Stop Driving Your Horse Crazy

[@g1998k]

I am so unlucky to live in a remote island thousand of miles away from such senior horsemen. Struggling to setup my own horse farm through media and paper and with no professionals around. These videos are a treasure and I do hope you have an apprentice to pass over the knowledge.I believe and see in practice every single word you say. Thank you.

[@RickyJr46]

Ross, when I visit an older mare who pastures nearby it's always from outside the fence. Sometimes she will be up for some back (or backside!) rubbing, sometimes not. She might stay nearby and chill out, or just amble away to go graze. It's her call. If I bring her a treat or refill her feeder, my pattern is to move down the fence a couple paces and just let her be. If she comes over, cool! If not, also cool. Her owners say she's kinda lazy and doesn't like to run, but the way she sprints across the hill when I show up is our little secret, eh?

[@jessicahawkins6130]

I hung in there the whole video and you did make sense. Some people don't know how to teach and make things complicated. You taught me sonething this morning. Simple: Don't nag on your horse about every little movement. Put the horse where you want it and let that be. Unless you want it to move, tell him. It's like telling your kids not to squirm.

[@alpakafantasy5134]

wow, this video is really by far the most best education in horse language I've ever seen. Not that I own horses, I own alpacas but there are horses on the farm too. I always asked myself, why they are pushing me in closer contact and now I am really happy to know what I did wrong all the time. Thanks Ross :D

[@georgainia]

Very good Ross. I realized I had in the past frequently overly petted my horses. Sometimes they were relaxed and appeared to enjoy it and it seemed mutual but lots of times I was just confusing them and making them agitated and of course stressed. I loved this video like I do all your videos because they are simple, direct and full of information that helps me enormously. Many thanks Ross

[@RossJacobs]

Thank you Alison

[@moxiest.p4533]

I haven't watched the second part yet, but I am the opposite, I care for them, I pet them when I want, but I am always tough and don't pet them when they push on me. I was taught to be the boss always, and it always worked on the ground, as I find like a child, they like to know someone else is there to take care of every situation, so they don't react as negatively if I take the for front..but I never let myself baby them the way I wanted to sometimes...I will go listen now...thanks..

[@kathleen0954]

What a subtle, yet simple remedy...to set the horse up from the beginning to succeed (rather than fail). Brilliant! And yes, I hear this nagging all the time in the horse world, and it drives me crazy too, because they blame the horse for everything, speaking loudly, "why are you being bad, or doing this or that?" Methinks this kind of dialogue is really for the surrounding humans, to cover the fact they don't know how to handle a situation, so making sure everyone knows it's the horse's fault. thank you for your lovely, methods and your unique humor in filming and presentation. I am new to your channel, and love it!

[@richardgates7479]

Funny how people treat all animals that way, and yet animals don't understand language. I see people yell at their barking dogs, and I assume the dog thinks they are barking too.

[@kathleen0954]

Ha Ha!! it's so true, Richard! And I don't want to leave the impression that I don't talk to the animals! But not for the sake of surrounding people. And,, like you, I know they don't understand most words (except for my boxer dog, who does!), but I believe they understand the spirit behind the words ...(love, gentleness, praise....anger, fear, etc)...and they interpret our intent and/or condition... Thanks for your response!

[@richardgates7479]

They interpret the sounds, words don't matter. The "spirit" is simply the tone of your words. The signals that animals make are their thoughts, so you need to communicate the thought, which is what he's showing in this video. I don't have a horse myself I just find this very interesting, and I meet animals every day and I love to talk to them. I'd love to show people how to get their dogs to stop barking but most don't have the patience. But then some dogs are mentally damaged and it's tough to figure them out. I've noticed horses can be very different as well, and they're bigger.

[@kathleen0954]

very interesting distinction! Thank you for that!

[@richardgates7479]

So you don't think there's anything else? Do you think horses can sense your mood?

[@stringE62]

I have zero experience around horses, but I try to look at any animal from their perspective. "Quit petting that horse" was my immediate thought. Calm and assertive and know how to read an animal's body language. Good video.

[@biddydibdab9180]

I just rewatched this. It occurred to me that we often respond to our horses as if they were dogs. When we stop petting our dog, they bump us to let us know they’re still there and want more petting. Horses are actually bumping us to let us know we need to leave them alone. We need to remember who’s on the end of our rope.

[@Kateyangyuqing]

You're totally right! I've been reading a book about horse communication. They are so different to dogs. Opposite in many ways. Their language is very counter-intuitive for predators like us, especially because many of us are used to other predator pets like cats and dogs. The way they communicate is sooooo different to the way dogs do. I really encourage others, whether you're a beginner like me, or more experienced, to improve on their knowledge of horse language. The book I'm reading is called "Horse Speak - An Equine-Human Translation Guide" by Sharon Wilsie. It's been extremely enlightening. There are many other books on this subject out there too.

[@loisblais3431]

Thank you so much for pointing out the issue. When first watching you and Riley , I was asking myself why isn’t Riley being checked. Then you exposed the reason for the video. You are so on the button with this correction. Good video! 🇨🇦

[@aprilkalcsa9336]

This guy really knows about horses, very interesting information.

[@kathleenboggan6616]

You were so good to help them.🤗😎🐎🐎

[@jeanedevries1]

So funny! I kept thinking "this guy has no credibility. His horse has no idea of whats expected of him." I'm happy I've discovered you! :)

[@Liberallez]

Excellent stuff!!! I'm not a "horser" but I love all animals and I love communicating with them. Your instructions are universal and desperately needed by a vast number of human animals with children. Basically, teach them to control and respect themselves (and others) and otherwise just let them grow.

[@weavrmom]

Yeah, you were driving ME crazy with all that. I felt so bad for the horse! I'm so glad you explained it in detail, bc I didn't know exactly what was wrong, but it was clear something was! Thanks.

[@ShiningSakura]

I kept thinking in the beginning..... Boy is that horse being nervy like that begging and this gentleman is doing nothing to stop him. Good to hear that I was on the right track and that was the point of the video and not the story.

[@lauraalbertson7821]

Each video I watch of yours, makes me smile and understand my Horse better . Since I am starting over ( 48 year pause in owning my own Horse again 😳). , I feel so blessed to go forward with someone like you . Your humor and way with teaching others how to treat Horses is FUN 🤩. I love it ! And when I listened to your Heart speaking ♥️💬 , I’m all in ! 💜🐴 💜 Laura and Bear p.s. just got the “Pet Peeve”. Short video 🤣

[@RossJacobs]

Thank you Laura

[@simonolsen9995]

This could be re-titled "Wives - stop driving your husbands crazy". Just swap out the word horse for husband and don't change a single other word... and the advice is golden. Great videos Ross.

[@creativenative218]

The horse keeps yawning. LOL 🤣 I love this guy 😎

[@alicewalters7056]

Thanks for the video. Excellent info. Goodnight Ross wherever you are. Alice

[@sueflockhart5626]

Good one Russ.....on the same page as you on this subject! I have people who drive me crazy just watching what they do with their horses , ......as well as drive the horse crazy!

[@biddydibdab9180]

Simple concept but so important.

[@katiedotson704]

This is the second of your videos I have watched as I have just discovered you. Thank you for this. I have subscribed and will keep watching. My current challenge is a 6/7 yr old mini hinny that has so many trust issues. Once you force him to tolerate your touch, he will relax somewhat as I scratch, groom, or take care of his feet. But given the least opportunity he runs away. He is proving to be a very hard nut to crack. I hope by watching people of your caliber that I will find the right path for this little guy. I don't know who or what happened to him before he came to me but it was not good.

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

Ross, I totally agree with your observations about how people interact with there horses, its so annoying, some folks do the same with there dogs and other pets too, are they training there animals to be a crutch to mentally lean on ?, and expect it to be acceptable to teach the horse that it is allowed to be this way ,with other people too. I find it overfamiliar and disrespectful when my own horses do this and look at it as a kind of controlling my direction and feet .I wish people would learn about herds of horses and packs of dogs ,so that they can understand how to truly show the right type of affection, but so many people are doing this ignorant petting, just so they as a human feel good, wanted, loved, or whatever, they never seem to see or realise what they are doing .Perhaps more horse carers/owners need education of animal interactions and you to do more videos to address the problems that people are making for there charges, the horse is often more clever than the owner if there is a problem .Sorry to go on so but its one of my pet hates that I have to put up with other peoples horses, as it makes handling at times stressful for the horse and confusing why I don't like being treated like the horses owner. Thanks for the video, you are a proper good trainer and handler, you know horses well, and the horses just stand and love you and it shows, keep up the good work.

[@ellieelizabeth5627]

I love the message in this video. You have a new subscriber here.

[@katarinamills8530]

Ellie Elizabeth yes,two...now😍

[@waunetag.2106]

And another

[@imba.hjaltalin]

Hahaha I am so glad I hardky listened to the story, kept wondering all the time why you let the horse in on you and everything seemed so annoying for both of you, and was I also trying to see and understand your communication. Like one time you pulled up his head when he was going to eat a bit of grass and seemed relaxed and I thought "please just leave him alone". I am glad you were actually making a point, it was a very good point!!!! I always feel sorry for the horses when the owner is doing a youtube video with the horse and they are obviously annoyed or bored and then the purpose of the horse is very unclear too. Pointlessness is annoying.

[@moxiest.p4533]

Oh my God, this mam just relieved me of a guilt that has hung over me my entire life. Even as a young teen, my friends used to tell others, Sylvie is cool, but don't touch her, she doesn't like to be touched or crowded. Now, I have been with animals my entire life, and I have always felt guilty because I push them off or away from me. They can lie close to me, to an extent, but don't crowd me, cats, dogs, horses, I love them, but when they are lying or come close, I will pet them or kiss them etc. if they are staying off of me. It irritates me, it is my space, and no human or animal can touch me without my asking or wanting it. when I push my cat off of me now, he will lie close to me, and as soon as he does, I reach over in "guilty love" and pet him and say I love you but mommy is not in the mood, but I am Never in the mood for someone to crawl all over me, or push on me as he says the horses do, nudge me hard, (and horses can nudge very hard), I always take the upper hand, but feel guilty for not loving them back..Well I will be damned, I am now going to be ok with it, if they are in my space respectively, they get the ultimate attention and care, but pushy animals I always feel like they are a pushy guy grabbing at me..NO, I will tell You when, and Now I will go forward in life, knowing my instincts have been right the whole time. I am in control of my "three feet of space around me", to come into that space that is mine on earth, is taking my rights away...thank you Sir

[@ellieelizabeth5627]

Sylvie St.pierre I understand what you're saying. I don't like to be touched either and it amazes me how people will just reach out & touch my arm or shoulder. I try to be nice about it, but my demeanor gives me away every time and it has cost me more than one friendship (people think I'm stuck up or "above it all.") However, I don't mind my dogs coming to me and invading my space, but in general I prefer animals to humans. Sorry for sounding "kooky." I understand what Ross is conveying in his video. My horse (who is a good boy) has lately gotten obnoxious with his head. Bumping, pushing etc. And I make him back up with a little smack of the lead rope and don't let him come near me until he remembers his manners. Horses are huge animals and there HAS to be "Rules" or somebody can get hurt, and you can bet that it will be the human. With that said I will admit (with embarrassment) that it's my fault. Horses rarely all of a sudden start displaying unwanted behavior. They start with something small that may go unnoticed & the next thing you know you've got a problem that could have been nipped in the bud if the human had been paying better attention to those miniscule things. In my opinion horse ownership is always a journey and you're NEVER done learning. But my love and passion for this miraculous creature is so immense that they're worth it! Nice chatting with you, stay safe and take care. 😊

[@moxiest.p4533]

Ellie wow, lol, you sound so much like me. I also don't mind my animals in my bubble, I just don't let them crawl all over me and lick me at their will, if I am not busy we can cuddle, but with my nephropathy, I had to even teach Gucci, my cat, to stay away from rubbing at my ankles in my small kitchen, cause I can't feel him there, and I can fall badly and squish him..ugh..But I am excited to start fresh with my horse world again. I don't currently have a horse, my last guy "Hardy Boy", I had until my divorce, and I have been fighting illness since, but now I am going in as an adult, not a naive shy 8 year old who thinks everyone else knows more than I..NOPE..I know A LOT..I am Bright, ambitious, and only want to teach myself, I have no negative opinion of anyone else experiencing things I did before, I will let them find their way, as I be selfish for the first time in my 47 years, and work on me..but you are really on deck with discussion, and are very receptive, as I am, to admitting we make mistakes, but I am not going to blame myself anymore, in the end, I was doing the right thing correcting the behavior, and you are right, last week the cat was in the tub behind the curtain, and batted at me a few times, I batted back like a game, well that led to full day of ignoring it while he tried to claw me {On the thrown lol}. through the curtain, so my mistake, I encouraged it once, and that was enough for a new game for him..so think, what have you done different lately with your horse?..any new interesting treats or treat times?..what is his name anyway? Don't worry I am not a big chatter on the net, I check things every few days usually, it's a holiday here, so I am staying down today, watching some "tackless riding", I am determined to get my seat, I will do it, even with no feeling in my lower legs, I can walk, so I can ride..well I am on facebook if you ever want to talk..I can tell you the story of the woman I know about at my stable who thought she could let the horse nudge and bother her, and well.let's just say thank God she wore a helmet...xo

[@justindean7906]

Syl StP

[@justindean7906]

Syl St

[@Kateyangyuqing]

Moxie that sounds a lot like the way horses often think about us invading their space without asking! Space is really important for them, much more important than touch, and we humans are always barging into their space without a proper greeting or asking them about it XD Some horses just learn to put up with it because they have learned they can't do anything about it, and just stand there looking quietly annoyed.

[@janemenshawi5803]

God bless - love your teaching

[@mirceasavu9116]

Dear Sir, , , , here, where we are (me&family), it's a night. AND You made it so wonderful to us. THANK You from the Depth of our Human Being. Good Night AND Good Morning, WHEREVER You ARE! Full of Admiration, Respect and GRATITUDE, And BE BLESSED! Yours faithfully, me&family

[@yellowfr3ak]

I was actually wondering why you were fussing with him and saying don't eat that grass. Wonderful video.

[@ebonychisholm3797]

Love this video I agree! Love the scenery!!!!

[@shawnaweesner3759]

Good relating with your horse, Mr. Jacobs. Your horse reached his head over to you for reassurance, and you pushed his head away.

[@RossJacobs]

Did you not watch the video or did you watch it but not understand it? That's what it is about.

[@lorenzowilliams1184]

Be mentally present, thx for posting.

[@kathrynwhite8482]

Excellent!

[@lrkenielsen5250]

Thank you! I ride a lovely school horse that everyone is afraid of so I get her for myself (luckily) Before I “got” my horse Skyfall, I rode a horse called Soreya. She’s a girl from my barns loan horse and I feel so bad for that horse! Whenever the girl is at the barn then it’s impossible to hear anything except for her screaming “stop It So” I don’t think I have ever heard her say a sentence about that horse whiteout the word pig in it (so=pig in danish) plus she just pushes Soreya around! She makes me so angry but I can’t do anything! She can’t even get it out of it’s stall because Soreya tries to kick her (I mean same) so I have to help her every single time! Soreya is a mare with a strong spirit so this haven’t really gotten to her, but omg some people shouldn’t be allowed to be near a horse! I’m so grateful she’s to afraid af my horse to come near her, Skyfall is young and misunderstood so people think she’s aggressive when she’s just confused I love people like you, peoples who actually do their best to understand the horse so thank you so so much!

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

Welldone you for seeing this, and coping.

[@keithjacobson335]

This was my first ever view of your videos. Thank goodness I hung in theretill about minute five!

[@gusmonster59]

A lot of people think that when you are working with a horse, you have do A, B and C ALL the time. ANYTIME you spend time with your horse you are working with him. Humans have to be consistent when working with animals.

[@alicewalters6426]

Thank you. Good night.

[@baley9774]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@seanabrady4770]

Wonderful- I love this video!

[@edwardquin4464]

Thank you.

[@cintiamarcos1003]

Thank you!! 😃

[@moxiest.p4533]

ok, I stopped, lol, I am at the part where you are alone, I honestly needed a calm break in my day, as I am starting fresh in my life with horses, after having worked with and ridden since age eight, I was paralyzed end of 2014, now can walk with nerve damage, but I am working on finding the way I want to start back, as I am going to start at ground zero with riding, I can read a horse and his behavior from the ground, I was blessed with that gift, and the chance to work with many young novice horses coming into a very large equestrian center I worked and trained at, (long story), but I was a very nervous rider I think because after my first perfect ride at age 5, (I was one with the horse alone), and had no inhibitions, but instructors from then on seem to have destroyed my confidence, this time, I will let my own instincts guide me through finding my perfect seat and demeanor with every horse, anyway, I thought I would listen, I thought the horse was wonderful, he is looking for your attention, he is yawning, obviously you relax him tremendously with your voice, he seems to be happy to wait, and the story was great, the guy got help..now I will go back and hear the rest..I am just curious to hear, because you said the horse never gets bored of this story. I think a positive attitude in life is my favorite part of the new me, if I have something to say, and My mood is off, I am not bashing another fellow human who is here walking this earth with me. Back to the video..:)

[@barbaracollins5605]

His name is Rick Gore, Ross. His channel is Think Like a horse and I was wondering if you could take a look at Several of his videos if you get a chance and tell me what you think of him. This is because I've learned a lot from him and now I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Barbara

[@RossJacobs]

I do know of some of Rick's work. I don't feel it is my role as an educator to express judgement on the work of other trainers. My job is to tell people what I believe and what I do and leave them to decide best fits them and their horses. I'm happy to debate a principle with anyone, but not to get into personalities. Sorry.

[@emilyscott8338]

This guy is great.

[@avicennitegh1377]

so glad to find your videos & subbed -- it applies to other animals too, I feel. And the who's-in charge-here thing is fascinating. Thanks so much Ross.

[@sineadbeel1917]

i was watching you during the story thinking "stop 'touching' that horse just move it! OMG" hehehe ;)

[@jswarpaint6215]

This is great I know nothing about horses except I rode on once and my brother rode one but my dad didn't tighten the saddle and it slipped upside down but it went ok - seems it kind of like dogs they need boundaries and to know what is expected of them and for the human to disagree with certain behaviors at the right time and in the right way.

[@chelseymyers2047]

Every equestrian should watch this!

[@wms72]

Mr. Ross, please tell me how tall you are. Thanks.

[@ginnyferguson3772]

So true!!

[@ruliliru2378]

Great and helpfull videos

[@Tiger-lg5of]

Horses want to push me with their heads for one reason, they like to wipe their noses on my shirt. You end up with horse snot on your clothing.

[@RickyJr46]

I've been the human napkin a few times also. Hey, Scarlett, whatever you need hon'.

[@TheEverLovingOutdoors]

This is some good stuff!!!

[@GS-st9ns]

I have never been in close contact with a horse, but that was a fascinating video

[@katiedotson704]

If you can find a reputable lesson barn in your area, just ask them if they will teach you how to groom a horse. It's wonderful. IMO.

[@GS-st9ns]

Katie Dotson I will do that. I live near a race track that is lovely. I'm considering rescuing horses because I have quite a bit of land. I like your idea

[@hravu8575]

Race horses are not beginner friendly, you'd be better off with a lazy cob.

[@betzv5476]

Lol yes I did notice his behavior- I was waiting for you to correct him.

[@HJHecking]

*raises hand* guilty! Glad I watched this video. Now I can correct MYself with this.

[@ironmanmatchupvideos6927]

Sweet, I was on the right page! I was wondering why you didn't school him when you started your story. Lol

[@animallovers2940]

Omg you made so much sense

[@OverlandingJoy]

Riley is your biggest fan!! :)

[@leealexander3507]

If I wiggled and lifted my lead rope that much Sweetheart would be totally confused by all those conflicting signals. Each of those movements (a lift, a wiggle, a movement) means I want him to either do something or stop doing something.

[@RossJacobs]

It's all about being clear with our intent. If you do that horses can be taught anything.

[@jesshothersall]

Poor Riley, he looks really bored in both videos, and keeps looking hopefully at the fields and horses behind him, and wondering when he can get back to his mates :). Enjoyed the story about China. Love the 'Don't push" it's a good video, thanks

[@Alhie48]

Thank you! I have a question though, who is Alice?

[@RossJacobs]

She is a friend who is no longer with us.

[@Alhie48]

@@RossJacobs Please forgive me

[@KKIcons]

If you have a channel that has nothing but stories, I need to subscribe to that one as well.

[@RossJacobs]

No I don't. But I have a FB page with 300+ posts mainly of essays on horsemanship and horse behaviour.

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

This was great!!

[@harveysmith100]

brilliant example, I am not a horseman though my dad was. I could see something was wrong but I didn't know what, I thought it was the horse thinking, who is the human talking too?

[@JohnAmidon-c6r]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@barbaracollins5605]

Great video you should have a lot more subscribers and you will look what happened to think like a horse and by the way what do you think of Rick? Great great video thank you so much and I do see mostly women driving their horses absolutely Stark raving mad picking at them constantly.

[@RossJacobs]

Thanks Barbara. I'm sorry, but which Rick are you referring?

[@perniesweemmer51]

@@RossJacobs classic! 😂😂😂👌😂😂😂

[@katarinamills8530]

SOOOOO good

[@OutnBacker]

I was imedeately aware that Riley was being annoying and perhaps impatient or bored.

[@missylamastus]

Brilliant!!! Same way to best raise a child.

[@mustardseed308]

Noticed horse yawning.

[@betzv5476]

Riley is bored lol He keeps yawning like- ok get on with it will you?

[@georgettewood8894]

Present.......

[@sjsisjsjks]

Folks saying horse yawning = bored. No, yawning as a show of boredom is an exclusively human gesture. In horses and in dogs, it's a "calming signal" - horse is saying he means no harm, and is either self-soothing (when highly excited or fidgety for example) or telling the other party to "please, be calm". Same with looking or turning body away; only a show of disrespect in human speak, a show of peace and attempt to defuse or prevent a situation in many, many other species. Think about it, an unguarded side or bum is the opposite of a potentially threatening head-on approach, and a "sleepy" (yawning) animal is not charged up looking for a fight.

[@RossJacobs]

Joey, I agree and disagree. No behaviour can be interrupted accurately in isolation. There are yawns that indicate calm and relaxation and other yawns that indicate stress and anxiety. You need to look at (i) the type of yawn (short rapid yawns vs quiet long yawns vs tension in the jaw and eyes closed vs eyes open during the yawn etc), (ii) what other body language indicators are showing. So if a horse's yawn is tight and his breathing is short and rapid and his blink reflex is short and rapid, then you can be pretty sure the horse is anxious. But a yawn that is accompanied with deep breaths, slow blinks, soft eyes, slowly moving ears etc is indicating a relaxed emotions. People are the same. They can yawn because they are tired or because they are bored or because they are worried etc. You need to look at the bigger picture and not behaviours purely in isolation.

[@user-jk5ur9dh5h]

Yawning can sometimes be a sign of pain, especially accompanied by other signals.

[@trickedouttech321]

I was the entier time in fact it was nothing me, comment at 5:12

[@tracycooper8823]

Don't drive your viewers nuts...we never got the end of the story! LOL

[@ellieelizabeth5627]

Tracy Cooper 🤣😂🤣😅

[@KKIcons]

I definitely need the end of the story as well :) Have you written any of your stories down? I was watching you and the horse, but also I really liked the story.

[@RossJacobs]

Tracey Cooper, when I was a young fellow and began dating girls my father gave me some sound advice to live by, "Son, always go home with them wanting more." Haha.

[@ellieelizabeth5627]

Ross Jacobs 😂🤣 Wise father!

[@moxiest.p4533]

Decided not to be negative, thanks to Ellie being so positive..Thanks woman..:) Ok, I can't.."there is no end", the guy got help, and he went back to the girls..lol..cute..had too...xo

[@Eil510]

Love Reilly and he love you....

[@leealexander3507]

Why would I fuss with my horse? He's a good kid. When he can't be nice he can leave and he doesn't like being sent away.

[@lucythehorsegirl2052]

Becky Alexander wdym?

[@FancyRavenmoon]

I was aware of you and with your horse

[@sarahthomson8183]

Was wondering when you were going to get him out of your space! Maybe do that a little sooner next time-was just about to leave your video thinking you didn't know much about horses. :-)

[@at_brunch3836]

I'm pretty sure your horse has something to say...or he's faking boredom just to be a rascal.

[@nitetrane98]

Wow. The My Little Pony crowd has not shown up yet to tell you that you just don't love your horse enough.

[@heyarno]

What are you doing with your hands? I think the horse is confused. edit: oh I see what you did there. And I thought you where too focused on your story to notice the horse.

[@martianalligatorfarm3561]

I was thinking why is this guy making a horse behaviour video but hes he's letting his horse dominate his space LOL then you got to the point!!

[@TheByard]

I have trained, sorry wrong word "encourage" pups by rewarding them when they have done something I like but is still DOG. there fast learners and together with their mum they learn to get along with us all. now the pup is 7 human years old he is great, doesn't play roll over or walk on his hind legs. He jus does dog things, but comes when I call or whistle but then it's only for a purpose. IE: were going off somewhere or there's a truck coming. Of course he has all the dog instincts that are fantastic to watch, like eating grass when he's crook, sitting under cars one to get in the shade but also to enjoy the increase in the airflow. I also spent my summers on my uncles market garden farm in N Wales, he used a shire horse to till the land and cart produce. It was mt nephews job to take him to the pond in the evening after work. I used to help??? I once asked how long will he drink and cool off in the pond, the answer was "It's up to him" When tractors came along he was retired to the orchard and some light cart work. He died in that orchard and is buried there. I will watch some more of your videos, yer I think I'm going to like them. Thanks and good luck.

[@byronyorks9734]

2:03 horse bored lol

[@ipanzerschrecku4732]

You do understand that what you're describing is the female mindset - nag nag nag, don't do that, I want I want I want micro managing everything driving people nuts including themselves... the female mindset, the male mindset is stand over there and you have the freedom to do whatever you want as long as you're not bothering me... and what do people and horses both enjoy the most? well freedom right, not constant nagging, constant micro management, not mixed signals and constant contradictions like don't touch me then touch the horse... essentially the female mindset is only good for driving people and horses nuts...

[@RossJacobs]

Am I right you assume you are a single, lonely male?

[@Nikali90]

so you can pet the horse but he can't pet you? lol

[@pavanatanaya]

Reply seems bored with this story

[@gailfreese3849]

Very obvious from the get go. I was getting irritated with you lol

[@brendawaters7554]

The horse is totally bored.

[@RossJacobs]

No, he is frustrated. I rubbed my arms and body with a sweet feed before filming to encourage him to mug me because otherwise he was standing quietly waiting to see what we would do next. When he wasn't able to get the sweet feed (only smell it on me) he became frustrated and was looking for alternatives. That's why he was so fidgety.

[@cvb7651]

I saw a horse offering closeness and playfulness with a human and I don't see a problem with that.

[@RossJacobs]

It's because many people simply see this behaviour as playfulness that they don't set boundaries. It begins as being cute and non-threatening and over weeks and months it turns into the creation of out of control behaviour that insists on pushing on and walking over people. Many horses turn into aggressive nippers. You should watch my video on why do horses push on people - it may clarify the problem for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/baTXg4Nrfaiph9E

[@cvb7651]

Thanks for your reply! I like your philosophy on horses and enjoy reading your posts. I understand what you are getting at and agree. However I spend many happy hours allowing my horse to approach me and we both enjoy "no agenda" time being together in close proximity. She is trained to back out of my space and do other moves when asked. Again, thanks!

[@RossJacobs]

Thank you for your kind words about my posts. I agree with you about spending 'hang out' time with the horses and allowing them to approach you - it can be very valuable. However, in the first half of the video Riley was not just approaching me for a scratch or to hang out, he was pushing on me to see what I had for him. I know this because I set it up so he would do it to make my point in the video. In my view, that's quite different than a horse that is coming to say g'day or just wants to be in your company. Cheers

[@theresamayton302]

I've only watched a couple of your videos so far. They seem to be exactly what I was looking for. It's similar to raising polite, but not uptight, children or respectable, calm, friendly dogs. Thanks for the videos.

[@anandaharris1481]

C vB it's not cute something that seems harmless can become a problem.. I have a 16.2 Iberian warmblood who I set boundaries with.. I'm in a boarding arrangement and I have to many people around handling him (feeding , turn In and turn out) I have had the barn owner tell me what impeccable manners my horse has.. so it's important to do these things..

[@anthonysmith7507]

Yep and in the first section the horse was constantly yawning,and that is nervousness of you. There is a lapse in this film of hours or days that you did not state where you worked with this horse to join with him.Show the whole of the training or dont bother.

[@RossJacobs]

Anthony Smith, you seem to presume an awful lot from no knowledge. You are wrong. The entire video was shot in 20mins or thereabouts. You are also wrong that the horse is nervous of me. When I began filming Riley would not push on me or do anything but stand quietly. So I rubbed my body and arms with grain coated in molasses in order to coax him to sniff, mouth and push on me. The yawning is his anxiety at not getting the grain. You might find your horsemanship improved if you did not presume to know so much when you actually know so little.

[@ramonlopeziii217]

The first story was needed?

[@matthiasweiss1144]

I'm sorry, but this is pretty bad. A horse uses his muzzle to explore things, and even if they greet each other, their muzzles touch and it is not considered disrespectful because their *feet* don't move into each other's space - they just make long necks to greet each other. That horse wanted to interact with you, not move you around. Getting your panties in a knot about a horse stretching out to barely touch you with his muzzle, maybe even just his whiskers, is entirely uncalled for. A horse that's pushing into you will move his FEET into your space. He was thoroughly polite to you.

[@RossJacobs]

I'm sorry but you are completely wrong. Riley was not saying 'hello', he was looking for food. When I began shooting this video Riley was content to stand quietly a step from me. I tried to entice him to be pushy by scratching him in favourite spots etc. It didn't work. Then I got the brilliant idea of rubbing myself down with his favourite food which contains molasses. That worked. So he is pushing on me because he is interested in the smell of the molasses. Not because he is being friendly and just wants to say hello. He wanted to taste whatever I was wearing. I would urge you to take the time to learn more about body language because you seem to struggle to understand the difference between pushiness and friendliness. Secondly, where do you get the idea that if a horse is not trying to move your feet he is just being friendly? It's true sometimes and untrue other times. But it is not a universal truth or golden rule. Riley's insistence to keep crowding me despite being asked not is a good example of teaching a horse that we don't mean what we say and to ignore us when you ask them to do something. Thirdly, the point of the video is the same. Each time I pushed Riley away he came back. This means I was asking him to move away, but not getting a change of thought. That's nagging. Anytime we ask a horse to do anything we should always get a change of thought or we should not have asked in the first place. That's the message I'm trying to make in the video.

[@appletree8441]

Horse good humans bad

[@de-janeniles1120]

Man this guy can yap - get to the point!