Stallions Are Not Always Friends & People That Love Horses May Not Understand Them

[@Darkmae]

I have a cute little story. I'm a stablehand for a barn in my town and we used to have to use stalls religiously for reasons I'm still not sure of because we have a large pasture that was untouched. I stepped in and asked the owner if we could throw all the horses out there, at least during the day and she was skeptical at first because some of the horses didn't get along. After watching your videos it's extremely evident to me that they're not getting along because they don't have the room to work out their issues. I got her to agree to it and we walked all the horses out there, took all their halters off and we left them alone. With all the room they had, they could not care less about who was where and I never saw a single ear pin. Now the horses live in that pasture pretty much all the time except for the occasions in which they're ridden or some sort of scenario is happening in which they need to come back to their stalls, which only lasts for a few hours. I truly appreciate the education you're bringing to me and the other viewers because you helped me make 5 horses a whole lot happier. Thanks Rick

[@ThinkLikeAHorse]

nice story and better for horses. :)

[@janetgriffiths7200]

Much better for them. Being in the stalls most of the time is stressful. They can smell the other horses, and maybe can see some of them, but can't interact, which is what they really need and want.

[@s.r.9770]

We here in Germany have extremely many places where the horses are outside year round, with an open barn where they can go in and out as they wish. And even those that are put in a stall at night are outside over the day - together with the others.

[@reneloper9074]

Your black and white explanation or narratives in your videos are great for people like me. I like to learn in simple terms, I respect that you don't change the way you are. Also, the passion you have for horses and what's the best for the horse. It's smart of you to realize not everyone understands your passion. Sharing a "softer" way to teach will reach others in a positive way. Keep being you, your are a great teacher. Thank you

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Don't worry. Women don't want to be the same as men. We just want equal opportunity. Which includes equal opportunity to screw up. Love your tart comment: they're horses, they'll get along!

[@suzystone244]

Would it help that I a cute gal who understands man lingo? I do.👍

[@StoneWolf99801]

My Nickers, he was purchased as a 2 year old. The breeder when the colts were separated from there mothers, they were released to a huge pasture with the stud, to learn to be horses, and were sold as 2 year olds. The stud was never isolated, when he wasn't with his mares, he was teaching his offspring and living with a few babysitter geldings that lived with him his entire life. When we brought Nickers home he was a good, respectful colt, easy to handle, fast and easy to gentle. We ground trained him till he was full grown as a three year old. And worked with a saddle and hackamore to get him used to tack so that by the time he was full grown it was easy to get him used to riding. I hate the idea of locking studs up alone. If you can't offer a stud the proper life he needs to be mentally healthy you shouldn't own one.

[@exuanliew6972]

"Twigs and Berries" ;D U make me laugh all the time.

[@veelam]

thank you for your thoughtful explanation. I've learned a great deal more from these 40 minutes than the 2 years in my riding school from my trainers!

[@laurettewilcock1934]

When I first started doing horse research , I found this lady’s channel called “ About Horses “ Nice person who understands horses . No barn witch behaviour have I ever seen on her videos . Found Ricks soon after . I think you just know whether someone is decent or not from what they do . Even though people have different opinions and views if they’re intentions are in the horses best interest you can tell 🐴😊

[@KoriHarlan]

This video taught me a lot, I used to never let my horse eat and people came up to me and yanked him up hard. And told me to do that when he ate. So that's how I grew up, there's no way in heck I'm letting them do that anymore. And when I curried him he'd turn around and "nibble or message" my back and people would smack him. I would get so mad and now I'll make sure they don't do that again. The see what the wanna see is so true, this taught me so much and what not and what to do. Thank you!

[@kimbourke4775]

I have been following this lady for some time. She is very good at explaining the horses attitudes and their reactions. She has some really good clips. 👍

[@equisader]

That was just a little light nipping. All very polite and nice. I'd be more worried about them injuring themselves on the wooden boxes. Dump the hay on the floor. They don't need to eat out of boxes. A bit of wasted hay is cheaper than a vet bill. I have two stallions living out. There is serious rough housing and once this is done they will be licking the salt lick together. This goes on every day. Totally agree about the size of the paddock. Way too small for this situation. I turfed my new stallion out on the day he arrived and let them get on with it. A few scratches but no injuries. Just a couple of perturbed horses who had their lazy equilibrium thrown off by the new boy. All good stuff.

[@cherylsund]

I subscribe to both of your channels. I do not take either her or your information as gospel. You both have good points and I learn from both. Thank you!

[@mir3527]

I'm learning every day from you, and much things help me a lot in my ''horse life'', thanks for that.

[@electronictrip]

i like her. love her voice, accent and horse sense. cool lady for sure!

[@plantsbatsandcats]

Yes! I'm so glad you finally covered her. I really appreciate her videos and yours. They are both super informative!

[@kathleen0954]

"Horses are good the way they are." That says it all! Rick..you're so full of that beautiful (and diminishing) thing called "common sense" that it is truly refreshing! Thank you for sharing your profound horse wisdom. And I don't know who could be offended at your analysis of this...it was fair and reasonable, and yes, the minor areas of disagreement are just normal...I'm sure even this woman would be open and interested in your takes on it all...she seems like someone with humility and a pliable heart....

[@badeend86]

I'm pretty sure this woman is Dutch (based on environment and accent) I think the reason why she uses certain words to describe what she means is probably that her vocabulary is limited and she uses the words she knows to get her message across.

[@leomathis2205]

She is indeed Dutch.

[@BaileyL018]

Leonie Sta I agree. Watched a video on her talking about petting horses and I think it's partly a language barrier that some of her words don't quite fit.

[@DutchIsraeli]

I think so too :) And by "I don't think any horse is dominant", I think she means "neither of these 2 is dominant". I have made this mistake many times in English :) and they do seem evely matched!

[@cortneyelznic6429]

I am subscribed to her channel, and combined with your channel, I've learned so much about horses. Her channel is great.

[@avalovesblcds]

Me too. These two channels are my favorite

[@Lisa.G.]

You are becoming my favorite KZbinr, Love your commentary, I like to think I'm pretty knowledgeable on horse behavior, but Love learning as much as possible. I believe you should never stop learning and I am by no means a "know it all" nor do I pretend to be, so I appreciate the things I learn from watching & listening to your videos, Thanks!!

[@coldlogic621]

My wife's cousin lived next door and had a stallion he bought off Terry Bradshaw in Shreveport. The horse was beautiful, black and white, the horse was mean at times. He would chew through an electric fence and get out at least two to three times a month and would run over to our horses and run circles around them. After he would get loose and run-a-muk you could walk up to him and walk him back to his fence.

[@mohammedbedsapour7503]

coldlogic621 Stallion are powerful animals who need a herd to protect to be fully happy and many people think they are toys. They are powerful built to keep a species alive and lasting. Stallions are responsible for horses to continue to exist/ That is powerful.

[@trytohelpthem1512]

Once again Rick your very informative yet so hilarious at times narrative of this video has caused me to have an asthma attack from a much needed laugh and I thank you. One of our horses went blind over several years. Others that did not know he was blind were surprised when they saw how well be moved in the pasture and my yard because he moved as if he could see but my vet said Billy had no sight eventually even after his having treated him. My point to this is that although he had been with my other two horses for many years as his sight left him after he became totally blind I had to make a smaller pasture from his stall down to their favorite tree in the pasture because the other two an older proud cut gelding and my slightly younger mare would bite and kick him so badly that I was afraid they would run him through my electric fence. These attacks were not often or food related. Even after putting him in the smaller pasture that was fenced with stock fence I had to put electric wire on the outside of it because they would still lean across and bite him and he would not know to move away. Rick do you have any idea why they would attack him yet go for weeks etc. and not try to hurt him? Neither my vet nor farrier had an answer. I did enjoy this video laughter asthma and all.

[@fizzyjarl9434]

"FLUFFY STOP BITTING POOKIE!!!! OMG" I feel out of my chair

[@H2Ocritter]

😂😂 Love you impersonation of the lady with the whip😂😂

[@erissablackthorn9444]

A family friend has horses and one time he had a friesian stallion that he had in a stall at very end. I loved to see him but saw that the poor thing was just bored in his stall and full of energy, and he would nip a lot.

[@brodie777]

"FLUFFY, STOP BITING POOKIE!!!"

[@RevelationTwelve11]

So Rick the horseman finally meets a real horsewoman he can respect ... no "Barn Witch" there! LOL! I came across her videos recently too and watched a bunch of them. I figured you'd like her style, so I was glad to see that you made this video, Rick. I like the way she does a lot of videos just commenting on the natural behavior of horses, like you do. Of the ones I watched, my favorite was one where she was introducing a "new" horse to one of her other horses, and that horse was showing the new horse around. There was a narrow length of plastic on the ground at the gate, and the new horse was clearly fearful of stepping over it, so the other horse kept demonstrating that there was nothing to fear until the new horse finally got the message. It reminded me of your "sacking out" videos, only in this case it was interesting to see how one horse was "sacking out" the other by letting it know that the "scary plastic" was really nothing to fear.

[@gabriellecimon]

Moral of the story, horses will do what they have to do even after a year of being neighbors and having contact. My horses go through this after one day of meeting then I take them to the field... they come back with scratches and bites and whatever they need to get it done.

[@fntimah]

40 minutes 😍 that's a free uni class. I was on the lookout for some other good channels too, cheers professor ✌

[@gelisgiallen4088]

Rick, you're so right. Stallions are horses, they are not mean monsters. Allow them to live like horses, and not be trapped in stalls, and they will work out their own natural and correct hierarchy. I never had my stallion gelded. He was a type A personality to be sure, but Dan was the smartest, most "aware" horse I've ever known. His confidence level was so high that you might be fooled into thinking he was fearless. How I wish he was still alive today. He made it to a ripe old age. RIP, my Danny. You are the stuff of legend.

[@susanflowers7969]

Awe! That was such a sweet tribute to your old friend!🌹

[@robertbrooo6727]

It's perfectly fine for you to give constructive criticism even if it's harsh. People need to realize that taking care of a horse the right way is a big deal. It can't be all rainbows and flowers.

[@hosslane320]

Rick , your yelling out at about 38 min. Mark woke my wifie , she yelled what's wrong! I said it's just someone breaking in the house.go back to your nap .good perspectives on the animals. Bless you, from hooterville, n.c.

[@FaithAboundsatMelodyAcres]

Awesome video! She should have give them more time and space. Rick Ive always been a firm believer the issues people have with their stallions was not letting them be a horse. I was appalled the first time I saw an isolated and jailed stallion. I grew up with a stallion. My dad had him before I was born. My dad had built our horse stalls like a T. With the barn area being the short side and the stalls being the long side and the pasture started at the barn so all the stalls were inside the pasture. The farthest from the barn was Smokey's stud stall. It was a double stall with an outside run. He had room to canter and had contact with the pastured horses through the fence. Every evening and on weekends when dad was home he was turned out into the pasture. He was ridden daily either by me or my dad. My dad hunted so during hunting season the family spent weekends at the hunting camp and the horses went to and were pastured together. Dad hunted and us kids just camped out and went on trail rides in the doe block. (Designated no hunting area) Smokey was an incredible horse because we treated him like a horse and he had herd interaction. I also searched for a program I saw some 15-20 years ago a Breeding farm or Stud kept their stallions pastured together for mental well being but I can't find anything on it. Was wanting to pass on link.

[@gabriellecimon]

yes my stallions are together, 2 stallions one gelding. They even sleep together they feel safer.

[@amandanowlin4379]

I completely agree with you, stallions should be gelded! Especially if the humans don't NEED a stallion. I knew someone with a stud that spent most of his life (about 16 years) in a fricken stall. He ended up with a heart murmur and such a weak heart that he couldn't stand if he laid down. Hello! What happens to humans or literally any other animal if they spend their lives in a box? Heart disease? Duh. Awful thing is, the humans jusy CAN'T comprehend how they contributed to the horse's death. Pisses me off, and they shouldn't have animals.

[@larsmarianne913]

amanda nowlin Agee with whom, please? Neither Mr Gore nor the lady in the vid said something like that? The real problem with stallions semes to be their perception as "wild", not "sociable","tamable", however -resulting from them having to live in cells in the first place.

[@EnchantedwithPoodles]

That video was made by Nicole Lampe. I subscribe to her channel, "About Horses," as well as your channel, Rick. I learn very much from both of you because you both understand horses at the root level. I enjoyed your review of her video, you are a good listener. I was glad you agreed with her as much as you did. As I watch your respective videos, I always wonder what each of you would say about the other's videos. ;-)

[@KJMudge]

I have been friends with Nicole Lampe for a while and she is very knowledgeable about horses and her 2 stallions have now both been castrated and have have worked out their differences after sometime and share their field peacefully with no aggression. She spends alot of time out observing and filming wild horse herds she does alot with her native Konik horses and is quiet familar with the different herds. I find her videos very informative and she doesn't talk a whole lot of bullshit and I know if I want reliable imformation she is one I know I can go too and get a straight answer .

[@franilan2591]

My pupils won’t dilate for a damn baby 😂😂 Probably for a horse though...haha

[@KellyeR1970]

Same thing with when people crop their dogs ears and tails, dogs talk to other with ears and tails. I have pit bulls and would never cut their poor ears. It really pisses me off seeing pit bulls ears cropped, theirs absolutely no reason for it. People do it just to make them look more bad ass, well let me cut your ears in half see how you like it.

[@flufflewarrior]

luckily it's illegal where I live :3 and I totally agree with you!

[@ottonormalverbraucher7835]

KellyeRaiborn# FreeSchaefferCox in many countries it is Illigal to cut body parts of an animal of(mutilated) whiteout medical reason. Cropping dogs is ILLIGAL thank good, in many courtiers. In my country Germany it is thank good illigal to mutilate your pet.

[@entwine2473]

Would love to see Rick do a video on Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling and his approach to horses.

[@keithtaylor6069]

A horse is the best teacher , I have learned so much from my girl..

[@lynnesinclair35]

I've watched this lady a good few times you both speak a lot of sense in different ways.

[@CynthiaCole-nlta4u]

Yeah, twigs and berries, that is new LOL! Heard that called the boys, family jewels etc.... Be Blessed Rick

[@angeloftheshadows1344]

I LOVE horses and i understand why they are not always friends, they gotta figure out their position in the herd, it may look cruel, but it is just normal horse bahavior.

[@angeloftheshadows1344]

Or they are just playing around

[@kaylaread8048]

Every human do this in a (New) group. It’s group dynamic. Every human finds his position. 😉

[@emilyryan191]

You made a clear point about the horse's mane, I don't really care for a braided mane or clipping my horse's mane either

[@fluddie6832]

Just gonna pause the video to say that I like how blunt you are! Not only is it amusing and absolutely hilarious at times, but its no use sugar coating the truth. The truth hurts but its most helpful when it really is the truth ;)

[@s.r.9770]

Just recently I saw a video, where the Noriker Horse Club put up their stallions in the mountain area of Austria in the summer time. That way the stallions, the mares with foals, and the yearlings to three year (guessing here, I do not know when they start training) olds go to far separated areas get really good grass and get to socialize. Nobody there seemed worried that the stallions would hurt each other badly.

[@susanflowers7969]

I think that I watched the same program! It was really interesting!

[@mischr13]

I was impressed when she called off her dog too. Did you see how quickly he listened?

[@karentjuhh101]

Very true about dogs and horses not having the common sense. My old male dog is in my familys eyes always fair when he is growling to send our new female puppy away. We always let him respond to her the way he wants. But when they are in a small room the puppy can't move away from him and my family gets angry at the old dog for "being mean" but he doesn't understand that she is trapped. And therefore he doesn't understand why he is being punished. I told them just don't create the situation in which thus happens.

[@karendeeside4494]

30;53 lady likens this to pit bull fighting. I gotta agree with Rick, the larger the area is they are introduced to each other the better. To enclose 2 males in such a tight area is asking for trouble. I still don’t understand why she did this when she is so perceptive on other points.

[@SFD-Horses]

I agree with what you said 100%. As I watched the video I thought, then you said. Glad I'm learning from you! I've seen a lower key version of this at my barn between my low horse and a higher horse, and I think it's just them sizing each other up now that they are finally together. Totally natural behavior I think.

[@gemmadavies4997]

Your last phrase about people don't want to change what they think is so right. With horses if its not going the way you want it to go the first question should be 'What am I doing wrong?' rather than 'Why wont he listen?' ...

[@kimbourke4775]

Hi rick, I loved your commentary and views on this. You make me laugh so much with the pink this and that and poor scruffy and omg the horses will kill each other. Love your work and love watching horses like this, playing, showing dominance and when they care for each other. Totally agree with your observations and learning all the time from you. Thank you so much.

[@leealexander3507]

My stallion is kept out with access to a stall with no door, has a social life with access to mares, geldings and foals. Because he's treated like a horse he has a nice temperament although almost everyone else think he's scary and I have no idea why. I can get on the ground and work underneath him if I need to or if it's more convenient as long as I ask him to be still and pay attention.

[@ottonormalverbraucher7835]

Lee Alexander yes every horse should have the right to a good life. Stalions too

[@kenize_ken]

Lol 0:20 “ I realize I am a little harsh” “some people can take it and some can’t”

[@Tyo-yw9jh]

Would it have been a good idea to move the stool out of the way for when the horses want to establish dominance? The stool center of frame around 6:30 could maybe trip them up. I'm no horse expert so I don't know how well horses manage around obstacles like large stones and holes in the ground. Just wondering if you'd recommend keeping the roaming area clear.

[@ThinkLikeAHorse]

always good to remove or limit hazards.

[@Tyo-yw9jh]

Think Like A Horse ok thank you! Great commentary. A lot of takeaways.

[@max_NS]

Problem with Rick's videos as a beginner rider I'm finding I'm questioning my trainer a lot which probably isn't helping that relationship. But everything Rick says makes sense. Great videos

[@gabriellecimon]

I think trainers are severe to get work done and show results as fast as possible. The best is to spend as much time as you can with horses on the ground. You don't need him for that take your own conclusions.

[@suzystone244]

Heres a thought... Trainers are human. They make mistakes. If you have the slightest doubt on a horses progress? Ask that question. If you have a concern? Ask that question. A relationship between you and an experienced horse person should be a PARTNERSHIP . I learned this years ago. I question everything. I'm cool with that. Have fun with your horse and many more positive adventures come your way. 👍❤

[@stanleystrycharz2572]

So... What I see here is two stallions playing and being physical. I don't see any true violence or aggression. Once you have seen a stallion be violently aggressive you will never mistake play for fighting again. I have two mini horse stallions and this type of play goes on every day. It's great exercise for them and also keeps them mentally alert. My boys never actually injure each other... proof it's play. Also I can walk out there with them while they are rough housing and they stop and come to see what I want or have. After all the exercise they tend to play pinchy face a bit then snooze. I agree with Rick this is horses being horses. All's good. As for them grabbing each others withers you might notice neither one seems too worried over it. It's because they don't actually pinch each other too hard. It's just hanging on. If one does pinch too hard you will see a quick escalation of the activity usually ending with blowing, pawing and a few fake hind hoof kicks. Horse for "Hey what the hell!" LOL This is all things I learned by observing my boys at liberty. No one ever needed a stitch. Love seeing horses be horses!!!

[@missykins3250]

Actually one aspect of herd dynamics I've never truly understood is that when my ex stallion (gelded at 8, living in a herd of 12 for the last 9/10years, he is now coming up for 20 this year!) lost his herd leader status to one of the younger, fitter geldings a few years ago I did find it really interesting to see that even though he was no longer the clear herd leader he was still shown a lot of respect by the others, even to the point of them still showing submission to his dominance, especially where food was concern and even the new herd leader (who use to be his second in command sort of thing) will still move from food and let the old man have it first. The new leader will still keep an eye on the herd, challenge new comers and normally where he goes the rest would follow. Is this something that perhaps I'm reading way too much into a putting human emotions on where they don't count, or is this something only seen in domestic herds where they are all geldings? Would love any inside into this.

[@angeloftheshadows1344]

Probably because he was the leader for a very long time, to the point that they think: he is the leader and we have to show him some respect

[@angeloftheshadows1344]

Or that he is the second in command

[@missykins3250]

@@angeloftheshadows1344 maybe... A few of the girls will dominate him, but they did that when he was in charge too and even still a stallion. (It use to be funny that when living with the mares and foals he'd be constantly putting up with mare attitude and lumbered as the baby sitter to the foals who loved using him as a climbing frame wheb he was trying to sleep)

[@JuliaN-fi9zw]

My horse is very similar. He’s been in a herd for 11 years and he’s 23 and he recently got overthrown by a newer, younger horse in the paddock. He still nips at the other horses, tells them to move, and they will still move to give him food. He will come over last to eat and still get plenty because everyone will move out of the way for him. I don’t try and control his herd behavior unless it is rude to people

[@larsmarianne913]

As times go by,the more I come to think that the" dont take animals as humans" doctrin has something at least confusing. In this case: the conception of hierarchy, menmade, applied to animals.Remember: Zoologists and other pros figured some behavioral patterns out and had to name them in a usable way. In my experience (and knowing I am not alone...) real life patterns are way more complex between animals, or interspecies. For instance this dominance thing in the vid? I think it is a misunderstanding between Mr.Gore and The Lady, as her "no dominant horses at all" recurs to the "my horse/dog dominants me by sleeping in the bed or rubbing his dusty face at my back or else" discours. With my dogs, I can tell f.i.: yeah, there is an obvious "alpha", but as she knows the talents of her packmemebers she will use them. She knows not to be the smartest of them all, and will take her clue from another DOG if it wouldnt interfere with her right to be the defender (or get the best parts, of course). Standing guard is dicided by rotation...Bed or no bed? Well, that has the concerned human to decide, and none of them would see this any other way,- just the little, smart, absolutely un-dominant one has still to learn that we can see her in the mirror...

[@qvalitykvsh8416]

Know what I hate? This man is not sexist he is just speaking the truth. Don't get mad at him because he gets mad that people are being idiots and hurting horses because they are not educated. He is only trying to make the best life for horses and the fact that you people get mad at him for pointing out all these painful things that humans put horses through is a little upsetting.

[@rayvnsroost]

I love your commentary had me in giggles through parts of it, and where you differed in opinion I can see where where it makes perfect sense. You showed respect for this woman and her views and maybe your understanding of horses is a little wider because of Mr T and seeing mustangs in the wild and I appreciate it. I am hoping she sees this and maybe gains a little more insight from your differing opinions.

[@edwardrowland1853]

I like your opinion, and your statements, they seem very natural and from what the horse is thinking Horse sense and Horseplay any form of cruelty to a horse is wrong in my opinion. They may need some disciplining in some form, but there is no need for cruelty.

[@evelynvega1730]

I enjoyed this video very much and I agreed with what you were saying. The little dog had enough sense to run away.

[@TheAngieIshmael]

Introducing horses to each other while feeding is sort of like introducing dogs on a walk. I like this lady

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

This reminds me of watching my older brothers in their wrestling matches.

[@leealexander3507]

Sometimes a horse will do something I'd rather he didn't do then fully expect to be rewarded. I have to remind myself of his perspective. From a horses point of view he did something really good deserving of approval and that requires my agreement because I'm not going to be able to change his instincts or his nature.

[@TheOne60388]

🐎 Thank you for sharing this information and knowledge.

[@suzystone244]

I like geldings. I like mares. No on Stallions. They have HUGE berries. Ima a chicken.🐓 That's how I roll.❤ By the way, I love your upfront attitude...Keep going my friend.👍

[@silverskyranch]

I just had to laugh at the sibling rivalry in the car thing because I had one of the other women at the barn I used to board at say that was exactly how my two geldings acted with each other sometimes. I swear there were times I could almost hear them yelling "Mom! He's nipping at me!" "Well he started it!" No, he started it!" And it was almost always while they were standing next to each other at the fence waiting for me to put their feed out for them.

[@Filmore87458]

Rick, people show dominance too. And that's why parents say to their kids, Kids, stop horsing around!

[@TheRealDeal92]

Hey! Very helpful video. You are preaching to the choir about how horses are treated, especially in the Show Horse world. In order to live with horses, we need to understand them. If you ever happen to read my comment, could I get some tips on a Stallion I work with every now and then for my grooming Horse job. I have tried to see where I can better myself to work with him on a decent level for him but anyone I work around does not have the right answer I really need in order to understand this stallion better. Thanks for uploading. Love your channel. 💜💜🐴🐴

[@noldaker]

I've watched several of her videos over the past year...She's very informative and knowledgeable like you. :) I laughed at the ballsy little dog...He knew when to run and fast enough not to get kicked.

[@rachelcooley7924]

I love your videos and have learned so much!! I am changing my ways to be a better horse owner. The way I originally wanted to be. I had been in a barn full of barn witches which I hated. I couldn't understand how a horse could be happy with the way they did things... I am hoping to integrate my girl into my S.O. heard. He has two horses on 20 acres with a barn set up a lot like yours.

[@amyb.6368]

Horse fights are like dog fights. If they wanted to hurt each other, there'd be blood and broken bones within a few seconds. There might be some grumpy signalling before it gets to that point that you should watch for, especially with horses that are newly introduced to each other, but otherwise...horses and dogs both play rough. It's what they *do*. Those horses look like they're playing (maybe competing is a better word) to me. Their bodies are relaxed and a lot of the pressure is going off to either side or stopping halfway through the movements, rather than going right at each other. They're trying to figure out who's boss, and that's how they do so--wrestling.

[@adrianahartmann4057]

I have watched several clips from this women. I think she has a behavior rehab center for horses? I think she did mention in another video that she tried several times after this trial but they kept pestering each other. These two stallions are not housed alone, she just created different combinations after she couldn't house these together.

[@DruneKelly]

Actually, she studies the wild Konik horses in her area. Does a lot of photography and recording of information on them. She actually has a fairly good and solid understanding of horse behaviors though she does comment on differences in behavior between wild and domestic horses mostly from her own observations. I don't remember if she just observes them as a hobby or because its a job. I can't remember yet I know she explained it in one of her Konik videos. She can be hard to understand sometimes because english isn't her primary language. She tends to use some words in the wrong sense.

[@jomama5186]

I enjoy and appreciate your videos so much. Thank you for doing this. :)

[@Ullabrittnielsen]

great video! those horses would be buddies if they got the chance. I'm not quite sure why you recommend her, - she's obviously good with horses, BUT, she doesn't believe in dominance I'm horses? for me that's a deal breaker. - knowing that horses operate with nothing but dominance / being dominated, is the foundation for having a good relationship with your horse. amongst other things of course.. hard to express it in a foreign language :)

[@ThinkLikeAHorse]

She shows horse sense and that is rare in the horse world and she is not all about showing, using horses for money, and treating horses like her little kids.

[@sf9145]

I think they were having fun for the most part. I agree with you about the herd, top horse theory. Wild mustangs.... I remember not long ago I watched a vlog with Buddy and Little Ransom...and Bell(?). Buddy would not let Ransom get in the middle until he established that he was top horse. And he ran Ransom off (I guess that would be moving his feet) for over a day and wouldn't let him get close to him and the mare. But now the vlogs show the three together all the time, but Buddy thinks that he has established himself as top horse. Some might say if they watched your horses that Ransom is just old and don't care. At the end of the day if push came to shove, Buddy is top horse.....after Rick, lol.....if he counts. I wish this lady kept them together I think they would have become friends. Oh, in the beginning there was a rooster in there and had he stuck around I really thought he was going to move both horses feet. But I guess he left.

[@alberta1980]

My dog always plays with my younger horses. They can stand together for hours. But once I let the young geldings go, he takes off running and bucking something wild and the dog chases them. It's funny as hell.

[@amiliapaskimin9011]

LOL I love that saying rice paper life ,big tummies and your pink helmets

[@sabrinaagostini7248]

Rick like i said before i just love u i think ur great i like the way u think i like how straight forward u are u say it like it is!and u always make me laugh!...u are a good horseman!

[@kimberlyanne434]

Little scruffy is going to be on that green roof in a minute 🤣 you have to love dogs. I’m only kidding she knows where the dog is. These horses remind me of the horses by me in AZ. The wild horses down on the Gila River Basin. "Horses talking horse" I like this women she understands her horses! She turned her head very fast when the tan horse turned around. Always know where your horse (s) are.

[@doubleknott424]

I understand no metal, no bits, but if you are in with them and they stomp at you or bite you, do you smack them? Like not beat, but "hey, that's not ok" if not what do you do?

[@alisonsaunders5089]

I let my horse eat when I'm riding but only when I say she can, some people I ride with there horse keeps ramping there head down whenever they want, the horse is in control they say I'm wanting to eat when I say not u, I like to let my horse eat so I know they are relaxed my horse as 1 eye and she's amazing I keep her safe and she's keeps me safe we talk to each other with our body language, like u say the horse is a reflection of you xx🐎💗

[@catnewman4565]

Always let my horses graze when out riding, they can get treats on the verges that aren't in the pasture. Also, they have to enjoy the ride too!

[@fionaclayton1234]

Really enjoyed this - I have seen this lady before and she seems to be the best female out there. I know it is not about me but I was chuffed as I thought the same as you Dad on a few occasions ie. seperate piles of food...danger of fence and better to have used the larger option and not intervening at all...yes vet bills to consider but they would have gotten initial foundation established, be interesting to see an up-date. Thanks for the learning and the laughs (mean ole) Dad. Buddy...Mr T...Dad and Mokie...you are THE BEST 💙 💙 💙 💙

[@thedeadlysin7984]

Personally I hate it when people give stallions a bad rep. Most of the friends I have that say ''Oh stallions are bad and mean, there dangerous I wouldn't even go near one!'' They get those ideas from "Realistic" Movies. I do ride but because I've been riding only a year I don't get on stallions just yet.

[@carlajenkins1990]

How many breeding mares do you have? You don't even need a stallion until you have four first-class mares. Therefore, only advanced riders should consider riding one.

[@thedeadlysin7984]

We don't have breeding mares. Nor have we ever had the proper facilities for breeding.

[@OlMrEllis]

About Horses and yours are my top two horse channels. She has good honest knowledge even though she's from Holland so her English is a bit hard to hear sometimes. I think she mentioned you once when she had a FB page (took it down for basically the same reason you did) and didn't really have anything bad to say other than she doesn't really like your "cowboy" attitude lol.

[@ThinkLikeAHorse]

lol, I'll take that as a compliment :)

[@carolv8450]

She called him a loud mouth who bullies his horses. I don't remember which vid tho.

[@OlMrEllis]

Well she's done the same kind of things Rick does that could be considered 'bullying' and doesn't care what people say either.

[@thatpacklife6935]

Oh gosh there were a few pony stallions I knew that make this look like ponies braiding each other's hair. 😂 I agree that they look fine, if it were me I would have called that interaction between them a win.

[@livycharp5927]

Great video Rick!

[@ceolen1]

We humans should just stay out of animal politics. I get concerned whimpering from people who don't understand why I don't break up the territorial and dominance scuffles between my two female cats. "Oh, they're going to hurt each other!" Well, yes, they might. I do not interfere because: One, I don't want to get tore up. Two, they know better than I how to settle their issues. Three, my interference will not resolve the issue-it will only delay its resolution.

[@missykins3250]

I use to keep my minis in a large herd of 11 (12 for 5 years before I lost my elderly mare) within this herd I had my ex stud ponies... including my stallion who has been gelded at 8yrs old, several of his mares who I had kept after I stopped breeding, a few homebreds and 3 rescued geldings. When my ex stallion was younger (he's 20 this year) he still acted like a stallion when it came to herd protection... So if I needed to introduce anyone new to the field, it took ages! With plenty of time with them next door to the herd and short visits under supervision. Like this woman I always had a lunge whip close by just in case I had to split them up, not to hit them but the noise would normally allow me to separate them and then catch up the aggressor and I only separated then when it became obvious that they weren't playing any more (aggressor chasing the other down, mouth open, ears flat back and him not stopping when the other horse was clearly showing submission.. I would allow this to continue for a few minutes before I would step in and split them up) I learnt so much just watching my herd, I learned that sometimes it helped if I got the newer one to buddy up with the lead mare who could effectively tell my ex stallion to bog off. I learnt how to spot the difference between play and true agression. I use to love watching my lot play, and sometimes they looked brutal when playing, hanging off each other, the typical going for each other's legs but if it ever got too far one would squeal, kick out and then the game was over for then and 9 times out of 10 the 2 friends who continue to graze together. My favourite past time had always been herd watching, I was gutted when due to a change in my person circumstances I had to put them ALL out on loan. I think for me knowing I was going to have to split up there little family was the hardest thing for me.

[@kickjack8874]

Interesting! Where are you from? And what size of land did you keep your herd on?

[@missykins3250]

@@kickjack8874 in in England, UK. Over the last 15 years (when my first foal was born) I've had anywhere from 2-3 acres to 15 acres, depending on number of ponies I had. Being minis they don't need lots of grass but I tried to let them have the space they needed to act like a herd (admittedly in summer a bit more smaller fields to prevent laminitis)

[@suzyhomesteader2454]

Lackland!!! Yes animals can tell a lot about smell. They can smell what's going on health wise, mentally and physically. They can tell what the other animal is feeling through it's scent, and energy. The dog is reacting to the energy, mood, sound, scent, and vibrations. Very good dog. The horses are sorting out their pecking order.

[@cameron-os7pg]

Rice paper feeling 😂

[@LadySmartcat]

I've watched alot of this womans videos. she has some good ideas and some bad ones. She believes 100% that dominance doesn't exist. That is my main contention with this woman.

[@SpiritBear12]

If dominance didn't exist, there would be no point in the pushing around and fighting/horse play that they do. Any group of social animal is going to have a hierarchy. Even humans do it, apes and other primates do it. Wolf packs, zebra, elephants, you name it, there's always some one on the top, some in the middle and some on the bottom. Dominance absolutely exists, even with horses. Even solitary animals leave clues that they are strong and no one else better mess with them.

[@LadySmartcat]

then she contradicts herself, Wall street. She says Dominance doesn't exist but if there is no dominance or submission there is no pecking order, fluid or not.

[@LadySmartcat]

you're confusing aggression with dominance. they are not the same things.

[@carolv8450]

Wall Street - nowhere is a horse really free and natural - the way man is involved with them in order to study - so how is there such a science as ethology? I don't think so. JMO.

[@SpiritBear12]

There is a purpose for play. It might look frivolous to us, but it does serve a purpose. It helps to blow off steam or pent up energy. It can help cement bonds between animals and it gives each animal an idea of who is stronger, faster. It keeps their senses and maneuverability honed, builds and maintains strength. When young animals play, it prepares them for adulthood. Play might not be a serious battle, but make no mistake, there are reasons for it. Watch cubs from a pack of wolves, or puppies from domestic dogs. Watch who gets pushed to the ground most often, watch who is doing the pushing. Cubs and puppies learn who is alpha and who are subordinates. They even jockey for the best teats on the mother. Not all the nipples are created equal. The strongest of the puppies or cubs will get the best nipples. Watch foals play. Who's doing the pushing and gaining ground? Who is getting pushed and losing ground? Who doesn't get pushed at all and keeps their ground. Foals learn through play who they can push around and dominate and who they can't. Social animals are always wanting to know where they are in the group. Some want to be on top so they push to see who they can push around. They are always watching and learning, looking for an opportunity to move up in their current social position. Some are more aggressive than others and through play, every one in the group knows every one else's status within the group. It can change day by day. Animals and humans learn as they play. Now, yes, dominance can be fluid if the dominant animal can no longer keep his or her place within the herd, pack, group. The alpha wolf may be getting old and cant protect and guide the pack like he used to. One of the subordinate wolves might see this and move in, have a fight with the old male and may win. Now the pack has a new alpha wolf and the old one has become a subordinate. Mares change positions within the heard. A new stallion might beat the old one and kick him out of the herd. Positions change.

[@elizabethm1110]

Great video loved the idea to "get a cup of coffee and come back a few hours later"

[@Hmlaa]

Thanks for the video Rick! Question, towards the end of the video, you said the woman did well to use the whip noise as a distraction to separate the horses. Would it be wrong to also add a loud voice cue to get their attention? (not screaming like a pink helmet but maybe a "hey" or something?)

[@suzyhomesteader2454]

Lackland!!! Yes animals can tell a lot about smell. They can smell what's going on health wise, mentally and physically. They can tell what the other animal is feeling through it's scent, and energy. The dog is reacting to the energy, mood, sound, scent, and vibrations. Very good dog. The horses are sorting out their pecking order. They're not bein agressive.

[@metalkingtohorses]

that's a true city farm, fun to watch, like your commentary ,and hers.

[@marciareeves5752]

I like her and am subscribed to her also. I like her narration on the wild herd next to her.

[@rubymimosa]

I wonder, as a polyglot, how many points of translation inadequacies there are. Only because there are words who's direct translation into English doesn't carry all the meaning

[@rufus001]

I was watching this yesterday and thinking "She's a female version of Think Like A Horse!!". Needs more Pink though.

[@OldNewsNewNews]

Great video documentation.❤