What Really Is The Best For Mental Health Of Horses

[@alpha1481]

My five Percheron crosses are in paddocks or large turnout fields the same as these. Most importantly I am with them handling them every day. Not just grooming and training but socializing like this. Sometimes at nap time, noonish, I go and stand with them as the "guard" as they nap. Today it was 20c in Ontario in November. I just sat in the field like this and they came and went. Just being part of the herd is so important.

[@pamelameckley5040]

That sounds like a dream! How wonderful it is that you get to do that. They are very lucky to have you for an owner from the sound of it! 👍😊

[@AL-lz1hb]

Sounds pretty perfect.

[@StableHorseTraining]

That sounds excellent!

[@poyznelf]

Annie, as a youngster and a Wildie, "should" be skittish and frightened of everything new and different. She is not. You have allowed her curiosity to flourish. She can be brave, she can be curious, and she has learned that if you are introducing it, it will most likely be okay. I love that she was the first to come over and check out what you are doing.

[@pamelameckley5040]

Annie's the one that I figured would come up to Graeme first - I wasn't disappointed. She really has blossomed under Graeme's care (unsurprisingly!)

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you! I think my wildies have been a good test to see what effects this kind of horsemanship have on horses. So far so good!

[@aryu-bts613]

Who wouldn't be happy having an Annie or a Joka cutie come up to you? Annie made us laugh just so curious about the chair, the camera stick "It's different why? What's going on?" 😂👍 Mr Wilde just keeping an eye on his buddy. Joka "I'm the star here 🌟"

[@me-pm6mx]

Unfortunately I totally understand getting a sugar fix. Surprisingly I am on the thin side, other than health, no motive to cut back to lose weight. You are a good weight, it's all that care you give to your horses, they keep you moving. Always a joy to see you interact with your pack. I don't see jealousy among your horses, but may not know horses well enough to recognize it. Luke looks like he patiently waits his turn. Jealousy was way more obvious by my dog and his rival, a 5 lb. Holland lop rabbit. Thanks for covering mental health for horses. A lot of people should be taking notes. The same for other animals, mental health plays an integral part of their overall well being too. A topic not talked about nearly enough.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this one. I don't think horses (or any animals) feel jealousy, that's a destructive human trait that we put on behaviors that are more territorial than anything else.

[@me-pm6mx]

@@StableHorseTraining Thank you for replying. Never thought about it being territorial, it makes sense.

[@pfkat9749]

I love how you interact with your horses. It is obvious you have a very strong bond with, and love for them, and them with you.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you!

[@BlessingRose]

“They’re not getting worse.” 100% agree with you there! It’s pretty obvious Annie and Meatball had improved tremendously ever since coming into your care. God bless and keep it up 🙏👍

[@StableHorseTraining]

Thank you!

[@T-J-C]

You can see how well adjusted Annie is. She is confident and seems happy. Gracie came from such a stressful situation that, she obviously still has issues and probably always will to some extent. Great video!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yes, exactly! The stark comparison to Gracie or other horses that come through here with the wildies has been precisely what I've been looking for

[@LoneDestiny6]

Is so adorable seeing Mr Wilde getting droopy eyes while you are talking.

[@elleblank8916]

Mr. Wilde is such a gorgeous horse. It's amazing to think of how he came to you compared to the horse he is today - both in appearance and temperament.

[@meercatt]

They must think you are so odd .. talking off into the distance. “Who is he talking to anyway?” 😂❤

[@StableHorseTraining]

I can only imagine how odd they think I am on a daily basis!

[@jennifermiller3301]

Everything I need to learn about horses happens here, on this channel. What to do, what not to do, etc. I feel relaxed and calm just checking in each morning to see what the herd is up to. Thank you for providing the best watch experience and the best forum for developing good horsemanship skills.

[@StableHorseTraining]

My pleasure! and thank you for taking the time to let me know that :)

[@Hollybank5]

It’s obvious that your horses have great trust and affection for you ! Shoulder snuggles are the best 🥰

[@kerrigan4779]

I don’t nor have I ever owned horses, but this made me so happy. I wish I could hug each and every one of these babies. thanks for this video and your insight ❤

[@StableHorseTraining]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciaboyd1199]

I love the way yoka is listening to you and then looking at the camera as if to say " who is he talking to? "

[@maximusopus1108]

This is the most relaxed group of horses! I think that says a lot about the home you provide for them. ❤️

[@sarahbarton2089]

Honestly this brought tears to my eyes, wishing that all horse owners knew this or at the least, would think about it and consider using this approach to caring for their horses.

[@StableHorseTraining]

Sorry about that, I didn't mean to make you sad

[@kkdoc7864]

I’m grinning all the way through this. I never thought it would be this fast. Just shows how much draw you have. Thank you!

[@pamelameckley5040]

Graeme hasvto be doing a lot of things right to draw his horses to him that quick, right?! Annie just loves Graeme to pieces, it's so cute to watch.

[@kkdoc7864]

@@pamelameckley5040 It’s really lovely to see. I really enjoy these “experiments” he does. He and his relationship with his horses has made such an impression on me He is the first person on KZbin I subscribed to, and it’s been great.

[@StableHorseTraining]

You're so welcome Kathy! I had to give it a go sooner or later :)

[@kkdoc7864]

@@StableHorseTraining Yep, I love to create drama lol.

[@MiraNecole]

Annie and the others approaching you like "what sort of magic trick are you trying to pull here?" XD

[@freedom1557]

So funny!!!! The way they just hoovered and listened to you! If I put a conversation bubble over their heads, it would say, "Dude, WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO????" I can tell you give them alot of love.

[@vickyb5935]

Graeme, It`s as if Joka and Mr. Wilde are enjoying attending your talk on horse mental health! They are listening intently!! They`re just waiting for the „question and answer“ part when they can give their opinions!

[@lauraalbertson7821]

Love this ! I wanted to do this from the start ! Still waiting for Bear to not want to get in my lap 😮 BUT You just encouraged Me to try this again with Willow . Your talk about mental health is so important. Willow has not gotten out much since we have met her . Her owner has now allowed me to take her out . My point is she seems happier than ever . I watched her yesterday in the big pasture. She was looking out at the trees and beautiful surroundings. I could feel how fulfilled she was a Horse ! Great conversation Graeme. 💜Laura 💜 Bear 💜 Willow 💜

[@naomipommerel8415]

Dad what are you doing, are you broken?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@MaureenYost]

This was a great discussion. Care of horses varies from 24/7 pasturing to being locked in a stall with no windows and no opening for their heads. The worst stable situation I have seen was an Olympian's "luxury" stable. The horses had no way to look out of the cages that they were kept in. Only allowed out when in an auto-walker or being ridden. No time with other horses. The host took the tour guide to visit her horse who was shut down, standing in the back of her stall wearing compression bandages. It was so sad to see a horse treated like that. It appears that Annie and Mr. Wilde see you as an amazing leader who always has food and water for them. They know they're safe. They know you give the best scratches. Healthy food, clean water and kind treatment. What more could a horse want?

[@StableHorseTraining]

It is incredibly sad the way that competition horses are kept and stabled and locked up. Not kind at all.

[@MaureenYost]

@@StableHorseTraining Fortunately, there are some who keep their competitive horses in pastures at least during the day with other horses. I understand the risk of the horse being injured while outside but the horse's mental health is worth it. I don't like the automatic walkers even if the horse is allowed to spend most of its time in a herd situation. They must be incredibly boring. Letting horses play together probably does more to keep them agile and fit than those walkers.

[@desireebryant3658]

That was interesting. Thank you for sharing. Yoko and Mr. Wilde are pleading the 5th on the chair chewing.

[@christinerauh6416]

Thank you Graeme! Love all the important info in this video & watching those beautiful horseys! Makes my heart so happy to see the wonderful relationship btween you & them ALL❣ Such amazing work you do🙏🐎

[@StableHorseTraining]

Glad you enjoyed it! thank you very much :)

[@aileen694]

Lovely video, Graeme. Very funny with both Yoka and Annie staring so intently at your face while talking! Made me think they know there will be a test later... Every point you made is a reminder to us of the best ways to treat a horse. The simple proof is the absolute calm and softness in all their eyes. (Except maybe Gorgeous Gracie with her special needs), and even she is now in the best place possible for her.

[@paulasmith8324]

I thought that too. They were like a pair of students listening intently to the teacher. Class is in 😍😍!

[@walshy886]

That's a nice differentiation between what is important to horses, and what's important to us. I have never had a horse ask me to brush their tail.

[@bonblue4993]

Thanks so much for laying out these important issues regarding horses. They are such beautiful animals and they deserve the best. We are the stewards of the earth and part of that stewardship means taking thorough care of the animals on the earth. I have been told by a very clear channel from the other side that animals are angels and they are here to teach us some of the lessons that we have come to learn while we are on the planet. Thanks, again, Graeme, for your efforts to help us all be better stewards.

[@martineinfrance]

Thank you Graeme for your informative explanations.. We can see how happy, well balanced, calm and friendly your horses are, as a result on how you treat them. As to the wildies, Annie and Mr Wilde are such a great success and show the the efficiency of your methods. 👏👏👏👍🥕

[@StableHorseTraining]

My pleasure :) and thank you!

[@cindydevries2591]

Love you all❤

[@harlcc261]

Your horses are so lucky to have found you.

[@amandamason6699]

Very informative video. I guessed Mr Wilde would be first or second but Joka beat him to it 😀 loved the way they were standing there and really listening to you and each other

[@oldandstillhere]

I’ve been wanting to ask you if you have shelter for them in the winter. I haven’t had a winter with you in this channel yet, just some cold -ish weather. I love these horses and they clearly love you. Great job! Thanks!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yes, every horse has a shelter

[@GodisTruth914]

I love the coloring on Yokas nose.💜💜💜

[@madelinemorrill4798]

I loved what u talked about horses lives , their health. What they should eat . Plus socialize with other horses . U take good care of ur horses . Bravo

[@mikehenry6284]

Of course little Miss Annie came first. I'm surprised Lena hasn't come up "bum first" since she loves her "bum" scratches 😃. Great talk about a horse's mental health. Enjoyed your thoughts and theories on the matter. Thanks Graeme 😃 Blessings 🙌 Jennifer

[@erika7674]

Good talk, Graeme. Thanks.

[@willowyoder7431]

My very favorite time with my horse is sitting in a chair in her paddock

[@kylebernard7755]

Nail on the head.... They are first and foremost herd animals and as such require something.. usually another horse to feel really safe and happy.... Very Nice Video.

[@StableHorseTraining]

thank you!

[@ObiWanStromboli]

I saw Yoka is the culprit for chewing on your chair because she wasn’t making eye contact or look back at you the whole time.

[@StableHorseTraining]

hahaha... probably

[@katherinepoletto3259]

What a great talk Graham. You have such a good life with them.kat, ct

[@des_got_boost]

I love Mr Wilde so much 😢

[@Inasplace]

I wish I could be there to interact with you and your horses. I always dreamed of having a horse but the closest I ever got was being “trail boss” at a summer riding stable. I did have one horse who was considered “mine” because I rode her every

[@horseygirl70]

Never saw a horse that cared about what it looks like. Or cared if its halter was pink.

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

Congratulations

[@StableHorseTraining]

For what?

[@gabriellas9001]

Such beautiful lifestyle you managed to build for yourself. 😊

[@bonblue4993]

When you mentioned salt, I realized that I have never heard you talk about a salt lick on your property. Do you have them somewhere? Oh, and by the way, the very fact at how close these horses are to you shows how much they honor how you respect and take care of them.

[@suebraden1826]

I love your run alongs! So much good stuff!!❤

[@StableHorseTraining]

Glad you like them!

[@Isumbra]

Extremely interesting topic!

[@StableHorseTraining]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tanou5019]

Thank you for these interesting and precious thoughts! A great example to learn from. Interesting behaviour of Joka letting Annie stay near you. Do you think they are becoming friends?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Yes, I think they are becoming good friends for sure

[@fallenwolf3286]

yoka (sorry for spelling is wrong )and mr.wild: don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious, just be cute! I am glad everyone is happy and healthy....They seriously love you so much with lot of trust to

[@catherinenoble8091]

I found it fascinating to see their reaction to you sitting down and not at the usual height or eye level that you usually are. Have you ever sat or laid on the floor? It would be interesting to see how they reacted to that. Would they be 'oh wow, what's wrong with Dad?' and all come around? Or would they be like, 'huh, what's he doing now?...ooh look, a tasty leaf!'...and not care much! :-) Just try not to get stepped on if you try it I guess? Your horses obviously 'love' you (yeah, I know I'm anthropomorphizing here!) all you have to do is walk into the arena and they make their way over to you. Many people have horses who go out of their way to avoid humans in their space.

[@StableHorseTraining]

No, I haven't tried laying down. Sitting down was usually done when they were lying down and if just hang out with them. Yes, it's super weird that horses avoid their owners like the plague. Tells me a lot....

[@joycefranco8852]

First off, I agree with your list and the order in which they are in. I have a question...is it possible for a horse to thrive, happily without a horse companion? Can a human ever fulfill the roll of another horse? Not replace, but just fulfill that social need. I ask this because my mare who lives at my home recently lost her paddock buddy. It was just the 2 of them here since April ‘22. Prior to that they were both together on a farm with a small herd of 5 for about 10 yrs. I am in the process of trying to get her a companion, however since he’s left (about a month ago) she seems a lot more settled, content, and she seems to really enjoy having me all to herself. I spend a lot of time with her..just hanging out, or light ground work (she can’t be ridden), but mostly just being with her.

[@StableHorseTraining]

It's a great question, my initial thought is "no". The main reason is that you're not there probably most of the time, especially at night. While it may seem ok for now, there are going to be times when your horse will wish it had a friend to cogroom with, hang out with, eat with, sleep around etc. This gap can not be filled by people.

[@ajsmith890]

Great video! With the food talk, what do you tend to do for senior horses that need weight? We struggle to get their weight good on hay alone due to their age and winter coming. Any tips?

[@StableHorseTraining]

Extra hay for the most part. I'd maybe draw blood and see if they are deficient in anything and provide that and I'd keep a sharp eye on if they get cold. They'll use more energy to stay warm so I'd find ways to keep them warmer. Mostly though, extra hay.

[@susanthornburg5200]

The horse s listing like students😎😇💙

[@joniatoms9798]

I predicted only seconds. ❤

[@AL-lz1hb]

On the dot of winter, the horses are rounded up off their filthy, muddy near bare fields and contained 25-40 more (who can count?) into straw corralles. Locked up for 6 mounths. No work, or playtimes outside the corralle, no toys provided and no human love; Just food given, enough that they might survive. No grooming. Open to the elements, rain snow hail with maybe a rug, if they are thought to be frail enough. Wearing a rug when you are old and skinny, all winter 24/7, causes rubs and open sores but who can see when it's covered like that? Who will notice how much thinner they get? Who will care when they don't return to their field when the spring comes? We watched the round up, hard not to cry for them. Some ponies who arrived nervous some years ago, have never been socialised, helped to have confidence in the keepers and to be handled. Every foot trim, every vet check, dentist treatment; A trauma because no-on will take the time to think, these seeming wild animals are domestic now, and they have to be handled sometimes? At the very least, the Sanctuary have to pay lip service to the law that lays down very minimum levels of care for the animals. No-one seems to think to make the jobs of these professionals easier; faster; Cheaper even, by training the animals. I dread to think how the mental health of these animals is degraded. I know locals find it hard to bear, seeing the sadness there. It's like a concentration camp for equines. It ought to be a wonderful thing having a rescue centre nearby. To know the animals are saved and safe from cruelty.To see them rehabilitated and go on to new loving homes. Only here, they save them only seeming to commit more cruelty; For as long as the animal lives; They don't like rehoming for fear of how people are cruel. Some equines have clearly come from good homes. Their owners down on their luck. Tried to do the right thing securing sanctuary. If they could bear to come back and see what misery they now endure, I don't know how they would mange the guilt. I remember a riding school, in urgent need sent all their beautiful horses. I saw a youtube post where the comments from their bereft riders would break your heart. How they had loved not just to ride, but to groom and pet and care for them; Be friends. These had been great horses; In their prime. The sort people want and pay good money for; Safe socialised well trained. There should have been good homes waiting! The horse were taken hundreds of miles away so the riders couldn't visit. They told in the comments how they dreamed the horses were safe. Would get good homes. Some had returned to the rescue video multiple times. These youngsters were so clearly affected. Another comment a few years later saying how they still cry; Still miss their riding school friend. I wondered if he could have been of my fleeting favourites that had liked to come to the fence for fuss and butt scatches? Other than logistics, it's often a mental health thing that folks don't visit, follow up on their friends. Too painful; A hundred different head reasons for closing that book, never to reopen. It's sad because I think only the owner could advocate for their horse and make the difference. I'm the sort that believes horse and human relationships are just that; Both sides are invested. Maybe because horses live more in the moment, it is easier somehow to let go? But equally I see how horses seek out human company as though it is something they enjoy, are accustomed to. The come to the fences, spend time being petted. And this brings me back to the beginning. Winter has arrived and the horses; Most of them are now kept locked in tight corralles, (bit like cattle maybe? Only cattle would actually have a roof!) out of range; out of sight almost, of passers by and this will be their life for the next six months. Sorry if this is too long, too sad, inappropriate for this channel but it's on my mind since yesterdays round-up, and it's still raw. It's not fair on the animals, it shames us humans, yet there is nothing anyone can do to help them.

[@StableHorseTraining]

That's quite sad but true for many horses as the summer and warm months go away and people stay in warm places.

[@paulasmith8324]

It was interesting that Yoka allowed Annie to stay with Graeme but she was warning the others (Mr. Wilde and Gracie) off. Why was that?

[@StableHorseTraining]

They smell funny? Not sure.. it is interesting though

[@tinachippas7075]

Happy, healthy horses who love being with you. Looks like a tiny, white, heart-shaped marking on Mr. Wilde's forehead.

[@Jadefrost_10]

such snuggle bugs, gotta love em

[@justinm.1]

Is there a way to tell the difference between a male & female horse? Good thing you say their names because I'd probably get confused straightaway lol

[@StableHorseTraining]

yes.... the same way you tell the difference between all mammals essentially

[@tammyschnedler7545]

🥰

[@hazellove2144]

🤗♥️😊

[@profanetruth17]

Since a horse's brain is the size of a walnut, can't be too much to horse mental health.

[@StableHorseTraining]

If anybody else is reading this, a horse's brain is MUCH bigger than a walnut and there is absolutely a need to consider their mental health. This is a myth started a long time ago and for some reason keeps on going....

[@StableHorseTraining]

and in case anybody is wondering, it's about the size of a grapefruit (for food reference)

[@pamelameckley5040]

@@StableHorseTraining I hadn't heard of that particular myth. A macaw has a brain about the size of an unshelled walnut. Interestingly, the long extinct Stegosaurus also was rumoured to have a brain the size of a walnut - in reality, it had a brain about the size of a lemon, which is also the same size as a dog's brain. and also, a macaque monkey.

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

@@StableHorseTraining And we, as humans, use less than a third of our brain volume based on scientific studies. Am I obtuse in not understanding how size correlates to mental health?

[@naomipommerel8415]

Just a troll