Rider and fellow reiners react to broken bridle performance at AQHA Sr Reining by Horse of the West

Horse of the West's camera rolls as 2018 WEG Individual Silver Medalist Dan Huss sees for the first time the video of what will be a legendary reining run in the AQHA Sr Reining World Championship - after his mount completely lost her bridle. Dan and Fred Christen's Ms Dreamy continue to lay down a full-speed pattern, as Dan holds onto the reins and the mare's headstall! His fellow reiners react with joy and respect for the great mare making her final run in competition, and for Dan's gutsy performance. Video courtesy of AQHA and Equine Promotion.

[@bunnylover2070]

„I wanted to show everybody that she's a nice horse. She's awesome." Thats the lines every rider should say about his horse👌

[@Kilava1231]

yesss

[@mmmmmhhmm2851]

His? Oh, because only males rider horses, huh?

[@mefford67]

_ [ Ż ę r ø M x x n l x g h t ] _ *It’s only a pronoun...RELAX!* 🙄

[@idontknow6726]

@@mmmmmhhmm2851 If you're going to be a crybaby over a pronoun, get off the fucking internet.

[@phoenixc7245]

@@idontknow6726 I should say the same to you

[@Crystl22]

Shouldn't get disqualified for 2 hands on reins if the reins aren't attached to anything. lol

[@jesseelisabeatty3259]

What was he supposed to do? Let her trip in them? I think anyone whos bridle just dropped off their horse would go oh shit and try to grab it..dismount and lead their horse away..he didnt. He basicly said im dosqualified but im still doing my run show my horses ability.that takes alot of sportsmanship

[@jesseelisabeatty3259]

It took alot of work, training, and bonding with her. She loves him. Trust him..her auto pilot kicked in like uh ok igot this..hes giving me my cues..weve done this before..bridle was only for " show" he never uses his hands anyway..ok ..his body tell me ..i know what im doing..he will guide me wirh his body as always...umm feels wierd. But.? OK? ? ALRIGHT!!! Hes relaxed im gonna show my stuff..( i feel good nah nah nah like i knew i woud naha nana nah. i i ffeeelll niceee so good so good..wHAAAAAAA. ( JAMES BROWN lmfao.. Listen to tbat song when he looses the bridle then she goes ok then oh hells yah start music..she shows her stuff..and spinning on the waaaAAH she was feelin it! Im glad he let her shine and didnt take that away from her even though it was taken from him..true horseman. Awesome mare. I can almost bet her training and trust in him was so good ..she thought it was normal stuff something " new" hes asking..not a mishap Personally..i think from now on ..if its not aginst the "" RULES"" he should compete her with no headgear..lmfao ( just a lil more training not that she needs it. Just so she knows whats up. Or go out with only one rein or drop them on her neck..if he has to hold them slack so much hes not controlling her..beat the "RULES" I. Think they should have asked other competitors to take a vote about being disqualified for equipment malfunction..i guess he needs to change her name to janet( jackson ..) Lol

[@Sharkbait923]

@@laciclay1878 Stacy on wizards babydoll rode bridleless and without a saddle in a tribute run for her father

[@TheSurvivalDude723]

Hold up I just noticed that

[@stephaniecolson536]

I know a lot of reiners that could ride brideless...not as uncommon as you think

[@cloud9847]

Rider: Girl, we broke our bridle, we might be done Horse: Hold my beer

[@jessicabrubaker3051]

Lol, Good one!

[@willow7233]

LMAO, absolutely!!

[@silverkitty2503]

Hold my bridle! :P

[@wolfsongrising]

LOL

[@jennymcmillin5668]

Hold my beer - hilarious!😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😅😅😅😂😂😂

[@earlinejackson8151]

The horse won the show, no matter what the judges said. She’s a champion.

[@lnbbaker9326]

Yes, she is. 2014 National Amateur Champion, 2016 Breeders Classic Champion, 2018 Olympic Team Gold and Individual Silver, and a couple Reserves to go along with it. She was also named 2018 FEI Reining Horse of Honor. All of this with four different riders, which really says she is a pro. The ride is a classic, but the mare, herself, is truly special.

[@watchgoose]

I had a trainer friend who used to say "we won it but they just didn't give it to us!"

[@emilynolan3284]

You’re spot on.. who knows the name of the actual winner? I don’t... but if you mention MsDreamy and this run I know the horse. She’s impressive for sure

[@ratherbfishing455]

It's a rule, not up to the judges. I wonder why he did not stop and repair or replace the bridle?

[@Britty0189]

Aqha did a poll on the best world show moment, she should of won that too but Kristen has two famous studs and offered discount of breeding is they gave her a vote on her mare. How low

[@iustitiaautemresistis2903]

Who thinks they should've not disqualified him based on the amazing peformance. That's like disqualifying a runner that stopped to tie their shoe and ran to first place.

[@rebeccaspellmeyer5761]

If you read the blurb under the video it says he got the silver medal so I don't think they did.

[@iustitiaautemresistis2903]

@@rebeccaspellmeyer5761 it says he is a silver medalist but it doesn't say for that comp. He even says in the video he was when he used 2 hands.

[@amythompsonbernard1616]

The rules are the rules.

[@s.a.morris8625]

...yes....rules are rules Amy... i agree... ...but because it was so unusually successful... it should be noted with honorable mention...

[@iustitiaautemresistis2903]

@@s.a.morris8625 I agree too

[@Tributer9966]

Proofs that a good reiner doesnt use the bridle that much. its about seat and cues

[@lnbbaker9326]

And so bleeping refreshing to actually see someone ride that way! I get so tired of these "professionals" putting so much pressure on the bit that the horses have their mouths open in protest. Makes me want to barf. THIS is real reining!

[@horsesandhounds7883]

This is so true. Alot arent being taught to ride with their seat and body. And theses horses are just getting their face yanked on

[@stacyschenk]

Rear, leg pressure, body positioning

[@bqualitysnake6549]

A lot of reiners TALK about them not using their reins that much, though I could compare them with myself who rides english and easily say i'm using a much lighter hand (especially as I prefer no-contact where it's possible with the horse I ride) Same in the dressage world "More leg, more leg" they say but the constant contact and having to hold onto that energy they created by the heavy leg only creates more mouth pressure to get that upward movement with many thrainers and riders, some ride incredibly soft but many don't. I think overall people need to learn to trust their horses more, trusting them not to run away from a fence if they let the reins be a tiny bit slack, teacing the horse to lift better with only leg-aids and overall not making the horses think that when the reins go slack, i have to run full speed, get nervous and carrying themselves better without help. I couldn't give less of a crap if that pleasure horse lifts it head to look around once or shakes it a bit to ease of tension, as much as I don't give a crap if the dressage horse lowers and untucks it's neck momentairly CAUSE IT CAN. (goes without saying but this does ofc not aply to everyone, only the people not willing to try new things, learn to trust, go for a playful jog in the forest up and down hills "since it can hurt their legs" and who obsess over the horse's neck and face. As long as it's carrying you properly and happily all things should be good and dandy)

[@savagesimmer6000]

Even when she had the bridle on, he had very very loose reins. He didn’t need to put any pressure on her face at all!

[@CarminaLuminosa]

Wow, I like how nice he speaks about his horse!!! He doesn't take the fame on himself but only talks about her! Great relationship, so nice!

[@hadesdaughter381]

That's the way a rider should be. The rest of then are a joke.

[@meaganwallwork5395]

That's how you can tell a good horseman.

[@KotaLumis]

I'd hope he would've. I would've said the same. She listened amazingly to his cues. You could definitely tell they had a great relationship

[@KotaLumis]

Elevator Music it’s called building trust and bond

[@meaganwallwork5395]

@Elevator Music idk if you've been around horses but you can't get a horse to perform as well as she did if you use fear to train. Rodeos are trash but not all western riders are bad.

[@Ms8Mega]

She knew what to do with out the bridle. She knows the pattern. What a good girl for not panicking.

[@callistofire7329]

She knew how to neck rein. Not the pattern. Theres hundrends off differnet patterns, of you watch you can see him redirecting her with the neck reins he made for himself.

[@pdbabe]

Meg Dundek Walsh it takes more than a bridle or a head stall to work a horse your entire body from where you are looking ass in the seat and leg and heel position he could have done the whole thing without reins or bridle

[@mariepapineau1602]

Meg Dundek Walsh q

[@Ms8Mega]

pdbabe I completely agree...

[@annehaight9963]

The bridle isn't the only way he communicates with the horse. Neck reins, shifting his body in the saddle to change his center of gravity, tightening his legs -- all these things are cues to a well-trained horse.

[@colleenwoods7590]

That horse won the show on her terms. She showed how well she knows her job. She also loved her rider. She is really special.

[@Emma-nf8bp]

Colleen Woods horses and animals actually have no idea how to “love” humans. There is no such thing. This horse did all this because it’s whole life it’s been yanked around with a pain bit and spurs and a whip and horses do best at what they do most. So this shows they work and work this horse on the same things everyday. This is routine for this poor horse. There is no love lol

[@Oswald_Thatendswald]

@@Emma-nf8bp lol okay. Keep telling yourself that the training is the only thing that exists. Keep pretending that there is no bonding whatsoever involved. You've clearly never felt what its like to have an animal trust you.

[@Emma-nf8bp]

Oswald Thatendswald lol alr. Yes I love my dog but however I do not think he loves me. Sure it would be nice to imagine but everything he does is out of pure training and being a dog. He sees me as the top dog in the pack and the reason he does what I say is because of repition in training and he’s being told to do something.

[@Oswald_Thatendswald]

@@Emma-nf8bp That doesnt mean affection is nonexistent.

[@zippetydodahday]

Emma Chapman > I’d rather be a feral dog or cat than be a ‘pet’ to a cold human, such as yourself. 🤦🏼‍♀️😕

[@SheWritesSeaofStars]

My favorite part is how humble he is. You can tell he's a true cowboy... loves his mare and is uncomfortable with all of the attention on himself.

[@thegrandnil764]

Real cowboys beat their horses and don't care.

[@ashleymeggan]

Absolutely.

[@renegadewa4183]

The thing is that in 15 or 20 years people will struggle to remember who actually won the competition that night but everyone will remember the performance of the beautiful little chestnut mare!!

[@midsummermadness558]

Disqualified? I say add points for difficulty!

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Ha! Yes. Then again, they just proved that this pair doesn't need a bridle. It's all refinement of the aids for this pair. What an accomplished horse and rider just showing everyone something even better. Crowd loved it. The horse is incredibly impressive!!!! Rider is just chill. That's how to do it.

[@ragnkja]

Or at least they should make an exception for when the bridle has come off and grabbing it with both hands is necessary for the horse’s safety.

[@angeloftheshadows1344]

Rider: girl, we broke our bridle, we might be done Horse: hold my bridle

[@Lee-hp1wg]

angel of the shadows literally

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@Lee-hp1wg Exactly what I was going to say!

[@Amanda-ly9rc]

He said it best himself..."Some of these pilots get in their horse's way all the time"...Ms. Dreamy is certainly that...I hate he had to be disqualified, I know I will remember this run for a long time...

[@MegaMindyLou]

He might have just invented a new class. Who needs a bit.

[@notmissing-gonefishing50]

Its called liberty work. No saddle necessary either!

[@Dwightstjohn-fo8ki]

we have neighbours that ride young without anything but a loop under the horses lower chin. My Australian friend also taught all five of my horses that if the lead line is dropped, you stop. took her twenty minutes.

[@joyreno1034]

Mega MindyLou Why not ride bit less and with a plain hackamore all the time. Here is proof bits are not needed.

[@Ajb5591]

the there are the people who go bridle-less bit...

[@robinumans]

@@Dwightstjohn-fo8ki indian war bridles really aren't that friendly though

[@Marlowepshields]

I can tell he actually cares about the mare and isn't just pretending.

[@superjill]

such a cowboy reaction! Just like it's no big deal at all to do that pattern with no bridle and she's perfectly in frame and listening to him! so special!

[@drivemebuggy]

This does not surprise me. Dan Huss was one of my college instructors. He has always had great relationships and horses that respond to seat, leg and rein. It is wonderful to see him perform this well so many years later.

[@lnbbaker9326]

Lucky you!!

[@Georgia-WRBNS]

@Madelyn Sturdy Oh Hon, They are just some very envious and jealous fools! Keep up the hard but fun work! Go get'em!!!

[@tizequine4011]

Be proud of it, our sport is one of the hardest and greatest ones out there! 🐴❤️

[@cathynewyork7918]

@@tizequine4011 You said the sport of reining is one of the hardest ones out there ... but no ... my sport of marathon running is one of the hardest. You reiners don't run 26.2 miles in all kinds of weather.

[@motoputz3201]

who won won't ever matter, she won everyone's memory. that was awesome

[@oioi1034]

I love that it was all “she did awesome” and “she was amazing”

[@laurenspeck1559]

They need to make her a Breyer model's

[@HorseOfTheWesttv]

Great idea!

[@kate4513]

Omg yessss

[@lauren3266]

Yesssss!

[@rusty2998]

This run was her last run sadly

[@amberblyledge7859]

I'd buy that

[@MaisieTheBlindHen]

I'm an English rider but reining is so fun to watch. never heard of this mare but she is gorgeous.

[@jennywalker2251]

Me too!

[@higgsboson9509]

Shes a dream mount.

[@missednoahsarc2654]

I love how he got the extra part out of her way then was like we got this we've done this a million times I trust you. Then she met and exceeded his expectations.

[@RLaraMoore]

Awesome! I agree with others commenting that they shouldn't be disqualified for two hands on the reins when the bridle was already no longer on the horse. And, of course, it was the right thing to do to make sure the horse didn't tangle.

[@Tam.I.am.]

Pretty girl, holding her head like she's been taught, and doing all her stuff just right.

[@Lee-hp1wg]

She’s bred to hold her head like that. If she wasn’t, it would have popped right back up when the bridle came off.

[@toedstool]

@@Lee-hp1wg that may be true, but she was also conditioned and trained to carry her body and her head. it's not all genetics, it's also making sure they have the musculature and knowledge

[@maureengriffenham9662]

That was an example of sheer horsemanship and the love of a horse. Thank you for sharing!

[@katehickcox204]

Damn. You really have to trust your horse to listen to pull this off.

[@jaimekatz8924]

You don't have to trust your horse to listen, just trust your horse. Ms Dreamy loves her job and loves Dan and that's obvious from this video.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

@ Yep. Same goes for multiple disciplines really.

[@debbiefulton1001]

Damn! It takes three things for something that amazingly beautiful to happen. One, an incredibly well trained mare. Two, a owner/rider who is talented enough to bring out the best in his horse. Three, heart, love, and respect for one another. When all three are there, the beauty follows!

[@julia5223]

You might be able to argue that since the reins were not being used and could not be used as reins at the point when he had both hands on them, the reins lacked part of what defined them as reins, and so they were not reins. He could say that he just converted them into an oversized bracelet or something. Could be a loophole to un-disqualify him if possible lol

[@SuhailaAlFraiheen]

Julia Nerenberg I want you as my Attorney!!! XD

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

yes youre correct ... there should be a bit of leeway for these situations.. that was EPIC.. this will be seen for decades and more

[@emerrisstandley3741]

@@johnnyllooddte3415 beautiful work!!!

[@chikinmommy]

So tired of the people that bash... "Ugh, spurs?!" Or "Bits are cruel." The rest of us saw an amazing partnership. If the horsman is good, bits and spurs are tools, they aren't used cruelly.

[@chloexxxx8737]

Ashley K. ......The problem is most riders do NOT know how to use spurs and bits appropriately and it takes many years and a sensitive person to use them as guiding tools. It takes soooo long most people should not be allowed them but alas they are at the horses demise. People are very ignorant :9/

[@MrRightturn]

Preach 🙌🏻

[@chloexxxx8737]

MissRightTurn .......incredibly correct though ;0)

[@animalobsessed1]

The way I see it, the bits aren't bad by just existing. However, they CAN be used instead of proper training, and are therefore an unnecessary temptation to be lazy. Not having a bit FORCES you to use your body properly. So once you've properly trained yourself and the horse to function without a bit, you can go ahead and put one in afterward. But until you feel secure without one, you probably shouldn't use one. Not sure if my explanation makes sense, but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

[@chloexxxx8737]

ActiveAnimals yes I do. Like I said “ bits and spurs” aren’t needed :9)

[@karro2648]

This is how to correctly ride in a bit. You are supposed to use the bit to help with cues, the legs and seat and reins for everything else. A bit ridden horse would never be able to do this. Only a great, well ridden and trained horse with a great partner can do this! Great rider and a beautiful horse! Amazing equestrian!

[@michaelleeannspringer3247]

The rider and horse have a "united" spirit. The horse knows him and knows what she is doing.

[@glendaboyd3473]

She may not have won World, but she won the hearts and minds of the World!!!

[@Cricket-zp6wi]

The judges should've made an allowance for the broken bridle! VERY well-trained horse. First place in my book! 💖

[@hipocampelofantocame]

This brought tears to my old eyes. Kudos to the mare.

[@qassandraable]

Me too.

[@penelopemcalmond-rosspsyd5926]

Yes, beautiful example of doing what you love and loving what you do, both horse and rider. And , the mare reminds me of a mare I raised.

[@virginialawler7725]

@@qassandraable Ditto. 2/23/21

[@nancytomlinson3523]

His own peers give him the high Mark's since this little mare still performed. Wake up the association!!!

[@billybob7767]

So impressive to still maintain such control without a bridle. That's some great chemistry between horse and rider.

[@TheWhitepantheress]

Wow! What a beautiful, honest mare and a lovely trainer. His work with her is clear.

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

youre correct ... there should be a bit of leeway for these situations.. that was EPIC.. this will be seen for decades and more..this one performance will build the sport tremendously

[@valeriejames6316]

Then you'd have people who sabotage their bridles enough to use two hands in competition. I agree with the decision. Every judge in there acknowledged the mare and rider did a wonderful job, and I am sure none of them gave that dq lightly.

[@ragnkja]

@@valeriejames6316 Deliberately risking the horse’s safety would then be the reason to disqualify those, as the only good exception I can see is when it is necessary to keep the horse safe.

[@jpsd2005]

All credit to him for showcasing this horse. He knew he was disqualified but.he carried on for her, to show what a true champion she is. They are both definitely winners.

[@robertmatthesen1575]

honestly they shouldn't have been disqualified for him wanting to pick up the bridle so that she wouldn't hurt herself. Its clear how happy she looks the whole time and its so awesome that he is so proud of her and doesn't care that they got disqualified.

[@bigtoes4376]

I love everybody cheering them on, they should've never gotten disqualified! So talented, love it.

[@stacyschenk]

I ride without a bridle a whole bunch. That feeling you get when you take of the bridle of proud admiration that your horse is that trustworthy... a horse senses that. They love to be loved

[@7seager]

This is a beautiful display of horse and rider communication; great use of leg and seat. Awesome!

[@runningamok]

Wow! That is one fantastic horse -- and and excellent rider as well. A real pleasure to watch this run!

[@valerieothenin-girard9226]

As a ‘greenhorn’ I listened and read the comments to understand the technicalities and awesomeness of mare and rider. Then proceeded to watch countless times with a silly grin. Just warms my heart and lift my spirit😍

[@freespirit5662]

MS Dreamy "Told you we didn't need all that stuff around my face." Rider "I don't rule the show!" Mare "Well, you should."

[@zarafraser1788]

I love how he just kept going he never gave up

[@heathersumner4497]

I believe she should have the people's choice award for this show! Maybe a new bridle as a prize. Damn fine job.

[@anniek4681]

He did what he needed to, if he didnt grab the bridle she might have fallen. This is what a true champion is made of. Caring for his horse and not his prize. And if the horse didnt trust him, she wouldend have set one foot past the other, let alone run full speed. Acording to the rules he lost, acording to every one who was watching. He is world chamion!!! (and she is too)

[@mauriceewing8502]

I know nothing about reining horses or reining competition. And frankly, I'm not sure I'm good with the sliding stops (or whatever the proper terminology might be). I'm a hunter and show jumping rider and know just enough about horses to be dangerous. That said, I must admit that this demonstration of riding and training was as splendid a display as I as I have ever seen. The horsemanship was top drawer and the mare is truly extraordinary. Hat's off to Dan and his connections for this exemplary performance. From what I see here, I'm more certain than ever the there is much we jumping horse riders could learn from "reiners". Salute my friends. M

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

great horse great rider EPIC performance.. probably the greatest performance in reining history for the next millennia..and it was a disqualification.. AMAZING

[@blondebailey9575]

Watching this horse, especially that last & fast run brought tears to my eyes. What a beauty! Both horse and rider won the day!

[@zoecarpenter3678]

This really proves how much these riders use their seats!! Wonderfully done!!

[@summersands8105]

THIS is a fantastic little mare. This was a great display of the synchronicity between horse and rider. Such trust.

[@lpalmer716]

Now that is a true horseman & a majestic horse!!! They won first place in my opinion 🥳🏆

[@johnniekilgore3499]

Beautiful performance. Nice to see a horse who is so well trained and so willing.

[@KatJ3st]

You know what they say about chestnut mares...they will either give you their life - or take it from you! ;-)

[@emilykors6436]

This shows that you don’t need a harsh bit if you are a good rider...

[@JoJo-lg8hr]

Completely agree! It's about the trust between Rider and horse.

[@flyingeaglewoman8682]

This team was definitely the winner! Wow what a wonderful mare! This performance will have more lasting impact than had the bridle not broken.

[@janhuman1067]

that is just increadible that just shows the bond between the two

[@k109738]

Shouldn't have been disqualified......she still performed spectacularly. Congrats!!!

[@higgsboson9509]

I agree...he wasnt even using the reins!

[@cassandrahepp6445]

Impressive relationship between horse and rider. And he gave the mare all the credit. You don't see something like this every day.

[@JCCaelan]

It's always awesome to see a horse and rider that trust each other that much.

[@shannalogan347]

My opinion......he should not of been disqualified.....she still knew what do and how.

[@bridgetperry8831]

Wow nice training job prior to this for the mare to trust him like that and him to trust her! My hats off to them and the mare!

[@ericaallisonc]

I find this as proof that the relationship between a human and horse is stronger than a piece of metal. Fantastic ride, loved watching.

[@lolamiller5657]

Astounding! People who think horses are forced to perform should see this video. Amazing horse, looks like she's having fun. Awesome rider, gives the mare all the credit.

[@arthurshat7793]

Someone needs to go bridleless! Wonderful horsemanship and what an honest little mare! What a great lesson for the crowd (and me too honestly) to just keep on going. You got this!❤️

[@sueraymo3239]

That's what I call a perfectly well bred and trained horse. Wow!

[@hoppytrailsrabbitry3504]

Look how happy that mare is to do her job. Despite the lack of a bridle. She knew what she had to do and did an amazing job. This is what horse training is. Having such a bond with a horse that you barely have to touch them during a performance like that.

[@gypsyblue8623]

You can definitely tell this mare loved her job. She loves what she does and does it without a bit in her mouth which is the ultimate show of her wanting to do this

[@ggmrgameanddraw]

he is truly a talented rider with a truly talented horse! never pulled too hard, horse was focused the entire time, let his horse be as comfortable as she needed. very inspiring.

[@The-ii5mj]

There ya go PETA, see that quarterhorse doing what they love??? Ahhhmmaazzinnnggg

[@elsamcellistrem7321]

Amen to that! They get so up and arms over people riding horses but if you can ride correctly and responsibly then you are fine!

[@higgsboson9509]

Exactly!

[@irishgrl]

I know NOTHING about horsemanship, but I can recognize the heart of a winner when I see it and I see 2 winning hearts in that ring.

[@michelleannterry3395]

That performance was mind blowing by both the rider and his horse! The mare is very, very special! Regardless of the broken bridle, she should be in the Hall of Fame! And Dan, he didn't quit either! They should be given some kind of special award for this! Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! 💖🤗😘👍🎉

[@dawnaustin4556]

Lovely mare, awesome! This ladies and gentlemen is what we call self carriage.

[@animerlon]

I love how he puts it all on the horse, like he had nothing to do with it. It may be sad that he was disqualified but, as was mentioned, everyone who sees this will remember this forever & it'll be talked about for a long time. Sweet for a final run.

[@funniebunnie4u]

Not sure how I got here... Never saw a horse competition like this before... Suddenly, its the only thing I wanna watch today... Lolz... SUCH a gorgeous animal... Almost regal...And... What a spectacular performance! 💓💜💓💕💃🐎

[@kathrynpobjecky2658]

Who else thinks he shouldn't have been disqualified? I totally understand why they were, but she did so very well bridleless... she did a phenomenal job, and so did he. I think they should have kept him in, even if not a finalist. Bravo to that whole performance.

[@suntannedfiddler]

No one who knows anything about the rules of reining......

[@tmdr111]

Holy WOW!! Beautiful mare and exceptional training!!

[@bossmare1480]

Outstanding mare and calm rider. That mare knows her job and loves it or she could have taken off on him. Winners in my books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@suzannahkolbeck6973]

The people who give this a thumbs down have no idea what they are watching. Just beautiful.

[@tracywilson1356]

That should be first place hands down. He did the whole bloody thing with no bridle. That’s solid training and total trust from the horse.

[@MagiRayRay]

They know each other well, he does a great job working with her.

[@justme-dm7sb]

Happy, happy, happy, happy horse! Very few of those horses do not love what they do. If they are in a champion class that is a horse that has never been abused and loves its work. I love this little mare. She has a heart of gold. He is right about people saying they are forced and abused. Those are people who know nothing about horses. That mare is perfect.

[@PLA5207]

This is greatness in action; both horse and rider. Magnificent.

[@CrippledMerc]

I haven’t been around horses nearly as much as these guys have, and I’ve never had the time or opportunity to bond with one like these guys do, but I do have a working service dog that I would say is a similar bond to what I see here. She has a job to do, and that’s to watch me, listen to me, and do what she’s supposed to do when I tell her to, and she absolutely loves working. Nothing gets her more excited than when I put her vest on to go out! Except bite work, but that’s another story. She reads me, I read her, we communicate and work together to accomplish what we have to do, and that’s what I see here with these guys and their beautiful horses. It’s a powerful bond, and I’ve never experienced anything else like it with any other animal. I love working with my dogs, and they love to work.

[@henryfreab960]

Great horse you two have a bond. Had a mare I inprinted at birth and was the best horse I ever had. Sorels are beautiful horses.

[@kamyacruz6726]

I have so much respect for this man and a huge congrats to that awesome horse she is so obedient and even if the bridle did break she did not bolt or throw him off or spook she just was running around having the time of her life and that man should have one a gold medal for making sure the horse didnt get hurt by the bridle respect in humanity has grown

[@vickeflikka]

It's so fucking nice to see a good rider! Really showing everyone that you don't need to tug at the bridle to ride a horse. All you need is a good seat, weight- and legwork! Awesome rider, awesome horse

[@kristenscott9438]

What a beautiful ride inspite of a broken bridle! I agree with Erin.....she's amazing working like that without the pressure from a bridle! Amazing horse she is! Such a beauty for sure! Glad she kept going and never slacked off! Dan, your an amazing rider! Congrats on the second place run! Ms. Dreamy glad your last run was amazing! Enjoy your retirement!

[@joycee5493]

Oh my God… I love mares, I love chestnuts and I love quarter horses. I love this horse.

[@allmeatchame6244]

Communication is top priority. And that is top! Hats off to a beautiful team!

[@anita83music]

TRUE respect from the horse to the owner and vice versa. TRUE partnership right there.

[@onegoodturngetsmostofthebl7499]

Awesome mare and tremendous ride.

[@SnarlaRae]

He and the Horse are total winners! Awesome Bond!

[@shazraff2010]

Just WoW!! Shows what a great partnership this pair has got - beautiful!!

[@The-ii5mj]

An amazing end to an amazing run on a beautiful horse!! You couldn't ask for more!!!

[@Taylor.Elizabeth.]

Amazing horse and amazing rider. Loved how humble he was in the interview!