Horse Training Insights: Transforming a Distracted Horse with Effective Groundwork

Horse owners and enthusiasts often face challenges with distracted equines. In this video, we dive deep into the art of horse training, specifically focusing on transforming a distracted horse through effective groundwork. Our journey explores not just the techniques but also the importance of leadership in horse training. Watch as we demonstrate step-by-step methods to enhance your horse's focus and obedience, ensuring a stronger bond and improved behavior.
In this episode, you'll learn about the critical aspects of groundwork and how it plays a pivotal role in redirecting a horse's attention. From understanding horse behavior to applying gentle yet firm pressure, every moment is a learning opportunity. Whether you're dealing with a young horse or an older one set in its ways, these strategies are designed to cater to a wide range of scenarios.
Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful horse training videos, tips, and tricks. Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, detailed training videos, and personalized advice for your specific horse training challenges. Together, let's embark on a journey of equine transformation and leadership in horse training.
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#GroundworkInsights
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#TransformingHorses
#EquineFocus

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks for watching! If you want the FREE T-Shirt join patreon at www.patreon.com/ryanrosehorsemanship Message me the color,size, and shipping address on patreon messages!

[@clarkkent3730]

Your channel is growing pretty quick love the content

[@Rebecca.Elizabeth]

Live your videos! What sizes are available for the tees?

[@azpcox]

You can tell it’s serious time when Ryan goes quiet when filming. “Just a sec - I gotta focus on not getting hurt here”. Beautiful horse, btw.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Lol true

[@kidstuff44555]

Yep. We have a gelding who is "left brained" like this. He was sold as "very quiet", and he was, but not in a good way. He wasn't one bit worried about people and had no respect for your space. He'd walk all over you, push into you, drag you where he wanted to go etc. He was very, overly friendly and extremely mouthy. Always wanted to be in your space chewing on something. Yes he was "playful" but I personally don't want a horse trying to play with me. You gotta be firm with these types, or they will hurt you

[@cherylharless281]

People that want to just feed cookies need to see how well that works in a herd of horses... not just one or two together in a pasture. Herd dynamics make it very clear! I think a lot of times the problem lies with horses not being allowed to BE horses IN A HERD so they don't fully know how to behave. They learn some as a foal from their moms, but in a herd they learn more. I remember horses that were pampered were harder to lunge because they didn't understand the concept of being driven. Whereas horses that lived in the herd know what it meant when you were on their driveline pushing them.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

I absolutely agree. Horses turned out in a herd are easier to do everything with

[@jmwhorsemanship]

Definitely

[@taylorthompson2073]

4:47 -Some people seem to not know the difference between "leadership" and "dominance". You can be a leader for your horse without having to dominate them and create learned helplessness

[@Fireschild0506]

This was my boy when I first got him. Wi used to bite, as well. I always do hindquarter and shoulder yields with him before we do anything else. I actually love when he’s mouthy in a good way (he’s hilarious playing with “dog” toys); I’m just very careful to remind him that I’m human and he has to respect my bubble on a regular basis.

[@lisaweinberger4197]

Thank you for this video Ryan. This is the same problem i have with my 5 year old throughbred mare. Shes 16.2 and intimadating as heck when she makes herself big like this! I can understand how this guy got this way because im dealing with it right now.. this video gives me hope that I can work her thru it. Thanks again!

[@pon1952leod]

Seems a little sore on his front right…great to see the change in him✅

[@julzhepburn3688]

I thought i saw that a little , , but didnt really see where from . It may just be his lack of balance ..? Excellent video Again ,, 👌🐎💃🎶🌀♥️🌏

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Ye I was seeing him as lame on that one too. Also I think he’s got something sticky in his ribcage. Needs an adjustment perhaps

[@irisvandijck662]

Yes I saw that too. I was coming to the comment section to see if anyone else noticed it. He def needs a vet check.

[@constancesmith8881]

Yep, looks a bit lame. At first I thought it was the footing in the arena, but it sure looks like lameness. Love videos like this. Very helpful.

[@susierider55]

I think he looks off too. The dreaded not quite right (NQR).

[@debbieherring2644]

Ryan you never cease to amaze me with your horsemanship skills. You make it look so easy and it’s obvious the horse knows who’s in charge here. Great job! Beautiful horse and very smart. God bless

[@sherryw-ponyluv-er2394]

He was a “definite handful!” The poster boy for opposition reflex!! I’m a little surprised he was pretty good under saddle. Handsome and smart fellow. I always love how Ryan keeps his sense of humor and delights when the horse is doing the right thing. ❤️. I loved Ryan’s point about the human maintaining “credibility” when he or she makes the ask.

[@jimmyyounger618]

Ditto about the surprise of being good under saddle but a handful on the ground. That's gotta be rare.

[@sassy6292]

Opposition reflex. What a great term and describes this horse perfectly.

[@jmwhorsemanship]

That's actually really common from what I've seen. I've worked with at least four or five horses that were down right dangerous on the ground but wonderful to ride.

[@jimmyyounger618]

@@jmwhorsemanship My experience with outside horses is limited, so I'm learning something new here. I'm embarrassed to say that in my early youth I got on a mustang with almost no ground work. She might have been more dangerous on the ground than under saddle in the beginning. These days, so much is done on the ground before the saddle that I wouldn't have imagined this is common. Surprising but good to know!

[@skyman06]

@@jimmyyounger618 I'm currently working with a friends horse who is hard on the ground and just very laid back and lazy in the saddle.

[@michaelclancy4509]

LOL 7:02 Paint horse in the background taking notes. P.S. Wyatt is a gorgeous animal.

[@judistoker7704]

I have a friend whose horse is just this way. Can't wait to share. As usual, I learned a lot! Thanks for all you do. 😊 I'm a better horse woman!

[@wilson9031]

Ryan Rose u r the best cowboy there is! Absolutely love to watch u handle a horse!

[@kimberleenadwocki4393]

Hi Ryan I watch your videos all the time. I practice your ground work all the time. This is the best one. I deal with horses like him all the time. Mine our OTTBS. They are all mouthy, get big, kick, rear, bolting, dragging me, counter bending, intimidating, big explosions. Horses off the track have no training. Thank you 😂🎉

[@audreygregis8721]

Horses ALWAYS have a hierarchy in the pasture. Put a new horse in the herd and see how long it takes them to find how the leader is. You either BE the leader, because is your horse becomes the leader...you have a real problem waiting to happen. Just as we are seeing here with Ryan who knows how dangerous this horse can get, if he isn't put in his place. Gorgeous horse, but way more gorgeous when he learns who is the leader.😊

[@feenixserenity2519]

So he is a warmblood I have been told their minds are slower to develop then their bodies. I cant believe that horse is being ridden it seems he has huge holes in his foundation and should be worked with from the ground a lot more.

[@lassebauer]

I have zero clue about horses, but this animal is stunning

[@topcatwarrior]

You know enough to recognize a gorgeous horse, don’t sell yourself short!😁

[@lassebauer]

@@topcatwarrior Haha, thanks 😁👍🏼 If I keep it up, in a few weeks I can judge at a horse beauty pageant 🤭😂

[@nighthawk1428]

I agree, his coat is amazing.

[@70sGirl67]

This is just what I needed for our young horses in training.

[@allfaithworks]

On day 1 before your video ended I thought I caught a little gait issue at the trot when you sent him off to your right.

[@Sorraiamustang]

My horse is like this , same little issues but he is a stallion , left brain extrovert , but is not young 17 yo. Waited way to long to break him to ride. It’s odd because he does come to me for relief but at times does not see me as the leader . I need to watch this many times to get it ingrained. I think Ryan is the Best !!!!

[@crayolasoup6112]

gosh this guy reminds me so much of my horse, such a busy body, always needs something in his mouth. it had taken a lot of time to build a connection with him, but he also went through some trauma with chronic pain and on the track. he's becoming a lovely horse as he becomes more comfortable with me having control in stressful situations. i have a soft spot for the "left brained" horses 🥰

[@kimb1816]

Ah, the Oldenburg. Not for the faint of heart or inexperienced. Nice job as usual Ryan. Love your training and wish that I had your help 20 years ago with my Hanoverian youngster.

[@MrEzekiel1982]

I got a colt just like this. Well done sir

[@metalkingtohorses]

almost every horse you train is just like mine, your videos are so so helpful you are a wonderful trainer

[@PONYHEAVEN]

Within a short amount of time, this criminal changed into a constructive partner.

[@rhfarmstables]

We have a tb who's just like this - her instinct to anything is to rear. Don't agree with everything all the time, but can respect a lot of the work you do

[@mariagillinson8527]

Great vlog ! Thank you Ryan I will be joining your Patreon soon!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jimmyyounger618]

I'd be curious to know more about his early environment, like was he primarily in a stall and paddock with only the mare, or did he ever get time as a youngster in a herd? My non-scientific thesis from observation is that colts with experience in a herd have been humbled from time to time, have a head start understanding hierarchy, leadership, and paying attention to cues from higher horses to avoid conflict and reprimands. While the language between us and the horse is different, they've grown up acquiring an understanding of the basic principles of hierarchy and leadership that seems to translate in early handling. This came to mind when learning his primary trigger for fractiousness was curiosity and excitement about other horses. Brave Ryan! I'm too old to possibly get run over, yanked around or kicked. I hear people say they don't see the point in the old school practice of running a horse around off line in a round pen, but I think this would be an example where it might make sense, at least for me as a starting point. Let him get the fresh off with some laps, then start asking for changes in direction until they start looking in at you for direction instead of looking away and turning out. I like to be well away from those protests as much as possible, then look for their interest in "joining up" as Monty Roberts used to say.

[@aaishahbong3824]

Beautifully done and beautiful horse

[@jennyrosd2003]

Great explanation of what you assess as you go with him. Hes so dedicated to his reverse and avoidance that when he finally finds the answer ,he will probably dedicate to that even more.

[@Sine-gl9ly]

The horse is saying 'Oi you ground insect, leave me alone, I'm busy with _my own_ stuff.'

[@topcatwarrior]

He is absolutely gorgeous, and I would imagine he got away with his shenanigans for too long, and then he met you! He’s going to be a lot of work but he will be an awesome companion once the relationship with his owner is solid.

[@linuxrant]

I love ambigrams, I just noticed your RR logo is an ambigram, cool and beautiful!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks

[@Bluemoonfarm17]

What a gorgeous animal! I have an Oldenburg gelding that has a very similar personality to this. He is a dominant type and can be quite a freight train at times. He certainly keeps me on my toes!

[@DeliahAyala.2.14.91.]

He needs a strong leader and groundwork with someone who means business. I owned an ottb a lot like him. You work them until they get it out of their system or get the point. Ppl want to buy these big moving performance horses and dont think about like how much daily exercise and work they need. Good vid

[@PONYHEAVEN]

A deeply helpful video in e v e r y sense. In the weekend riders's world, a lot of bulshit conceptions put those folks themselves into danger.

[@ftball90]

He looks like an extremely fun horse. Just needs a bit of direction! I have a feeling he’s used to getting his way… those are the most satisfying horses to work with.

[@donnac.1609]

Very nice horse, but he is not getting himself focused! Love the way you started out. Every step you are taking is making progress! He has such potential to be such a nice horse at lead! I'm glad the owner got him to you and hope she can learn how to keep him moving in a good direction! He probably had some ground handling issues before she got him! Caught him in time! He is well worth the time and work!

[@KingsMom831]

Thanks for another great video Ryan!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

😊👍

[@saspinks3001]

Such a great illustration of why novice riders need a horse that has already had extensive training. Wish I had seen this video 10 years ago.

[@michaelogden5093]

Nice horse place.

[@RaniTanny]

Lovely lil pony😊- how this horse is safe under saddle amazes me- I would not rie him.

[@aleb_equine]

17:54 the horse had no idea what to do

[@kellythyben3984]

Excellent video my new horse gray he is a 4 y/o OTTB and he would always bite the halter trying to put it on mouthy and hated being lounged as he would brace himself sideways take off, not very good ground manners but was better under saddle. It’s so important as Ryan says to establish the human as the leader for your safety.

[@johnseals3559]

Amazing! Thanks Ryan.

[@pamelachace3205]

LOVED THIS VIDEO! Mouthing the leadrope technique is going to be very useful

[@jessica-walt]

lol typical warmblood. I’m surprised he didn’t drag you across the arena 😂

[@theidlehandsworkshop3884]

Love your videos and almost always take something away from them, especially in regards to my mustang. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge, it's very much appreciated !!!

[@mariagillinson8527]

Can you explain more about the left brained horse ?

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Ohhh, I love the ones with spunk. His little bucks! haha! What a stink! I admit he'd be getting lots of cookies from me, but after the pressure. ;)

[@juliahelene7130]

I really enjoyed that video. I always wonder how you succeed in having the balls to take up the commitment to bad behavior that the horses have. Most owners would probably chicken out confronted with such a behavior. Glad you could help the horse and owner!

[@cromana5574]

I had an expert work with my horse on the lunge. Much like this, she started to rebel. Nothing was achieved, just that she learned some tricks that she tried on me, reversing direction for example and had to be ironed out. She needs a gentle approach or she becomes defiant.

[@HB-yg3ke]

Never thought to apply the over-agreeing to the rope in his mouth. The horse I work with and will hopefully buy soon enough does stuff like that all of the time and then it turns into a distraction. Anything he can poor in his mouth … he will. Looking forward to over agreeing snd seeing how it goes. He kind of has some similar behaviors to this horse. A little less explosive but definitely there. And as a side note: I struggle so much with that release on those explosive moments. I freeze and then he learns when he’s done and doesn’t want to keep working - tantrum. Hoping this video sticks with me in those moments that I freeze and release and I… don’t do that!

[@valeriehudson7276]

Wow he really thinks he needs to make the decisions . . good work Ryan . . . what a smart ___

[@yvettepaulson4967]

You can't blame his owner for not giving this horse "relief from a distance", if he sells out, there is no way she can hold him. You have lots of weight and experience to your advantage.

[@daniellefinkable]

Can you make a video on how to tell the difference when a horse may be in pain vs being dominant? My mare used to offer her back (i ride bareback in the pasture) willingly and she has no noticeable signs of lameness or injury, but now she is incredibly resistant to mounting. Shes left brain, mouthy as well. This was a great video

[@kirsty-vg3xk]

Your brave ❤

[@suzanneking-genton3439]

I see a slight limp. Do you see it? Nothing was mentioned but it's there.

[@fabianpatzschke]

Our German breeds are sometimes quite explosive.....as you can see from this Oldenburg gelding 😉🤣

[@immortalasirpa6006]

Watching how you approach a horse teaches me as much about human beings as it does about horses. Seems to me a good horse trainer is training himself as much as the horse.

[@joyneverla2652]

Really don't care too much for this type of training. Love and cookies? Had to go to the extreme.

[@chrisp7548]

He was a very different horse on day 2. What happened on the first day with him that made a breakthrough? Great video as usual!!

[@lisanm9]

What about potential pain issues in him? Defensive at his head. Pain. The root issue could just be pain. Distraction can be pain

[@cathiwim]

How did they ever get this horse under saddle?

[@aleb_equine]

I felt from the very beginning of the video that this horse is lacking confidence and really has no understanding of pressure and release.

[@user-mb1hg4qu9f]

There's that "respect" thing again...

[@PONYHEAVEN]

A wow film.

[@francescacanfield5098]

I haven’t finished watching the entire video, but what is the parallel between lack of respect on the ground vs. when being ridden? It seems to me it is tied together?

[@W84Mee..]

Warmbloods are notorious for being mouthy. I'm curious as to if his bloodlines have Cicero? Cor de la Breyer lines can be difficult, rearing and striking are their go to response.

[@jimmyyounger618]

While I know nothing about Warmbloods, your curiosity about his lines has parallels in the quarter horse world. A popular performance and working line will have Hancock on the papers, but some avoid the line because of a handful that are more work to train and prone to tantrums, like bucking if your ask doesn't fit their agenda that day.

[@W84Mee..]

@@jimmyyounger618 I rode grand prix dressage for 30 years, so I learned a lot about bloodlines of warmbloods. But I've never met a warmblood gelding,nor a stallion that wasn't incredibly mouthy. Certain lines are also very lazy with their hindlegs and like to rear when asked to engage said hind legs.

[@jimmyyounger618]

@@W84Mee.. Wow, that's an impressive history. While the equine culture I grew up in was a world apart from dressage, the Warmbloods are stunning and the exquisitely detailed control of their rhythmic steps and strides a marvel to watch.

[@W84Mee..]

@@jimmyyounger618 all horses are absolutely beautiful and amazing. Such large gentle souls.

[@lisazappolo9989]

​@@jimmyyounger618 I breed Hancock's and have to disagree. They are extremely intelligent and if the door is left open they will make the right choice. The only times I've seen explosions is when inept people try to force something with the wrong approach that makes no sense to the horse. To me, people that claim difficulties with Hancock's are really exposing their lack of skill. No attack on you, I understand your point.

[@torstivuorma2905]

…good work..👌 …how many hours you training and teaching this horse..? …greetings from Finland.. 🇫🇮

[@Verenschken]

It's so sad that you're not traveling in Germany. My mare could also benefit from you ;-) 

[@schiros123]

This is currently how im feeling about my interactions with the men. Create a simple pathway towards the right answer. Lord and Ryan Rose give me the strength. 😂

[@ruthannchambers7804]

Can I still get a shirt? 2 XL pink. I love these videos. Thank you

[@HeavensGateHorsemanship]

@Ryan can you explain how this horse is ok with a saddle and being riden but not ground work?

[@danfields3341]

His mannerisms are exactly like a dominant horse around the feed bunk... Tossing and moving his head getting bigger, no respect for the human... Spot on with your diagnosis...

[@kellythyben3984]

This is just like my OTTB he is good under saddle but on the ground he doesn’t respect my leadership and I also think it is he was not socialized in a herd as well he was turned out with a donkey. My horse reacts to pressure…he will not bend through the ribcage on the lounge line especially when attempting trot to canter he will stiffen his body and then bolt away from me. He is also very mouthy was worse when I first got him to the farm has improved a little but he will still put the halter in his mouth etc. trailer loading has become difficult with him too. one thing that has helped is when he is coming out of the stall I make it known not to scare him but push him away from my space when coming out of the stall. Training starts the minute you approach the horse.

[@jameswyatt2662]

nice outdoor arena ,what state is this

[@marriedaprince1]

Ryan, is there a reason you didn't put him in round pen without lunge line? Was this specifically so you could yield/turn out his hind quarters?

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

He needed to turn loose to being directed by the human more then just running around burning off energy.

[@katharinewooten4436]

Welcome to the six year old warmblood year. Pushing boundaries and no respect.

[@Nadine_IBRfarms]

Do you ever come to Utah?

[@bethalvarez6956]

I have a coming 2 Oldenburg that acts just like him only worse! I have been trying to find a trainer but no luck so far

[@aleb_equine]

and....why is he standing in a stall...

[@mariagillinson8527]

Ryan I wanted to ask you a question! … my barn is transitional but I like my horse to go to bed when it’s sunset and I don’t take him out so I moved him to a coverall where the lights go off and he’s in bed. At the main barn they have the light on till 9:30 pm and people are training their horses till 9pm. What are your thoughts ?

[@saspinks3001]

Hopefully you know that horses don't "go to bed" so I assume you mean that you stall him at night. Ideally a horse has 24/7 turnout with an optional shelter. If they work hard during the day, they will get the rest they need while out with other horses at night.

[@melanieblake3487]

Sir that color is not pink… it is… rose. Come on! 😂

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

My bad 😅

[@melanieblake3487]

Of course I’m joking… its Ryan Rose Rose .

[@catherinee.millard1831]

😂

[@rhondab9792]

Mauve.

[@johnh1252]

😍😍

[@tammypelletier3195]

I am new and am wondering if someone could help explain to me what a left brained horse is?

[@loredelore7286]

Its psuedo science.

[@cattaaddef7013]

why doesnt anyone get the horse in the background?

[@mariannedrudnielsen2647]

Dont know if im wrong but it looks like he is limping.

[@bobkohl6779]

Question for me is why not take him in a round pen?

[@evelynwaugh4053]

Ryan answered that question a few comments above. He was trying to improve the horse's ability to take direction and leadership rather than burn off energy. I'd probably burn off energy first, and then work, but I'm cautious.

[@Buggawoof]

Old race horse the only time the get to exercise besides the track is a lunge line in a pasture??? I worked at the meadowlands thrity years ago and this was normal behavior..he is beautiful good luck

[@Terry-lh8cn]

They're not racehorses

[@kendradavis1152]

I need some advice on my new horse pls I just bought her and she charges at me while lunging and wont let me titen anything around her girth arena she tries to kick me. She is under weight so I’m only using a rope. She doesn’t like to go the full circle in the round pen she will just turn in towards me and charge. I need some help if you can pls respond.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

I’d be happy to help. Message me on my patreon page. www.patreon.com/ryanrosehorsemanship

[@LE-mw3ng]

Why would she ride him when she doesn’t have him on the ground?

[@nicolecampiglio6119]

Can you come out to California and help me with my horse

[@sewingstoryprojects6178]

Is this horse sound?

[@jessica-walt]

I agree with the other comments that he is lame. Owner needs a better farrier or have him go barefoot.

[@beckyeversole3121]

How much is the pat. Page

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

$10

[@Blubes23]

Not sying this often, bc usually i believe owners and trainers knows when they see it themselves. but this horse needs a vet check, bet he is lame in the front. Just to be clear i dont usually say anything about this but he hides the signs well, thats why i wanted to point it out. Not all vets are good vets to figure out lameness, just because u cant see it in a picture or find the reason at once doesent make the pain less true.

[@sassy6292]

Does this horse focus on other horses when he is out in his paddock? I have seen some that go right into the looking away from the human mode as soon as work may be involved. It’s like an evasion technique. He is not really looking at the other horses or distractions with any real concern for them. His main concern is to evade what is going to happen in the school pen or arena. Lack of confidence in doing things right and not understanding clearly what is expected of him. I’ve seen humans behave like that when challenged to perform.

[@reneel3043]

At the 6:35 mark, you tap him on his face/muzzle several times, I am not sure what that is for? I think this horse just needs to be started all over again from the basics on up, working on walk and trot and getting that to be a solid foundation, before even asking him to canter. Just my opinion.

[@danlindeke2561]

When trained, that horse will bring some good money.

[@kirsty-vg3xk]

Could he be a lttle lame and hurting him on a circle?i may be wrong