What's Up with Black Jack's Teeth?

It is HOT in Texas! In this super sweaty video, I update you on Black Jack's teeth and talk about how I think his teeth affected his behavior when I was riding him.

[@raphmaster23]

Man your just getting the crash course of health issues that horses can have, im sorry you and Mr. Jack have to deal with all this 🙁❤️

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@raphmaster23 Thank you! We’re getting through it though! ❤️❤️

[@ZZhorses]

Bless you for being so good to your horse. It’s not as common as you’d hope it’d be in the horse world.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@ZZhorses I watch rescue videos on KZbin, and I just can’t believe how people neglect their poor horses. Breaks my heart.

[@suzycue9278]

First off, I applaud you for giving Blackjack the love and care that you are…. he is gorgeous and he obviously has a good heart as do you and he deserves a loving and caring owner…A few unsolicited suggestions…your vets and your farriers are your everything BUT beware that they may not always be honest because of who their other clients are. If they are honest with you about a horse that you are considering purchasing or you’ve just purchased and they give a negative report on the horse it can compromise their future services provided to other clients that is why if needbe you go way out of the area for a vet and farrier and you’re quiet about what vets you’re using and what their reports are… you will also find that some vets will “pass“ any horse at a vetcheck and other vets are overly scrupulous…. Same thing goes with the Ferrier…. I absolutely guarantee you that ferrier knew why Blackjack had pads on his feet…he just didnt want to say…. he does it for a living, he can see exactly how that horse stands and moves and why he’s got the pads and the type of pads on that he’s been puting on him the last year…. Also, in regard to the teeth, needing to be floated…that was a thought I had but … there is also a chance that he could have nerve damage in the mouth from the heavy bits that are used with cow horses so that is another reason that he may do better with a bitless bridal…. Lastly, I noticed the white hairs on Blackjack’s tail at the top….that can be a sign that a horse has been what’s called “nerved” - normally it is done to stop a horse from swishing his tail…. In the show ring, a swishing tail can be a sign of agitation, and so people will often have the nerve cut in the tail so the tail doesnt swish….. sometimes it ends up being permanent and sometimes the nerve seems to come back…and if nothing else the white hair at the top of his tail may indicate a trauma occurred to that part of the body at some point in time…. my suggestion would be to keep your nose to the grindstone and keep your vet and ferrier visits confidential until you know for sure who you can trust. Again, I applaud you for caring enough about Blackjack to work through all his issues. He is a gorgeous horse and he’s obviously got good breeding…but pads and joint supplements…that will help his whole body… can really help…. I am wishing you the best and again applaud you for caring as much as you do about this gorgeous horse…I am sure he appreciates everything you’re doing for him.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I will keep in mind what you're saying about the vets and farrier. About his tail, the vet who did his PPE actually said this too. I can't imagine Black Jack was ever a show horse as his confirmation is pretty poor (and he was a working cow horse supposedly, if I can trust anything I've been told ha!). But possibly an injury??? Thankfully he can swish his tail very nicely! I didn't realize he could have nerve damage in his mouth. If we get to the point where I can ride him, I'll be very interested to see how he does with the bit. I'd love to use the bitless bridle, and I have a really nice one, so I'll probably use it anyway. It just seems like a kinder way to go if he's good with it. I'll have to see what he's like once he's feeling better.

[@fleetskipper1810]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJackHe seems calm and kind and will probably ride as well with the butler’s bridle you got from FSE.

[@helruna7580]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack First , best wishes from Germany, I am 60 years old and bought my horse last year. He is a black Noriker with a long mane, a 9 years old gelding. I did not do a vet check when I purchased him, but I was lucky, he is doing great. I believe older wimen need something to care and love when the children are adults, dont we? ;-) Blackjack is so lucky that he is yours. But never forget - never trust Car and horse sellers!!! When you buy a new horse, bring a trustworthy trainer with you who can have a look too. a Ryan Rose type you know what I mean? this can prevent you from catastrophys and tears. I know how you feel ...And your husband is so loving and behind you, whow, so nice to hear. Mine is the same, but he doesnt ride , these animals are too big for him to handle ;-) I wish you the best and Blackjack too, you deserve it!

[@miric6224]

Hi suzy, I’m not a horse person. I read through your comment and thought it was very kind and considerate advice. You seem to know a lot about horses and shared your knowledge in a professional manner. Thank you, from someone who would appreciate such guidance. BJ is a beautiful and sweet animal. I look forward to seeing and learning more about him. It seems to me that he is lucky to be kept in a barn that offers so many other opportunities. It looks like a clean and cheery place.

[@horsehaircreationsbykaren]

I doubt the vet and farrier at the previous barn were being dishonest, highly unlikely. They just didn't have the experience or skill to diagnose this horse's issues. This horse required a higher level of diagnostics & dentistry. Not all vets & farriers are created equal just like our doctors or dentists. I know which vet clinics to take my horses to for various issues. Sometimes I can use the local vet, sometimes I have to haul several hours away to a vet specialist in whatever the issue is. The pads on fronts were elevating the hooves to keep the old injury & scar tissue from being irritated & inflamed. Once those were removed, the inflammation increased and created a fluid pocket & painful pressure. Simply putting the pads back on is not going to make it absolve. I am guessing the lameness vet injected antiflamatories and steroids to shrink the fluid. The equine dentist didn't just do a quick feel of the teeth, they used a light and speculum see to all of the teeth at the back, top & bottom and cheeks which is the first sign of chewing problems and pain. Now, for the person that sold you the horse, they may or may not have known about the old injury unless they owned the horse when it happened. They kept him sound in pads and you had them removed which more than likely resulted in the scar tissue becoming inflamed and fluid build up. It's such a crapshoot when buying an older performance horse unless you spend thousands of pre-purchase diagnostics. Most buyers don't, they just get the routine lameness flex test, heart & lungs check and overall look over. No blood drawn either for cushings, IR, EPM, Lyme, etc. You just had very bad luck with your horse, however you will now be more experienced in these areas.

[@jules8299]

I'm happy to see you care so much for Black Jack in his time of need. He is sure giving you a crash course in horse care and emergency treatment. He is a good looking horse! ❤🐎🥕

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! Of course, I think he’s beautiful! ❤️

[@slunt3123]

You have a really nice horse who appears to have a good mind. A good mind is worth its weight in gold. So hang in there. And I am glad you used an equine dentist. They have specialty training that makes a huge difference in getting their (the horse) teeth in proper order. Yes, the health issues are frustrating, but you aren’t alone in this experience. Use the down time to build your bond with him. It will transfer to the saddle when you finally get to ride him.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! I agree about his mind. He's a smart, kind horse, and I'm so thankful about that. I'm going to start clicker training him this week, so that will be a new fun way for us to bond. :)

[@annisenhour4732]

You give such good information to beginners. Hope vet visit and rest will lead to lots of riding

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@annisenhour4732 Thank you! The great thing is how much I’m learning from the comments too!

[@jaysmith8199]

Black Jack is a sweet horse who deserves to be looked after by you 😊 He'll feel soooo much better with his teeth done. The barn is really good to have so many specialists you can call on. One thing - has anyone told you about sheath cleaning? You can do it yourself or have a specialist for it. V important for the comfort of Black Jack as well. YT have vlogs about it 😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@jaysmith8199 Ugh! I KNEW I was forgetting about something! I have not had his sheath cleaned yet. I mentioned it to the barn manager and he said he’d do it for me (and then we both forgot), but I feel like I should learn to do it on my own. I’ll search for some videos and see if I should try to tackle it on my own. Thank you for the reminder!

[@jaysmith8199]

No worries 😊 You're a very conscientious owner of a sweet horse.

[@fleetskipper1810]

I learned to clean my gelding’s sheath. Once he trusted me messing around down there, he’d relax and enjoy it. Geldings get dirt and oil adhering to the tender skin in the sheath and penis, and those can hurt. The gunk that causes these adhesions is called smegma. The day before you clean his sheath with soap and water, try cupping some mineral oil in your hand (wear thin disposable plastic gloves like surgical gloves) and reach into sheath and gently distribute the oil inside. Let the oil sit in there overnight-it really softens up the smegma and makes the soap and water work more effectively. It also makes it easier to pull the calcified “bean” off of his penis. He’ll greatly appreciate that.

[@snickers_3990]

I’m 60 and have had my horse for 3 months this week. Black Jack reminds me of my fellow. I too have had a couple of health issues (he’s 19 so I expected some) a couple of bodywork session’s and a farrier visit to make sure he was comfortable. Then a couple of weeks ago his temperament changed, tried to nip, showed signs of discomfort when grooming, was very pushy. Vet visit and he’s broken an incisor, getting specialist dental vet to remove very soon. Then X-ray showed arthritis in his joint near his poll. Medicated now and appears to be improving. It’s amazing how quickly these beauties mean so much to us and how we do everything possible to ensure their as healthy and happy as possible. I also spend many hours grooming, grazing and playing with my fellow. Our bond is growing stronger. I believe they appreciate that we “listen“ to them and don’t just ride and blame symptoms on them being naughty or disrespectful.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'm sorry to hear you're having struggles too! It is amazing at how quickly we grow to love them. :)

[@WalhallaWacht]

When you were at the crappy barn i bet the hay quality wasnt...great....and he was eating stiff stick like hay which caused teeth issues which then triggered the foot. Jaw is connected to the pelvis and feet just like in people. Its frustrating that you get to learn all of this the hard way😢

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

It's frustrating for sure, but I'm learning a lot! lol

[@Tawny593]

Music so loud we can barely hear you. You don't need music.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I know. I don't know what happened on this video. It wasn't that way when I edited it. I'll forgo the music next time. Still learning!

[@Tawny593]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack I know. And I think your videos are honest and real. A great way to have an amazing channel! ❤️

[@lydiagould3090]

It's so good to see someone who has chosen a horse who is suitable for their level of experience. He seems just the partner to give you confidence and keep you safe as you become a better rider. Yes, there are health issues , but you are getting him the best care, and also a lot of learning too!😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! That's EXACTLY why I chose him! And what a positive way to look at what we're going through together right now. :)

[@Vaskitsa]

I'm so sorry your horse ownership is off to such a rough start. I really love it that you are thinking about WHY he behaves in certain ways in certain situations instead of just assuming he is trying to be difficult! The one thing I would say when you one day look for your next horse is that in the 25 years I have been around horses, every single one that was "super safe and lazy and absolutely bombproof, therefore great for beginners" eventually turned out to be lame or in one type of pain or another. Even if they were as young as six years old. There are, of course, horses that are really well trained and calm. But those horses are not difficult to get to move. Even if a vet cannot immediately find anything in a PPE, in my experience buying a horse that never seems to have energy or the desire to move in walk, trot and canter with very little effort is pretty much a shortcut to heartbreak. A healthy horse should be fairly willing to move when asked. I am really rooting for Blackjack to recover! He really does have the most lovable face.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for your comment and for the advice. Honestly, even before he started limping, I was wondering how normal it was that he was so reluctant to move "with purpose." I put it down to him being a lesson horse or being bored riding in the arena all the time. It's really good to know that this is NOT normal and that if I am presented with a horse like that again, I should walk away.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

I once fostered a mare like that. She colicked and died within a few weeks of coming to my place.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@jeanettewaverly2590 dang!!!

[@gillianmcgough9743]

I have my horse's teeth floated by a horse dentist twice a year as horse's teeth continually grow. My horse dentist also advised me against feeding molasses coated feeds or haylege, which has a higher sugar content than hay ,dental care is so important part of a horses health regime along with worming, vaccination and hoof care.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Agreed. Unfortunately, his previous owner let ALL that lapse. Sigh...

[@corinneyates7922]

I love horses but don’t own one I wish I could. Your videos must be invaluable for new owners.. Don’t worry about not knowing the correct terms. You’re still:learning. It doesn’t matter if we know what you mean. Good luck.🌸

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you for that kind comment! I appreciate everyone's patience as I learn all the correct terminology!

[@WalhallaWacht]

There are 2 ways to do teeth. A float with a rasp. Usually done by a vet...not the best...then there is the real dentistry...done with a drill. Always get real dentistry. A rasp is never a good idea

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I didn't realize that! A legitimate equine dentist did his teeth, so I'm confidant he got good care this time!

[@fleetskipper1810]

Equine dentists that know their stuff properly open mouths with a speculum so they have a great view of what’s going on in the jaw and mouth.

[@linneag312]

You are living my dream. Can I ask where you took lessons as an adult? I live in Texas and I want to start riding lessons but have not found a place to start!!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Where in Texas are you?

[@linneag312]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack I live in Paradise , but I work in Frisco.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@linneag312 If you want to learn Western, I recommend DG Ranch. But it may be a bit far for you.

[@marymcclavey8395]

If he was ridden by dudes a lot he could have developed that pulling habit.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I wouldn't be surprised!

[@SusanBowker]

See these people that had the horse before you didn't take care of black jack that good, all these issues that black jack is having are coming to the surface so these people didn't really take that good care of black jack. And you got stuck taking care of these things when these people should have taken care of these problems ahead of time and kept up with his health the whole time, see they are just in it for the money and you got stuck paying the bills when the other should have taken care of it, but you can't go back in time, but you are learning alot by seeing you are going through these things with black jack, do you know why is because if you get another horse you will have to check his mouth, his hoofs, how he walks, trots and canter, gallop, and by doing this you can tell right away if he or she is lame and teeth, back structure, etc so make sure you go to auctions you know whst to look for make sure if you like a horse make sure you check everything on the horse, make sure they have no saddle on then before you buy him or her have the owner or whoever ride him so you can see how he or she moves check out the legs. eyes, ears, teeth, hoofs, body structure, look for swollen on the body as well as the legs etc, strong legs etc. You must watch that girl shay she does all of that when she buys a horse at a auctions especially if she pays a high price you want to get the best, then when you find the horse you want, you bring them home and quarantine for 2 weeks if you have other horses don't put them together right away, after quarantine is over have a vet come out to check him or her give you a clean bill of health you can let them meet the other horse or horses through the fences next to each other. After a couple of weeks then its time to meet the other horse or horses but stay with them to observe in case. Now if you adopt a horse from horse plus humain society they have papers on the horses and vet check, they list any problems the horse may have and you can actually tell what you are looking what kind of horse mellow, spunky they know all about the horse these 2 places shay, and hirsr plus are very good so watch their videos you really can learn alot. Good luck with black jack. And maybe other horses you may buy in the future you will be an expert when you watch shay and horse plus. [e-mail]

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yeah, they didn't take care of him at all. He needed his teeth floated, he was late on all his vaccines, he didn't have a current Coggins test, and on and on and on. BUT, he has ALL that now and I can tell he's feeling so much better!

[@Daniela-vo4hi]

Gosh, what a journey! It seems like the vet who did his ppe was either incompetent or dishonest. You'll find that if it was a vet who was used regularly by the old barn, they would have been 'loyal' to the previous owner/barn manager and down-played BJs issues. You obviously didn't know this but a rule of thumb when doing a horse ppe is to use a vet from a different practice or area than the usual one who visits the barn where said horse is stabled. This eliminates the loyalty issue and the independent vet can be completely honest as they're not going to lose clients. It's sad that this is an issue in the horse world but unfortunately it is :(

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Actually, this vet had no previous experience with the barn. Black Jack presented sound on the front when I bought him. The vet was clear that the exam was only a snapshot in time, and there were no guarantees. He did find a degree of lameness in the back fetlocks. That choice is on me. One I won’t make again.

[@Nickysmom]

I hope you get a good trainer to learn riding properly. No easy thing, there are many who are not very good. As a beginner, the hardest thing is to develop “good hands”. Not to pull back but not to keep dropping the contact. Developing property contact is not possible unless you can control your own body (not flop around), keep your elbow bent and elastic., etc. when I learned to ride ,many years ago it took me w/o years to find a good trainer. It s no simple thing until you know enough to be able to judge. Ifinally got lucky.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yes, I'm hoping that the lesson trainer at this new barn will be able to help me with all that. I realize I'm not good at it yet, so at least I know what I don't know for a change! lol

[@sandracapobianco1983]

Where are based out of? We have an equine dentist as well and absolutely love him , he’s so thorough and kind. Wonder if it’s the same person

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

We are in North Texas.

[@louisepoulin]

Have sign madeup with his name on his stall door!

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I'd love to, but I don't think they allow that at this barn. They're very particular about everything, which is great, but I can't personalize as much as I could at his old barn.

[@huttzgul]

I just love Black Jack ❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Awww! Thank you!

[@Lexi-gf9fs]

He is such a beautiful horse. I’m glad you switch barns hopefully you and blackjack get better. Sham on the owner for selling him in such poor condition for you to have to pay thousands of dollars on your heart horse when the previous owner should’ve. Praying 🙏 for you

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! It has been a bit frustrating! But he's doing great now, and I love seeing how happy he is!

[@fionaweiher3808]

Can you find time to watch The Clever Cowgirl. On You Tube she is a wealth of knowledge she rehabs horses retrains them ect l think you could use some of her extensive background knowledge good luck with your horse

[@GPwithme]

He sure landed with the right human. You are so good to him and you can tell he adores you. Lots of people would not have opted to keep him. Sending you guys lots of love and healing! ❤

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Our love is definitely mutual! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sandracapobianco1983]

You already have such an incredible bond with and he absolutely knows your “HIS” person who will keep him safe. In my book that’s worth more than anything. If you’re able and he’s able can you take him for trail walks in hand? Or is he on stall rest? Trail walks if he’s able will help both of you especially when he’s ready to be ridden ❤️

[@sandracapobianco1983]

Horses will ALWAYS whisper first before they escalate 😊

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

We've now put him on stall rest since he doesn't seem to be getting better with access to the pasture. We suspect he's being too active when he's out. I'm hoping to be able to take him on walks in the not too distant future, and I would love to take him on trail walks.

[@Bodiy]

Is he GoManGo bred I noticed the white in the root of his tail and most horses with that breeding have that I can see why you fell in love with him

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I don't know; he doesn't have papers. But that's really interesting. Is that a quarter horse bloodline?

[@Bodiy]

Yes almost all of his bloodline have the white in the tail look him up on line he made a lot of good horses from cutting to barrel racing

[@tjm00000]

the music drowns out your voice - what a shame

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Yeah, I know. :( Once I realized it, the video was already up, and KZbin doesn't let you reupload without losing all the helpful comments. I don't really use music much anymore because of this. Sorry.

[@tjm00000]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack no need to apologise I really enjoyed the rest of the video ❤️

[@MozeyDnTheTrail]

Aw, he was so happy to see you! 💓

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

He warms my heart!

[@carolynstewart8465]

Don't forget the 6 month rule...where they're angels who suddenly become possessed by the devil one day after you've had them 6 months. REALLY! 😮

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Well geez, I sure hope not!

[@TammySaj-zm6kr]

Where did you buy him from???

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

I purchased him from the owner of the barn where I was taking lessons. I’m in Texas.

[@TammySaj-zm6kr]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack They probably drugged him to hide his lameness. People are shady.

[@amyelizabeth1762]

Omg why would a trainer sell you a horse with issues??! That’s bad business

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

@@amyelizabeth1762 My thoughts exactly.

[@TammySaj-zm6kr]

@HorseTaleswithBlackJack I'm just glad you love him enough to get his health taken care of. Your a good horse 🐎 owner.

[@davidminton9937]

He’s so lucky to have you as his new owner, he has a real nice presence about him, hope he regains normal health soon for you both.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thank you! He's a very kind horse. :)

[@robinfarmer4787]

He has a really nice stall and that barn is so clean I hate to think of how much money you have spent on him already

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

His barn is the Ritz Carlton for horses! I was so lucky to get him a spot there!

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Do you know his breed/s? I’m getting TWH (Tennessee Walking Horse) vibes from him.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

He’s a quarter horse.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack He’s got a TWH soul.

[@randybutler4772]

Thank you for sharing.🐴

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Thanks for watching!

[@cathynewyork7918]

The music makes it too hard to hear you speak - I'm clicking out.

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

My apologies! I have noticed this as well, but it was a couple days after I'd already uploaded it. There's no way to fix this one and retain my original link. :(

[@HorseTaleswithBlackJack]

Also, at 2:28, it's much better. Again, sorry...

[@cathynewyork7918]

@@HorseTaleswithBlackJack Okay. Thank you for your reply. Good luck with all your horse's problems.

[@cathynewyork7918]

Free Spirit Equestrian does not use music and is easy to understand.