Join me for a morning at the barn!

My husband came to the barn with me this morning and played camera man so you can see me working with Black Jack! In this VLOG, join me as I pull Black Jack from the field, groom him, take him on a walk to the arena where we work on walking over logs, flexing, and a bit more. I'm excited to share something other than my beautiful quarter horse grazing in the field! :)

[@Helen-rr2yb]

Steve young horsemanship is a great channel to watch . Black Jack is looking great 😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I think he's looking so much better!

[@stephaniedavis7033]

Black Jack is the perfect 1st horse, he is so patient and willing for you because of the love you give him! You will continue to learn and anyone who wants to be the best horse person continues to learn every time they work with their horse. Warwick Schiller from Australia is a great guy to watch how to meet the horse at his level. Blessings always & keep being kind!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!! Yes, he's a great boy to have as my first horse. Such a sweet heart.

[@JovieStroll-f8t]

Through your videos I’ve fallen in love with Blackjack 🥰 He’s a sweet boy with a great owner!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm glad you love him too! :)

[@jen3655]

I think you're doing a wonderful job with Blackjack! A lot of the struggles you're having sound very familiar to me. I got my first horse 4 years ago after wanting one for 40 years. I can tell how much you care about him and how you're committed to him.😊 I'm enjoying your videos!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! Maybe its simply just harder getting started with horses a bit later in life. :)

[@pauladunlap1838]

Watching Fee Spirit Equestrian is a very good idea. Shae has had horses most of her life and has dealt with the many issues that comes with horse ownership.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I do watch her a lot! And I've actually learned quite a bit from her (although it's probably hard to tell from my videos lol).

[@slunt3123]

Chips are the natural way excess hoof wall comes off, particularly on the quarters where the hoof wall is the thinnest. Nothing to worry about. As I suspected, Black Jack is a trained horse. He shifted his weight on his own each time you wanted to lift a hoof and was completely cooperative about it. Difficult horses don't cooperate like that. He also stood like a statue for fly spray. Whatever trouble the other people had with him was of their own making. The only thing I would like to mention, and this is just how I feel, I like to put the horse's hoof on the ground instead of suddenly dropping it, especially for a horse who does not keep it up on his own, but lets the human carry the weight. Suddenly dropping it, they will often hit their toe on the ground. Can't be pleasant for the horse, particularly on concrete. You are correct in that you caused Black Jack to back up crooked. Your pressure was uneven, and you even looked in that direction, and so he nicely did just as you asked. You need to look where you want the horse to go, and back up one step at a time, so you can correct your cue if you see his response is not what you wanted. As for backing Black Jack up after a whoa, I know a lot of people do that. But, to me, a back up should just be that. It should not be connected to any other behavior or used as correction. All cues need to tell a horse 1) what are we going to do and 2) when do we do it. So, your verbal "whoa" tells him what he will be doing, the pressure on his halter tells him when to do it. Release of pressure tells the horse we are done. They get pretty good at understanding clear cues, so that often just a verbal cue without any pressure will get the response you want. When you say whoa, be sure to give Black Jack time to process the cue. You can't immediately stop in your tracks, because by the time his brain processes the cue, he can't stop in time to be beside you. He will end up in front of you. Say whoa, and take two steps before stopping. If he needs three steps, that's your starting point. If Black Jack is a 'lazy' horse, which is not a bad trait, just means he saves his energy, when he sees work coming his way, which I think the arena means to him, he will test to see if he can get out of work. He pins his ears to see if you will change your mind. Notice when you do not respond, he gives that up and follows along over the poles. Clipping the poles is nothing to a horse. I personally don't care unless they start tripping over them. If they trip, then you must ask them to put a little more effort into their movement. Last, relax your lead arm. Black Jack knows to follow you, not your arm. Your arm is going to get tired being held up like that. Sorry about this being so long. I think it is great that you are willing to share your horse journey with others.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Wow, this is incredible feedback!! Seriously, thank you!! Everything you said makes total sense, and I'm going to implement all of it. (And yes, my arm was TIRED! lol)

[@slunt3123]

I didn’t go into the flexing, because I had already gotten long winded. But, since you seem to welcome advice, here goes. When you asked for flexion on Black Jack’s weaker side, you began correctly, but released the pressure when he began to back up. The release is his cue that he got it right, so you basically told him backing up is the right answer. You need to go with him when he backs up, maintaining steady pressure so he realizes backing up is not the answer. When he stops and gives to the pressure, then immediately release. He will probably lick his lips when he realizes flexing is the answer, not backing up. His ‘give’ might be only an inch or two; that doesn’t matter. You can build from there.

[@MegF142857]

I agree. What I've done is say "foot" when want them to pick up hoof, then say "Okay" before I let it down vs just dropping it (particularly if onto cement). It's just being polite, imo. -- I usually ask a backup before putting a bucket down when feeding my horses (not always), so they give space & gives some respect. Just a step or two. -- I chuckled reading your comment about holding the arm out leading. Good point. :-)

[@angelag.727]

Really love these relaxed hangout vids and your enthusiasm is refreshing. Jack is a real sweet horse and he is being very nice and gently feeling you out to see who you are. He is testing and training you to do as he wishes with such a sweet face. For example he can walk so much faster than he does to the indoor, he's sauntering at his own pace cos he doesn't really want to do much work. Indoor = work if he's been broke before or has bad associations from the past. You need to expect a little more from him, he can march out nicely beside you on a loose rein. Walking infront of him blocks the forward motion, come back the the shoulder give yourself some space, use a longer lead rope and send him forward with a little more intent. You also wont need to keep looking at him he will be with you rather than behind you. There are many ways to train your horse (as you can see on youtube!)and we all want a happy partnership based on trust. You are already building this with the improvements in the washrack. Just use a bucket and a big sponge on the face if he really hates it. I would just be quick with the hose, kids don't like getting their face washed but you just get on with it. Check out the clevercowgirl I really like her kind common sense training approach. I would cut out the hand treats too, he nearly bit your hand holding the leadrope and it can escalate to biting and he's already in your face a bit so really back him up quickly when he nudges/ barges you. You are just being clear, consistant and firm in the boundaries of the behaviour you want. You can put leadropes and toys tied up in his stable to play with and chew on for enrichment. Tie carrots, turnips, sprouts and parsnips from the bars in the stable to play with. Still give treats as reward but in a bucket to break the association hand is food. Same with the bending exercise, he's training you that he doesn't really want to do that cos its a little hard. Instead, stop along side the wall of the indoor and ask for the bend to the right. The wall stops him moving away and when he does it easily and when you ask, move away from the wall and try again. Pausing, looking away from him and giving him a minute is the reward for doing as you ask. Then ask him to do it randomly wherever you are. I would be exploring all over the property and beyond with you husband and Jack on the lead, I would walk miles with young horses all over, training them all the time as we saw the sights, sounds and smells of the world outside the barn. I think your new barn is fantastic and you will get there, you clearly love Jack very much.

[@MegF142857]

What I've found works for my horses is a mister attachment to do the face. One of mine doesn't mind a hose on face, but my other always has been concerned. A low flow or a mister works well & everyone is happy. -- I also like a longer lead rope, but that also then takes more rope management skills for person to hold it safely. She's doing fine. -- I use treats all the time, as have used clicker training. Horses can learn to not mug or nip for giving a reward. But yes, giving treats by hand can go South rather quickly if not done properly.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for such a detailed reply! This is very helpful. I've gathered from your comments and others that leading by his shoulder would be a better way to go, so I'm going to work on that. He's a very mouthy horse (not in a mean way, but I still don't like it) and yes, he gets in my space a lot (which I also don't like). I've stopped giving treats unless I'm leaving the barn, so it's gotten better. But I may have to just put them in his feed bin to get this to stop.

[@tnit7554]

Very nice vid. Some very good suggestions in the comment section. BJ and you are making steady progress. He will be a great riding horse soon.🤗🇩🇪

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!

[@sandy99922]

One more comment, 50 years ago when I got my first horse, I did everything wrong you could possibly do. Fortunately, for me, there were no cameras then. You’re doing great.

[@cmoorewv]

Exactly. No one is perfect. I'm only on my second horse and consider myself still a novice. I was doing groundwork lessons with a good friend and trainer until my horse came down with EPM. I definitely think things are going great with Blackjack!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Not only do we have cameras now, but then I decided to record myself for everyone to see. What was I thinking??? lol

[@robinfarmer4787]

That’s good I hope your husband is taking this all in when he gets his own horse

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

LOL! Not going to happen! My husband is not a fan of horses at all. Unfortunately.

[@MozeyDnTheTrail]

Black Jack is so gorgeous and so happy! PS-I "show" all my grooming tools, too! 😁 My trainers tell me to lead from the shoulder. I'm always getting in front, though, but I'm trying!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Glad I'm not alone! lol

[@sherylbartlett3871]

Thank you so much for the wonderful and quiet time at the barn with Black Jack on this Labor Day weekend. Jack is looking so good and Happy! Moving him here and getting all his physical needs taken care of has made him a wonderful horse. Congratulations.....you deserve a Blue Ribbon AND a Gold Star. A year from now you'll be riding him and loving it. God bless..❤😊❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Aww, thanks!! It was a wonderful time with him.

[@matthewalexander2436]

Cool,calm and collected... he's such a honey. I wish I could give him a big ole hug.😊❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'll give him one for you! :)

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

He loves you so much

[@sandracapobianco1983]

For backing you can practice going along the wall to help both you and him to go straight. You are moving to that side and he is simply moving out of your way:) definitely do the Ryan rose patreon he is EXCELLENT and explains everything so there is no confusion on your part. You’re doing all the right things , don’t be so hard on yourself. He is a very good boy and you are a very good horsey mom. Keep at it your doing great ☺️

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for the positives! :) I will try backing along the wall too. I hadn't thought of that!

[@valentinaplescan]

Hi! First time horse owner here, I think you’re doing very well with him 😊 I wouldn’t worry about his ears being back when walking into the arena, they’re not pinned back in an angry/stressed way, he’s just listening for what’s going on behind him! About the going back straight, it looks to me that you’re simply communicating to him to go back and veer left because your body and focus are too much to his right and butt when asking to back up. Maybe try to ask him to back up by putting a light pressure on the lead rope under his chin, but standing in front of him. Learning the yo-yo technique from the 7 Parelli games would also help! And all the games in general 😁 they’re a fun and not too challenging way to get some confidence with ground work

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I tried backing him this weekend while standing in front of him, and it worked much better. :)

[@valentinaplescan]

​@@HorseTaleswithBlackJackwell done!

[@StayFreeUSA]

Watching you with him today and how sweet and happy he is. God sent you to him to save him from that awful situation he was in. You are an angel.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Awww, thank you!

[@nancyhamlin9169]

The barn is absolutely fantastic Keep working with Black Jack you will get it😊😊😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

It's pretty great! So glad we found it!

[@louise7429]

He is a sweet boy. And it seems you have a sweet husband too😊

[@sidilicious11]

I have a solid black Paint who looks a lot like Black Jack. His white hind sock is on the other leg.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

My husband is the best!

[@Ozarkhillbillyhippy]

I bought the fungus spray and it is helping my horse

[@MarcJoly-g2e]

He is really beatiful...

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!

[@sharonbeck-hl7cf]

Walking over the rails is like walking over the grate. He looks and judges the distance.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yeah, and I think he did pretty good this time! When I first bought him, he really dragged his feet, but he seems to be walking with more pep these days. :)

[@micheller1426]

Hi there! This has already been addressed in one other comment, so I’m just saying this again for emphasis, please never loop/wrap your lead rope around your hand, even loosely. It takes a millisecond for a horse to tighten it in a spook and you will have a crushed hand at the very least, but could even be dragged! Even though Black Jack is calm and well mannered, start practicing on him so that it’s second nature to you to carry it without looping it. The worst accidents are when people get lax and aren’t paying attention around horses. You will hear people say that they’ve looped it for years and never had a problem, they’re naive/reckless/fortunate. I think I’ve observed Shae at FSE carrying her lead rope correctly while leading. Notice how your mentors do it to get an idea on how to carry the excess, but not if they’re looping it too, then find someone who doesn’t loop it that you can emulate. Most horses don’t like water in their faces, use a soft, damp sponge or microfiber cloth to clean his face and gently wipe out his ears, using upwards strokes. I also like to wipe out the nostrils at this time, obviously turning and folding the cloth to use the clean part of the cloth for each new area. There is more than one way to have a horse walk with you on a loose lead, some people prefer the horse at their side, others prefer that they walk behind them like Black Jack does with you. He looks like he’s been trained to walk behind, a lot of cowboys prefer this and will train them to walk this way, they really reinforce it, so it can take awhile to break them of this, if it’s important to you. It can depend on the horse, with a very dominant horse sometimes having them walk behind is better than at your side where they can rush ahead and start leading you, but that’s an issue I don’t think Black Jack has. There’s a lot to learn and it can seem overwhelming at first, but it will all come together. 😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I try very hard not to do that; if I did, it was totally inadvertent. I know the risks with that.

[@cs6565]

Blackjack is very good looking. I like how you are doing a few things with him. He is getting better at being handled. Take a sponge to wash his face. Also, you may want to mention to your farrier that he drags his feet. He can do a trim and shoe to help him pick up a bit. Stepping over the poles is helpful. Also, get him to lower his head a bit more to slowly flex to his right. Patience!

[@lindathompson3982]

Yes...Please do that for BJ!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I will try to get his head a bit lower when he flexes it. I know he can do it just fine because the chiropractor taught me how to do it with a treat. lol I think he just doesn't like it much.

[@sandy99922]

Ryan Rose has great techniques. Although I don’t have horses anymore, I still watch him. Another very experience teacher you might enjoy is Steve Young. He has a lot of techniques which I’m sure you could use. He’s very keen on your horse having his attention on you. I see that blackjack really isn’t focused on you very much. He also has some great stopping techniques where he stops and puts one leg backward quickly. You have to actually see it to understand that. I know I’m not making much sense. I hope this helps. You’re doing great. It looks so much more hopeful than it did before.

[@katherinekoza6536]

🤣🤣For get Ryan Rose ,one of the worst trainers i have ever seen . Try Warwick Schiller Attuned horsemanship . One of the best out there . He is Certainly not one of those gung -ho cowboys .

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I watch both Ryan Rose and Steve Young. Very helpful! I agree, getting Black Jack's attention is tough for me.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

And to conclude, I DO NOT USE FORCE, WHIPS, LOUD NOISE VOICE, HORSES CHOOSE, WITH LIBERTY XX HUGGS TO BJ AND YOU XX

[@highhopes151]

One tip I would like to say to help you get him more balanced is walk him on both sides of him yes tradition everything we used to do with a horse was on the left side but now days we now know that we need to do things on both sides of horse's. Horses need to see things and do things on both sides as they don't process what you do on the left only is working on the right side of the brain so whatever you do walking Stepping over logs so need to start walking and stepping over logs on the right side so that will start working the left side of his brain to. Another good person to follow is Steve Young Horsemanship (he is on KZbin and he has a website) he is in the UK but he has very good information about horse's he is also trains horses that have issues in a very natural way in the same way that horse's learn from each other. Another tip is to walk by his shoulders he puts he's ears back every time you get in front of him and try not to pull him along when you first start to walk by his shoulder you will see how hard it is to get him to walk beside you and this will slowly take time for him and you to get used to walking beside him and not in front of him, if he doesn't want to walk when you are near his shoulders use a dressage whip and gently tickle his side until he starts to walk when he starts to walk praise him and he will start to learn that you are now starting to walk beside him instead of being in front and trying to pull him into walk. I know that you are new to owning horses so you don't quite know what to do and I understand that that but once you can start doing things on both sides of him leading will also help you to have more trust in each other. I do hope that this will help you both on the start of your both trusting and building your relationship together. P.S. I don't know how he will react to the whip so start by just showing him it and praise him lots once he gets used to that start just by holding the whip next to him once he is okay with that then gently stroke him with the whip and more praise. This is if he is frightened by the sight of the whip just incase someone has hit him hard and frightened him. I really hope that he not frighten by the sight of the dressage whip but cause you are not sure of what he has gone through in his past. This process worked for me on my horse that someone in the wrong way and with trust in me by doing these steps after about two months my horse trusted me to carry it on and around him. I if Black Jack is really frightened just by the sight of a whip please ask someone who is more experienced than you to do these steps until he is fine with you or someone you trust can stroke him like you do when you are brushing him. Good luck and I can't wait to see what the future has for you both.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you so much for your helpful, detailed feedback! I am going to try to start walking closer to his shoulder and see how that goes. Thankfully, he's not afraid of the whip at all, or flags, or lunge whips. He's good with all that. :)

[@MarcJoly-g2e]

You know that horses enjoy trees often so do not be afraid to give him some resonely

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I used to give Black Jack treats a lot more often than I do now. But he started getting pretty mouthy, and I don't like that. Now he gets treats for a job well done when I'm leaving the barn. He still appreciates getting them!

[@Bea-f4g]

Even tho treats are not liked by a lot I found It was a great start to help get it right even the bend between the legs

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I saw Shae on Free Spirit Equestrian do this with carrots the other day with her two fillies. I bet I can get Jack to do that!

[@arwyn1025]

Black Jack is so beautiful and you are a very caring owner.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Aww, thank you!

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

All horses have one side they prefer to have you on

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

For sure! It's pretty obvious which one is Jack's favorite!

[@cmoorewv]

Love the barn kitty 🐈 😻

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Isn't he a cutie!!

[@SharonP8356]

He looks amazing and loves the attention from you!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! He's such a sweet boy and really does love getting attention!

[@myhappygecko2895]

I enjoy watching Steve young on KZbin e. He says to do everything wirh”quality” so when you walk him out your shoulders back, wall wirh more umph and feeling. If you walk slow and unsure so will he. So walk over those poles like your on a mission! Walk over the cement cross over that makes you nervous with conviction! Don’t look back look forward and move at a nice pace. My trainers would say “he’s not even awake!” So I leaned if they walk super lazy they would drag their feet. I will even jog and get my boy to trot along side me. My horse is a lot like yours he’s so sweet and chill. When I did pole work he knocked his feet when I rode him over them. But on a jump? Even a short jump he didn’t touch the rales or pokes at all. Pile on the ground, clonk clonk. I’ve ridden a warm blood who can do 3 foot cross country courses, he would clonk the poles with me on him 🤣. So that’s what I’ve leaned. Walk with confidence and energy! See what it does. I wouldn’t overdue it with practicing the backing up and stopping. I would find someone to teach you in person and get it crisper Vs practicing it without quality. Not to say ya can’t stop him and back him up ever I just wouldn’t do it so often until you can do to more effectively.

[@MegF142857]

Steve Young has such excellent timing when working with horses! He has a gift.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I love that, confidence and energy! I will do that!

[@barbarawitt9989]

I wash my mare's face with a clean sponge or a washcloth. Simple!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yeah, that's what I usually do, but didn't know if that was the best way! You never think of these things until you get a horse and then start doing them. :)

[@pauladunlap1838]

The Clever Cowgirl (KZbin) has quite an extensive background in training horses. She is extremely respectful of the horses and is very much attuned to the mind of the horse. Please give her a video watch. She will be of great help to you

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yup, love her channel! I watch her a lot!

[@cherjohnson5807]

❤

[@MegF142857]

You are a true horse person when you know to get horse to go off set a bit to get them moving forwards. Good job there at 2:20 when getting him in from grazing. -- I use a barefoot trimmer for my horses (they cover DFW area). Linnie Brister & John. Chips can be normal. There are hoof supplements can give for extra biotin, if hoof needs strengthening. If you got some of the recent rain, then that will be good for horses hooves. - One bit of advice is to figure-8 type loop for the lead ropes & NEVER EVER put a circle in a rope around your hand. I know I'm paranoid, but heard too many stories of people losing fingers or worse if a horse takes off and that circle of rope around a hand goes tight fast. Wasn't sure if was a circle loop at 24:18 in your hand. Just be careful. He's a sweetheart, but just good practice. Good job on the safety release on the tie rope! -- He's a good boy! Good job you are doing. Edit: I don't see anything amiss with his ear position being a big deal. I like how he moved out of your space at 21:13 when you asked him as undid lead rope. You aren't even thinking it's anything important, but that's a good respectfulness from him. The backing up from your leading is more about your positioning. He seems to be trying to do what you ask & he is being very relaxed. Leading doesn't have to be up close. There are various ways to lead a horse & lots of opinions. Since you are constantly looking back at him & holding your arm out nervously and walking sideways yourself a lot, then perhaps the walking at mid-neck to his side might work. That way you can see him & can then work on teaching him to match your pace & remain beside you. He can follow along with you on a loose lead, btw. He really seems a very relaxed & a nice horse from your video. Very patient horse, imo. Use baby shampoo if worried about soap. It's very gentle. I use a mister setting to do the face & rarely use soap. Use a wet rag. Slow down your movements around horse... you seem in a hurry in the washrack area. Flexing -- lots of horses have a stiff side. You can try standing on his stiffer side more often or turn him in that direction to make him bend that side more often.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

This was so crazy helpful! Thank you so much for the detailed feedback!! As far as wrapping the rope around my hand, I try very hard not to do this as I learned this early on. If I did it this video, it was totally inadvertent. When I was at the barn this weekend, I tried very hard to keep this in mind again, just in case I've been doing it without knowing. He is a very patient boy; I'm so lucky to have him as my first horse.

[@JulieAnneMac2]

When backing him inbetween the poles, try standing in front of him, put one hand in the middle of his chest and ask him to back. As you are standing at the side asking him to back, he will automatically bend to the side

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

That's a great suggestion. I'll try it!

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

And i do all feet lightweight, or glue on, never 2, 4 0r zero, just what ive found out over decades. Xx

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@cmoorewv]

You're doing great with him. I could see you were definitely more relaxed leading him back in. It just takes repetition.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

You're right, I was more relaxed. I need to practice leading him around more and try to relax when I do it.

[@julierutkowski7654]

ryan rose is AWESOME. good choice!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yup, I love his videos.

[@pauladunlap1838]

Ears back...he's just listening to what's behind him. Ears "pinned" back to his neck is "unhappy" , mad or extremely scared and ready for bolting or charging

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

In this video in the arena, did his ears look back or pinned? I don't think they're honestly pinned, but they seem further back than his typical listening position. Maybe just irritated?

[@katherinekoza6536]

No horse really backs straight so don't expect him too . Use your voice and ask him to back up . A lot of horses are one sided and more flexible on that side . Put your hand flat on his neck on his right side and just ask for a small turn of the neck .Eventually over a period of time he should become more flexible on that side . No horse likes their face washed with a hose . Just use a damp cloth to wash his face down .

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for those suggestions! I usually do only wash his face with a damp rag, but I really wanted to scrub it when he started with the fungus thing. I'm back to using the rag though, and he really likes that. Must feel good. :)

[@MegF142857]

Agree!

[@Bodiy]

Just my opinion I think he is picking up on your nervousness you walk fast when you brush him you brush with hard moves and fast horses like to be stroked gently and not patted only thing I see even in backing and everything you do with him is you’re in a hurry when you’re backing him you’re off to the side instead of standing in front of him when you’re bending his neck you’re pulling him back instead of pulling his head around it’s just things that you will learn and he’s 14 and did all this a million times and you aren’t where you can spend enough time with him you have to be consistent I wash my horses face with a rag I don’t like water in my face so I don’t do it to my dog’s or horses it just takes time when you haven’t been around horses I can see why you love him he is a sweetheart 🤷‍♀️

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for your comments! It's a pretty steep learning curve...

[@FEWAus]

I found my horse more responsive with a rope halter, if you want him out of your space jiggle the lead rope to remind him. Lots of practice gives you confidence ❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I do have a rope halter that I should try using again. I've tried the jiggling thing. He just stands there and blinks at me. lol

[@kathleenvadney6217]

I’d offer a suggestion to watch the Steve Young horsemanship videos. He’s over in the UK but great training! No whipping or aggressive use of force. Good luck !

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I enjoy his videos, even though I have to use the cc text! lol

[@DarlenePropson]

BJ was trained well they r suppose to move over when u switch sides for brushing so u don't get pinned against a wall

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I was wondering if he'd been trained to do it since he does it each and every time!

[@budnspud]

When u go to flex him the bad side when he moves away commit him to that moving away. Make it uncomfortable and then bring him back to stand. Let him rest then try to bend him again on the bad side. As Ryan Rose says it’s good to let them know the relief is doing the thing thats requested. Ryan has some great videos on ground work.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I do love Ryan Rose! So you're saying that when I try to flex him and he moves away, to move his feet even more? I can do that! Thank you. :)

[@budnspud]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack ;) Your videos are wonderful. Thanks for posting.

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

You should consider showing him in-hand

[@karenthomas2302]

May want to look into horseman young, or maybe it’s Steve young, at least I hope that is his name, anyways he trains and breaks horses he is in the UK and he is a English cowboy, lol he also teaches English riding. He may have some ideas for you with different trainings for black Jack. As well as Shae there is also Amry Palmer she will start back up with her training videos in the later fall, in the summer she’s way to busy. lol her favorites are training the baby’s before they get bad habits. So many train videos to watch no mater if it’s English or western many ppl are out there, black Jack no is definitely a beautiful boy, I think his ears are going in all directions because horses are always in flight mode. So he is listening to what is around him more than anything else. Never give up the training he will get what you’re asking of him in time, and maybe a treat every time he does it right he will remember that. Takes time.. tfs his beauty.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for all those suggestions! I watched Steve Young and Free Spirit Equestrian (Shea), but not the other lady you suggested. I'll take a look!

[@jjfriday1180]

I got my 1st horse in 2011. She looks exactly like yours! It's been an amazing journey. Just a few suggestions: start working with him in a saddle every time. Carry a training stick/string with you always to get him to respect your space. Watch Ryan Rose videos. Warwick Schiller is good, too. Can he go barefoot? It's much healthier. Do lots of groundwork with the stick and string saddled. Best wishes! Love your Black Jack!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you!!

[@sharonbeck-hl7cf]

I think Black Jack swings his body around when you change sides so that he gets a better view of what you are doing, he can flex his neck to the left. Glad you are having that chip in the hoof checked.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thanks! He definitely likes to watch what I'm up to. Thankfully, the farrier says his chip is from normal use and is okay.

[@cmoorewv]

Have you tried a rope halter? I'm not super experienced but I have found that they listen to a knotted rope halter better than a regular web halter for groundwork.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I do have a rope halter. I should get it out and try using it again. Thank you for the reminder!

[@MegF142857]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack That's because the knotted rope halters use more pressure on nerves on the face. UGH! I don't think you need that with your gentle horse. It takes more finesse to use a rope halter more gently. I'm sure you can start to boss your horse around with a whip on the hind end so he snaps to attention & knots in the halters, but is that the path you want to take in your relationship? ???

[@cmoorewv]

@@MegF142857 that's true about the pressure from the knots but I have found that a regular halter doesn't communicate in the same way. I don't bully my horse at all when doing groundwork. It definitely does require an easier touch.

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

And his mane is just about right for plating etc

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I've been thinking about giving it a try! I think the braids will probably stand up straight, but we shall see! I promise a picture or video!

[@cmoorewv]

I wish I could remember how flexing was explained to me. I think my trainer had me stand near the girth area with both hands on the lead rope...then spread my hands apart, sliding the flexing hand forward... Non flexing hand on the horse's butt. Then pull on the lead rope in and upward direction as if I was flexing from the saddle. And all horses have a side that's stiffer. Don't sweat it too much. My horse definitely hates this exercise... Just hold until you feel a "try". You'll feel his nose tip. If he moves, don't be afraid to move with him. But I really want to say that you're doing great with him.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for that suggestion/explanation! Plus it also made me think that I'm going to have my trainer show me on Black Jack when she turns him back over to me.

[@cmoorewv]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack I think that's a great idea. If he's not ridden in a snaffle h probably hasn't actually been flexed from the saddle in a while and maybe he just doesn't like it. Lol. My horse came with a shank bit meant for one handed riding/neck reining and it's not really good to flex in those.

[@cmoorewv]

I personally am still having issues just coordinating my hands, brain, and lead rope. My trainer makes me feel like a dummy. Lol. Not on purpose... she's really good at explaining things...I just haven't done it enough for it to become muscle memory.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@cmoorewv I understand! I’m the most uncoordinated person I know, and it’s embarrassing sometimes. I told my instructor on the first day that it takes me time to get my body to do what my brain is telling it. I’m actually doing much better with riding than I did when I was learning how to fish. That was hysterical!

[@barbarawitt9989]

You've learned one or two of rhe most important lessons first: a good barn makes ALL the difference, and I rarely brushed my mare's tail out; maybe once per year!! It never tangled much. I WOULD puck sticks and seed heads out frequently. I had to cut her tail quite often so shw wouldn't step on it backing up...

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Her tail must have been beautiful!!

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Hi angelxx PLEASE be careful of who you trust, in usa i trust cleaver cowgirl, but she is very busy, xx im here and can help, but trust yourself, Yes you do lok around loads when leading, get some steel toe cap boots, not taking the micky, I CAN and will help you 100 percent. I DO NOT use whips, force shouting, etc HORSES CHOOSE. IM UR AGE, and here, or can be with you, i can answer many questions. I dont just teach and say do this, that etc I TELL WHY, and give you time to absorb. Im here huggs to all xx

[@RonSueCamilleri]

Hi there you are doing great wth Black Jack. May I suggest with your backing up you need to stay straight in your body and not move to to the left. Look at his feet at all times when doing this. With the flexing on his right side try doing this over against the wall. Point his rear to the wall and practice the flex and when he starts to move back he will move into the wall. Some owners use treats for this too. You really need to follow Steve Young Horsemanship. He is a brilliant trainer from the UK. You are such a kind and caring owner.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for those suggestions. Don't know why I didn't think to do the flexing over by the wall. Makes total sense. And the reminder to look at his feet was great - I'd heard that before but obviously I'd forgotten. I do watch Steve's videos and have learned a lot. I just am struggling to put it all into action! Baby steps!! :)

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

…hes getting chunky …lol looking great

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

He's actually lost a bit of weight! Crazy, huh?

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack well he is muscling up - well done

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@CarolineRichardson-n9b Yes, I hope that is the case! He'd gotten a bit flabby. :)

[@kittypage333]

Love this video, and all the great suggestions in the comments :)

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! And yes, people are so helpful!!

[@Nickysmom]

Ideally, the lead rope should be lax, not taut and pulling him. Forgot to mention that in my previous comment

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yup, I agree with this. It's a tough one with him. He even stops on the walker if there's no tension on the lead.

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

Try standing infront of him when backing

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I will!

[@Nickysmom]

It is good to keep stopping and walking on for him to bring his attention back to you and to listen to you. There is a lot of bonding and teaching you can do just walking. When hacking him you are too far off to the side to do it strait. Also, good to have a crop with you as an extension of your arm and tap him on the shoulder. Ask your instructor to show you on your position. I was typing while you asked him to bend to the hard side but every horse has a good and bad side. I used to ask them to bend to get a carrot as an incentive. Your position when walking with your horse is not safe. You are a little too far off to the side, step closer. And you must walk at his shoulder,not in front as you do now.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! He bends VERY nicely for carrots.

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

Try leading him in the centre of the poles

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you, I will!

[@Nickysmom]

You should be walking with him at shoulder level. Not safe where you are now. Also maybe a little closer.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for the suggestion. I will practice doing this.

[@orangebuddha-gm8ku]

He still looks a bit stiff on the hind quarters!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

He could be...

[@susankuhlman6514]

Does he need shoes? Why not barefoot. Yes, Free Spirit is a great source of info, like what you are doing is very social.

[@JovieStroll-f8t]

I love watching free spirit equestrian! She’s a very knowledgeable horse woman!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

When I got him, he was in shoes on all four feet, plus pads on the front. I had the pads taken off because no one could give me a good reason for them. He then went lame, and the original owner told me it's because he's tenderfooted. He's not, he was lame due to an old flexor tendon injury. I had his back shoes taken off at his last farrier session to see how he'd do, and he seems to be doing fine. With his injury on the front, the farrier thinks keeping shoes on is best for him.

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

I wonder if he has any TB in him as they are renowned for having ‘rubbish’ feet ….my old boy did esp. on his front feet

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

No idea! I think he's just a grade quarter horse, but who really knows? His feet are pretty good, just small for his size.

[@janicewink4614]

Just a thought... have you ever checked out Shae @ Free Spirit Equestrian? Very knowledgeable w/training and care. Love to watch your vids.

[@JovieStroll-f8t]

She said she watches Shae in this video 😂 But I agree do think Shae is very good at what she does! Iove watching her videos!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yup, I watch her a lot!! She'd probably know what to do immediately with Black Jack!

[@janicewink4614]

@@JovieStroll-f8t sorry but I didn't see the entire vid before I commented. 🤷‍♀️

[@waynegallo7002]

What breed of horse is he would like to know.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

He’s a quarter horse.

[@CarolineRichardson-n9b]

I know you probably have said but do you know what his breeding is?

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

He's a grade quarter horse.

[@cmoorewv]

How tall is Blackjack? I'm just curious.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I was told about 15 hands, although I haven’t measured him.

[@cmoorewv]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack thanks. I was just wondering. I think that's a good size.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Regarding front shoes, etc not sure think he had fronts, WHAT PEOPLE DONT think of, it does make them VERY front loaded, eg on their forehand,,,,,, and please STOP saying ur a novice, rusty maybe, monicular and bionocular vision can take 20 mins to adjust and shadows make a difference why horses move. Ther are few who try so hard to care, STOP PUTTING YOURSELF DOWN, XX an order xx

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I don't think saying I'm a novice is putting myself down. It's just the accurate truth, I AM a novice. However, I'm learning!!

[@JuliaOConnell-k6v]

I think you are doing the right things with him. It sounds like they abused him at the last barn.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

It definitely wasn't a happy place for him.

[@DarlenePropson]

You need to walk along side of him his head needs to be even with you, not walk in front of him, and those are cavaleties not logs, it looks like your are pulling him alot instead of leading him, backing take your left hand stay close to halter and walk into his bubble straight not on side of him hes confused what u r asking and say back.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! First, I'd never heard the word "cavaleties" before. :) I appreciate your comments on my leading and backing him - both things that I need to work on!

[@MegF142857]

You can lead a horse from in front, as well as from either side. Honestly, you can even lead a horse from behind if you know how & horse understands. That's what ground driving is all about. Heck, you can even teach a horse to lead without a rope on their head at all.

[@MegF142857]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack Cavaletti are just little jumps (logs, if you will) set up for horses to move over. They are used by jumpers for training & also dressage. Help to get a horse to step over them to learn to lift legs up & can work on stride lengths. They are used to help back a horse up straighter too, which seen by mostly Western riders. -- You are sure getting a lot of advice in these comments. :-) If your horse is stiff, then there is a lot of stuff on KZbin about doing horse stretching exercises. There is a lot about how to do straightness training & flexing, but I think too many Western riders just do a lot of pull the neck around flex vs work on the entire body. I think you are doing quite well. Nice quiet horse.

[@brotoubrotou3164]

Your music is too loud. Definitely not necessary