Thinking about Rescue Horse Rita

[@samkuhl]

I met Lester at Tractor Supply this morning in Livingston I just bought some property in the area and was so happy to see him buying his feed his first words were I'm not as dumb as I look on the channel he is a great story teller and I wish him and Jamie the best they are such good human beings for giving all the animals their best lives ❤️

[@kaseyrigsby-ferree4038]

This must have been such a warm meeting! Lester is definitely a storyteller as well as a wonderful human being as well as sweet Jami!! ❤ Lucky you!!

[@teresabaird2802]

100% of the time, I agree with you, Lester. On this, I totally disagree with the idea of taking her to the JL. Those horses were brought back for their safety because of the neighbors' stallions. It doesn't matter how secure you believe the bull pen to be you can't prevent a mare who's in heat from being penitrated by a male if there are any holes around that area of her backside. Now, if you plan on completely enclosing it, maybe you'd have a chance. I may be wrong, but I wouldn't take the chance.

[@robsmccumber8411]

Kinda agree with you Boys will be Boys

[@chi4ever982]

Honestly, I think Rita could and would learn to jump the fence eventually, so I agree with you.

[@jenniferharrington917]

Agreed, she Is way too clever with those looong legs

[@elizabethwilson2277]

I understand Jami not wanting to move Rita over to the JL with Dinky Darryl. Makes sense. Too much change. Keeping it simple is best. You just started this process. Too much change is not good. Slow down your expectations. ❤

[@patpowell4059]

Lester, as long as Grandpa & Duke are living in the pasture next door, they WILL find a way to get to Rita when she comes in heat. Voodoo will have been severely injured for nothing, if you don't learn anything from that last Grandpa "visit". Stallions can/will jump fences to get to a mare, and your bull pen fences aren't 8'' tall. So, respectfully, I suggest NOT moving Rita to the JL, nor either of the other "girls" either.

[@beverlyrizk8149]

Just a reminder..you have two intact stallions next door who will get to her at all costs when she's in season. They go through fences. JL ranch. They will hurt dinky to have her.

[@lindadebats686]

Those stallions will find a way, bad idea moving them.

[@dah-lv1hm]

Lester, you said it yourself.......where there is a willy, there is a way and remember, voo got hurt when the neighbors came to call

[@jenniferharrington917]

Mares will even lie down to give access... hussies😂😂😂

[@marycarr1070]

Please don’t separate Rita from the herd.

[@rah2209]

That would be horrible 😢

[@yvonneiversen8749]

I personally don’t think taking Rita elsewhere is a good idea. I think the separation would create more issues when it’s time to integrate back to the herd. I think that the absence would cause a bigger rift between the equine’s. Sorry Lester ❤

[@KathleenGanch]

Moving Rita to close proximity to stallions would not be a good idea.

[@angiet3224]

I think Primm can sense Rita’s energy and is letting her know that she will not put up with any of her shenanigans.

[@TexasgirlDiva]

I hate to see Rita moved farther away she needs to stay with the herd or close.

[@kimelliott7262]

Not to mention she needs that day to day work you guys are putting in with her

[@rosabayhan810]

Oh! Gosh please don’t move Rita. The neighbors horses will get to her and will hurt the little donkey

[@pamelaratliff8481]

No leave Rita where she is !

[@13juju]

Agree, this could backfire on Lester, Lester needs to talk to Rick and Jami should talk to Courtney before they make a big move, IMO!!

[@TBoss3313]

Prim and Rita’s behavior in meeting is absolutely normal. I believe Prim is older than Rita so Prim is putting the teenager in her place.

[@robinmacsinka7274]

Distractions are one thing, but moving and changing routines can be very stressful to horses.

[@PaulaActon]

Taking Rita over to the JL would result in both her and Daryl getting serious injured or potentially one of the neighbours horses as mares have been known to kill stallions who try to get frisky when they are not in the mood. The neighbours horses will get in again unless you are going to build seven foot dmzs as you call them. if you want her to reintegrate into the herd keep doing the ground work and allowing her to stay acquainted through the fence for now,

[@debbiec4530]

I so agree! Please listen to most of these comments Lester!🤠💕🐴

[@chi4ever982]

I totally agree. Big part of training is teaching them to pay attention to YOU and ignore distractions. It results in them trusting you more.

[@beverlyrizk8149]

That sounds and action is just simply how horses greet each other. All horses do it

[@kathydunn9011]

Those male neighbor horse would find a way to visit

[@rosemarygraham2815]

That was my first thought, too, but Lester Assured us that the bullpen Is secure and nothing can get out or in, and therefore neighbouring horses will not be able to get in to Rita. This made me feel much better about her security and safety. 😅❤❤❤🙌🏻

[@jeanhood6104]

@@rosemarygraham2815That fence may keep the cows but if Rita wants to jump or the neighbors want to, those long legs.

[@MarleneDeal-dl3ci]

Oh I would worry about the males next door ..I think the boys would be a dangerous situation 😢 they got to your horses before and hurt voodoo …I agree with Jami it’s a big NO

[@rah2209]

Have you forgotten what happened to VooDoo? Those horses would hurt her too especially when she’s in “season”. It would also hurt Stormy if she’s gone. Plus Daryl was abused there by the other donkey and horses. It may bring back bad memories. You guys need to find a Horse Whisperer.

[@rebeccasellers7018]

Yep, this is all totally normal. She will even probably go through it again with Storm to an extent. Nothing is fast with horses, it all takes time. Moving her often will be confusing for her. My honest opinion is that you would be better of keeping her at the LL property. She needs working daily yes, but also needs the normalcy and a herd, even from the other side of the fence. It's healthy for her to learn with distraction, will make her more accepting.

[@rosewood710]

Rita impressed me, it did not look like she started the "noise", she was just reacting to Prims snorts. And I with Jami on this one, she needs to stay near her herd so if you integrate them, it will not be so traumatic for Rita.

[@paulaharris6259]

Don’t move Rita. My belief “ bad idea”

[@kristithompson4838]

Agree with most on here that it's not a good idea to take any mares to JL, especially during breeding season. You already know there's at least 1 if not 2 stallions with strong libidos next door. They will jump fences and go to great lengths to get to a mare. And believe or not, they can breed through fences. Just hoping you think very hard about that decision. Better yet, talk to Rick. JMO ❤️

[@evelynhanna4963]

If you are hopeful to integrate Rita back with the herd, taking her away is probably not going to benefit that reunion. Distractions are something to work on with her, I realize it makes your training more difficult. In the long run, it will benefit you both. Good luck and persevere.

[@catrivett1964]

I don't think taking any horses or donkeys back to the JL Ranch is a good idea until the horses next door are properly watched over.

[@MJeaneSeymour]

I think Jami is thinking about the wild in tacked boys next door at JL and the trouble they might cause?

[@tinajones5620]

I completely agree!

[@kenchambers2269]

Not your decision so why say anythijg?....stfu!

[@katherinewilmot2172]

Jami and Lester have said long term they would consider moving to the JL ranch and good horses can adapt to any property.

[@GuiltyPleasure72]

💯

[@charlotteroe5959]

Not a good idea to put Rita in close proximity to Stallions ,that’s just asking for trouble!

[@lynnbennett2523]

That's not a good idea to move her to the bullpen. She needs her horse friends. Got to remember she needs interaction everyday with Jami, she is a thoroughbred not a quarter horse. She is always going to be full of herself. Thoroughbreds are bred to race. They are full of energy and unpredictable. But you gotta love them. My mare is 15 now.

[@terrymueller7394]

I vote with Jami. Unless you’re locking up Rita in the container when you leave. Grandpa and his son will clear any fence.

[@barbarajoseph944]

Believe me stallions can & will go over a 6 foot fence after a mare. Where my mare & gelding where kept years ago a loose stud jumped a 6 foot, pole fence & proceeded to do his duties. Please don't take anyone back to JL. Love to all😊

[@chi4ever982]

@barbarajoseph944 Agree and I think Rita could and would learn to jump the fence easily.

[@pattdunn9845]

Lester, I've seen a stallion run a mare through Barb wire, and once she was cut up and caught, he mounted her!! Please don't move Rita or Dinky. He's really calmed down now that he's hanging with the other donkeys. Rita is enjoying being the princess in training. She will get too depressed if you move her.

[@seagersmom5795]

That is normal horse communication , nothing bad about the sound s !

[@bonniefuhr4106]

Thank you so much for Loving & Caring for Rita!!!

[@northeternal5227]

I agree with many of the commentors. Please dont move Rita. She needs to be near the herd.

[@sherlyv8542]

I would not take Rita to JL. Those boys next door will get to her. Or she will jump the fence to get to them. You asked, I said what I think.

[@vanessamarie1582]

Ivy has forever been a pony but every time I see her as part of the herd it makes me smile❤

[@michellegomez1048]

I'm so glad yall are working with her ❤. She is lucky to have you both

[@jacquelinenoll6623]

Maybe the next “investment” should be a trainer for Rita.

[@rosabayhan810]

The more the horses see each other the more they will get used to each other

[@spiritdream1]

Leave Rita where she is

[@kellystephens077]

If you move Rita to the JL, what will y'all do to protect her from the neighbor's horses the other 20 hours a day when she's in-heat?

[@tinam.8666]

I'm not sure it would be good for Dinky to go back to where he was neglected. Might be traumatic for him. He was moved and feels the love of the other animals and ya'll. ❤❤❤

[@PatriciaBerger-is3ws]

Dinky is now integrated with the other donkeys, don’t take him away from them.

[@gaileldridge3585]

I’m so glad that Rita has the opportunity to be there next to her herd while she learns so valuable lessons .

[@lizmccready1560]

Lester, bad idea - if something happened to you because something Rita did/does then you're alone and maybe won't be able to work the phone - if ya got to train her, do it among people specifically Jami or one of your horse helpers

[@chi4ever982]

Brilliant!😊

[@vikimanwarren2493]

I think moving her around so much is gonna stress her and make her anxiety higher. Also you have the neighboring horses and they are not gelded which cause a big risk to be honest. When nature calls animals will do whatever it takes to "make it happen"

[@robinmacsinka7274]

Not becoming distracted is part of training

[@patannis9386]

Lester just want to thank you for your dedication to Rita. You have admitted that Longhorns are your passion, and horses are Jami's. For you to learn to train along side Rita is a man with a compassionate heart. Jami has her hands full and is learning as well. I know you will do what's right for Rita and her misfit sidekick Dinky. People with knowledge just need to be less aggressive with their criticism they throw at you. Say it in a nice way, you get better results.

[@melissadelude4292]

I appreciate your heart so much Lester!! We all know your longhorns are your love but I so love that you have taken Rita under your wing. She loves her Daddy and I think respects you a bit more than Jaime. Thank you for loving her as we all do. We love and adore her for the spunky lil teenager she is. The best outcome possible was the day her former owners tied her to that fence at ima survivor. They knew you would love her and care for her and more importantly TEACH her to be a great horse… Lovely miss Senorita, you struck gold with Daddy Wester and Mama Jaime!!! Love me some Rita !!!!❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@zenaidarivera957]

Amen

[@Jean-m2t]

It is difficult to know what to do with Rita. She has so much energy she is like a race horse needing lots of exercise. JL has nice flat ground with plenty of space. It’s almost as if she needs to go daily or regularly to the JL ranch for lounging and a good run around and then come back with you at night time. Would it be possible to get a walk on horse box with a proper ramp and take her with you at times. Like going to the races. Having the male horses next door might be a problem if you are not in attendance unless you build an enclosed indoor stable for her to stop in if you are not there. But she is used to being free to run around. Not an easy decision at all. You have to do what you think is right between you.

[@kathydunn9011]

That noise is normal for horses

[@carolannkilburn266]

Rita is a real Beauty, and is worth the time and energy ❤ She is very lucky to have you and Jamie, that’s for sure.

[@donnajohnson9324]

Rita Needs a leader hopefully prim will be that horse ❤ that will show her right from wrong, sorry the humans don't know how to do it 😉 it's great to hear your learning ❤❤

[@tinajones5620]

I think this is a very good start Lester. Slow and steady wins the race.

[@amyw881]

Animals feel fear and Rita knows Jami fears her. Jami somehow needs to change the fear to respecting Rita but showing Rita she is top horse. Sending her *Rita* to the JL, you will do what you wish. I still think she needs to go to Courtney for a few months. She is trained and has the knowledge to give her manners. She did wonders with Barbie.

[@paulaloreman4740]

I love Rita's coloring. she's so beautiful.

[@cathyknight7631]

I smile everytime you mention the 'pony'.

[@heidiDonato]

happy to hear your going to slowly get her back to her heard.

[@kyliej9551]

Stand ya ground Prim, she’s a feisty one ❤

[@MichelleBralley]

Lester, I truly enjoy watching you with Rita! I think you are doing great! Rita is a beautiful girl who I believe wants to be a very good girl and I definitely feel you are on the right track! Thank you Lester for shsring❤

[@MichelleBralley]

Also, I have always said I respect your decision! If Rita going over to JL Ranch is what your heart leads you to do….I know she will be very loved, cared for and trained! Hugs Lester on making a decision.

[@pamrogers2843]

Jami is 100% right, its too dangerous with the stallions next door plus she needs her herd. I think she is being pushy with Jami because Jami is not well.

[@tiaelina1090]

I love seeing the horses Lester and I think what you are doing is amazing. You are working on your unease of Rita and I commend you. Your idea or taking Rita to the J&L has merits, though I think she does need to stay close to her herd, plus there are two intact stallions next door that WILL get to her when she goes into season. You will find the best solution for her. You have enough room to maybe build an enclosed arena, a place you can work your horses come rain or shine, just a thought😁

[@staceyarlene32484]

Sweet Rita is like Hey I'm Rita, I'm a little spit fire but I would like to possible be your friend" lol I sure do love Rita and she will get better as time goes by.

[@diane_alworth]

Prim scared Rita right off her feet! Surprised her. She was snuffling Prim.

[@lanimcgowen7216]

You have two Stallions over there Just saying

[@trishb45]

Maybe Rita needs the other horses- how can she know Prim if not allowed near her. Rita isn’t a bad girl.

[@auburnrozeWA]

JMO. I think it is not the time to move her. She is getting constant human attention where she is. She seems content where she is.

[@roxannabloom1540]

My only thought about taking Rita to J & L is she already seems to have a bit of an attitude towards Jami at times. If you take her away & she doesn't see Jami as much, it's going to make it worse. I also wouldn't her to get hurt because the next-door neighbors decide they're going to break in again.

[@TexasWildcat]

People should never tell you about not training horses, everyone can learn, everyone has to start somewhere!🤠

[@cherylfauth9543]

They need an expert to train her. They have done it themselves so far without success. I am afraid they are setting her up for failure, then will get rid of her.

[@TexasWildcat]

@@cherylfauth9543 By the comment I made,I didn't add that they will not listen or get an expert to teach them! Also, there are videos out there that are pretty darn good that can teach them, depending what they wil do in the future.

[@Nurse.Heather]

I know that!...he says..lol I appreciate the fact that you asked for opinions and advice, but I think Rick and Kourtney need to be your go-to's since you trust them. I can't imagine how overwhelmed you must be with thousands of people telling you something different and being so critical. I've even erased comments that I've made because people will attack for no reason. You asked for advice, we give you advice, and then other people basically tell us to shut up and not give you advice.

[@Valerie20224]

Only YOU & JAMI knows what’s best for Rita. You have 2 great people to talk to about her. It’s gonna come together for her, she’s just a toddler

[@nurse19669]

No to J&L there's two intacted males over there that would break fences to get to her and probably seriously hurt dinky

[@melissaalvord3638]

You could take her with you several days of the week like your dogs & she could learn how to load and ride in the trailer back and forth. Still live at LHL! Special days for Rita. She’s gorgeous! 🐴🩶

[@margaretgrimmeyer2195]

I think it is wonderful that you are learning with Rita.

[@rosemarygraham2815]

Lester and Jami I think that you both need to discuss any plans to change Rita’s training with Courtney and Rick, and as for moving her to the JL Ranch once again, I think this needs to be discussed with Courtney and Rick as it has serious consequences for both Rita and the herd. ❤❤❤🙌🏻

[@cherylfauth9543]

Rita didn't do anything. It was the other horse. Please don't blame Rita for everything.

[@joannepantale483]

???

[@vickiezink2691]

Lester it would be better to keep Rita where she is . Because of the other horses that belong to hour neighbors . They will find away to get to Rita . But it's your choice . Love watching your videos . I lived in New Caney for a few years but grew up in Houston . Now live in Ohio .

[@WhitneyAllisonGG]

until neighbors horses are gelded then you can move Rita there.

[@louisetropman1737]

Lester I think you’re doing amazing with sweet Rita . Yeah your not a horse person and know little but what your doing is great ! As my nanna used to say Roma wasn’t built in a day ! So it will take time but you will get there and I love seeing your videos with her .

[@janetkeith495]

Please don't move Rita. Too much change.

[@Mysongsamp]

Rita is spark of life, beautiful.❤

[@sandyinoregon74]

Lester with all due respect, Rita is a handful of a horse (I love her), and she is going to require an experienced person to train her and eventually ride her. It is very unlikely that Rita will ever be a safe riding horse for anyone less that an intermediate or experienced rider. Especially if she never gets any concentrated professional training. I know you love your animals but sometimes for the good of and safety of everyone, human and animal involved, you need to ask for help, and Rita needs concentrated help. She could be an amazing horse if trained to reach her full potential. Good Luck whatever you decide to do and stay safe!

[@nancysimpson4246]

Good evening Lester Jamie, thank you so much for being about horses. I love horses. I love all animals, but horses are my. No we missed you and I love when you tip your hat.😊 beautiful Rita as long as they have food I don’t think they’re gonna wanna introduce I think it would be absolutely beautiful with five horses running in the pasture playing eat and have fun going in the pond beautiful property you are right Lester you are doing the right thing keeping her tied up at first is a good thing just my opinion😊 no no she’s OK. That’s the way them horses are. That’s how they greet their selves. Get to know each other. Rita’s not doing nothing wrong. She smelling them and she’s letting them smell her. That’s normal for horses to do that. She wants to get no prim because prim is new to her. She won’t pump around. I’ll tell you that prim is too big is older and won’t allow it. It is good that reader is by the horses. She’s very young and she’s learning to be a horse at sometime and them altogether in the same pasture would bemy gold. Just like in the wild, they will scrabble a little bit and they will learn who’s Boss, well you know what I mean, Lester horses are one of the animals that are very jealous of each other😮 thank you for this video Lester ❤

[@trudiharmon7640]

Hi Lester. Thank you for all the time your spending with Rita in time you will see the dividends. She’s a feisty girl. Seeing her with the others to me shows her being in the other pasture is right for her for now. Loved the live earlier you did awesome. Have a wonderful weekend take care and lots of love and prayers God bless 💕🙏🤠

[@sharalynnbillet5996]

Hi to Hello Lester may you and yours have a blessed weekend...

[@paulaemler9005]

No, Lester. Prim standing up to Rita is perfect. I think she will keep Rita in her place. Please do not take her to the JL. You have to know it will impact her emotional and mental health. Every where she goes she gets booted out. I love her. Please don’t do that. Keep up with what you are doing, or send her for training with Courtney.

[@jansmall72]

I love seeing your horses graze they are enjoying the day Lester

[@ladiesyallcandothis232]

Gotta agree with the no mainly because of the horses next door. Never count that out of happening. Also, taking her further from horses won’t help her be one. Perhaps keep taking her over to the fence everyday. Lunge her is not her big priority. She has so much more to learn before that just about being a horse that can behave. To separate her that much would make her worse and use to be only one. Just my thoughts.

[@PatriciaHoffman-iz9gf]

Rita is probably wondering why Storm has not come to see her yet. Rita turned to see everyone and heard Prim's steps. Actually, Rita did not start that, Bucees did, and they are just saying hi to each other. Rita was focused on her buddies when Jamie walked up from behind to toss the hay square and it surprised Rita. Taking Rita to the JL is a bad idea because it will cause you problems reintegrating her back into the herd. Also, horses are herd animals and if she does not have a horse companion with her, I fear she will get depressed and think she is being punished. Dinky is a great guy, but he is not a horse.🙃🙂❤

[@laurelldockall2399]

No worries Lester. Rita was just playing Rock Paper Scissors with her friends. 🤣❤️❤️

[@dragonflypromoise7774]

Hi-ta-Hello lord Lester! Doing lots of little things to work with Rita will add up to big changes. You're doing a wonderfully loving job! Love you Lester! 💛

[@RhondaWoods-o4f]

I guess my thoughts on moving Rita is something you need to listen to Jami's thoughts first and foremost.

[@drendamills8960]

Lester I've had Horses most of my life and in my experience, you do not want any distractions in the beginning of training. That comes later, at first you want all the Horse's attention on You to build that trust and for the Horse to be focused on just your training. Rita is a beautiful, smart, young horse just be patient with her. I promise it will pay off!

[@user-kat229]

The interaction is just normal horse conversation

[@beveritt56]

Please don't move Rita she needs to stay where she is please

[@TerryDavison-f1k]

Really missed y'all this morning God bless y'all love y'all I'm glad everything is going good

[@susanhollis5336]

Grandpa and the other 2 horses will find a way to get to her. Dinky Darrell won't stand a chance with them and you aren't there at night. What would of happened to Voo that night if yall hadn't been there.

[@lauriesorensen7587]

Keep on consulting with your equine friends.

[@n1njatuber]

Rita! This reminds me of myself getting my dog socialized with other dogs. Caesar Milan’s animal behavior explanations helped me understand their language. It helped me so much. I would guess his methods help with other animals as well, we’d just have to learn a particular animals language.

[@PammyFenton]

All that squealing is normal for horses and let them share a fence is great idea but they have to work out who is more dominant. Rita is a very dominant horse anyway.

[@danamoore1944]

👏🏻 "Fantastic Idea" 👏 I think taking Rita & Dinky Daryl to the JL ranch is a great idea! It would give you and Rita time to slowly train her on stuff she should be learning at her age without as many distractions! It will all so make it safer for you being able to work with her without having to worry about a baby goats running in on you and spooking her! She needs baby steps without distractions so she can focus on you and what she's being taught! 👏 Once she's learned some manners, you can always slowly work her into the pasture with the other horses! Hopefully, with some manner and educational training, she will be great and get along better with the others! I'm also 💯 percent positive that all your horse friends, Kourtney, Uriel, & Think Like A Horse, will give you great help and training advice to be able to achieve this goal! Rita's so beautiful and smart that I think she will do great! Plus she will be so happy with her friend Dinky Daryl! Dinky's going to be so excited to show her around his old stomping grounds! 😂 "He Will Be The Big Man On Campus!" 😂 Sending lots of love and hugs! 🫶🙋🏻‍♀️

[@caseywoodbury3412]

Tigger did the same thing when he met Willow, it’s not girl shrieks and it’s normal horse interaction. It takes time to adjust, but Rita misses her herd and she and Prim will adjust.

[@RobinFerran]

Leave Rita here. I am not an expert but, have had horses all my life. Get Courtney to help out. I have a mustang that is a sweetheart

[@cherichristy2838]

Please leave her where she is at. She has had too much turmoil in her life so far. She needs something stable.