A day with my daughter

[aspenlucas]

If anyone wants to see the pictures or video clips of Taylor and I on Sunday please email. I am sorry. I in no way am hurt by constructive criticism aimed toward me, but I am by derogatory statements aimed at a child.

[MistyBlue]

Very cute!
I rarely see Cleveland Bays around here. And now I'm guessing they aren't all bay? :winkgrin:

[aspenlucas]

Very cute!
I rarely see Cleveland Bays around here. And now I'm guessing they aren't all bay? :winkgrin:

Partbreds are not always bay, Ferdi is 1/4 CB/TB, so he takes after his TB side, though not sure where the flaxen came from. :)

[MistyBlue]

Are full CBs always bay?
Ferdi is cute as a button BTW...especially sporting his blonde 'do. :winkgrin:

[Candle]

That's adorable :D Those are very good boys, I especially liked the part where your daughter was jumping up and down next to your gelding and he just looked at her like "Hey kid, what's up?", didn't even bat an eye. I like them with bombproofing, personally :)

[aspenlucas]

Are full CBs always bay?
Ferdi is cute as a button BTW...especially sporting his blonde 'do. :winkgrin:

Pure Cleveland Bays are always bay, they may have a small star, if they have more they can be registered but are mismarked. There is the rare chestnut CB but I've only heard of them, never seen one, maybe one picture? Partbreds can be any color, there have been bay, grey, chestnut and pinto, I don't think any appy's yet, but could be wrong, oh and I've seen roans!

[MistyBlue]

Thanks for the info. I don't know a whole lot about CBs...now that you mention it I have noticed that the handful I've ever seen and all the photos I've seen of them haven't shown any to have white markings either.
I wasn't sure how dominant their coloring was...but I guess no more dominant than any bay. I know horses like Fjords are *really* typey even when crossed...both with color and type.
I really enjoy color genetics...it's interesting as heck. But there's soooo much to learn.
I do remember there used to be a small speedy little CB gelding that used to show the circuits around here in CT when I was a teenager. He was cute and agile as heck...showed in low jumpers and ran into him and his fearless tiny owner at some hunter paces once in a while too. Bold as brass that little guy was...maybe 14.3 hh or so and such a refined build on him. Can;t remember his name off hand though.

[Paige777]

Beautiful horses! Loved in the first vid when your daughter asked him to back up - what a good boy!

[Never Let Me Go]

Lovely horses. I'd really like to own a CB one day.

[Catersun]

cool kid! Nice yearling too!

[lalahartma1]

Kids are natural de-spooking machines!

[Wigwag]

Please tell me I'm not the only one who was very alarmed at these videos.... I am a pretty laid back individual (I think), and I know even the best horses can have days when things go terribly wrong. Maybe I've turned into a stick up the butt kind, gosh I hope not, but I was quite concerned for the safety of your daughter during both of these videos.

Video one - leading a yearling freshly saddled for the first time (even if you had already led him around for a little while!) at a walk and trot up and down the driveway like that, and in the manner she was doing it (often directly in front of the horse). Goodness, he could've suddenly jumped forward and trampled her.

And in the second video, even more alarming that you rode him for the first time with her standing so close, and again, directly in front of him at points in time.

All it takes is once, and your little girl is gone. Accidents can happen with any horse, but this just seems to be asking for it. It is so not worth it... I wish you would re-think having her help so closely with babies like this.

[Traum]

Wigwag, it's NOT just you. I was pretty aghasted myself over those videos. Last thing in the world I'd do with a newly saddled yearling is hand over the reins to a 5yo and say 'get out of the way if you need to' and then distract myself with a camera. NO kid in the world is going to be able to avoid a wreck if it were to happen and the OP is in no position to help.

The first time riding one was even worse to me. OP took the time to set up and secure a camera but not her kid. I'm glad your horse was so good and nothing happened, this time.

[aspenlucas]

OP took the time to set up and secure a camera but not her kid. I'm glad your horse was so good and nothing happened, this time.

Horse are horses....and yes they all have bad days. Taylor has fallen off her 20 year old pony when he missteps. We did work a young horse, two that day that she wasn't even near me. She stayed outside the round pen, outside the fence around the round pen and then stood there in the grass. This was a fiesty filly that had not had extensive ground work. Sure this was the first time the one boy was ridden and the first time Garrett was saddled. But, I did lead them around for quite some time before video taping. Sure it's not enough for some of you. But being around horses and being young is dangerous. Period, whether she's helping cleaning stalls, or with the horse. These two have been despooked, tied, etc. Sure things can come up, but I'd never put her in a situation I felt was not safe. At what point do you allow a young child to help? At what age? Taylor lives on a farm and has to be around horses each day. She's not only at the barn once a week for a lesson. At some point they have to be introduced and for me using two very calm youngsters I've worked with and know and trust are the first steps to having her help me. Or do I wait til she is 8? I don't know the answer. I just know I didn't feel at once like she was in danger. Maybe 30 feet away was too close when I was on Ferdinand. As for leading she leads these youngsters all the time. I just know how I feel around these two and how much I love and adore my daughter. But I am interested at what point you introduce them to youngsters? She's been leading my trained horses and her pony since she was 2.

[Wigwag]

Personally speaking, I wouldn't let anyone other than competant teenagers, under supervision, handle yearlings and horses being ridden for 1st time. If you are honestly asking what age range - that is my answer.... before that I don't believe a young child has the capability or size to react quickly enough and appropriately to a panicking young horse, or one who suddenly throws a temper tantrum.

She did not look 30 feet away to me. That leadrope is what, 6 - 8 feet? And in the video of you mounting and circling, I know cameras can be deceiving, but again - 30 feet?

[Ready2Ride]

Since you deleted my comment on your video and immaturely posted a rude reply on one of my videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbCYYgH_Pyw in retaliation- I will say it here so you can't delete it.

I am really concerned that you are allowing your 5 year old to be working with a young stallion and other young horses. Your child is not paying attention at all, she kicked over your saddle and took your girth away while you were trying to saddle a young horse, and then she started jumping and spinning right where the horse was tied. NOT SAFE AT ALL for her, for you, or for the horse. She was in kick range of the young horse you were riding as you were bouncing up and down on it's back. Again- not safe. Several of your videos have me seriously concerned about your daughter and your horses. Your attitude about it leaves me even more concerned. *shakes head*

oops- looks like you deleted the link to your other video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6ZZdnbAlro

[citydog]

Personally speaking, I wouldn't let anyone other than competant teenagers, under supervision, handle yearlings and horses being ridden for 1st time. If you are honestly asking what age range - that is my answer.... before that I don't believe a young child has the capability or size to react quickly enough and appropriately to a panicking young horse, or one who suddenly throws a temper tantrum.

Me neither. (I'd let competent grown-ups handle them too, though. ;) ) Even the calmest, most angelic and "despooked" youngstock have their moments.

I do love CBs.

[RiverBendPol]

Freaked ME out, for sure.......What a good baby horse. Luck was on your side, Honey.

[spaghetti legs]

I agree with the concerned posters... Very dangerous... She could have so easily been trampled. :(

[Ready2Ride]

In this video the little girl actually falls down in front of the 2 year old horse while she's leading it! Heart-stopper:eek:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Gr_pbx65w

[ayrabz]

r2ride: while that fall was heartstopping, did anyone ELSE notice that the little girl WRAPS THE LEAD AROUND HER NECK while leading the two year old??:eek:

aspenlucas: I'm always sad to see a thread go so far from the OPs hopeful intent and reason for posting...and your boys are nice,and your little girl precious-----

BUT: YouTube and promotional shots, etc really do need to be thought out from lots of angles before posting, because a lot will be revealed through them. I hope you can benefit from the postings, and perhaps adjust your daughter's activities with the horses to more age appropriate but of course that is your choice.

ayrabz

[ayrabz]

well, gee. OP has removed the video from You Tube that was discussed in the above two posts.

[Traum]

I'm not surprised she took them down. What did you honestly expect? People to ooh and awww and NOT comment on the tot with the lead rope wrapped around various body parts? If these were intended as promo pieces, sure your horses are behaving but that isn't what's going to be noticed. What your demonstrating is, well I'm not even sure what you were aiming at. But you're missing the mark by miles. You have nice looking horses, do yourself a favor and show them off SAFELY and you will get oohs and ahhhs.

[ayrabz]

Hey, traum....
I know what you mean. I guess, I was just still mindful of the fact that the OP was hoping to show some rewarding time with her horses and her family, and of course never saw it as the red light some of us did. I respect her choice to take down the videos, and think that was a good step, but also hope she can understand the concern, and not take it as an unfeeling blast.

[aspenlucas]

The videos are both still on youtube and on my photobucket. Not sure why you couldn't get them, if anyone wants to see them they are welcome to email or PM me. I'll be editing my first post though. I don't mind if people comment on me, however I do no think it's fair when people try to post comments saying "nice helper with quite a few choice derogatory terms toward Taylor. At no point in any video was the leadrope wrapped around Taylor in a previous video this summer she did put the leadrope behind her over her shoulder, I wouldn't call that "wrapped around". I respect everyone's concern, but in some instances I think you are just trying to pick anything and everything apart. Yes maybe having her 30 feet from Ferdi when I got on was not the best choice. Some of the other things I think you are just knit picking. But everyone has opinions.

[Wigwag]

Yes maybe having her 30 feet from Ferdi when I got on was not the best choice. Some of the other things I think you are just knit picking. But everyone has opinions.

That child was no where near 30 feet from that horse. She was standing directly in front of the horse.

[ayrabz]

hey, aspen.
well, for whatever reason, both video links indicate they were 'removed' by the poster. Personally, I never spoke or intended otherwise any negativity against your daughter.

[Wigwag]

The videos are both still on youtube and on my photobucket. Not sure why you couldn't get them, if anyone wants to see them they are welcome to email or PM me. I'll be editing my first post though.

oh no need to do that, I took a moment for you and here are the links to the videos :)

leading the yearling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rYnaZO0Ay0

First ride says video has been removed, but when you open the page a video loads. Turns out it is a longer version of the above leading video. There is another one that looks of interest, but that one has also been removed and replaced with the following link. I thought for a moment that perhaps there was indeed a youtube glitch, but the non-Taylor videos still work so it doesn't appear so. For the record, my youtube account is under Wigwag as well, so you can be sure I didn't post any nasty comments to your account.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rYnaZO0Ay0&ytsession=VfCuo-3GRBJn5wfE-mjPHWE8T8GfoJDcVYBpbrmruM_emFvkgLX7QXGXhgZXQujTYxB WE88Vk-ApfIgkxYbFXA7Tzb31d0DUsObdkr5eNP8YcYgj3WMPp8PRXSOy wGmRgGT54pcF2qlNbVqlJIltgolEkP-SxmymWIb6_PrHsLq4_DgyqkWHwrX-s668cKSuv9oYw05UNr4eSLIkKkAtjKQxxtJMqe5oOZoLII-yegfqjyhcp-nluDit8VKdfnW0TgYGu6xF82iNU7tNKxh3xn5hd9zf-aV3sea2HwRC7Mw

[Ready2Ride]

Nothing I posted was meant to be derogatory toward your child- only pointing out what she was doing since you yourself stated that you didn't even notice what she was doing. I don't even know why I try to reason with someone who is being so immature and unreasonable. Again, it is not your child who did anything wrong- she's 5, that's how 5 year olds are (I have one) the problem is YOU. Your poor choices and your attitude towards those who are concerned. No one was "picking anything and everything apart" on your videos, the things stated were glaringly obvious red flags. The only person who was trying to pick anything and everything apart about a video was YOU about my video. And 2 of the videos in question are no longer public, only the yearling video is up because you know that they are full of big red flags. I'm glad you had a good day with your daughter and the horses and that no one ended up hurt.

[aspenlucas]

Nothing I posted was meant to be derogatory toward your child

Sorry I took it that way, not posted here, of course you wouldn't want to do that, but the personal comment you tried to post of the video. Wish I would have saved it but I was so disappointed I just disposed of it.

[aspenlucas]

oh no need to do that, I took a moment for you and here are the links to the videos :)

Thanks Wigwog....I intended to take them off out of respect for my daughter, as some people can't just be kind, thank you for continuing to allow people to criticize her. :) Maybe me taking the video links down was my first step in conforming with your wishes. Too bad you didn't see it that way and posted the links again.

[aspenlucas]

Nothing I posted was meant to be derogatory toward your child

You rated the video of her walking her 39 year old pony a one.......

[Ready2Ride]

The pony is 39 years old and dead LAME and has a kid making it trot on the driveway. OUCH! That's painful to watch, I want to give the pony a carrot and a softly bedded stall and replace the leadrope in the kid's hand with a soft brush. So yeah, I did rate that video a 1. Disallow ratings and comments if you have a problem with someone giving honest feedback on a public video.

And I posted the comment there because that was the screen that I had open after I watched the video- I didn't post anything there that I wouldn't post here. In fact, I think I restated here everything I wrote there, although since you deleted it, it wasn't word for word, but I would have quoted it word for word if It wasn't deleted. I'm not hiding anything in anyway, nor do I feel that I posted anything anywhere that I wouldn't say to your face or anywhere else about the videos posted. But, I like how you try to make it look otherwise to disperse some of the heat. ;) Nice strategy!

[blton9th]

Aspenlucas I totally see what you were trying to convey! I also know what it is like to have a small excited supervisor eagerly looking to lend a helping hand!;)
My daughters have worked really hard making all of our ponies unflappable.:lol: Looks like your daughter has done the job well.
I am not going to judge decisions you have made! (not my place!)

Looks like you and your daughter have a strong bond with the horses, and I wish you continued success.

[Jealoushe]

I can't see the videos...

but honestly, anyone allowing a child to handle yearlings, stallions, and 2 year olds is just plain stooooopid.

I don't see how you can honestly defend yourself. My horse is an angel, and last year we were picking apples under the apple tree and my dog spooked him, he was 10 feet behind me...he trampled me, knocked me out and flat on my a**. I have handled the hottest craziest horses...but you can't stop accidents.

Don't wait until something bad happens to open your eyes.:no:

[Weighaton]

I think that your daughter and your horses are just lovely. And I can completely understand your life on the farm with young children because we have a similar situation. I will admit to taking my daughters into situations without thinking. Kids will be kids. Nothing is going to happen and the probability is that it will not. The children laugh and run and play and have a wonderful time and make amazing memories just like we did. But all it takes is once and you will look back and say "Why?". I attached a link to an article below that really struck home with me. I want my girls to be around the horses and learn but there is time for all of that. They do not have to start so young. Your daughter would be just as happy coloring, watching a show rather than doing what she was doing. Or having you lead her on a pony ride once all of the work was done. Sure she was having fun and she saw how proud you were of her but it was not necessary. I am not sure if that even makes sense.

I had a situation that I will relay just to give an example of how quickly something can go potentially wrong. And believe me I have been chewed out on this board before when I shared what I perceived as fun horsey times with my kids. I walked out to the barn to bring our two horses in for the night. I have a fenced area from the house to the barn where horses are not allowed but children are. It is the "safeplace"-just a beautiful green sticker free field. I have a set of gates at the end of the aisleway where the horses are usually waiting. I open the gates and make a chute for these two horses to go together into their stall and paddock. It works perfect - usually. For some reason this night the gelding pushed past me. Throwing open the gates and making a beeline for the safeplace. I looked over my shoulder to see my little daughter standing right in the middle. Thank goodness the gelding saw her and managed to step to the side as he charged past her. She was startled, started to cry and stepped aside into the tack room as the huge draft horse decided to give the charge a try. I stepped in front of him and in a voice that can only be described as a vicious growl I said, "DON'T YOU DARE EVEN THINk ABOUT IT!!" He heard the tone and walked into his stall.

That could have been a horrible accident. And it would have been just that - an accident. Having the children at the barn increases the work load two fold because you have got to slow it down and take the time to make sure that the kids are safe before any horse stuff goes on. They need to be safe and contained. They can be there, be involved, be learning but be safe it just takes extra time.

At any rate here is the link. Just think about it and know that this is from a person who has walked in your shoes.

http://www.barrelhorseworld.com/contribute/topstories/brianna/brianna.asp

[CatOnLap]

I don't see where anyone on this thread has said anything derogatory about your daughter, Aspenlucas, but many are questioning your ability to keep a young child safe.

Take care.

[aspenlucas]

I had a situation that I will relay just to give an example of how quickly something can go potentially wrong. And believe me I have been chewed out on this board before when I shared what I perceived as fun horsey times with my kids. I walked out to the barn to bring our two horses in for the night. I have a fenced area from the house to the barn where horses are not allowed but children are. It is the "safeplace"-just a beautiful green sticker free field. I have a set of gates at the end of the aisleway where the horses are usually waiting. I open the gates and make a chute for these two horses to go together into their stall and paddock. It works perfect - usually. For some reason this night the gelding pushed past me. Throwing open the gates and making a beeline for the safeplace. I looked over my shoulder to see my little daughter standing right in the middle. Thank goodness the gelding saw her and managed to step to the side as he charged past her. She was startled, started to cry and stepped aside into the tack room as the huge draft horse decided to give the charge a try. I stepped in front of him and in a voice that can only be described as a vicious growl I said, "DON'T YOU DARE EVEN THINk ABOUT IT!!" He heard the tone and walked into his stall.

That could have been a horrible accident. And it would have been just that - an accident. Having the children at the barn increases the work load two fold because you have got to slow it down and take the time to make sure that the kids are safe before any horse stuff goes on. They need to be safe and contained. They can be there, be involved, be learning but be safe it just takes extra time.


Thank you Weighaton, that was succinctly put. Thank you again.

[FancyFree]

I can't see the videos...

but honestly, anyone allowing a child to handle yearlings, stallions, and 2 year olds is just plain stooooopid.

I don't see how you can honestly defend yourself. My horse is an angel, and last year we were picking apples under the apple tree and my dog spooked him, he was 10 feet behind me...he trampled me, knocked me out and flat on my a**. I have handled the hottest craziest horses...but you can't stop accidents.

Don't wait until something bad happens to open your eyes.:no:

I have to agree. I don't mean to appear be ganging up on you Aspenlucas but I have to agree with those who have said that this is an unsafe situation. I have been in your situation. When my mare was a two year old, I allowed my then eight year old daughter to come into the stall and help out. Well she made a sudden movement that spooked my horse and I ended up being slammed against the wall. Better me getting hurt than her, of course. But after that I don't allow either of my kids in the stall. I haven't let them lead her since she was a weanling. Large, young horses and little people is too dangerous of a combination, in my opinion.

[Wigwag]

Thanks Wigwog....I intended to take them off out of respect for my daughter, as some people can't just be kind, thank you for continuing to allow people to criticize her. :)

Not a single person I see is criticizing your daughter. As said, she's 5. She's adorable, and not doing a single thing wrong for her age. You, however, as the parent have a responsibility to your child and your horses to keep them safe.

And to be clear, your daughter shouldn't have internet access at the age of 5 years old :no: , so there's really no reason she would see anything and possibly take offense to it.

[spaghetti legs]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TylVAuJEY9s <- At 1:40 your handler really needs to control his temper.. there's no excuse for him viciously shanking the mare.

It's funny at the end watching him try and pull him around behind her. You should chase him around with a crop. He needs some exercise himself. ***and some lessons on how to lead a horse.

[aspenlucas]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TylVAuJEY9s <- At 1:40 your handler really needs to control his temper.. there's no excuse for him viciously shanking the mare.

It's funny at the end watching him try and pull him around behind her. You should chase him around with a crop. He needs some exercise himself. ***and some lessons on how to lead a horse.

Seriously have you nothing better to do? She has a cotton lead on with a plain halter. How can you SHANK a mare, without a shank? LOL! It's my husband, he'd like you to call him and talk to him about how to correctly lead a horse. I'll PM you with my phone number. Really, have you all had enough? I tried to share pictures of my daughter that I love dearly. Now you have stooped so low to pick apart my husband? Really COTHers, you never cease to amaze me, how completely callous you can be.

[aspenlucas]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TylVAuJEY9s <-

Also, please stop posting links to all my sale foals. It's against forum rules and not at all what this link was about!

[JoZ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TylVAuJEY9s <- At 1:40 your handler really needs to control his temper.. there's no excuse for him viciously shanking the mare.

Really disagree with this being "viciously shanking" -- I have a couple of horses who wouldn't even feel that kind of a reprimand. But here's the thing -- I'd edit out ANY reprimand from my sales video or actually any kind of video I posted.

Same with my own group of stupid people tricks -- I was actually thinking about this thread tonight as I wandered around the "boys' pen" that contains four geldings -- three of them young -- and a 3yo stallion. I was taking flakes of hay from the wheelbarrow and tossing them around the pen... in the dark... reaching out and scratching horse butts as I wound my way around them. *I* know that they are safe and gentle. (I also know that if they spooked or did something stupid it would be my own damn fault.) Would I ever in a million years post a video of this, i.e. How (Not) To Feed A Bunch of Youngsters? Nope, never. I think it's important to think about how something might look to outsiders, and judge accordingly. No one is going to know your horses or your dog or your LIFE like you do, so if something is questionable, leave it out.

It's also akin to what the FHotD blogger says about sales pics -- if it's a bad pic, why would you post it? It's the view that the world has into your operation and your animals. Share the goofy pics, the dirty horses after rolling, the funny antics... with your friends and family, privately. It's better to err on the side of caution with a professional image.

[spaghetti legs]

Why on earth did you email me your phone number?

[blton9th]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TylVAuJEY9s <- At 1:40 your handler really needs to control his temper.. there's no excuse for him viciously shanking the mare.

It's funny at the end watching him try and pull him around behind her. You should chase him around with a crop. He needs some exercise himself. ***and some lessons on how to lead a horse.


Wow Spaghetti, do you feel better now? I can't fathom the nastiness.:rolleyes::sigh: Tsk tsk tsk......

[Catersun]

Aspenlucas. I appreciated you sharing the videos. Nothing can be innocent to those with way too much time on their hands, aka the Coth *Saftey Brigade* Instead of putting out fires, they create them.

I'm sorry you got caught in one of their flamefests.

[Weighaton]

There are alot of people here that took your post for just what it was - a video of a very well behaved horse and an adorable little girl having a great day with her mom. I am sorry that the only replies you are getting are from such nasty people.

[Long Spot]

And some people are simply concerned for the safety of your cute child. Shrug.

[Nicker]

Wow, some of you really need a hobby.

I never watched the videos and won't comment on whether or not aspenlucas knows how to care for her child. But to go digging up other vids and tearing them apart? :rolleyes:

[Jealoushe]

Videos that are posted on the internet are free for the scrutiny.... like it or not.

[Traum]

Videos that are posted on the internet are free for the scrutiny.... like it or not.

And the beauty of this is, for most folks anyway unless you're a celebrity, YOU have control of what is out there. I'm betting you didn't anticipate how this thread would go but if you've been around COTH for awhile, you might have seen a few similar receptions along the way. And next time you can anticipate what might go up in flames and not post that :)

[Catersun]

And the beauty of this is, for most folks anyway unless you're a celebrity, YOU have control of what is out there. I'm betting you didn't anticipate how this thread would go but if you've been around COTH for awhile, you might have seen a few similar receptions along the way. And next time you can anticipate what might go up in flames and not post that :)

This is why Coth has so many lurkers and comparitively few posters... because EVERY thing here can go up in flames.