Owner has Accident with a Spooky Gaited Horse

In this video I help an unconfident rider with a spooky horse get more safe and confident riding through doing ground work and reading the horse better.
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[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

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[@dinosaurwoman]

I used to work exclusively with gaited horses. I trained and consigned horses for sale. I also showed flat shod Walking Horses--no Big Lick or shows that supported Big Lick. I cannot express how poorly trained gaited horses are in general. They use bitting and shoes to "solve" problems rather than training from the ground up. I constantly had women in her age range come to me who bought a gaited because they want the smooth ride and not have to "work" to ride, and there was always an accident involved because of the poor training of the horse. I cannot emphasize enough how EVERY horse needs good quality training before a beginner or inexperienced rider buys and rides him. Gaited horses need just as much training as any other breed!

[@tracyjohnson5023]

Lordy you are SO right! 99% of the gaited horses I've rehabbed, ridden, don't know how to back up, stand still for mounting, no lateral. They know stop, go and plow rein and many are go, go when your butt hits the saddle. Such a disservice to these horses as many are very good horses that should've been started correctly and well but weren't.

[@twistedvoodoo4960]

I don't understand why but a lot of gaited riders in my area (not all) don't do any groundwork. I don't start mine undersaddle until they are around 4. So many tell me that it's way too late to start them at that time because they are too set in their ways. When I try to explain that they are getting plenty of training before that - just from the ground instead of in the saddle - they give me a look like I'm crazy and ask what in the world is needed from the ground - jump on and just ride it out! 🤦‍♀️ Every gaited horses I've bought as older had to be retrained to stand quietly at the mounting block, patiently wait after mounting rather than going as soon as butt is in the saddle, and learn that simple walking is an acceptable speed unless otherwise asked.

[@anbar3729]

Same here! I ride a lot of gaited horses and it's always been this way. They aren't trained to be soft and responsive, no basic groundwork, all plow rein, and no real brakes. Always have to start from scratch no matter the age

[@jordanwhite5470]

So hopefully you took the time to fill in those knowledge gaps when a horse was brought to you.

[@TPWK216]

I dont know what the meaning of a gaited horse should mean, problably what we calls a "skogsmulle" in my country. 😅

[@saspinks3001]

What a lovely horse. Owner is smart to go to Ryan.

[@susanhuber7969]

I had a 6 year old Missouri Fox Trotter who I found out was to much horse for me! She spooked on a trail at dusk turned 180 degrees and ran and I mean ran! back to the barn through a field! I fell off and broke my tail bone and had a concussion.I was out of commission for 6 months. I never trusted her again and was so scared to ride her again,that I sold her to a great family who to my surprise had no issues with her. I wish I could of found someone who could of helped me get my confidence back and help me with her.

[@cjanderson1074]

Owner timidity can be sensed by the horse. Rider confidense is paramount.

[@afnDavid]

I'd say that the owner is confused/insecure and the horse knows it. I'm just trying my best to do what you want but you are sending me mixed and contradictory signals.

[@kellyriley7918]

I've been riding competitively and trail riding for 40 yrs accidents happen, and it's hard to be confident when you have bad accidents. To many people I know that have never come off can say "act confident" it's easier said then done. I'm still at it but your mind can be far worse than bodily injuries and can be your worst enemy.

[@alg12700l]

My safety choice when trail riding is to add a small Swiss bell to a ring on the cinch. It’s not obnoxiously noisy but the deer, turkey, rabbits, etc hear us way before we’re on top of them. I don’t even notice the bell anymore.

[@healingsoundbaths]

Great idea!

[@francescacanfield5098]

In Driving we call that a “Fairy Bell.” I bought a carriage that had a bell, I’d never heard of having a bell before. Now I know what it is really for. Thanks!

[@francescacanfield5098]

No free spooks. Excellent, you’ve helped me with a problem that is potentially developing. Thanks!

[@kimberlylewandowski2463]

Love that idea....❤

[@alg12700l]

I also use this for any kind of separation. I take two mustangs on trails and pony one. If something (awful) should happen, my horses can find each other easily, and can found by humans easier with bells. I do get teased often by passer-by’s about it being Christmas, but for me, the benefits over-ride the jokes.

[@corinneguest]

Love that you said, training is always, it's not one and done, it must always continue. She's a good horse, needs a little stronger leadership. I would have corrected her for the constant trying to "get" your jeans.

[@archeanna1425]

What a lovely mare. The homework sounds just interesting enough to be fun and it will probably go well. I'm happy for you.

[@user-bi6ro8rx2m]

Thank you for reiterating that the one-rein stops/bending needs to be reflex. The animal also needs to give to it, as well.

[@10mileroadie]

Oh, girl! I am still recovering from a broken wrist. My gaited horse also spooked!

[@kimwilliford6303]

Ryan, one of things I learned from your video is posture. Good posture is so important. It shows you have a relaxed and good connection with the horse as you ride. One rein stops are very important. I use that all of the time when im riding. Also, i make sure when trailriding, i always make sure i have a relaxed rein, yet with less slack in the reins to have control, but not pulling on the horse's mouth at all.

[@user-bi6ro8rx2m]

Whoo-hoo!!!! Love the gaited horse!!! I have 2 Walkers! One of my boys does that...one-rein stop! Also, I have to put my boys' feet to work to get their brains on me.

[@ItsBlissfulAcres]

We did that 2 weeks ago, twice in a 2 hour ride, with a grasshopper in her face. She is getting the extra flag work now. Last 2 rides no spinning.

[@2024olivia]

Excellent video! Loved how you explain about the horse being in tune with our intention rather than external energies

[@elizastar1973]

In the old days, we called those "turkey bombs."

[@excalibursporthorses8417]

She, definitely, is in the strongest part of her heat cycle. So, with that, she did quite well trying to focus when she was, clearly, wanting attention for the gelding/stallion tied in the arena 😉

[@mrswoodbrooke]

Another helpful and educating video, thank you. 👏

[@juliegiomi6396]

Great info. Well done.

[@spfisterer3651]

Probably one of your best videos. So much great advice and techniques... I'll re-watch that a couple of times for sure.

[@fion1flatout]

Ryan is so good at explaining what he's doing. I think this video could be for any one of us, it's absolutely how nost horse owners are with their pets

[@Obsidianoak]

Certainly a bit fussy with the bit and her head in general. Yah I can vouch for the auto response. I always would step my horse off the trail halt and yield hind quarters when I heard dirt bikes or snowmobiles ect.... simply too many idiots booting around corrners full tilt 🙄 so to keep us safe off tail until they pass. Did it so much I'd do it without thought and my horse eventually did it without me doing anything more than the first shift of my weight. Lol did not even need to lift a finger. You don't practice until you get it right. You practice until you can't get it wrong as I've heard another horseman say. This is a good mare from what I see. Building some solid responses to things will hopefully be the cure.

[@donicaarneson578]

Great content. I wish my riding instructor would have taught me this in the first series of riding lessons I took! Very valuable information!

[@jennyrosd2003]

My mule is a spin n spook. He is do much better now after thousands of rolling his hinds and learning to respond to my legs and rein. I also got convinced to try wearing spurs as he was so dull to my cues and when he'd spin he'd run right thru my leg. Now if he is gonna flee to the right he runs himself into that spur. Doesn't hurt him but now his reflex to spin out is interrupted. Works so well. I've done some cow working with him and have (after many spins) been able to keep him square under me to face the fear. He still could do his famous move in the event of something super sudden but its so much less likely now. Its worth the work and worth trying having a spur there to think about . My mules recovery time is great now and our communication is so much more solid.

[@saspinks3001]

Spurs used properly are a wonderful tool. Spurs on the wrong feet - disaster for the horse.

[@The63blonde]

I'm just curious was there a stallion in the area ? Cuz she was acting like she was in Heat which probably has nothing to do with anything just curious

[@maggsm3392]

Yes I was thinking the same thing but didn't like to ask - I thought it was too personal. lol

[@kajinsautumn9833]

Doesn't have to be a stallion, a gelding will do... lol!

[@erynd2524]

I have that same problem with my mare. If I’m paying attention and I catch her before she gets away from me I’m fine, it’s the moments when she comes out of nowhere with her hijinks that makes me worry sometimes.

[@jeannefox4706]

I’m wonder if the spook or flinch in place should be corrected. No free spooks statement would indicate it should, but I always understood the ultimate goal was to spook in place and then ride on when asked.

[@mcgillil]

gorgeous horse!

[@mariem4614]

We have a place with what we call the buckin ducks. They like to fly out as you ride by.

[@tracymitchell5940]

Girl I feel for you. It happened to me as well once. I also compete in ETS

[@nunya8843]

Is she in heat? Why does she keep biting at your feet?

[@marilynbridges8697]

Definitely in heat.

[@kajinsautumn9833]

Lovely mare! Missouri Fox Trotter?

[@panailio2492]

If I could subscribe twice, I would!

[@ourfather7]

Her eye looks cloudy.

[@lynnturton6257]

I have a very reactional QH whose fabulous in so many ways. He’s become so much better with kangaroos so I know we can improve though tarps flipping up scare him to death and so I generally feed him on one. The thing is he’s also spooky in the paddock where he’s free. Will he get better with that please? Brilliant video as always.

[@user-mb1hg4qu9f]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@KK-mm8ms]

She could probably trust that horse more...any horse can spook at a turkey bomb and anyone can come off from an unexpected spook. That's riding... however, if you stop trusting the mare she will stop trusting you. Spooking, testing boundaries follows. I got things get better for them!

[@Martina_S89]

👍🏼

[@budnspud]

Is there something wrong with her tail?

[@maggsm3392]

Like they said above...looks like in season.

[@dianereiser6417]

Her mare looks exactly like my gaited mare. Beautiful. I’ll take her if she doesn’t want her.

[@KimWade-gf6un]

Love watching you❤ but why do you have to mention "gaited"?

[@IslandTiger2]

Is she in heat ?

[@GrapeApe2018]

What stood out to me.... was you letting her nip at your leg multiple times, with zero corrections.

[@SC.SC.SC3]

Ryan successfully interrupted/redirected it multiple times with a simple adjustment of the reins. No need to always get drawn into, or invite, a big conflict with the horse over something that isn't the priority right now, or something that is with the aim of getting attention to start with.

[@user-wu6yj9fx1z]

IMO any horse would have spun from a turkey suddenly flew up in front of it…. Horses are prey animals and will “get outa dodge”” as quickly as possible…. from that type of situation…

[@persephonemaeve2704]

Agreed. People expect them to be bombproof. Not very realistic.

[@kmw8775]

I was cantering my horse along a beach and a bunch of birds flew between her legs. She didn't spook and she didn't break stride. Of course under that circumstance the question she might have had was, if they're under me and all around me, where do I spook to? 😊

[@EquestrianLoverz]

My horse bucks when I ask him to canter, what should I do?

[@mrswoodbrooke]

I'm not Ryan and he definitely knows more than me, but my advice would be first off make sure it isn't a medical issue. Kissing spine, leg or hoof injury, anything of that sort causing the canter to be uncomfortable or painful along with ill-fitting tack. If it isn't physical sometimes horses could have a hard time understanding aid if a previous owner or trainer didn't train him properly. The last thing I could imagine is possible trauma regarding past issues or issues seeing you as the leader. Hope this helps :)

[@EquestrianLoverz]

@@mrswoodbrooke Thanks! We have checked both of those. He is completely healthy and has no past trauma, we know the owners before us very well. Not sure what’s up with him, but we’re working through it. ❤️

[@mrswoodbrooke]

@@EquestrianLoverz There could be an issue with him understanding the aid for canter then! I've found some horses prefer leg aids over voice and vice versa! Sometimes groundwork could help too!

[@EquestrianLoverz]

@@mrswoodbrooke Thanks! I’ll research that! ❤️

[@mrswoodbrooke]

@@EquestrianLoverz Something I've also learned from Ryan's videos is horses buck to protest. Whether its pain, lack of knowledge or confidence (in themselves or their leader) or that they're confused or claustrophobic! Hope any of this has helped!

[@wewendela]

No free spooks. Lol The charge them ghosts money.

[@maggsm3392]

Do you not normally stand up in the stirrups when the horse has a pee? Just wondering as whenever I go on a trail ride and the horse pees, if I don't notice everyone will be yelling at me to STAND UP...

[@marilynbridges8697]

Why would you do that?? Standing in the stirrups increases the back pressure in a smaller area. That does not help the horse. Sitting quietly in the saddle does help the horse.

[@maggsm3392]

@@marilynbridges8697 I don’t know. 🤷‍♀️ only that I was told it gets the weight off their kidneys. Only doing what I was told.

[@arabianhorses4ever115]

We have a new TB that is so good in so many ways, yet he is a leave the ground and spin spooker, he recovers quickly, but is not with me when he does it. I am going to try your suggestions and see how it goes.

[@carolynstewart8465]

Not the horse but the owner who needs training both on the ground and riding skills .

[@jordanwhite5470]

I'd think that it's both that need training.

[@424stormygirl]

Whats up with the tail cocking ? Has she been checked for pain?

[@kajinsautumn9833]

She was in heat and interested in the other horse in the arena. I would probably put her on some herbs to calm down that urge. Maybe?

[@jordanwhite5470]

Ryan, Gaited horses don't Trot (at least they're not supposed to).

[@SC.SC.SC3]

'Gaited' refers to any of multiple types of horses with characteristic gait patterns. It would be very odd indeed for a trotting horse to not trot.

[@juliecampbell5009]

My gaited horse walks, trots and canters. In fact she was sold to me as a quarter horse found out later she was gaited. Expectations.......

[@marilynbridges8697]

Some do. Many TWH and RMH are 5 gaited. Ryan knows what he is doing.

[@kajinsautumn9833]

@@marilynbridges8697 My TWH does a lovely long trot when I free lunge him but won't trot under saddle.

[@jordanwhite5470]

All sorts of horses spook; it's not specific to gaited horses. However, they Are used a lot for trail riding, which requires that they should have more comprehensive training than most do. ANY breed of horse used for trail riding needs that level of training.

[@hollywill2226]

This horse has no connection with this woman. No respect or affection. Not a good match. Training isn’t going to help. This woman needs a large older pony imho. Sad.

[@twistedvoodoo4960]

That mare is 13 - she's plenty mature enough and a lot of ponies have attitude😅. Connection is built and training will definitely help. The belief that a magical affectionate bond is needed immediately is exactly why some people are constantly buying and selling horses because they don't "click" rather than building that bond and creating that great horse.

[@hollywill2226]

@@twistedvoodoo4960my point was the owner is afraid of the horse. She’s out horsed now. Can’t train that away I’m afraid. A lower to the ground horse could allow her to start over and avoid those falls that create the fear. I know this first hand.

[@sherryw-ponyluv-er2394]

The mare is sluggish and a little opinionated and likes to take over. She impressed me with her ground work, less so being ridden. I think Ryan’s suggestions are good in raising expectations. If she was mine, I would address her “what’s in it for me” tendencies as well. I’d ride out, then stop and chill and let her graze 15 minutes or even longer. She just seems a little sour on being ridden as if she can barely wait to be done?