Haley Ganzel, A Trick Riding Legacy

Rodeo performer Haley Ganzel talks about growing up in a horse's saddle, overcoming tremendous odds and how trick riding became her passion in life.

[@Kitsune1989]

I can totally relate to what she was saying @ 3:00. One of the girls I was riding with in lessons before I got my own horse was doing a six stride line. A basic warmup to jumping that we had done thousands of times. She didn't have her heels down and her horse stopped at the jump. She went flying over and landed badly. I can still remember being told that she had hit the ground and her spinal column and skull separated causing internal decapitation. What struck me was that she was the same age as me. That it could have been me (I had the same problem of letting my heels pop up and a bigger problem of leaning forward on transitions and jumping ahead of the horse that she did. Or I did at the time anyway) and that a previous talk in the tack room cleaning tack after lessons about how she had wanted to ride in the Olympics when she was older. Up until then I had understood risk as part of the sport and I had certainly fallen off, broken a few bones (I liked the hotter horses even then. Still can't stand leg deaf or lazy horses at all) but it was always something that happened and you got back on or you got poked and prodded by the medicals before being released and getting back on. Death and permanent injury were only things I understood to happen in the abstract. It happened to other people. Ones who were trying to do big things not little warm up exercises. The kind you see on tv jumping almost as high as the horse their riding or doing tricks or whatever. Not going over little 1ft 6 stride lines. Now it's not really something I can ignore (it hasn't stopped me though) but I'm consciously aware of the possibility. Still took the line the next week since we were sent home that day. Doesn't help that my horse of the time was very much a monkey see monkey do. You could see his head following the other horses when they did the course and if they got away with anything whatsoever you could bet he'd try it... But not at the same place, that would be to predictable. (You would think that with a name like Loki that I would have clued into the mischief he would get into. And if not then when I realized some brat had taught him it was funny to pull people's jods down when they were tacking up. Or when he would steal the bridle of the hook when you weren't looking and hold it way up in the air so you couldn't reach it. He was just over 17hh, you can imagine how high he could stick his head in the air when he wanted to.)

[@paloma4444]

Thing is: you can break your neck even from just tripping and falling badly or hitting your head. And it is not like most people who ride horses end up dead.

[@snubblebubble4937]

Did the girl survive?

[@janemh5866]

@@snubblebubble4937 no sadly, internally decapitation means the head is disconnected on the inside, which isn’t something you can survive or be treated for. It would have been a very difficult thing for the people who saw it.

[@upcomingsensation8888]

How much they pay for All of this how much much you earn if anybody has an idea please share your experience how much they for doing all of this stuff

[@LailaHepburnandmarleysdit]

That is not true, I've seen people who were internally decapitated and survives. There was a boy who walked around for ages with his skull separate from his spine, he went to the Dr cuz something kept clicking in his neck and then they noticed it after a scan

[@healingwithhorses5303]

This is an amazing bond between horse and human

[@ella8426]

I found out about trick riding in heartland

[@nikki_barrel_racing2592]

Rocket_moon I dident my mom does it but I'm a barrel racer

[@olivia-gb1ox]

Ella Morganti Same!

[@abbywhipple3172]

Same I live how jeorgie

[@susanlindsley7531]

@@nikki_barrel_racing2592 Your spelling is very deplorable, it needs a lot of work Lol.

[@hannahmann7066]

Me too

[@timfowler4642]

When Cowgirls and Angels was being filmed in Stillwater my little cowboy who was undergoing cancer treatment got to visit the set and Haley took a special interest in him and his love for horses. She took him riding on her special trick horse and he was overjoyed. Haley is special and full of heart and love for others.

[@jubileemiles3477]

I love heartland and cowgirls and angels best shows ever

[@louisesmal6399]

I'm currently watching Heartland and saw the episode just now where the ballerina teacher did trick riding. Stunning!

[@ambermarchand7958]

I got a concussion from falling off of a horse yet I still ride

[@kaitlynz9461]

you're pretty brave

[@calicoponies8788]

I have had multiple concussions I have even rode while I have had one.

[@mariaotuel1180]

I love the fact that you have The Bravery to do that

[@emmaaa2426]

Not trying to be rude but whenever you fall, you just have to get back up again, concussions are scary but aren’t the death of you

[@chrishale1345]

amber marchand that’s dedication!

[@familiesijbel]

Like in Heartland! ;)

[@bd157]

familiesijbel She does the work in HeartLand.

[@kailahbrooks3]

Baylie Dell she works in heartland I'm obsessed with that show I watched Heartland and I liked the trick riding so I wanted to watch some videos on it

[@MrEarthmover]

Like Georgie. I love Hartland except tim hes to mean to Ty.

[@llizandres10]

I like heartland lol

[@capricerobinett8863]

familiesijbel i love that movie!!!!

[@gracefulwishes6953]

I love cowgirls and Angels 1&2

[@honeypumpkin1790]

Graceful wishes same

[@nanas4456]

me to

[@abbywhipple3172]

Same

[@jl6821]

Sameee

[@crystalsandmore2098]

Yup me to

[@krististevens54322]

Watching that horse Cisco dance was INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!

[@sherryyale]

Haley, you're an amazing and beautiful person, inside and out. I love your courage and wisdom to not let fear stop you after the injury you witnessed. I love your purpose to make people smil. You have a wonderful heart. I hope you're doing great and have a long career and much happiness in every area of your life.

[@fifthavenuegirl]

Wow what a family!!!! How awesome!!!! I love this story.

[@filippaogelida]

The most greatest story i ever heard i love to hear how hard you have worked to follow your dream and i hope u keep up the good work!!!

[@Lm-qp2th]

i am so happy that i watched this. i watched cowgirls and angels along time ago and forgot the title so i couldn't watch it again. untill now!!!!!!!!😄😄😄😄😄

[@sophied224]

OMG! the whole time of this video i was thinking about how she reminded me of dakota from cowgirls and angels (my favorite movie) and then she said she was in it, and i practically screamed

[@lottepepplinkhuizen9220]

I just love the bond with her horses 😍😍❤

[@laterhomenuggets7482]

Horses are my life. I remember ridding before I do walking. I grew up part of a big breeding operation. i never got to compete because we were always so busy with that but I'm happy I have the life and bond with these great animals that I do. Just a hardworking Oklahoma cowgirl from the day I was born.

[@laterhomenuggets7482]

My goal one of these days is to trick ride, not your style per say, I want to trick ride with no tack what so ever and work with the horse like that.

[@morganwilhelm4449]

This is so cool I remember the first time I started trick riding 💕🐴

[@hadleighsmith.]

Rose is my favorite person on cowgirls and Angels

[@chestnutridgechr1648]

Same

[@bd157]

Hadleigh Smith same

[@almirsmajlovic78]

Chestnutridge CHR fhgvnbvmln,b gvc

[@hollynk1242]

Hadleigh Smith OMG u watch aphmau I love that show

[@laurenarmstrong6349]

Hadleigh Smith it's my favorite movie!

[@courtneyelrod1388]

i never realized you were in cowgirls and angles

[@samehoe4256]

me neither

[@THEWORDCHRISTIANMINISTRY]

"Angels....."

[@gachaeris9732]

Marc C yeah I’m a 90 degree angle

[@EquineKintla]

same i love both

[@emilyplaysgamesstuwe5801]

@@gachaeris9732 I’m a 360 angle

[@lildoc13]

Very inspirational I want to be one so this is very touching

[@binguslover-ib8if]

she is like my mother when she was younger, she loved horses and had no fears of them. but with me, it is different i have a passion for horses but i am a little afraid because my mother has almost died many times in front of me by horses and she has fractured her neck and broken some of her back and many ribs so that's why i am a bit afraid. (i just wanted to say that)

[@babblegabblegamer5842]

hey you play SSO! me too xD

[@ashertonks7440]

Watching your video just was that good that I can't explain it 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@grumpyflowercrown5213]

Nova OakFall I play SSO, and I'm getting a real horse in 1 year! I'm so excited, we are moving just to get a horse XD

[@aoibhebarrett8888]

Nova OakFall every time you get on a horse there's a risk that you might die , but when you trust your horse , and he/she trust you , those risks are thrown out the window

[@bellasouthlock7345]

Nova OakFall hello so players! I play to on pumpkin meadow

[@PernillaArtistic]

You GO GIRL!! What you’re doing is brave, entertaining and you have a fantastic talent and great support it seems like!!! Be careful but KEEP GOING!!

[@zelayaebanks2788]

Omg I loved that movie it was one of my favorite horse movies along with flicka and heartland, even though heartland is a show.

[@royortiz-equestrian3594]

I live in San Antonio, TX and drive 2 -5 hrs one way on weekends through out south Texas to rodeos to where trick riders and one drill team preform, struck a chord when you mentioned on this video that other folks do that also, I follow The All American Cowgirl Chicks, The Dynamite Dames, Madison McDonald and a drill team The Lone Star Cowgirls, I had the chance to see your partner Lindy Nealy preform once with Sadie Lyn of the Cowgirl Chicks, got a photo and autograph, and hope one day for the chance to see you or both of y'all as The Cowgirl Sweethearts preform, and just wanted to say really enjoyed your video, take care and God bless and crossing my fingers to see you one day.

[@courtlandtsmith5225]

Roy Ortiz - Equestrian j

[@lindapenrod3819]

Roy Ortiz - Equestrian

[@maceymorris173]

I love horses and trick riding is AMAZING. My parents would never let me do it but it's AMAZING to watch. I would LOVE to be like you. UR AMAZING AND SOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mypointofview1111]

You have to be a very confident and skilled rider to do trick riding, something I never felt. I'm full of admiration for those who can.

[@karinechosvig671]

I I'm I'm in jimmimjmmkmmjmimimmmmmipkkk,kkkkkkkiumukkimokikpikkkkkomjimikkikkpijkmkimjkkkkkkkkpkpikkpipkkikkjkkkkomm m mjmkikiikikkikkiinkmnjjnjmmmmmmghmjm,mkukumujukjjimumuumhmjumujnuikujkijhjjumukuujuyjjmkinjj Lnji,jknjkjoiopijjkijkk

[@vrm_ravi]

amazing bond of love and trust.

[@jackiehemphill7366]

Oh my gosh, I love cowgirls and angles!

[@troymykink6322]

She is absolutely adorable!

[@Biohazrdlovspuppies]

Cowgirls and Angels is my favorite movie!

[@zadieikner5536]

I love the movie so much it is my favorite thing ever to watch and I love horses

[@geetlamba3516]

Simply astounding 😃🤩😍

[@jolenemansz5424]

How inspiring I love the movie cow girls and angles too!

[@Morgan..oreo6]

This is just Beautiful

[@beautifuldisaster08]

I LOVE HORSES SO MUCH!!!🏇

[@kayhensley4888]

I want to be like her

[@capricerobinett8863]

Kay Hensley same

[@nanas4456]

me to

[@kevassar]

Love it wish it sowed more tricks

[@starlightgamingfun2234]

I love trick riding from heartland and Rodeo

[@marysiegmann5007]

She is from the cowgirls and angles. And i love the cowgirls and angles

[@krististevens54322]

I SO wish I was an equestrian! People that are, are SO blessed! I grew up near horses with the neighbors on our street but nothing close to riding constantly. Wish it wasn't so expensive to do!

[@Kitsune1989]

Check your area advertisements online. Plenty of places will offer time in the saddle in exchange for barn work. Some will even offer lessons. There's also people who for whatever reason don't have the time at the moment to give their horse the exercise it needs so they offer free leases in exchange for barn chores.

[@rosegrimson6361]

My name is Rose, and I was also born 2 months early + outgrew all my setbacks. I think riding helped a lot though too.

[@brynngarton7454]

Oh my gosh I’ve met her and I never even new it!

[@helterskelter917]

Unbelievably cool!

[@loontjet3385]

Wow that is very cool And magnificent to see!

[@horsesense3029]

Those a amazing riders

[@samanthalee751]

you are so good at trick riding

[@serenity__elise]

❤️Cisco❤️ Rest in peace sweet boy😢

[@nordesse]

I learned very basic trick riding awhile ago, and I have to say that it’s hard and takes a lot of bravery and trust between both the horse and rider. Some of it freaked me out (and I sucked at the vaulting... ‘cause I’m short), but it’s super fun! Not really for me though.

[@shelbymetzler1496]

I started trick riding cause of her❤️

[@someoneami9705]

Horses r amazing

[@troymykink6322]

Wow crazy clown is an absolutely beautiful beautiful beautiful horse!

[@cecilb8287]

I had her as a substitute teacher a couple times when I used to go to Collinsville schools (no offense to Cville, but uhhhh I low key hated CVille schools lol), it's so interesting to see this now :0

[@paige2199]

Would you mind if I used some clips of this for a equestrian music video? I’ll tag you in the description if I end up posting it!

[@lauraunicorn765]

omg i love riding so much this video just makes me want to ride more lol

[@firefox2716]

Beautiful Story

[@ambermarchand7958]

I also love horses and i hope to buy one

[@aaronriddle1931]

she is so inspireing

[@haileyrae8902]

She's really such a sweet girl. I got to know her and my home towns rodeo and she's really nice!

[@kiarabonham8845]

where are do you live do you do riding lessons

[@goldiealynn75]

I love cowgirls and Angels!!!

[@chloelynn2778]

Omg she played in that movie I just watched that the other week

[@upcomingsensation8888]

How much they pay for All of this how much much you earn if anybody has an idea please share your experience how much they for doing all of this stuff

[@jamesweibel9662]

Legacy is an amazing horse name!!! (Sarabeth)

[@marshmallowdoge]

I love how she put glitter in the ponies hair!!!

[@dlpollock5814]

Your amazing and ive watched the 6

[@kyleewalker3587]

how did you get started I have been riding sinece I was two and I'm 11 now I want to trick ride so bad where did you get your truck saddle

[@myjulietsdream3640]

My family can't a afford a trick saddle so I do it in a western saddle

[@ella8426]

I love her

[@llizandres10]

I love horses

[@puppylover-ur9tg]

wow, you are an incredible person.

[@alicediamondson817]

I ♥️ western and trick riding

[@ambermarchand7958]

you rock and I love your horses I also trick ride on horses

[@hopehollingsworth-venezian2080]

I pray I get the priviledge of watching you live one day. God made you special because he gave you an exceptional heart. Not only do you have incredible talents but you love the horse as your partner and you love children. I wish you the best for a wonderful future. If you ever come to southern Maryland look me up on fb ...PLEASE.

[@bellemetzler2898]

i trick ride in westernaires its a grate bond for the rider and horse

[@CruzBerry09]

My daughter adores Cowgirls and Angels.

[@teaganturner4027]

I love trick riding so muc b best sport ever

[@alejobolanos5803]

She is perfect 😍😍😍

[@girlhorselover192]

she was here in great falls montana

[@dariaharruff7025]

That's awesome 👍

[@wolfgirlg6proracercarsim305]

Me and my mom dose this all the time

[@the_dark_warriorxxx2887]

I have always wanted to do horse vaulting but most people say don’t do it but my friends say go for it as long as ya happy

[@hollynk1242]

I love u and ur horse so much 🏇

[@phoebebaisch4292]

How do you get over those small fears when you ride? My horse bucks a lot and for me, those small fears cause anxiety and really hold me back when I ride. How do I help myself become more trusting on my horse?

[@Kitsune1989]

Phoebe Baisch my suggestion is ground work. Lots and lots of ground work. In the paddock, the ring the round pen wherever. If your horse isn't listening to you on the ground he certainly isn't going to when you get on his back. Try doing some Liberty work if you can. Both from the ground and on his back. Is there a particular time when he acts up? Is it when you're doing transitions or when your asking a certain action of him? Without knowing more it's hard to give any real advice. My old school horse (when i was still using a school horse anyway) used to freak out at ground poles. And I mean he would rather jump the 5'6" vertical then go over the nice little trot poles to the nice little warm up jump... From 4 strides away. He was a 17hh thoroughbred ex-race horse. Turns out the coach was setting the poles for the average sized horse in the lesson, expecting us to either collect or extend our horse's stride to go over the poles since the warm up was so low. Problem is, Duke had never been taught to collect. So he freaked out every time someone asked him to do what went against his conformation, breeding, previous training, and instinct. Solved with ground work over poles and making the instructor adjust the space between ground poles for his giant stride (I've had him take a 6 stride line in two strides) and gradually reducing the space between poles until it was at a point where he was collecting himself of his own accord... Then moving to trot and canter from there.

[@phoebebaisch4292]

Thanks for the advice! My horse is pretty young, only seven, and the real problem is the canter transition. Almost every time, without fail, she will give a big buck before starting the canter. I've never fallen from it, so there's no real danger, but it really tries my confidence, and of course, my horse can tell in a second when I'm scared and will take advantage of it. And naturally, she can't be bucking like that in the show ring.

[@carly7859]

Phoebe Baisch I'm not sure if this will be helpful at all, but I used to have a death fear of working with horses, when I was younger. All I did was grit my teeth, throw my fear aside, take a deep breath, and focus on relaxing your body. If your tense, your horse will know it. Most of all, just keep pursuing it. If you stop, or fall off and never get back on, you'll have a little regret with your the rest of your life. What if? I know from experience-just push through and work with yourself. I've gone from the girl who was afraid to walk a horse, to someone who jumps.

[@avanagle3738]

take her on a trail ride to let your horse be a horse for a while that might relax him

[@OzarkRose]

Phoebe Baisch I would also recommend getting the book Move Closer, Stay Longer by Dr. Stephanie Burns. It helped me after a bad wreck.

[@naekel1]

Love it

[@theresarosemitchem6431]

Beautiful 💜✝️💜

[@hakanakyilmaz194]

GOOD ON YOU DEAR

[@celeryballs]

wow so amazing

[@lynneroo250]

I did vaulting for 3 years when I was 9 my mom made me stop when I broke my callorbone at age 11 I miss it a lot

[@marcomiranda5036]

lindos cavalos lindo trabalho. ok..

[@leaguersgrandlady4057]

This is my cousin’s Trick Riding friend and my cousin is Lindy Nealey

[@janiemason3443]

In cowgirls an angels Rose is my favorite person I love horses so much I hade a horse named faith at my grandmas and she died we don't now how but it was sad

[@zadieikner5536]

I am 11years old and I have no fears at all some times

[@leilawitherspoon503]

what are the names of the horse tack ? and is that a white horse mask or a white fly mask ?

[@erinstotler2299]

it's a hood. It's used for team colors. it's most common use is in horse racing.

[@cooperandcashtonmcevers2281]

Leila Witherspoon the horse is crazy cloud my dad is friends with her uncle

[@leilawitherspoon503]

Cooper And Cashton Mcevers do you have a KZbin channel ?

[@cooperandcashtonmcevers2281]

Leila Witherspoon I'm working on one

[@leilawitherspoon503]

Cooper And Cashton Mcevers OK I'm looking forward to it 😊 and I hope we can become friends

[@barrelspoles2628]

She rode at our local rodeo cowtown

[@aiyanasimpson8653]

What is that movie called

[@klara7959]

you are awsame rider

[@madisynbell2232]

I got to meet her at the Oklahoma rodeo i when to with my bro

[@mariahmiller6529]

This sounds like me and my sister... my great uncle gave my sister his old trick ridding saddle and she started trick ridding on her own by just taking ideas off of KZbin then she just started teaching me

[@leilawitherspoon503]

were do you get trick riding tack at ?

[@Sydney-dn6pi]

Leila Witherspoon you could just look up trick riding tack for sale but it's super expensive

[@USMC_BABE38]

Love

[@itsmorgyhere8479]

You’re amazing