Crazy Horse Story #1: A Story Of A Woman Who Thought A Helmet Would Keep Her Safe
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
- #thinklikeahorse #ItIsNeverTheHorsesFault This is a very sad story of someone who was told and convinced into the lie that wearing a helmet would keep her safe.
Lots of lessons here, I hope this story saves someone from this fate and thanks to Katie for allowing me to share this story.
NOTICE BELOW IS A COPY OF THE EMAIL:
Katie Muller katiemuller945@gmail.com
To
horsyguy@yahoo.com
May 4 at 11:11 AM.
Hi Rick
I just watched your video on Stockholm syndrome and it hit home. I had grown up with horses, but I never took lessons, wore a helmet, or used a bit. I was young and fearless, doing everything "wrong" but I never got hurt. I spent every spare moment with my two quarter horses, just observing and building a relationship.
My mom sold our farm when I was 16.
So at the age of 27, I decide to get back into horses and do everything "right". I rode English, wore a helmet, took lessons twice a week, I bought an OTTB under the advice of my trainer. My horse was strong, big, and very fast. My trainer advised me to put her in training. Next thing I know, I'm spending $1000/month in training, lessons, board, etc. The horse wasn't slowing down, so my trainer buys a giant bit. My gut was telling me, this is wrong. This isn't how I treated my old horses, but she's a professional and I should listen to her.
I expressed many times that I was scared. I told my Trainer she was too big, too strong and too fast for me. I was reassured many times that she was "getting better" and it just took time. I was told that she "loved me" for taking her in after her track life (emotional thinking, not rational). I was that stupid human, that stupid girl in a helmet with a pink halter. So damn stupid.
Well, November 30th, 2014. The day before my birthday. It's freezing out. I met my friend at the barn for a trail ride. I knew it was too cold, we went anyways.
There is this part of the trail that is steep and twisty. When it's warm, we would run the horses up this trail. It's a good work out and a lot of fun. I told my friend that I couldn't stop my horse from running up this trail, and that it was cold and unsafe. My friend suggests that she goes up first and her horse would walk up ahead to keep my horse calm. Well, my horse always runs first up this trail. Again, my gut told me I know she likes to run up this hill, I know she likes to go first, it's too cold, it's dangerous, just turn around and go home the other way. I push my fear aside and listen to my friend. After all, she's been riding the "right" way for years. We start going up the trail, my horse loses her shit. She starts running. We pass my friend. We reach to the top of the trail and the next thing I know, my horse is at a full tilt gallop on concrete and my friend’s horse is rider less running beside me. My friend had freaked out and emergency dismounted when we passed her.
So my OTTB was racing a rider less horse.
At a full tilt gallop I fell off. I was wearing a helmet and I broke my neck. I was instantly paralyzed. I was 27, a mother of 2, a military wife. In that second, I lost my whole life.
I spent a year in the hospital. My kids were shuffled between my mom, their dad, and my siblings. It was the worst year of my life. I am very fortunate that I've had significant recovery, but I now use a wheelchair and it sucks.
Your message is a lifesaving message. Follow your instincts, rational thinking over emotional, don't go against your gut because a trainer wants to make a buck. I think that if I had found your videos earlier, I'd would be able to run and play with my 5 year old instead of watching him from the sidelines in my wheelchair.
Katie
Rick, if you cry at a sad e-mail, it means you're human, and you do have feelings, contrary to what the Barn witches say. You are not such a bad guy. Those BW need to leave you alone. You are a good man, who cares about horses.
This is what I also like so much about Rick, he really cares about horses (and animals) And he is funny and warm
Yes, he is, despite what the barn witches say. They are cruel selfish and really don't care a thing about their own He's very human, and really loves women, because in Crazy Horse Stories #4, he talks about his ex-wife, unfortunately their marriage didn't work out, but then again, neither did mine. Sometimes it happens.
That is sad people say rotten things to you but the fact you broke up reading her email shows how much you care thankyou for what you do
I'm 14 and I've been watching your videos for 2 years. My grandpa has 19 horses and does everything "the cowboy way." Before watching your videos I thought jumping, dressage and other things were beautiful and harmless. After watching your videos I can point out every thing that hurts a horse. Thank you for doing what your doing. I hope to be a vet when I get older and I hope to teach more people the abuse they've been doing everyday like you've taught me.
thanks glad they help :)
I've always wanted a horse, but have never been able to afford one. As a vet tech, I would want my horse to have the best life possible. After watching some of your videos, I now know that I will watch all of your videos and find the opportunity to volunteer with horses before getting my own. I want to start off owning a horse on the right foot. Thank you so much for your time and knowledge.
Thanks
Not to worry my friend, you were in the shadows from the leaves, so we could not see your tears, but we could hear your emotion in your voice. Only strong men would show their emotions to thousands of people like that. This story is a good lesson for riders.
I’ve been riding since I was a little girl. It took years for me to convince my parents to get me a horse, when I finally got one of my own I fell in love with her and spend every hour I could with her, never rode with a bit, mostly bareback with a halter. Her name was Miss Kitty and she was blind in one eye. They sweetest most loyal horse I’ve ever met. A little over a year ago she died and it broke me. My dad hasn’t let me get another horse because he thinks they’re too dangerous (because he was scared of Kitty). I don’t think I could ever love another horse as much as I love her or get that same bond I had back. I got a job at a boarding stable and the people that own these horses disgust me. They come see them maybe once a week and when they do they are scared of them and can’t handle them. Everyone rides with a helmet and bit. These horses get yanked and tossed around when they’re being ridden. I love my job and love these animals and it makes my day when I get to go take care of these babies and give them the love and attention they need. People really suck. Thank you for your videos I’ve been watching for years, this one breaks my heart. God bless
👍
thank you for sharing this wonderful story and thank you for being a wonderful person ☺️ it's so ... "ridiculous" how much and deeply you bond with a horse when you meet and see the horse as an individual creature with needs and emotions and not just a tool that you have to make submissive
i had a wonderful experience when my health was not good and i was in hospital. they offered all kinds of activity and some sessions with a horse as well.
as i arrived at the stable there was this cute norwegian horse and i should lead him with not pulling on the rope while walking next to him
i totally had no idea at all and the owner gave me no suggestion or hint on purpose
but before we started we got a little to know about him and i just started to bond with him by getting to know his cute stories ☺️
it's so beautiful that horses can just read your soul and just know what's up. it was such a wonderful experience and i will be eternally gratefull for it
he was just so cute and we got along so fine and i managed to make him stop right above a pole that was laying on the ground as a little challenge with not pulling/ using the rope just at the first try ☺️
and he even trusted me that much that he backed up when i was asking him for it, although he had never backed up before ever while being lead. i was pulling on the rope for this one but gentle but with purpose... and just as i released a little bit of pulling, he backed up 😄
with respect and dignity you can achieve sooo much ☺️
i will forever be so grateful for this cute little horse and his character and this amazing and wonderful experience
horses are so precious creatures and should just be seen with dignity and respect 💚💚 thank you 💚💚
This "crazy horse stories" segment is a GREAT idea. Sadly, this is just one out of sooo many other horrific real life situations...
Well hopefully not all 'Crazy Horse Stories' will be sad.
This is a desperately sad story. That poor woman and her poor family. People who crack on Rick and call him sexist and chauvinist don't get that THIS is the kind of thing he's trying to stop from happening. Which is worse, a man being snarky on a CZcams video or being paralysed from the neck down?
True horsemanship is being true to who you are and trusting your gut. Too many times people want to be better than the next when we need to slow down, smell the roses and take time to appreciate the horse for who they are.
I was out of the horse world for about 30 years. I rode western and still do. I bought another horse three years ago and I noticed that horses are now treated as a part time hobby kept in there pasture or stall until the owner has time in their busy life to go visit the neglected animal. That's abuse in my book, but it seems to be what horsemanship has turned into, THANKS FOR SPEAKING OUT FOR THE HORSES RICK,
That story hit really hard. Like this women trusted people and it ended up costing her, her happiness in life.
So many witches call Rick a sexist while *he* is the one that tries to help prevent this! And for free let's not forget that!
One thing you said really stood out. "Things happen fast on a horse." Well things happen fast on a motorcycle too, Crashed mine a month ago today and still weeks away from a full recovery. Now I am laying here with a drain tube in my leg, a cast on my arm and 9 broken ribs. I have to depend on a friend to care for my horses, Buster and Dusty. I'll be back though.
Double Diablo
Get well soon :)
Rick, truer words have never been spoken. I have two clients at my barn who now live with significant post head injuries due to horse accidents and they wore helmets. The one was riding a fancy dressage horse she clearly couldn't handle and the horse bolted, after running around the arena for a bit the horse suddenly tossed its head and the ladies' forhead bashed into the top of the horse's head, giving the lady a significant frontal lobe injury. The other woman was out on the trail with a green horse thinking she was a trainer and the horse bolted, she fell off and broke her neck. I completely agree with everyone you said.
Man, that story hit home really bad.
I broke my spine when I was twelve, horse riding. I wasn't given a choice as to how I rode, the horse wore a bit, I used a whip (never used spurs, I know that's hardly a bonus, but it was what it was). I was a kid, and as dumb as it sounds I didn't understand it was wrong. Please don't hate me, I learned from my mistakes in later life, I was lucky that I was able to learn from my mistakes. The horse in front of me spooked and kicked out at my mare, making her run off with me. (again, I was a kid, my balance wasn't great) and I fell really badly. Pretty much crushed the lumbar (i think that's the word, the centre of the back) and the doctor's didn't really understand how I survived and was still able to walk, but I was and fortunately healed in about a year or so.
Eight years later I still ride, unfortunately only about three years ago did I really understand that the way I ride, was the wrong way. And was able to find a nearby stable who agreed with Rick's way of thinking and have never used a bit or whip since. I'm not a great rider, my position could use work, and my toes are never perfectly pointed up. I think i was incredibly lucky, and can only hope that more people are able to find this kind of thing before it's too late. The truth of the matter is, we think helmets make us invincible. They really don't. I learned that the hard way, and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn from it.
(I'm sorry for the rant, I hope I didn't offend anyone. I hope you all have a lovely day)
I never blame kids that are brainwashed and told bad info and they don't know any better, however once you are smart enough to know better and do better and then choose not to then I blame you. Glad you are doing right by the horse now. :)
Just started this online workshop with Wendy Murdoch yesterday and am really liking it so far:
czcams.com/video/UAGVHfcMGzU/video.html
She was injured in a riding accident and had to rehabilitate herself so she studied a lot about anatomy to be able to ride better and safer.
This is just so sad. This is a prime example of one reason I will never work with a trainer. I just don't trust their methods. I may not be the best rider, but my horses are quiet, willing and happy, as am I. Just like you Rick, my heart breaks for her. I just hope, someone watching this learns and can avoid another tragic accident.
I'm not saying all trainers are this way, but it is sometimes hard to tell the good from the bad until it's too late.
So sad that happened to her. Better to never ride your horse than to think taking it to a trainer, buying a bit, or buying some fancy helmet will keep you from getting hurt. Rick says the best teacher of the horse is the horse, and I could not agree more with those words.
Hell of a story, Rick. Thanks. I pray that one day she gets to play with her child.
He is 1000% right...I am a male rider and I use an English saddle but I ride with a protective vest....Off the Track TB means he is not being raced but is Still a damn racehorse....AND HE WILL DO WHAT HE IS TRAINED TO DO...GALLUP....This man knows what he is talking about ...period.....
Wow Rick, I actually cried at this video. When your voice cracked, I lost it. I know everybody thinks you're such a hard ass :-) but what you are is passionate. You care. You care a great deal. That's why you get so frustrated and so angry at stupid people. And the stupid things they do. And when a story like this comes along, it hits hard because you know that it could've been prevented. And you were great with animals which means that you will be great with kids too. If you ever had kids, he would've been a great dad.
I have a 16 year old daughter that just yesterday told her instructor to shut up and she was fired because she did not feel safe cantering her horse yesterday it was windy and she could feel the horse was not having it . Her instructor told her if she did not canter the horse she was not taking her to the up coming show . Well my 16 year old daughter did not care and fired her trainer gut is always the best thing to listen .
Cindy. cudos to ur daughter. after all in the long run if something had happened to ur daughter for listening to pressure u can vet her trainer woul d not have been helping her in and outa the bed or chair . or worse putting flowers on a grave... your daughter LISTEN TO HER HORSE AND HER GUT .. very VERY SMART YOUNG HORSE WOMAN!!!!
BEST WISHES IN ALL SHE DOES.. and to u for allowing to u r daughter ti. hace that say..some parents push to hard for number one place in ALL.. they think ribbon winning and received glory from crowds makes u great ...they are WRONG... being one with ur horse and both enjoying " the ride through life" that's what makes u great..thumbs up to u both..
Thank you . I am very proud of her as her mother and as a horse women my self . She is a quiet and very shy young lady but she knows her horse and she knows to stand up for herself and her horses . Her trainer came to me and I told her i might pay for the lessons but they are my daughters lessons and if she feels that her trainer not longer has her best interest in mind or her horses then its time to move on . My daughter owns a 16.2 hand Thoroughbred mare she jumps she does not just do something to do it . I am proud to say my other two daughters and my son are the same way with their horses . They all are show people but the horse and safty is number one
I've fallen off once. Was taking a lesson as a teen. We were walking by the wheelbarrow when it fell over and spooked the horse. He went one way, I went the other. My skinny self landed on my hip joint (off and on pain for the last 14 years). The helmet was useless! I got back on to finish the lesson. I haven't had a chance to get back on. Only got to work at a breeding farm - the foals were fun. :)
Since finding your channel, I am more inclined to earn enough money (and own more land), so that I can keep my own horses and learn at a pace that is suitable to the horses and me.
As a woman, I love your videos and your humor.Thanks for all the info!
The ultimate in courage, to write a letter that essentially throws yourself under the bus for doing something without enough thought, and paying a huge price for it. When I read this a couple of days ago I was in disbelief at the number of signs this woman ignored on her way to a terrible preventable accident.
Don't be lulled into a false sense of security by wearing safety devices. The fall from a speeding horse is going to hurt for a while at best.
My best wishes to her and kudos to Rick for reading it.
And she did not describe some of the details of how the horse was 'telling' her that she was not ready.......ears, tail, antsy, etc.
People misunderstand and underestimate you Rick...
The "Crazy Horse Story" is a great idea. Real life examples go a long way in reinforcing the lessons you teach.
On a lighter note - I laughed so hard at the "Giant Rooster" look Buddy got when he heard the sounds coming from the stick horse!
Another way for some people to really get the message.
Rick just shows again ur compassion in life and how you see things. That's why I watch ur videos to try to learn something to make myself a better man.
Sad to say, this happens MANY times in the horse world. I've been hurt... lessons learned!! Prayers for this lady. Thanks so much Rick.
Oh my, what a powerful email. I remember being told by my trainer about two women who died falling off on trail rides due to head trauma. I don't know the particular events of each situation as I wasn't there, but I remember both tragedies being blamed on the fact that they weren't wearing helmets (and in one case no saddle). Everyone just shook their heads and said, "see girls this is why you wear a helmet." So I strapped mine on! Now I'm sure there was much more to the story. Makes you think!
This was such a heartbreaking story... and one that I've heard too many times.
I've had so many friends who have had terrible accidents on the back of a horse... and a helmet wouldn't have saved them from the broken hips, legs, back, ribs, and jaws. You don't hear about the life long journey that they now have to go through in and out of hospitals for surgeries that they will never recover from.
I've taken lessons at barns growing up, learning how to ride... They make you sign wavers and force you to wear a helmet, but one thing that I learned (after telling my parents that I didn't like the barn) after going to a western trainer - barns are there to take your money. They aren't there to teach you a damn thing about the horse and the relationship that you have with them when you're on their back.
I will forever be grateful to my parents for teaching me to speak up and trust my gut/instincts. Swapping to a western trainer in the back woods away from the barn life was the best decision that I ever made...
I will forever be grateful to the woman who took away my reigns and put me in a round pen to teach me how to feel the horse under the saddle. To feel the motion of his muscles, to read when he was going to turn and how he was going to turn. I will forever be thankful to her, once she let me ride with reigns, for teaching me how to tell when my horse was scared of something and how to work him through that fear. I will always be thankful to her for her teaching me to reflect on how I was doing in that saddle and understanding that a horse is a horse... and you have to read the horse and make sure you're communicating with him as much as he's communicating with you.
That's how a kid should be taught. That way they can make educated decisions and tell when a horse tells you: "This isn't a good idea."
A horse isn't a vehicle... it's a living, breathing animal that has it's own thoughts, fears, and emotions, as well as its own habits and reactions. That is what people should be teaching... not that you are invincible and you have to show a horse who is boss.
A horse is a partnership. Remember that. Don't put you and your horse in a position to fail... because your horse isn't going to understand why you got hurt. Only you will - and it wasn't the horses fault.
That was beautifully expressed.
What a tough story to listen to.. lots of lessons learned. Thank you for sharing Katie's story
i love your reply :)
Thats what bothered me when I took my daughter. They were all in stalls on lock down and my daughter rode in circles in a covered barn, an arena? It was boring and stupid and not fun at all. Many barn witches dressed to the pro horse nines and I thought, this is horse hell! I decided I wanted nothing to do with it.. We went that once and never went back. I found a summer school where the girls were taught how to wash the horse, clean the stalls, saddle the horses and ride. And someday, when they were done caring for the horses, they'd just go swimming and let the horses be horses. It was worth every penny! Completely different vibe, horses were laid back and happy.
See Rick my wife and I have been around horses are whole like ( hang on not the point ) anyway still not thinking like a horse till I started watching you . That bond you form with your horse is huge .
aww, leave Buddy alone Rick. he signed up for horsey tinder and wanted to see if he made any matches
Damn horse is orders truck load of carrots on ebay
Equine Dateline, where Buddy can video chat with sexy mares at $3.99 a minute. Rick, keep your credit card well guarded from Buddy...
I don't care what anyone says, now that is funny!
Rick, first time I have chimed in on your channel. Though I have watched your videos for almost a year today I wanted to really thank you. My horse experience is guided by my gut and your videos support me in this when the rest of the horse world is just telling me what I SHOULD be doing. This story from real life by this special lady, broke my heart but also inspired me to continue to trust my gut. I think it is so very hard to go against other "knowledgable" peoples' direction when we acknowledge we have less experience however, at age 60 I have found the guts to face people down and say, "My life, my body, my choice of risk. I do not have to follow instruction unless it coincides with my gut reaction." Age 60 before I have taken the initiative to say no! I think it would have taken me longer in the horse world to do that had I not been fueled by all the good stuff you show on your channel nor the open plain speaking manner in which you call those horsey know it all to task with nothing other than the Truth.
For this courageous lady, I give a big hug because she drives home the point that in our relationship with our horses we must follow that inner voice that questions whether something is correct for us or not. Give power to your intuition.For that sweet lady, I wish I had the power to undo the accident and it's consequences. I cannot but please know that your sharing your story has made me a safer horse person and a more authentic me.
Thank you Rick for another great teaching moment.
damn. my heart hurts for her. I am new to the horse world and it is crazy how trainers try to manipulate you into doing something for the money. I pray everyone heeds her warning. always go with your gut. it will never steer you wrong.
Listen to your gut, and listen to your horse. When you're both ready, you'll know it. Until then....take the time it takes. That's one of the bravest things I've ever read. Bless her and bless your for posting it. NO DOUBT it'll help someone else and their horse and that's the point of this channel if ever I've seen it. Thanks as always.
I HATE it when people think a helmet will save them from everything!!! A helmet is not a bad idea but the problem is when people use a helmet INSTEAD of common sense!!! Katie you have my sympathy, and I am just glad to hear you had significant recovery and are still around to be there for your children!! I can't imagine how hard it has been for you but I am glad to see you are looking at the glass as half full, not half empty. I have severe crohn's disease and often end up in hospital for long periods, but always remember that things could be worse and I count my blessings everyday!!! People who come here and complain about Rick cracking on helmets miss the whole point!!! A helmet does not make up for a lack of knowledge or care. If you want to wear a helmet that's fine, just remember that there is a lot more to being safe on a horse than wearing a darned helmet!!! A helmet is meant to protect your head in case of an accident, but it can't protect you from STUPID!!!! You need to spend the time building your relationship with your horse and building your knowledge of horsemanship!!! THAT will protect you far better than slapping a helmet on your head and thinking that makes you smart and "safe"!!! LEARN how to prevent problems BEFORE they happen.
Man, I teared up a bit. That is tragic and very sad to hear.
I appreciate the work you do to help horses, putting the information out there for people to make that choice to do right by their own horse. You've probably saved a few people from doing things that could've killed them, especially the horses out there.
Probably 5 or 6 years ago, I started watching your channel. Of course I was young, heading down the 'barn witch' path. I've always wanted horses but I never had them, hardly was able to get the chance to interact with them. Thank God I couldn't, God only knows what kind of trouble I could've gotten in, or worse, I could've been killed. I had little to no knowledge on what the hell I was doing and what I knew then, was all completely wrong.
I clicked on your video years back and I'm so damn happy I did. I've learned so much from you and your horses. Mr. T taught me a lot just by watching him throughout all these videos. Cues, signals, Top-dog behavior and lots more. You've helped point them out and gave information on which was what. Then, Ol' Buddy just wants to chase butterflies, mess up the program and be a Gelding. :) Seriously though, I look at horses completely different now and I'm glad. I want to be the best owner I can for my horses and you helped me and many other owners do just that.
Long post here, but I wanted to show you how much I appreciate you doing this. This channel has probably saved my ass from being stupid or being killed.
Thank you, Rick.
Buddy and Mr. T, you're good boys.
i teared up, poor woman. I love horses and when I was 14 my mom put me in a week of "riding lessons" helmets HAD to be worn. Not sure what I did wrong but fell off, hurt my arm. Not the horses fault at all, I was a new person to this horse, 14 years old, didn't know how to ride what so ever and shit happens. Helmet was completely useless! I wish I could own my own land and horse. Such amazing animals.
I didn't grow up with horses, I don't live near horses, and absolutely no one in my family near or distant has ever had anything to do with them. I have no one to go to learn them but in a way I'm kind of grateful for that, because it means I've had to learn everything from scratch, doing my own research and finding the facts myself, and of course it prompted me to find your videos and spread your wisdom. To be honest, it's a relief knowing that I didn't end up absorbing the same dogma as everyone else in the racket that is the horse industry.
Holy ghost I'm in tears too. What a saga. Thanks for sharing and for your input.
Humans are the only species who don't listen to their instinct. Like this unfortunate woman, I too rode as a girl & teen. No bit, no helmet, no saddle even. After college started riding English; bit, running martingale, etc. all at the behest of my "trainer." Fell off 3x (each time going over a jump). Finally broke my arm, feel lucky that's all that happened. Shamefully, I continued to ride in this fashion. What stopped me was seeing so many Bitches, (yes bitches!) whipping, using spurs, medieval bits & headgear. Seeing this as well as the horses being kept in a stall for most of their days made me stop using horses in this way. What cemented this further was 2 documentaries: "Blackfish" & "Being AP" the latter about a jumper jockey who has fame, fortune, & even a knighthood because he's such a "brave" arsehole putting thousands of horses through dangerous and unnatural paces. Thanks for your honest appraisals on these vids. keep putting out the word!
So true! Horses won't think twice then to use their instinct and run from something.
*makes the stick horse neigh*
buddy:*looks at the camera like he's in the office*
Yes you should totally make this a series!
Love it when these old videos pop up for me.
An the exact same with me, when I rode with a bit etc.. I got hurt. Now I ride in a rope halter and my horse is so much happier and chill
That made me cry :( I grew up just like her. I never had lessons and I just loved my horses. I didn't do horse shows. I was very comfortable on my horses and they were good horses. Then I became best friends with a girl that had been doing lessons and show jumping all her life. Then it was all about how everything I was doing was wrong. She did talk me into one horse show I did was Bareback Equitation. I did that one because I rode bareback most of the time. I thought it was boring doing the show and I eventually didn't even ride with her anymore because I wasn't doing everything perfect according to what she learned in her lessons. The only trouble I had was when I was a little older and worked at an Arabian ranch. They were holding some wild mustangs for a while and their stud broke in and bred with a mare and then I bought that horse. They trained it and I started riding it. But he wasn't well trained and ran away on me. He was headed to the freeway and I was in total panic as everything I tried I couldn't get him to stop. I was pulling so hard on the right reign that I got his head turned right enough that we just missed the highway and ended up in a dead end and he stopped. I just never rode him again. He scared me, he needed training and I couldn't do it. So I sold him to someone that could and I did hear he turned out to be a nice horse. It is so true though about listening to your intuition. I loved to ride because I loved my horse and I felt free out trail riding. But my friend and her type of riding was so different, so impersonal. Like it was about the ribbons and trophies for her. I didn't feel like she was really a horse person.
Oh god that poor woman. What an important lesson but I'm sorry she had to pay such a high price to learn it. Thankful that she shared her story for the rest of us. She's probably saved someone's life.
Oh my word... What a horrible thing to have happen...and hard to listen to! It goes to show you how decisions (BAD OR GOOD) can change your life in a second. Praying for peace in that young woman's heart. Thank you for sharing and being so real! I have learned a lot from watching these videos. It's not just about horses... you can use these for life lessons!
It is important to listen to your gut. Your gut will not lie to you. Your gut is 90% accurate. No matter who tries to talk you into doing something, even if it is a coach, trainer instructor listen to your gut.
It's truly a sad story, it's made me rethink a lot of what I've been doing in the past with horses. I've been looking at horses for sale recently, and this story just made me realize that, a simple friendly connection or a "hey I remember you" look from your horse isn't enough. If I do get a horse, no blanket for them, no bits, no horseshoes (never liked them in the first place), a large open field, and no stalls. Where I live there are very large fields and open areas, I'm not afraid to go and ride my horse through those areas, because I like to explore and this'll just make me feel better as well as my horse. If I do decide to jump them, then it'll just be once every week over poles that's an inch off the ground. I want my horse to be happy and feel safe. Thank you Rick, for making me see things in a different light and realize how stupid my current riding place is.
I cried too, God Bless You Rick, n God Bless that lady too.
Rick is my hero I'm only 17 and being that my dad is never around he give me some one to look up to
I am not an horse owner, but a dog owner.Similar things happen to the dog owners as well. It's sad and almost always the animal is the one that pays the price for having a stupid owner.
I really like watching these videos, because so many things you talk about do happen to me as a dog owner (in a completely different part of this world) and I can relate to so many things.
So thank you Rick. Keep it up!
I know you’ve saved and have taught so many by your knowledge. I hope more trust that knowledge you share and more lives are saved due to YOU!!
Btw.... ride that soap box damnit!! RIDE IT HARD AND LOUD!!!! NEVER!! And I mean NEVER get off your damn soap box!! PLEASE!!!!!
+think like a horse....crazy horse stories...great idea Rick.
Such a sad story and reminds me of a long time friend of mine that had a nasty riding accident, fortunately, she survived even though parts of her body are paralyzed & she has some trouble with her speech. She refused to let her parents get rid of her horse & kept him till he passed away at 22 yrs, she never blamed her horse.
I read the e mail first, the young woman who fell is heartbreakingly simple and poignant in her story of learning to trust yourself w/horses but in life too. It's going to make me sadder hearing Rick read it aloud and yet can't NOT hear him either. Some trainer tho--she knew this ex- racer was too much horse but it made the trainer 'feeling large & in charge' AND she bailed! Crummy, totally crummy.
Oh Sweet Jesus, what a sad story Rick. I don't know how I missed this video. Oh my when you cried, so did I. I just hope you continue to teach people and as you always do, tell the truth. Love to you and the boys! Angie
so glad she shared her story with u. was very sad but great proof and testimony to what u are trying to teach.
Buddy's face is priceless when that horse thing neither! See how he shows emotion. Smart horse, showing us.
*neighed
Love and Respect the horses in your life. They give so much to you. Don't bully them and then spend money on equine products thinking you're treating them good.... horses don't care about that stuff. They need to be nurtured, socialized and respected.... like all beings on Earth. It's a mutual give and take.
Thanks to the lady for sharing her story with us and help you raise awareness. I wish her a good life.
I hope You never stop doing videos Rick. Thanks again and again for the lessons. Don't give up on us!
Omg... terrible thing to happen to a young mom or anyone for that matter.... I will pray for her
I almost cried, both from the story, and your reaction. damn you're a good person..
Helmets.. I've had glasses for years. never had a scratch on them. recently I got new ones - with insurance for the first time.next day I got the first scratch, and I've had several since - almost wrecked them completely the other day. thought of your talk about "insurance"..
Thank you for spreading awareness Rick. Thank you for the logic. And you are right, this is the sad reality of the horse-world nowadays. And it also extends beyond that. People will follow rules and procedures but stay on the surface of a matter, whether related to horses, interpersonal relationships, education, profession, or their own health. We don't use logic, so we are fine with following the crowd and their emotional reasons for everything, that's why we fail. We are too scared to discover the unknown factor of everything and go about our own way, and even more have the guts to say "no, I am going to do it THIS way, because I feel it's right for ME". You are not scared to stand up for what you believe and do and that's why you're successful with horses. Following the 95% of the crowd usually isn't a good idea. If there are general rules that apply to everyone and are liked by everyone they're doomed to be flawed.
Please do continue this series of videos. Its hard to hear but the message is so important.
A very tragic validation of your philosophy, Rick. Even with all of the terrible stories, people just can't seem to learn the lessons you teach.
I'm crying along with you Rick. Thank you Katie and thank you Rick for sharing this life lesson
Such a very sad story. You're a good man, Rick, doing good work. Thank you for all your efforts to make lives better. Love your boys, and they are very lucky boys to have you.
This video helped me a lot thank you. I just got my first horse and he is a rescue. He is a good boy and super sweet. He takes good care of me and I know I can trust him. I have been learing to ride with him. We use a Hackamore,I don't know if that counts as bitless, but I think I will ask someone to teach us how to ride with a halter. I think he would enjoy that more aswell.
I love riding horses. But I also like hanging out with horses and getting to know them. I don't feel comfortable riding a horse without knowing the horse and I always listen to my guts.
When Rick cried, I cried :*(
Wow, that is sad, I don't want to imagine what its like to be paralyzed. That is one life I wouldn't want to live!
Not going to cry! NOT going to CRY!
thats powerful
my heart goes out to katie, and thank you Rick for sharing. I'm passing it along to my friends in the horse world
Only time i ever fell off a horse was when me and the owner of klump ranch and two of his sons went for a weekend hunt up in the chiracahua mountains in az and they saddled up my horse, but left it a little loose as a joke, and when we were running through a field the saddle slipped to the right, i fell off, got my left boot caught in the stirrup, dragged for probably 30 yards at a full gallop and the horse kicked my knee and it finally knocked me loose.
Thankfully i just had a gash from the hoof cutting through my jeans and into my calf, and i had a limp for a few days.
Once the horse calmed down and stopped running at full tilt he came right back to me and stopped.
Everybody was laughing their asses off and i was too admittedly, but woulda been way different if my foot hadn't of come outta my boot.
I fixed the saddle myself and tightened that shit proper this time, and went and killed my first deer at 14 years old.
I was still pretty new to horses at that time but i learned real quick in that hunting trip some damn good lessons about caring for the horse as you care for yourself... and NEVER let somebody else rig up your gear. Lol.
Thank you so much Rick! please dont stop...Please!
So sad, but these stories NEED to be told. You are helping and will help those that are willing to think.
Dammit, Rick, I thought you were joking about "getting your sunglasses", now I have to go find mine!
RICK.... First yes this young women may be late to find you and your videos but I can only imagine how many people have found you and your videos and have been saved by the few minutes of wonderful knowledge you pass on.. It amazes me the dedication you have to pass on such great knowledge. I am POSSATIVE you have saved somebody out there by what you do with your videos. personally i understand you could be doing anything you want but you choose to pass on such great knowledge. please understand and im sure you do yes things happen but i guarantee you have in some way kept something like this from happening to well if only one person or horse or animal or what ever than well you have done much more than most people.. I watch every video you post. i wait for the little notifications you have posted something and cant wait to sit down after working and watch what ever kind of knowledge you decide to pass on. THANK YOU SIR for your time, your wonderful videos, your knowledge and just you being a great caring person.... PLEASE keep up the great videos... You are a true patrio sir!!!
Thank you for sharing this Rick. We are all being manipulated because we are being sold an image of what life is supposed to be. Ignoring your instincts will get you hurt. I no longer go to the rodeo, watch barrel racing or horse racing. None of these things happen in nature. Prayers for the letter writer. Take care my friend.
How sad....and it's good you are planning to tell these difficult to read and heartbreaking stories. Change happens when people have the courage to speak up. Thank you
I completely agree with you with the jumping. My friends horse was an ottb and she turned him into a jumper and still for some reason believes it doesn't screw with the horse's body but his joints are completely screwed over so bad he has to take medication, his muscles are failing, and he's been to the vet for serious problems 3 times in two months. But it's somehow totally ok because show jumping is "natural" and they "enjoy" it
What a sad story. Poor woman.
Next will be pink seat belts on your pink saddles so you can't fall off and can be squished under your horse when it falls and rolls, but hey, you never fell off, YOUR SAFE!...great videos!!
Wow, brought me to tears. I understand why you do what you do Rick. One thing I know for sure is I care about these precious God given animals, but I care and love these wonderful people so much. I sympathize with them. Thank you Rick, for helping people who just don't know, you are helping horses, but you are also helping people. I appreciate that :)
I cried too. really really so sad. this should be played at riding camps and lesson programs but that is a pipe dream I know
Never heard you get choked up before, very sad story indeed. I wish more people would just ride their horse instead of feeling like they need to ride english and learn one of the disciplines like jumping and so on. Why not just learn horsemanship, riding and maybe some horse training. So many of the young girls on youtube with horses are paying so much money to trainers to teach them to jump and do dressage.
Many years ago when I was in my thirties, I'm now 57, a bunch of us women would go on riding trips annually. Some of us had horses and others didn't. We didn't take our own. Anyhow, we decided to call ourselves the "No Show Riders." We didn't show or do anything fancy like most in the "horse world" but just enjoyed riding. One need not even own a horse to join! We even had shirts made. Sounds like some people should join, lol. Anyhow, I agree with your comment and thought you'd get a kick out of this goofy story.
oh man. this story makes me want to cry. this IS a good one but god damn sad one. thank you to whoever wrote it and thank you Rick. we all HAVE to brake what the Society have built. this needs to stop. we need to make people think or just give up horses. Go with your gut and listen to smart people, not successful sportsmen.
Oh wow, paralyzed... that's scary, I went to a horse camp where they taught people how to ride not to long ago and they made everyone wear helmets and use bits..
If I were with those horses. I would take the bit off and ride bitless.
Heart wrenching.. it really is. Many thanks to the lady for sharing her story . I got goose bumps listening to it .This is not a video or the message in it I will forget any time soon. Love your channel!
One of my biggest fears in life is to become paralysed from a horse fall (or other accident) and given how many falls I've had over the years , I thank my lucky stars! Poor girl in this story, a tough lesson learned the hard way... love your channel Rick and I hope to get back in the saddle one day soon when time and money permits!
Make the series, Rick. If only I'd known these things back in the day. In a heartbeat, one can lose so much. Thank you for all your videos, teachings, example, and the courage to face off with all the naysayers. When I found your channel, it was life-changing and I'll never look back. God bless you!♡
The trainer had nothing to lose, but a lot of money to gain. Never listen to a greedy assh$le. Follow your heart!
Thank you so much for sharing that story, Rick, God bless you !!
Rick thanks for sharing. This is sad but true. Experience can be a very good teacher or a very cruel one. And it's not just helmets, but also seatbelts and child seats that people unfortunately put there trust in. ( what ever happened to COMMON SENSE). Thank you again Rick. Keep on sharing, teaching and if necessary reaming
I can't stop crying. omg. Horse "trainers" make me so angry.
trainers are jokes. I feel bad for horses these days. Both mine came to me because they where crazy(apparently) because no trainer could ride the horses. people dont realize that most trainers know nothing about horses and that causes plenty of sad situations like this for both horses and humans. I want to make this stop and i want to see horses have better lives
Thank you for adding the actual email, I read it before you read it out. I appreciate that you added it, it prepared me to wrap my head around all the unfortunate mistakes while you read it instead of getting emotional.
Sad story.
Last night I was riding my moms horse, he hasn't bee ridden due to the weather. He is a hunk of a horse very round LOL I got on him riding with no shoes, no helmet and no bridle ( halter & lead) I was thinking about how many people would be on my ass about it. He did great
This is one of my favorite videos you've ever made Rick.