PROBLEMS WITH DUKE & EARL

Today I wanted to share with you about some problems I have been having with Duke & Earl and answering a question in the comments about how to keep a horse standing still.
Watch our videos to learn about draft horses- horse logging, horse farming, and horse training! Jim uses Belgian, Percheron, and Suffolk horses to do work on the farm and in the woods. He teaches about harnesses, horse-drawn logging and farming equipment, horse feeding and maintenance, and voice commands for horses. New videos uploaded every week. Keep watching to see how Jim trains his new Suffolk Punch colts as he has trained his full-grown teams!
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[@sassy6292]

Barry Hook posted a great video just recently on the legs being ‘ticklish’ when they touch the tugs or shaft. He hangs empty plastic food containers or milk containers on either side of the back legs at about just above the hock level so that there is always something there. It worked on the pony he was training.

[@fion1flatout]

Barry and Rhi at HDP must be top driving trainers in UK if not worldwide

[@ange1mom438]

Barry Hook has a magic about him when he works with the different personalities. Personally I think the secret to his success is the bit he uses, after that everything else is patience and experience.

[@karenatha7890]

I wish horses and cars did not have to crowd together, but what can you do? I would not do equestrian stuff in traffic. But! The training for for it is super important if needed. By the good guys, yes.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

You may not have all the answers, but you are an excellent horseman. It looks like Duke came around really quickly. The thing I really love about your Suffolks is that they are so eager to please, and learn really quickly. For such young horses, they are driving over the tongue, standing to hitch, and backing very well.

[@user-di7in2zx1c]

Duke and Earl aren't Jim Gordon's first rodeo for sure.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

@@user-di7in2zx1c Not by a long shot. But they are also just really good tempered animals.

[@steverotz666]

Loosen the breeches aliital looks like they are leaning back to hold a load back

[@johnkomosa9508]

Nice comment from someone who knows horses. Hello there, always fun to read your comments.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

@@johnkomosa9508 Thank you

[@user-ov6bv9cn1o]

I love how the chicken is supervising. lol. These are big beautiful fellas.

[@ellencarver5575]

The young boys look amazing in their new harnesses,

[@jeanhawken4482]

The horses look so well conditioned. Your usual patience gets them where they need to be.

[@user-di7in2zx1c]

Jim is so correct in working and training a young horses , it's so much easier to train a young horse paired with a seasoned veteran horse in the hitched along side . But the buzz words are consistency and practice . Also young horses work and listen better to training when they're a bit tired . The most important word a young horse needs to learn is that Whoa Means Whoa and they're taught to stand still until they're asked to move.

[@jimborer1524]

I try to work young horses with an older one in figure eights. Starting in a larger figure and gradually decreasing the size until the inside wheel does not move when they turn right or left. When I start a young horse single, I serpentine a long stretch. Eventually, I shorten the length of the serpentine to make the horse turn sharper. It all takes repetition.

[@noelleferry270]

Watching this video you can see your problem with the horse on the right. The left horse flex through his body (just slightly, but correctly) as they turn. For a left turn, the left horse flex through his body like this ), the right horse on a left turn flex the same through his body ) . But for a right turn the left horse is relax and flex correctly ( tail to nose). The right horse incorrectly remains flexed ) to the right. You can see in the video that the right horse braces between his right shoulder and up along his neck (on the right side). I would try the carrot trick with seeing if he will follow a carrot towards his rump on the left side and right side. If he is not naturally stiff, the right horse has learned in harness to brace through his neck to evade working to the right. I had a hunter that learned to brace his neck when he felt like running away for the fun of it, his bracing in the neck meant the rider lost leverage at the bit and off we went for a run through the corn fields. He always choose a crop field never an arena where I could turn him into a wall.

[@user-hu1xg8dl4z]

Such good looking team with those beautiful harnesses give them another year with Jim and what a spectacular working team they will be 😊 ❤

[@alb5489]

A good way to get the horse(s) to stop backing up is to use a “training wand”, light bamboo pole. The pole/stick/wand is about 4-5 feet long and stiff so that it doesn’t bend when the horse backs into it. Don’t hit the horse with it but let it back into the wand and the horse thinks it has backed into something. You can give the whoa command just before the horse makes contact. Then give the command “Stand”! when the horse has stopped. Works well, better than tapping on the butt!!

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

They both backed up like old pros

[@Plan_it-Farm]

Jim you are the best.....Thank you so much for this training video seriously.

[@andrewgivens4503]

It's amazing to see how far Duke and Earl have come!

[@user-gc7iq1cm7l]

This has been a very interesting process. From beginn8ng to end of this training session I could see Duke improve. Duke and Earl are a beautiful team, as is the new harness. I really enjoy watching the whole harnessing process. My dad had a team of ponies years ago, but I never got to learn to drive them. Dad had definite ideas about what was proper for girls to do. 😅 But I did ride for several years. Have a beautiful day. 😊😊😊

[@sueboettcher]

Good looking team! Looks like Duke’s (can’t tell them apart) tail missed the clipper. It’s gorgeous!

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

These are my favorite videos!! Training the horses ❤

[@debsmith8102]

Maybe I’m weird, but I love the sound of new leather!❤❤

[@SamDoe-zn3tu]

Only thing leather are their collars.

[@debsmith8102]

@@SamDoe-zn3tu really? Is it plastic harness?

[@thirzapeevey2395]

@@debsmith8102 Its biothane

[@user-di7in2zx1c]

The harnesses are made of Biothane not leather . The horse collars and driving lines are leather

[@SamDoe-zn3tu]

@@debsmith8102 nylon covered in plastic is what biothane is. I forgot Jim likes the feel and weight of leather reins, so as someone else stated collars and reins are leather.

[@1striperon]

Great horsemanship, Jim. Helping others is so gracious of you. I don’t have horses, but I will thank you for those who do.

[@klauskarbaumer6302]

Absolutely true, whenever I didn't take the time to let the horses or single horse stand after hooking up, this impatience got conveyed to the horses and they acted likewise, at least when they were young.

[@courtneygazlay9329]

All horses should be so lucky to have such a patient and fair human. Especially the young ones. It’s no wonder they turn out so good.

[@richardsurber8226]

Nice work Jim. Good video

[@mfc4591]

The young men are doing well all things considered. Thanks for the video.

[@user-di7in2zx1c]

Jim , Duke was side passing really well at the end of the video. thank you for your calm training methods and patience.

[@brendahogue5487]

May the lord bless and protect Jim and working the horses

[@user-hg4yj7pj8l]

These two look all nice and SPIFFY in their new attire. BEAUTIFUL. (I'm surprised Jim has not trimmed these 2 tails) Enjoy your videos so much.

[@1off39]

Amazing how you can talk to the horses ,and they do what you say. Stay safe and God bless you all.

[@catherinemacintyre9239]

Bill & Baron Gorden. The BG's (BeeGee's) Duke & Earl looking good these days too. 👌Love little Skippy. He makes me laugh.

[@markalan1501]

Your first ten minutes work was more than most do all day.😅

[@lavonnethompson5109]

Most all my horses have spent time tied and just learning to chill. Is good for going to shows, rodeos or just trail riding.

[@normafollet7156]

That was good Jim, their ears where up during that round..❤😊

[@harryjansen6789]

Great Video problems come and go, I'm sure you will correct them, Great Teamster,,Great Horses, be safe and be well,

[@grandpafischer8317]

Excellent training video, I remember one of mine not wanting to go forward, so we backed and backed, until she was tired of going backwards, whole lot of fun to go forward. Thanks for letting us tag along with y'all.

[@andrewmoran7353]

🧐 Enjoying refresher training day, even helps humans muscle memory, you’ve right touch Teach 👀 👍

[@laurencelulusue1651]

You are definitely a very respected and effective working horse trainer for which I applaud . And these beautiful horses are wonderfully, lovingly cared forJust wonder - with all due respect - why I have never seen a pat or heard a "good boy" - from Jim. In my equitation world, we are encouraged to let them know when they have done it right. Just like dogs. Just saying? They work so hard, try so hard and so deserve it... ❤ from 🇨🇦

[@leonardryan8723]

Jim great horsemanship & plus Brenda beautiful video work 😊. Remember human and horses 🐴 are always learning something new ever day we awake up to on this earth 🌏. I didn’t forget about skippy he into learn age to around the farm yard . TAKE CARE . 😊

[@territn8871]

Those boys are so handsome all hitched up in their new harnesses!! Gorgeous horses! And their big brother, Baron, is even more handsome!!!! I love the Suffolk breed. It's always good getting to watch you do a training exercise with them!

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

I understand dealing with wet weather as on Saturday we had to find a dry spot near the runway to land while skydiving. Here on coastal N.C we've had alot of rain lately which is 👍

[@Kenneth-e6t]

Good veido just like you said Jim it sure helps when they are tired they listen alot better

[@barbaraann9754]

Beautiful horses, beautiful harnesses!

[@user-by4vs8vd6h]

I love this channel best Channel on KZbin

[@bain5872]

I so very much enjoyed this video. Excellent filming and excellent tutorial. Thank you guy's for sharing this....I say again I enjoyed seeing you work the horses so very much.

[@joqlady888]

Anna,,,consistency is the thing..just like teaching children. lov from south alabama.

[@glennwestiii3]

I love watching how you guide and correct their behaviors.

[@ameliaf784]

I have a horse who likes to rub her face when tied. She has broken the blinders on her bridle. She doesn’t have lice or anything like that, she is just a horse who likes to rub. Any advice? It makes it hard to leave her tied like you talk about without taking off the bridle. Really appreciate this video! You are a good teacher, especially with Brenda filling in any gaps with questions!

[@JimKalinowski]

They both looked much better towards the end of the lesson . For a pair of young colts with not a lot of training, I feel you accomplished a lot with them !

[@paulhuffey2015]

Great teaching video! I would love to see you and William restore the basketball hoop and backboard. The grandkids might appreciate that. We all appreciate the great work you do in sharing your lives with us. Thanks very much!

[@danflemmer1999]

Methinks Duke could respond to more experience that's consistent with normal workload. Years ago (near 65 now) i got to work a percheron stallion singly mowing hay just to remind him that his job was not that of a pasture ornament. Old Pat responded to me, just a snotnosed kid back then, for reasons I've not understood to this day. His owner noticed and took advantage of my immature eagerness to just drive a horse!! My ho. . . .

[@kevintengvall4642]

Great job Jim, Thank you for taking the time to show us how to deal with a common problem. when I was training pacers ther was nearly always one side they didn't do quite as well at, as you said, just takes ttime to fix it."Time is the great trainer".

[@arlysdavis3694]

Love your training videos,especially when dealing with a problem. The Suffolk have such a kind eye. The new collars look really nice and the glimpse of the garden in the back ground looked great. Thanks

[@TSB12556]

My dad Bill was born in 1907 on a farm in the rolling hills of W Wisconsin. I heard many a story about the process of learning the right way to harness the horses! Dad's brother Henry was four years older to help in the process. Grandpa would say, Boy's get the team harnessed because we have work to do. Can you just imagine their angst! Ha! Two scrawny farm boys trying to prove they can get the job done, and done right! Grandpa was an easy going man that wasn't one to scold, and for the boys to hear, you did good! Whew! A true milestone moment! PS If you're into planes come to Oshkosh, WI because the EAA began today! Needless to say there are a LOT of people in our area for the week. Make it a good day!

[@keithjacobson4493]

I attended the UWO. Around 1974 I hitched a flight with an EAA fellow from Oshkosh to Western Washington state then backpacked for a few months. I grew up down in Mineral Point.

[@Sally237-s4w]

My dad was born the same year.🇬🇧

[@robbullis5025]

When they started backing in front of the barn my Grandad would backed them all the way around your loop. By the time they got back to the barn they would have had their fill of backing. Then he would stop them and make them stand before doing that right hand turn again.

[@billstarr9396]

Hi Brenda and Jim. On video we haven't seen much of Ken. Are you working him more off camera?

[@henrydeyoung7689]

An absolutely wonderful training video!! The patience you have, Jim, is a treasure to watch.

[@richardgreen5602]

Haven't seen William for a bit...is he still working for you?

[@peggybrinkerhoff3294]

The Amish buggy horses where I live stand patiently for as long as they need to. The older ones take a nap! Experience has taught them to take advantage of a lull in the work.

[@dianehookham]

Love watching you train your horses, I have a riding horse, but the way you are with your horses and certain things you teach are the same, I love how they trust you, and that isn't built in a day

[@Robert-Gulfstream]

Great show guys ❤

[@teresapowell3568]

Watching him put that head stall on makes me laugh. My girl is almost 18 hands. So think what happens with me. Lol ( I'm 5'4")

[@kristinaeistrat6516]

Great you really learn how to deal with horses and taking it slowly with their learnig. Very instructive and as essential the patience at the same time looking forward to do the movements in the correct way and pace learning to listen to the driver.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤

[@randybutler4772]

Good training techniques to improve these boys. Thank you for sharing.

[@marionberry6909]

Great video, super lesson for us wannabe horse trainers, the hen singing to everyone, brought back memories of my mother’s chickens, when I was a kid.

[@themainer1267]

So interesting to watch you work on their problem areas. Wondering why Earl has his tongue out and active a lot. Thanks for showing us how it's done.

[@user-di7in2zx1c]

When Brenda was filming Earl and Duke at the water tank , She filmed Big Brother /half brother Baron and he looked into the camera and showed us his great eye. Jim Knows what I mean by that statement .

[@payntpot7623]

I don't have a lot of experience, but have broken one or 2 light horses into pulling logs and carts. Before I hook them up to anything, I teach them to get used to the trace (I think you call it the tug, Jim) inside (between) the back legs with me just holding weight onto the swingle tree (you call it a single tree I think) I had a near accident once, there by the grace of God...... and decided all my horses would be accustomed to harness in the wrong places as well as the right places!! They did well today. Especially backing the cart into the shed. Very proficient. I have not seen a horse doing what Earl does when tied, but I can see why he does it. He realises the moment the self imposed pressure is released, he is no longer tied and can try to go. Not sure of the answer to that issue long term.

[@yvonnechristmas2616]

❤ Amazing ! Most people can't even back up a boat trailer, and their doing it. Unbelievable. !!!

[@sueupham2519]

this was so good to see how your training goes.all your little secrets to younger horse lovers helps emencly. can you sometime look the leg over and rub it downward to see if he might have a huge tick,,or wound. ( I'm sure it's been bumped a lot and is sore. anyway, thanks for today's video and scenes..July 2024

[@myhorses2]

So that is what I was going to ask you When you have a problem like you had You take them back to the seasoned horses Could it be that they are still young and they need more work I love watching you with the training I learn a lot Thank you

[@charlesmielke9859]

Awesome video Jim.

[@br927]

Always like your videos!

[@brentmckee5111]

Great camera work Brenda..

[@jimborer1524]

I'm guessing that when June is weaned, she and Brey will be stalled where Duke and Earl started, and Lady will get the stall. I like putting mine out at night and in during the day.

[@johnkomosa9508]

I believe Duke will come around, just needs a little more time, as you stated Earl has more training time so it seems normally understandable. Even an older horse would get worked up on those tight turns finishing a rake job , turning on a dime. Thank you... I wanted to say Thanks for showing the oat harvest, I believe we missed it last yr., boy you got those oats in a nick of time perfect, what great feed. Nice job. (In a way, I like the small farms over the big corporates, the family life and love. A farmer milking 20 to 60 cows, my favorite to work for. Long live the family small farm.

[@lindavonh131]

I spent tons of time tying my horse teaches patients. I call it patience stick.

[@a.perkins89]

I don't know a lot about horses but I would hate to have to stand still, stare at a walk with blinders on... I would want to move too. I've been a sub since before Abbies channel and always thought that lol

[@ange1mom438]

I saw a comment about the work Barry hook does with the horses in the UK. His videos are fantastic and he has some great methods correcting some behaviours. The video about the ticklish legs was informative and I wasn’t aware of horses having such sensitive areas that need desensitization. Anyway just want to share my thoughts and Jim you have your ways and you have a wealth of experience which other horsemen can learn from as well.

[@darltennant6005]

Reminds me of the time. I was driving dad’s Shetland ponies down in the flats on the track, I tapped the stud on the hip with the line, he kicked and came down outside the trace. He rated and took off running. I had a run away. Had a curve coming up with a high inside edge. I was standing up and as the cart rolled I jumped did a roll and ended up straddling a strand of barbed wire.. got up ran across the field and beat them to the gate. Luckily I was alone, didn’t have my kids with me. Still Romberg that from fifty yards ago!

[@debbiebjorklund3241]

Love how you start your videos. You're a super horseman Jim. Duke and Earl, 4yr Olds got a good lesson today and so did I. 😅 nice finish in today's video too. TY. ❤

[@user-ih6wy3gr6b]

Excellent, informative training video. Thank You Jim for trying to help us with our horses. Thanks Brenda for the camera work. BTW: I love your newsletter! God Bless. - ACD

[@ccharsley5567]

They are such beautiful animals and I can’t get over how you instruct them through sounds - amazing. Love love love your content ❣️

[@dianestoltz8502]

Wow great ! Very nice they did the turn 🎉

[@sueheaman7186]

Good video, 👌🏼For sure there are so many variables that you must take into account! My boy was 1/4 Percheron, part 1/4 horse with descendent of Arabian on both sides. If I didn’t do a loose warm up /workout in the corral before I took him out for buggy or sleigh ride, he would take hissy fits . I worked away from home so I couldn’t work him everyday! I had to work him out before I hooked him up. He kicked up his heals every time, used up some of his energy! Made a big difference in his attitude. Would it work for you to put Duke in the Shalves between Barron and Ken and do the the same drill? Thanks again for the pointers and reminders. 🙌🏼🤠🇨🇦

[@chrislittlefarm]

Very informative video!! Thanks a lot for sharing! 🙂 -Chris

[@gaylesmith1738]

Really good training video! I'm thinking of a horse I once had who refused to walk in a puddle of water!! (I knew nothing about training!) Otherwise he was good! 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️ This was great! Thanks! 💕

[@mickholroyd2190]

Jim..I have found with young horses they can get a bit "tender" bumping into the traces during the days work..they dont have to have an injury as such just tender being soft n then hitting the pole can feel worse...in Australia we use chains more than flat traces as you do...

[@erikajegl2762]

I have to agree I have never heard Jim giving a compliment to any of his horses I think it’s a shame!!!

[@woodsgremlin9995]

They don't understand what you're saying. Another example of participation trophy culture.

[@gentlegiants1974]

Always something to work on isn't there. Regarding the standing, I never try to force a fresh rested fit fed horse to arbitrarily stand in the middle of nowhere for no reason. Have to choose your battles. Take them out and warm them up, take the edge off, then work on standing. Last week I was just moving some equipment from one farm to another, and my goodness they were bouncy and frisky first trip with the rake on the forecart. We have 1/4 mile steep hill just about on the way so I trotted them up and down and by the time they got the rake unhooked and parked and heading back out the driveway, my landlord came out to say hi and we ended up sitting there chatting for 30 minutes while the team dozed on slack lines in the middle of the driveway. That little burst of steady uphill and downhill trot got the starch out of them and they were perfect. Not really fair to expect a young horse to mind fresh out of the barn. By mid afternoon on a hard scorcher day they will be glad to stand indefinitely under a shady tree lol

[@dianecormier7861]

Awesome!!!!! Jim!!!!!!!

[@susanwood6509]

I think it is Duke ( driving on the right side) his nose band looks to be missing a riviot They both were standing quietly. Doing very nicely.

[@patriciathorp4911]

Jim, I've total confidence that you'll have these boys as you want them in no time. May I say, they look smashing in their colourful harness, etc. Well wear Gentlemen. 💚

[@louisecassidy5991]

Jim, Duke is resisting the right, his head set hard against the bit, and he's leaning towards Earl. I have often seen you adjust the lines, maybe another hole might straighten him up. His neck is set hard against the very idea of turning right. You might soften him from the ground, unhitched, by turning his head with your hand on the bit, releasing it the very moment he gives, until he loosens up on that side. All very interesting. I am sure you'll get him organised, he just needs more work. Greetings from Australia.

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

I have a three year old mare and she is pretty good walking outside, i have her since she was a yearling and we walk a lot and not much can scare her anymore but sometimes a big mow machine or scary thing comes her way and she starts shaking, her ears pinned back and her eyes are all white and then she jumps on top of me, i have a bruised and sprain ankle now but i feel im lucky i only have that, is there a solution for this problem? I hope you understand my English because im from the Netherlands. Maybe you like to awnser it one day. 😊

[@todd1808]

Master Teamster!!

[@user-of6du4qn2j]

Hi there have had a half draught horse in harness with a slid and cart years ago he was young but enjoy working in harness in aussie with flys we used to have yellow sticky paper which attached to roof or double yellow sticky tape that will attract the fly to and die as the can't get off try that it worked in australia ,I'm in my 70s and still do work on the farm a few days a week like your videos thanks Jeff

[@kayl9572]

Couple questions. Has Baron bred any suffolk mares? Have you seen any of his offspring from other mares? And where is william? Always look forward to your videos!

[@elvinirons5959]

Ppl in today’s world are what I call microwave ppl, everything in a minute, horses are like kids, each one is different, I’ve worked horses n Haflinger’s in my days n spent many hours standing behind them making them stand , it’s a wonderful feeling getting them going down the FEILD or road n being able to relax a little, never totally relaxed cause they have there own minds n can see n hear things you might n spook, jims one of the Best Horse man I’ve seen, everything he does is exactly what I did n it works !! My hats off to you !!👏👏

[@kennethnorris8340]

Jim I have seen you let them run to your daughters house. I just wondered how far can they run and how fast. As compared to a buggy horse. Here in Southern Ohio, in Williamsburg, Ohio, used to be the Clermont County Seat. By design, every town around was established about seven miles apart because that was the distance a good horse could run without getting winded.

[@gregholl5011]

I bought a horse that had been in horse pulls and thought he had to pull whenever he was hitched. He wouldnt stsnd! The mare i had him teamed with was an excellent teacher. She kinda kept him in line but when he was being stupid and made him do all the work. He did grt tired out and learned to stand but i quit using him becayse the other teammate was so much easier to work with. Daily work is needed!

[@marks7502]

peaceful shot of chicken... SKIPPY!

[@donelookin3386]

Two questions, would it be better to work a seasoned horse with one of the young ones, instead of two young ones together? Secondly, would it be better to work Duke single without a pole or shaves until he learns to step sideways.

[@markalan1501]

I think they wanted to do a few laps around the farm.😊

[@snolan8793]

Where is william