Draft Horse Trail Riding

[@sewlittlemouse6365]

I love that you call him "Big Guy", I call my draft cross gelding "Good Sir".

[@HappieronaHorse]

Good Sir is so dignified! I love it. 😍

[@melissataylor6252]

Thank you so much for sharing! I had a bad accident in my 20’s and haven’t really ridden much since then. I am now 53 and my daughter has 2 horses and it kills me that I just can’t hop on and ride. I tried finding a really good riding instructor but haven’t found one yet. Your channel is a blessing and brings joy to my heart

[@HappieronaHorse]

Oh Melissa I’m so sorry you had a bad accident. Trauma like that is so painful (not to mention the physical recovery too!). I hope you’re able to find a good instructor that will help you work through it if that’s your heart’s desire. ❤️ so grateful the channel can bring you some joy in the meantime! Thank you for sharing.

[@trailblazetravelofficial]

This is beautiful! I miss riding. I havent gotten to ride in 5 years. I love that this channel is basically what it's like to have a Drum horse. I havent found many like it ❤

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! I really appreciate your feedback. I hope you get a chance to ride again soon! 🤠

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Make me want to starts an equine channel with the Shires

[@EviesHangout]

Absolutely loved this! The sounds, the commentary and the tips...it was like I was riding along with you. I also appreciated how you “translated” Fame’s body cues. Definitely going to put this on a playlist for repeat💜💜💜

[@HappieronaHorse]

Aww thanks! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it so much. 🤗💙

[@mortisha8693]

Exellent video, I didn’t realize that a drum horse is a breed. I love the long mane and tail. I live in Wyoming down on a river bed and we have many areas that look like this ride. Unfortunately I am bed-ridden from stage 4 breast cancer so I can’t ride anymore but I do go out on my little cart and spend time with them. I have a young neighbor who is ecstatic to ride my horses when my husband isn’t using them. I ride with you, thank you.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! I would love to see Wyoming someday. I’m so sorry your health is preventing you from riding. That’s wonderful you’re still able to visit them though- I find just being around horses very soothing. I appreciate you “joining” us for the ride and send prayers for healing and comfort! ❤️❤️❤️

[@briehoblin8478]

Since losing my Curly gelding a few months ago, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about what I might want as my next horse. Your YT channel has been great in helping me visualize what it might be like to own a draft. Thank you for sharing your story so honestly, from injuries, to special trailers, and all. I've certainly benefited from what you've shared.

[@HappieronaHorse]

I’ve never ridden a Curly (would love to!) but I’m guessing a draft would be a very different riding experience for you. My unsolicited advice would be to ride as many different horses as I could. You never know what you might like! (I ended up having a blast on a Tennessee Walker - never expected that and would seriously consider gaited next time around. 🤯) I really love to lope and I’m grateful Fame has a very fun canter but not all drafts ride the same. He’s also very forward which I like too! Appreciate having you as a viewer! Best of luck with your research. ❤️

[@scottaddison8071]

Beautiful hills of California appear to be the ultimate trail riding. Really nice!!!

[@HappieronaHorse]

It really is incredible here. Thank you for your comment! 🤠

[@just_joc]

Thanks for taking us along on your trail ride. I loved the commentary because a lot of what you said resonated with me. I also love that you give your horse lots of encouragement and praise. Also kudos to your husband for being so supportive and being there for you on the trails! Fame is a good boy!

[@HappieronaHorse]

That’s cool we’re on the same page! My husband is definitely a good sport 🤠 yeah the verbal praise really seems to help! do you talk to your horse too?

[@just_joc]

@@HappieronaHorse yes, but lately I've been focusing more on how to listen to a horse's body language since this is how they communicate with each other. Sometimes they just want to know that you see them and that you "hear" them. Warwick Schiller does a great job of explaining this in his KZbin videos.

[@mistiwobig7331]

I love how you are educating yourself to better your horse and you as rider. Great self awareness practice and always seeing how to stimulate him/release tension.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! really appreciate that.

[@emiliademarcus9235]

I love how you keep us informed on everything that you do and everything he does too. This is my first channel that I've watched of yours and I feel like I could watch a hundred more.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Aww Thank you so much!

[@lisasmth9856]

What a beautiful trail ride! I love the saddle sounds and hoof steps sounds, virtual riding.

[@richardrubert1359]

One way to get them to stop racing to the barn is ride toward the end (barn or trailer) then turn away, which shows them the end is not the final stop. Soon he will know that the end is when you say so. We used to do that with the horses when we were moving cattle near the barn. Good luck.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you!

[@celestialrosa7012]

I am going to try that to! Thanks

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

Maybe he is nervous about you falling off, too? Not sure what happened there, but horses definitely process events like that, so having successful trail rides is helping his confidence again, too. Some are probably more sensitive than others since each personality and relationship is unique.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Totally agree. 😊 I think he had/has trauma to work through just like I do. Thanks for your comment!

[@saltwaterpurl]

Wow. I hadn’t thought of that. Thank you.

[@kathrynmarcantelli2779]

Fabulous! Let's do another trail😁

[@HappieronaHorse]

Sounds great! I’m on it! 🤠👍🏼

[@stevenhood3767]

Perfect video educational with the tips and tricks. You explain everything very well. I felt like I was riding fame too. I can't believe he's 16.2h. Awesome job!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate that you enjoyed it. Haha yes he’s a big guy! 🤠

[@gabriellerausch594]

If you are worried about bikers and other big bads on the trail, I would reccomend bells. EIther stock bells/and or another thing I have used are those large bells you put on wreaths and other decor. I have put those on large jump rings or other things, and attacked them to my bridle, or the saddle, ect. also in the mane a couple times.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Great tip, thank you!

[@saltwaterpurl]

You ask what we like... for me I love Fame and you talking about riding. The whole thing is so inspiring, intellectually interesting, and emotionally satisfying. Videos on grooming, hooves, teeth, mane/tail/feather, what brushes and combs, etc. That could be 3 videos, especially if one involves the farrier and another getting his teeth floated. Snacks... what you should and shouldn’t give a horse. I heard chocolate is bad, and sugar isn’t good because of thrush. Videos on tack... types of halters and bridles, saddles, girths, pads, how to tell if a saddle fits. How tight should the girth be. How to do a tie-on saddle or halter. How to do a rope halter. I think grooming videos would be endlessly popular, because I notice that FB groups about grooming have a ton of activity. Maybe it goes back to having a horse doll and brushing it. ☺️

[@HappieronaHorse]

These are fabulous ideas! Thank you so much for the detailed feedback. I’m so grateful that you enjoy these types of videos...I had a lot of fun making it so it’s definitely going to be a thing. Haha yes I do think we enjoy treating our horses like doll ponies sometimes...at least I sure do! 😜

[@philippcheyne9987]

THanks for posting some great tips, Fame is such a good boy

[@isaacescobedo5349]

YES! I've been so excited to see another video of you on a trail ride! Love the content!!!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Aww thank you! I’m really happy to hear that. I plan to do more since they seem so well-received. Have a great weekend! 🤠

[@introvertedequinesamsara6593]

WarwickSchiller is one of my favorite trainers and he has millions of training videos for getting horses more relaxed from on the trail, in competition and even while doing ground work. He even did a video with a 18 hand shire on getting em to be soft on the back up.

[@HappieronaHorse]

I know exactly what video you mean! Gorgeous horse. I really enjoy his stuff too. 🤠

[@chelceeb.5239]

I don't ride anymore, sadly, but I totally understand the incline thing. Trotting was never my favorite and I never rode enough to be completely confident at a canter but going up hill made them both feel easy and nice. Plus it's easier for the horse!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yes I noticed they prefer it too! 🤠

[@FirewrestlingATV]

Your so lucky!! Really pretty view ❤️

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Yes, this trail is gorgeous. 💕

[@katherinee.1213]

Such a calming video! I love your horse

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you!

[@tradenbarton1684]

I really loved the camping essentials video. I'd love to see more videos of the horse camping nature. Vlogs when the camping weather comes around :)

[@HappieronaHorse]

Sweet, thanks for that! Definitely plan to, stay tuned. 🤠👍🏼

[@elizabethsakurai4253]

O wow you are so aware of your Big Guy! I love that. I don't have a horse now but want to get back into horses. You have such a great connection with Fame. I will learn a lot from watching your videos.Thsnk you.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thanks Elizabeth! Excited for you to get back into horses. It’s so very rewarding! Thanks for watching. 🤠💙

[@MsPrimeutube]

Very relaxing to watch thank for the great content! 🐴

[@HappieronaHorse]

My pleasure! Thanks for joining us!

[@summerstardust2064]

Nice ride. Yes, never stop at the barn first thing. Ride past and do some workies, then practice backing at the barn, then ride off again dismount down the road a bit and walk back. Barn sour horses are no joke and very dangerous.👍

[@fennaforanimals1403]

Wauw I'm in love with the area you two are riding in! I wish we would have such beautiful nature in The Netherlands. Maybe that's why I like to go abroad. :P

[@HappieronaHorse]

Come to California! We have amazing trails in the San Francisco Bay Area. 🤠

[@sallykauth2115]

@Fenna for Animals Isn't it awesome that technology has allowed us to connect with others and share experiences from around the world? Due to life circumstances, I have not ridden regularly since I was a teenager. I have just discovered these videos. It has been so much fun "riding" along with @Happier on a Horse. While I do have an abundance of nature in the rural area of Wisconsin, USA I reside in, we do not have the hills/mountainous terrain and awesome views they enjoy in parts of California. By the way, i wanted to give you a shout out because I grew up in a small "Dutch" town in southeastern Wisconsin. Our town celebrated "Holland Days" at an annual festival. 🤗

[@fallin2high]

Super informative! Totally miss riding , esp on trails 😪 hopefully I'll be able to adopt a horso of my own in the future.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! I hope you can too!

[@robertbluntfalsearrest7127]

Thanks for the ride I did enjoy it it brought back memories

[@HappieronaHorse]

Aww I’m so glad! Cheers!

[@deannaschone6872]

So much fun. I love your commentary, you always share such great tips and tricks for success. Thank you for being so relatable! Hi Fame!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you find it useful. 🤠 Fame says hello! 👋🏼

[@dana_lbp]

I grew up riding all over Mt Diablo and surrounding area but have lived in Virginia for a long time and ride all over here on my Percheron/Paint mare. It’s beautiful but I very much miss your mountains and foothills! Fame is lovely!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Mt Diablo area is gorgeous. Happy trails to you and your mare. 💙

[@OrochimaruChick]

Yaaaaaaaaaaay! Thank you for making our wish come true with this style of a video ❤️❤️❤️ Such an amazing adventure, and such a lovely day, hope it was not too hot! :)

[@HappieronaHorse]

You’re welcome! It was fun to do, I will probably make more. 💙 The weather was perfect, I just love riding in (almost) spring. Have a good weekend!

[@sallykauth2115]

@Happier on a Horse As I write this, it is August 7, 2021. How has the weather been for you? I am hoping you have not been negatively effected by the western wild fires. Thanks for the awesome videos. It was awesome to "ride" along with you virtually!

[@gillburton-thomas6370]

My shire x thoroughbred was very forward going like this too.He responded extremely well to my voice and he could tell if I was smiling because I was more relaxed.Draught horses are very sensitive to our mood

[@HappieronaHorse]

Agreed! What a smart boy.

[@beauvandenieuwegiessen5226]

In the Netherlands we have separate pads for horses and cyclists for safety.

[@HappieronaHorse]

That’s so nice!! I wish we had that.

[@unicorn6187]

very beautiful video! like my dream, thank you for sharing!

[@HappieronaHorse]

You’re so very welcome! ❤️

[@heatherhinds138]

Very enjoyable! I never miss California except in the Spring. Visited the Bay Area this past weekend and those green hills with their oak trees were lovely. The traffic had me ready to get back home though!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Where’s home for you now? I often wonder if I could fall in love with a climate outside Cali. This is the best time to visit with everything being green! Hope you had a good trip. Yeah, traffic sucks. 😒 I console myself saying it’s worse in LA 😂

[@heatherhinds138]

@@HappieronaHorse Home is now almost the most NW part of WA state. I love having the 4 seasons and the long summer nights. Mud is the biggest downside to having horses here.

[@HappieronaHorse]

I hear it’s gorgeous up there. Lots of green! Long summer nights sound fabulous 😍

[@akanene6051]

Ahhhhhh! New content! Do more videos on what you pack for camping or trail riding!

[@HappieronaHorse]

On the list! 📝 Thank you! 🤠👍🏼

[@HappieronaHorse]

Hopefully you caught this one already 😉: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2m2aYCnp8t3hsk

[@richardrubert1359]

What a great day for a ride. Nice trail.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yes it was a gorgeous day. ☀️

[@chrisparin6643]

I love your horse

[@manongautron9127]

Thank you! Great video 😍😍😍

[@HappieronaHorse]

You’re welcome! Thank you! Hope you have a great rest of your weekend. 💙

[@connorroberts7335]

I love this

[@loripeaceandlove6391]

Wow! What a BEAUTIFUL BLESSED Ride. Looks like your in the hills in Napa California. Thank You! For taking us along on your amazing ride. PeaceAndLove Lori

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thanks Lori! It truly was. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend! 💙

[@lisag5085]

Thanks Stephanie - that was a great video! I appreciate that you explain why you do what you do. Beautiful trail!! I seem to remember that you are supposed to lean forward when going up hill - is that true? and lean back when going downhill?

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Yes going uphill you can lean forward a bit and on steep ones you definitely have to. And yes, lean back for downhill. 👍🏼 Mostly my posture in general needs work - I’m a slouched computer monkey during the day 🙈 Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️🤠

[@cdmooch27]

I love your channel it’s so good

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much Caroline! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Such nice trails

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Yes I love this trail. 💕

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

@@HappieronaHorse Most trail in my area are simply fields and forest, but I wonder something about those nice well kept trails. That nice green grass, can you let your horse eat it? Or is that frown upon? My shire would be all over that and I certainly wouldnt mind letting her haha

[@Tzamahairo]

Your horse is absolutely gorgeous! Are toy ever anxious when he is very forward?

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! yes sometimes I have been - mostly when I can tell he cares more about rushing than me 🤪

[@dawnbrailey6527]

I totally get where your coming from with the lack of confidence at faster speed, I gave a draft cross in the uk and always preferred our first few canters of the year up hill xx

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thanks! That’s cool you use that strategy too. 👍🏼🤠

[@KilynnWeber]

Enjoyed going for the ride with you. What kind of bridle / bit are you using with Fame?

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Glad you could join us. Right now we're using a custom made halter/bridle combo and a Myler bit...#36 mouthpiece.

[@taralorraine9814]

Yay that was a fun ride haha XD

[@HappieronaHorse]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤠👍🏼

[@DONKEYWHATDIDYOUDO]

My horse is an albino arabian,I found her in the wild stuck under a chopped tree.When I got my other drafts I attached a rope to the tree and pulled it back. Am I a life Saver?

[@AndyTheCornbread]

Horses walk the edge on steep slopes because it allows them to see everything up and down slope with no blind spots. Remember your horse has four legs so even if one slips off the edge they aren't going to fall. It's not like being in a car and having a wheel go off the edge. Most horses like to walk the edge so there is no blind spot right next to them. Same reason deer and other prey species walk the edges of steep trails. A predator can hide just below the edge of the trail and be unseen if the horse is walking the inside edge and be within easy ambush distance of your horse. Walking the edge is a survival based thing that has kept horses alive for thousands of years. For your safety and your anxiety you should consider getting a Point Two Hunter air jacket so if you fall you just land on air bags and a fall just means putting a new CO2 canister in your vest, not a trip to the ER.

[@HappieronaHorse]

That makes a lot of sense about vision and survival. I’ve heard of horses spooking off cliffs so I’m a bit wary about their judgment lol. He’s proven himself to be pretty sane - we had a vulture spook us from the hillside and even though he turned towards the edge, he contained himself well. 😜 Yeah I’ve considered those vests...I get into a debate with myself about it. Might be worth a try though. Ultimately the more we ride the more it helps. Appreciate knowing you recommend that brand, there are a few out there. 👍🏼🤠

[@AndyTheCornbread]

@@HappieronaHorse I did a lot of research on air vests and Point Two is the only one that passes the super stringent safety criteria they have over there in the UK for equestrian protective equipment. It actually tests something like 30% higher than a regular eventing chest protector and if you combine them it tests like 80% higher than an old style chest protector alone. The model I recommended "Hunter jacket" is the one for western riders as it has a zipper and not buckles so no risk of buckle straps getting tangled in the horn in the event of a fall. I am also assuming you always wear a helmet. I do and I could care less if people think they look dumb or whatever. Nothing looks dumber than brain damage feels. I have seen waaaaay too many accidents in my life to ever ride without a helmet.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Wow I am so grateful for this info. Saves me a lot of time researching! The vests ‘explode’ outward right? How does it feel when they go off, have you tried activating just to see? 😜 Totally with you on helmets. Honestly surprised it’s a contentious issue for some folks. 🤷🏻‍♀️ My version of that is “brain injuries aren’t sexy” 😂😂

[@AndyTheCornbread]

@@HappieronaHorse Yes, they inflate outward. They have a loose fit so when they inflate it feels like you snugged a life jacket up tight. It doesn't squeeze the life out of you but it does securely encase you. Then a bit after it inflates it very slowly starts to deflate. There really isn't much feel to it, it just feels like someone suddenly put a snug fitting life vest on you. The CO2 cartridges for it aren't badly priced and I am pretty sure you will auto test yours at some point when you forget it is on and hop down off the horse without disconnecting the trigger cord from the saddle. I think pretty much everyone who owns one of these has done that at least once. You can also send it back to the company during the winter and they will service the vest and make sure everything is operating correctly and do any work on it that might be needed. If you want to watch one save someone's life live on camera, watch this video. If she hadn't worn the vest she would be dead: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apS8p6BjetOdjbM

[@HappieronaHorse]

@andythecornbread Holy smokes. That video was insane. Totally looking into one now 😂 thanks for sharing this!!

[@lisasmth9856]

I'm looking for longer vids, maybe an hour or more, virtual riding, and maybe even "live" .... Everything seems to be 30 minutes or less, which is not really a horse ride. So if you know of any, please let me know. Thanks!

[@ravenwoodfarms1043]

Hello! Question, what do you use for recording?

[@HappieronaHorse]

I’m wearing a GoPro8 🤠

[@barbarawitt1049]

Rabbits? You must be a Warwick Schiller fan.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Haha you caught that! 😜 yeah I’ve learned a lot from his videos.

[@luckyrainbowrose]

Can anyone please recommend any other channels like Stephanie's? I really love this channel but it hasn't got very many videos just yet, so soon I will have seen them all. I love this type of horsey content. And I'm not asking for recommendations with any of these specifics I'm about to go on about. Just any good horsey channel recommendations please! But I especially love watching stuff like this of down to earth horsey people, especially strong women out there living the dream, trucking and riding and caring for their own horse and sharing it all with us. I love watching ALL of it, every aspect of horse ownership. My dream is to do what Stephanie does basically. Be a horse owner again one day. But would have to use stable facilities like her and truck to riding destinations and would have to do alot of the work all on my own. Being the only horse person in my family. So seeing just every day people not necessarily people with multi million dollar stables and horses and high level competing and all that, (which is alot of what I get when just searching horsey content on here) honestly standards unattainable for the average horse loving girl who sees what Stephanie is doing as her more realistic dream for the future, so love seeing every day people who own like one horse and are actually out there living and doing my dream, showing how it is doable, strong women showing all aspects to non billionaire horse ownership and good kind riding in the modern world of right now, my true dream of horse ownership. Please any recommendations of inspirational chanels like this for me to watch while I work towards this dream life goal.

[@HappieronaHorse]

I’m glad you’re enjoying our channel so much! Your feedback means a lot. I’m rooting for you to live out your horse dream! It is 100% worth it! 🤠❤️

[@slytherwin--2of294]

Does ur horses every spook on a trail ride?

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yes sometimes at the weirdest things lol.

[@julienesseth8536]

Where are the trails your ridding? Looks like San Diego. I don’t think it is?

[@HappieronaHorse]

Bay Area! SD has really similar terrain tho 🤠

[@jhon.e4437]

One day I'll live a life like this and ride with 5 german shepherds and 3 golden retrievers. 😤

[@HappieronaHorse]

You guys will be formidable on the trail! 🤠

[@4wheelzllc]

How old is your horse?

[@celestialrosa7012]

I see you ride one handed. Maybe you can make a video on how to do that? I do a lot of trail riding to but my horse is dressage trained and my experience is not good enough to teach her otherwise

[@HappieronaHorse]

Have this in the queue, thank you! ❤️

[@jameslindsay9443]

Does your horse in the video do any trick like bow down if so can I ride your horse and have it bow down with me on your horse.

[@typicalfisherman6230]

Hey what trail is that one called I have a draft horse and he’s massive he’s 19 hands tall 193 cm high and I named him general I live were there are quit a bit of cars driving around so it kinda worrying with him just wanted to know

[@HappieronaHorse]

Wow thats a big horse! Are you in the SF Bay Area?

[@typicalfisherman6230]

@@HappieronaHorse yeah he’s huge my family and friends call him elephant 😂 his dad is a shire and his mom was a Budweiser so that’s why he’s so huge we created horse zilla I have one acre of land to ride him in the only thing is that I just wanna take him we’re there are no cars or anything like just wilderness so that he can stretch and see new things

[@sallykauth2115]

@Typical fisherman I believe she is near Mt Diablo as they comment on that earlier in the comments, but they never mention the specific trail.

[@kaisalidstrom]

Do you wear chaps when you ride?

[@HappieronaHorse]

I don’t, just boots and jeans.

[@franceeangell4939]

I call my draft cross mare Samantha James...get ti?