?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

No, I don’t believe I was

[@kds1451]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Ok. Thanks. I was in Salmon then looking to get out of Washington and I thought I ran into a fella I thought may have been you. I don't recall his name. Thanks

[@comesahorseman]

👍👍

[@johnnymetallica1039]

What cigar would you recommend for your horse?

[@pennybrennan4272]

Hi there! I was wondering if you sold horses? My husband and I are very excited to get beginner horses for trail riding. We have grandkids who would love to ride😀

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

No, I don’t have any horses for sale right now.

[@aidannelson2441]

How tall are you

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

👍🏻🇦🇺

[@beeamerica5024]

Why heck Dwayne I like Reba myself hopefully not named after Reba McEntire 😁😉🐝

[@tedsemonis7905]

Copper only being 4? has had 2 other owners so how she was treated she may be shy. Shy is just not loved as valued animal/pet. Yea pet working, riding, roping horse it is still a pet. A dog will beware it gets feed, a dog that will protect you till the end ask for love. Copper seems like she needs a hug.

[@MostlyPeacefulWACO]

I find discussing horse traits confusing. I'd like to see a side by side comparison of a good horse against one that's a complete wreck.

[@conniekempf4050]

It's just a matter of perspective. Unload a 3 yr old race bred/trained thoroughbred off your trailer at the trailhead and expecting a nice ride up the mountain is asking a bit much. I'd call that a hot mess. Taking a 12 year old mountain cowpony to the Kentucky derby and expecting a winner ain't gonna cut it. I'd likely get pretty frustrated. Most horses that are wrecks are just ones that have figured out the best way to defend themselves. They are all so different. I'm with you on the confusion, it's nuts.

[@MostlyPeacefulWACO]

@@conniekempf4050 I'm just asking about conformality and general fitness...although a comparison to a race horse would also be interesting.

[@conniekempf4050]

@@MostlyPeacefulWACO oh that's easier... from my perspective 😉

[@Jules-fh4rf]

Lots of great books out there on conformation, particularly ones used in Veterinary and Farrier curriculum. I believe all horses are good at -and/or bred for- a job. Figuring that out is key. Dwayne made some great picks. He knows what he's looking for.

[@cybrarian9]

Different horse breeds exist for different uses and their body conformation makes all the difference to the job. By body conformation we look shoulder angle, depth of their chest, shape and size of their nostrils, size of the jaw, length of the neck, length of the back (coupling), and the size and angle of their hips and butt, as well as the size and shape of their hooves. But having said that, some horses just don't have the conformation, skill, or temperament to be good at what they might have been bred for and in that case one has to find a good use for the horse considering where it might excel. As stated below, some horses might make good lesson horses and others might make good trail mounts, others might be able to pull a load, and others might just make good "lawn ornaments" and pasture mates. That's why there are a lot of OTTBs (Off The Track Thoroughbreds) out there who make good hunters and jumpers and other uses depending on how they are retrained. My issue with choosing smaller and short-coupled horses in this case that look like they could use another 100 or so pounds of muscle on them is how well they will carry larger riders.

[@bobjefferies7705]

What brand of saddle do you use

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

Are used several different brands of saddle based on what I find at the time. My own personal using Saddle was custom-made by Colorado Saddlery. My other saddle was custom-made by Gino D’Ambrose. I’ve had excellent saddles made by sawtooth salary, Porter, HH Heiser, a couple of saddles made by Dakota saddlery several years ago and some pretty good saddles over the years that had no makers mark on them at all.

[@anthonystike6034]

Tank looks kind of like he is a little too laid back, and he seems to be a little bit of a ham. Copper looks like she is a great horse, but needs to get used to you, Dwayne. Reba is going to be a great mount, for you or even a greenhorn.

[@conniekempf4050]

First!!!

[@slo8432]

Second

[@kellywalker8407]

How to buy a good trail horse? Simple. Buy a good horse and they will go down a trail just fine.

[@kmin3434]

Dewayne, I've been subscribed for about a year but 4 months ago you quit showing up in my feed. Have your views been lower recently? You might be getting shadow banned.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

I don’t know what shadow banned is, but my views have dropped very heavily lately.

[@kmin3434]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool it means your videos aren't showing up in the main page feed. Me, a subscriber, I haven't seen a video from you in over 4 months. I was scrolling thru my subscription list today and saw Dry Creek Wrangler School in my list and thought that you had stopped making videos until I clicked on your channel a few minutes ago. Lots of KZbinrs complain of shadow banning. It's almost always guys and gals that are more on the conservative side or pro gun. KZbin doesn't like something you've said or what your channel is about so they stop putting your videos up on the main page of people. I'll bet your new subscriber rate has slowed down too and you've been slow lately at getting new viewers.