I have learnt from personal experience....

[_downpour_]

Thought this could be fun. Finish the sentence.

I have learnt from personal experience....

never to buy cheap rugs or saddles - ends up to be more trouble than it's worth in rubs, rips etc!



eta- omg, can we please stop the sneaky little digs - 'learnt' vs. 'learned'... if i wanted an english lesson, i would have asked for one! And for the record, different countries sometimes spell the same word differently, yanno?

[Laurierace]

how to spell the word learned for starters....

[_downpour_]

no?

[FlightCheck]

if the person "looking for board" gives off the wrong vibes, you are better off with an empty stall than the PITA.

[Jaegermonster]

It is much better and easier in the long run to take it slooooooow with a horse and make it up right from the beginning than to let impatience win and have to go back and try to fix him.

[Sue from Auckland]

how to spell the word learned for starters.... To double-check my information and be aware that differences are not always incorrect :)
http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutspelling/learnt

[_downpour_]

To double-check my information and be aware that differences are not always incorrect :)
http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutspelling/learnt


Thank you Sue, I just did a bit of research online, and found what you did also! :)

[Tilly]

That jumping on a windy day on a fresh pony does not always lead to positive results :lol:

[pony89]

When looking for a place to board, find someone who already keeps their horses like you would like yours to be kept. Promises aside, they will never really change how they do things.

[work4horse]

if your gut tells you to let the partially new broke horse who has been inside for two days to expend his energy before getting on to ride, do so. The second thought of "I will be fine" is quickly followed by teh third though of should have listened to the gut.Mud never tastes good

[saddleup]

There's no such thing as a free horse.

[rescuemom]

A Princess Horse can carefully place both front hooves on one of your feet if you dare to dally with cute puppies while leading her to pasture.

[Sooster]

Always get a Vet Check.

[Paige777]

that oftentimes the horse you swear you'll never ride and never get along with turns out to be the horse you get along with the best and always want to ride.

[mab1228]

There are no "friends" in this business.

[GilbertsCreeksideAcres]

that accidents around horses happen lightening fast and most (but not all) of them could have been avoided with just a wee bit more foresight. And that the causes of accidents are often determined to be blatantly obvious and stupid AFTER the fact!

[snbess]

To always make sure the safeties are engaged on the telescoping ladder when putting nails in barn roof joists. Ouch!

[Gayla]

just when you think you know enough...

[Gayla]

how to spell the word learned for starters....

Correcting others "English" never gains friends.:D

[Milocalwinnings]

To always trust your gut instinct and heart even when vets, trainers, friends etc are telling you differently.

[flogarty]

Horses are better. Better than family, friends, and boys. They are always a rock; a shoulder to cry on, a best friend when your world is turned upside down, a friend who always forgives, and loves unconditionally, and is always glad to see you, especially when you have a pocketful of treats. Horses don't stab you in the back, or pretend to be your friend when they really dislike you. Horses are legit; they tell the truth, and are a great judge of character. Horses can turn a rotten day into into a brilliant one, whether it is in the form of a great lesson/ show, a hack in the woods, or whatever.

Oh, and keep your head above your ass.

[tikihorse2]

Wearing sticky, gooey lip balm or lipgloss when grooming a shedding horse is NOT a good idea.

If you stupidly borrow someone else's helmet, and it's going to slide down over your eyes, it's going to be right before a jump.

Always check the girth yourself. Always.

Beware of people who want to give you a leg up.

Keep your stirrup leathers in good shape!

Also girths.

If your horse trusts you, the world is yours. :yes:

Kim

[county]

That there are people with no life other then worry about how people spell something. Boring.

[heatherny2]

That once a horse lover..always a horse lover!!

[3horsemom]

if someone is lying to others, they are lying to you as well.

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

If everyone on the farm materializes ringside as you prepare to mount the young horse somebody else started, there may be training holes which haven't been disclosed...

[billiebob]

Horses are better. Better than family, friends, and boys. They are always a rock; a shoulder to cry on, a best friend when your world is turned upside down, a friend who always forgives, and loves unconditionally, and is always glad to see you, especially when you have a pocketful of treats. Horses don't stab you in the back, or pretend to be your friend when they really dislike you. Horses are legit; they tell the truth, and are a great judge of character. Horses can turn a rotten day into into a brilliant one, whether it is in the form of a great lesson/ show, a hack in the woods, or whatever.

Oh, and keep your head above your ass.

Ditto:)

Also breathing while riding is helpful.

There are sane TBs and spazzy QHs. Breed doesn't determine temperament.

Don't challenge someone to a race on a trail unless you're prepared to win.....or at least keep up with the nutjob.

[vacation1]

Always check the tack. If you're 15 minutes late, your instructor is screaming "Where are you!" and the person who tacked up was George Morris - check the tack.

[2DogsFarm]

*That if you even think temps will fall below freezing...take the hose off the pump

*Not to use bare hands to pick up anything you cannot immediately identify from the barn floor. Nine times out of ten it will be the uneaten or hurked-up portion of some varmint the barncat had for dinner

*That no matter how craptastic my day has been, walking into the barn to be greeted by nickers makes it better

[Simrat]

... that no matter what the BO says he/she is planning to improve during your initial tour, most likely will be exactly the same when you move on in two (or more) years time. In other words, what you see is what you get, not what the BO dreams he/she will build/fix/clean up/remove/etc...

[goeslikestink]

a horse that bolts -- is wild

[Juneberry]

Thought this could be fun. Finish the sentence.

I have learnt from personal experience....

never to buy cheap rugs or saddles - ends up to be more trouble than it's worth in rubs, rips etc!

as I was cleaning stalls tonight I decided I was going to start this exact thread. Looks like you beet me to it!

I'll add my 2c

If you are on the fence about selling a horse, don't do it!
If you are on the fence about buying a horse, don't do it!

[Alibhai's Alibar]

Dress in many, many, many, many, many layers on cold nights at the barn.

[goeslikestink]

as I was cleaning stalls tonight I decided I was going to start this exact thread. Looks like you beet me to it!

I'll add my 2c

If you are on the fence about selling a horse, don't do it!
If you are on the fence about buying a horse, don't do it!

as you might fall off

[Juneberry]

as you might fall off

hehe :P

[talkofthetown]

Wearing sticky, gooey lip balm or lipgloss when grooming a shedding horse is NOT a good idea.

If you stupidly borrow someone else's helmet, and it's going to slide down over your eyes, it's going to be right before a jump.

Always check the girth yourself. Always.

Beware of people who want to give you a leg up.

Keep your stirrup leathers in good shape!

Also girths.

If your horse trusts you, the world is yours. :yes:

Kim

OMG, these are all me:lol: Also,

If the local horsey people ever give you warnings about a potential BO/Vet/Trainer, don't EVER think "that's crazy, they seem nice, it'll be fine!" Learn from the local gossip:yes:

[Trixie's mom]

"no friends in the horse business"
ouch...unfortunately true...

no one can care for your horse like you.

don't expect people to 'return the favor'.

to do my own entries.

[Izthatrt]

~There is no law against getting a second opinion from another vet
~concerning young horses(learned from my good friend) Don't judge them too soon

[trubandloki]

Get it in writing, even if it is a deal between friends.

And as this thread very nicely points out - some of us will never be good enough in the eyes of others since we were not blessed with the ability to manipulate the English language in the way they were.

[dressagetraks]

1. When deep down you know it's over, do not spend 6 more months grasping at straws/further testing to try to find a solution. When you are sure it's over, pick up the phone and do the ultimate kindness.

2. The most important command for a horse to know is forward.

3. $129.95 for a complete package of saddle, stirrups, leathers, pad, bridle, and bit is NOT a bargain and not even worth $129.95.

4. When your horse seriously spooks/panics and is in the process of heading outta Dodge, LET GO OF THE LEAD ROPE!!!!!!!! :yes:

[mkevent]

Usuallly, you get what you pay for

[trubandloki]

2. The most important command for a horse to know is forward.



An equally most important command for a horse to know is to stop and stand.

[JSwan]

An equally most important command for a horse to know is to stop and stand.

Amen. I celebrated the day my horse figured out that a check meant stop and stand quietly. (foxhunting)


My submission:

Always get on a young horse with a plan.
Trust no one in the horse business.

[saultgirl]

Be absolutely sure your new horse is familiar with blanketing before shaving off all his winter coat!

[islgrl]

Nothing good can come of an idea that starts out with "here, hold my beer..."

and

measure your horse BEFORE you order the blanket....

[Rhyadawn]

The night you go out to dinner and don't put down straw because you are sure your mare isn't going to foal... she will.

The day you wear your good clothes to the barn because all you have to do is give water and hay is the day you fall in the manure pile

Never loop the chain of your shank through the bottom ring on the halter!!!

[4whitefeet]

to ALWAYS saddle your own horse.......;)

[mkevent]

Never use the words "horse" and "investment" in the same sentence

[jeano]

That a horse sold to you as an old broke horse with many trail miles on it has in all likelihood never been ridden without having been aced to the eyeballs.

it is better to have learnt than to have been burnt......

[FootPerfect]

that in some parts of the world (like Europe) they may have different spellings or usage of "English" words.

[merrygoround]

Two things!

Go, Whoa!, and Move over!,are important things to have a horse know and do.

If that accident, injury or infection hasn't happened yet, hangon there, IT WILL!! :lol:

[ChocoMare]

...When in doubt, don't.

If you have an extra stall, it won't be empty for long.

Your truck never needs filling when the price of diesel has dropped...only when it's gone up. :rolleyes:

[olympicprincess]

...that what a horseperson says they do and what they *actually* do can be two different things.

"I ride all the time. Almost daily." (they ride every weekend)

"I love my horse soooo much." (they often let weeks go by without even a quick visit)

[chestnutmarebeware]

A. Never take a new OTTB out for his first trail ride on a cold, windy day when the deer are out looking for action, the wild turkeys are belligerent, and the pheasants are aiming their trajectory at your head.

B. Never wear anything made of fleece when you're clipping a horse.

C. A horse can be convinced to do almost anything with a pocketful of peppermints.

[jeano]

A. Never take a new OTTB out for his first trail ride on a cold, windy day when the deer are out looking for action, the wild turkeys are belligerent, and the pheasants are aiming their trajectory at your head.

B. Never wear anything made of fleece when you're clipping a horse.

C. A horse can be convinced to do almost anything with a pocketful of peppermints.

and Tums will do in a pinch.

[RNB]

Amen. I celebrated the day my horse figured out that a check meant stop and stand quietly. (foxhunting)


My submission:

Always get on a young horse with a plan.
Trust no one in the horse business.

Amen!

[LDavis104]

Close the gate before taking off the horse's halter.

[eclipse]

a) Never to get on a horse that is leaping & bucking on the end of her reins & think you are going to stay on!
b) And, think it's not going to hurt! :lol:

[tidy rabbit]

Never take anyone's opinion too seriously.
But always consider what they've said.

Buy what you LIKE and just assume someone else is going to like it too.

Every horse has a buyer, it may just a take a while to find that buyer.

Don't worry about the future it robs you of the present.

[BuddyRoo]

1) Rule number one: Horse people are crazy. Rule number two: If you don't know any crazy horse people, it's you. Therefore, I surround myself with crazy horse people to give myself a good buffer. :yes:

2) A good horseman doesn't have to tell anyone, the horse already knows. Most folks willing to tell you how great they are with horses aren't that great at all. The good ones let the horse speak for them.

3) Horses first. When any decision must be made regarding medical care, nutrition, training, moving barns, switching trainers, etc etc etc, you will never go wrong if you always put the horses first.

4) Breathe whilst on course. It prevents you from seeing spots and actually assists in your ability to think and ride.

5) Hide the vodka from your Russian trainer whilst at the show to promote better instruction. :yes:

[lovemyoldguy]

Always check the top track for mice BEFORE you slide the stall door shut.

Don't ask me how I know. :no:

[KnKShowmom]

If an idea includes the phrase "it will be ok just this once", don't do it because it won't!

[KnKShowmom]

Always check the top track for mice BEFORE you slide the stall door shut.

Don't ask me how I know. :no:

Oh gross!! Thanks for that mental image right before lunch!

[ChocoMare]

...Life is too short to be miserable (applies to many areas)

...In light of eternity, does ______ (fill in the blank) really matter?

...Lighten up.

[ChocoMare]

If an idea includes the phrase "it will be ok just this once", don't do it because it won't!

Funny... in a sick, sad sorta way :winkgrin: swiiiissshhhh SQUEEEK! :dead: :lol:

[Penthilisea]

Talking the talk isn't the same as walking the walk.
Forward first from the hind end, then we can talk about the front end / on the bit / frame / headset.
What goes around comes around. If you do a good deed, eventually it will come back to you. If you do a bad deed, everyone will eventually find out about it.
Don't keep your mouth shut about abuse, neglect, or people who skip out on board bills.
Do not hanker after signs of progress.
Don't burn bridges.
Always compliment people's horses, they see their animals as a reflection of their own virtues and skills.
You can't ride a pretty head.
Forage first and foremost!
More turnout will solve many issues.
Every time, every ride. Helmets are non negotiable.
Don't panic.
There is no equipment, bit, saddle, or boot that will fix "lame".
Don't play with the crazy.

[jmbnsyd]

If you've had a really crappy day at work and you're in a "mad at the world kinda mood" don't get on your sensitive greenie and expect a fun ride...

[see u at x]

To always, always, ALWAYS end on a good note.

That 15 minutes of a good ride is better than an hour of a bad or mediocre one.

To tell my horses every time I see them how beautiful they are or how wonderful/perfect they are...even when they might not be. :)

To be more vocal with my praise. My horses respond incredibly well to verbal praise, and I've noticed that the days they work their hearts out are the ones when I'm frequently talking to them and telling them what good girls they are.

To always tell them that I love them when I say goodbye for the day...even if they may not completely understand.

[onelanerode]

Talking the talk isn't the same as walking the walk.
Forward first from the hind end, then we can talk about the front end / on the bit / frame / headset.
What goes around comes around. If you do a good deed, eventually it will come back to you. If you do a bad deed, everyone will eventually find out about it.
Don't keep your mouth shut about abuse, neglect, or people who skip out on board bills.
Do not hanker after signs of progress.
Don't burn bridges.
Always compliment people's horses, they see their animals as a reflection of their own virtues and skills.
You can't ride a pretty head.
Forage first and foremost!
More turnout will solve many issues.
Every time, every ride. Helmets are non negotiable.
Don't panic.
There is no equipment, bit, saddle, or boot that will fix "lame".
Don't play with the crazy.

This about sums it up for me. I'll echo previous posters though:
Trust no one in the horse business, and verify everything anyone tells you, regardless of their degrees or years of experience.

Get everything in writing. Always.

You get what you pay for. If you're lucky, you'll get more. If bad karma's catching up to you, you'll get less. Sometimes a lot less.

If someone talks trash about other people to you, expect that person is (or soon will be) talking trash about you to other people. And then chuckle as you remember that karma's a b!tch. ;)

[Paige777]

That you can ride as fast as they can run. It's when they change course that you have a problem.

That the one day in 7 years you leave the barn without saying goodbye to your horse is the last day you'll see him. No matter HOW busy you are, ALWAYS make a few minutes to just stand there, take them in, and say goodnight.

If someone says, "Hey, watch this," run away.

Often if you believe that you can stay on a horse, you can.

[lesyl]

Nothing good can come of an idea that starts out with "here, hold my beer..."

snip ....

well I don't know about that, it beats compounding the problem by trying to keep said beer from spilling on what ever is nearby. Said while cleaning tackroom. Learnt early that when uncle roping said here hold my beer it was a bit harder to predict the outcome.

[MVR]

anything horse related will never cease to surprise you.:p

[Snowflake]

...that the horse that wins your heart is the one you least expect.

[theoldgreymare]

-A contract is only as good as the person who wrote it.

-When breaking ice in your heaterless trough, it is never a good idea to grab hold of the metal gate before drying your hands (I'm good for this at least once a winter)

-Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear, most especially in the horse world.

[Camstock]

Always check the top track for mice BEFORE you slide the stall door shut.

Don't ask me how I know. :no:

Sorry about that. I did that with a horizontally sliding window and a sleeping bat. Ewwwww...

My addition: No matter what they tell you about the horse they hand you to ride, check the basics. Don't hurry. If he's all they say he is, you'll catch up soon enough. If he isn't what they say he is, you'll find out quickly and quietly, rather than later and crunchier.

[MunchkinsMom]

Ditto on the "let go of the lead line".
Followed by - if you fall off the horse, let go of the reins.
Don't put your bare hand on the chain portion of the lead line.
If cleaning the stall with the horse in it, and your inner voice tells you that she will tip over the wheelbarrow causing a bad scene, listen to the inner voice.
That orange piece of baling twine might not be twine (was actually a snake).
Some horses do NOT like it if you accidentally poke them in their private parts while grooming their tail.

[dmj]

It's never the horse's fault...unless said horse is a mare :)

[JSwan]

a) Never to get on a horse that is leaping & bucking on the end of her reins & think you are going to stay on!
b) And, think it's not going to hurt! :lol:


Uhhh - if I'd known you'd been watching me ride my young horse I'd have invited you in for tea!:lol:

[CanterQueen]

From my first trainer:

That even on their best day, they can still kill you.

[drmgncolor]

that accidents around horses happen lightening fast and most (but not all) of them could have been avoided with just a wee bit more foresight. And that the causes of accidents are often determined to be blatantly obvious and stupid AFTER the fact!

A-freaking-men!!!

[catmchorse]

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is :D

[AppendixQHLover]

1. Never buy a horse from a good friend.
2. IF you buy horse from friend check with another person on suitabilty of said horse.
3. DO believe if many, many people say the same thing about person. (Yes I learned this one real quick)
4. IF horse wants to exit trailer in fear, do not hold onto lead rope.
5. It is ok to empty muck bucket a couple extra times vs filling it full and slipping a disk
6. Breeches look horrible on most people except the thin adults, and teenaged girls.
7. Wine really does help show nerves
8. That sitting on horses back bareback when he has high withers really does hit the girl parts. Yeah..that hurt

[Rienzi]

Never underestimate the power of things to get worse.
Pick up fresh manure in the aisle right away, because no, you will not remember it's there and yes, you will step in it. Or the BO will.
Always pick hooves before a ride, even if you only want to hop on for 10 minutes.
Never use dollar-store duct tape for car repair.
Duct tape is a good thing. So is WD-40.

My grandfather had 2 sayings. "If someone gives you something, take it right away," and "Charge your friends and relatives twice as much, because they expect twice as much."

Actually, he had a LOT more sayings, but the others, um, wouldn't look good in print.

[springer]

that "you might be a redneck if" you spell learned, LEARNT
(unless you just happen to be from England :) )

SORRY, just couldn't resist. Bring on the hate mail!

[CANTEREOIN]

It's never the horse's fault...unless said horse is a mare :)

I love this one! Obviously I have a mare!

that mares don't want to be taken for granted. Treat them like they'tr special 'cause they think they are... things will go easier for you.

that 100 horsemen/women will 100 different opinions on the same topic.

that if bring up certain names on certain forums a trainwreck will occur

[cloudyandcallie]

To trust my gut and my horses instead of listening to "experts" (excluding my vets and my farriers, of course)

[arabhorse2]

I have "learnt" that horse people apparently can't spell learned..... :lol:

[KitKat987]

to always bring the horses into the barn and in their stalls before attempting to change out blankets on a windy day even if they don't appear to be riled up at all upon initial inspection.

[snbess]

if someone is lying to others, they are lying to you as well.

On that note: If someone is griping about other to you, they will at some point gripe about you to others.

[horsekpr]

Always be sure the horse is facing you when you turn them out.(My mistake resulted in a broken jaw).
Same idea...never get too comfortable around horses ,they can ,and will hurt you very badly very quickly,and you need to always pay attention.
Do not lend money ,or anything else to anyone,that you can't afford to do without.You may never get it back.
When it is freezing outside,don't forget to dump water buckets that are not in use.
Don't forget the treats...bribery is a good thing.
Good help is hard to find. And nobody is ever going to take care of your horses the way you would.
stay out of the barn drama.
Spay and neuter the stray animals before you are over run.
If you fall off ,get right back on again ,unless you are bleeding profusely,or are going to the hospital.Your confidence gets really shaken when you don't get right back on.
If someone loses consciousness they need to go to the hospital.No Matter What they tell you.
I could go on and on,but I'll stop with one more...Do not forget to feed the barn Kitteh!

[tidy rabbit]

If you fall off ,get right back on again ,unless you are bleeding profusely,or are going to the hospital.Your confidence gets really shaken when you don't get right back on.

But not necessarily the horse that threw you off. There have been a couple horses that I flat out said "I will not get back on that bucking bastard again." And I didn't and it didn't hurt my confidence, but quite possibly saved my life. Know your limits.

[mkevent]

Tidy Rabbit-that is great advice. There's a fine line between brave and foolish!

[goeslikestink]

in order to live you need your body -- so look after it then you can enjoy your self in alll that you chose to do- and the only one whos ace - is yourself

and dont forget to smile- its contagious

[JustABay]

That by saying "just one more time..." has placed the kiss of death on your ride, and it will now entirely fall apart/you will fall off/or will not be able to do whatever it was that you were doing.

[horsekpr]

Oh ,I guess I should have clarified the getting back on thing....Do not get on a horse you know to be crazy ,or just beyond your capabilities as a rider. When i was young ,i would ride anything.now I don't break youngsters ,or ride horses that want to kill me. There is a big difference between falling off,and being thrown off.If a horse intentionally throws me off ,I do not see the benefit in repeating the experiment.Most falls , however, are not a result of the horse wanting to get rid of you ,unless they are in pain,or are not well broke. The greener the rider ,the more likely the fall is to become a traumatic experience if they don't get back on.Also ,the greener the rider,the more likely the fall was caused by the riders inexperience,not the horse being bad. A more seasoned rider can fall off and chose not to get back on out of learned self preservation,without losing their confidence.They just have more positive experiences to out weigh the negative one.

[rainechyldes]

I'm Canadian therefore I have *learnt*!

That the one time you leave the fence charger off for an hour while running to the feed store - is the exact time your horses will decide to go 'walkies'.

Stop the ATV completely before putting your foot down to get off or tire tracks make pretties on your leg.

While riding bareback backwards down the driveway on a snowy day sounds fun - I don't suggest it.

Tying crazy Arab mare to the fenceline by her reins is a very stupid plan. But then so was tying her to anything..with anything. (I was 12, gimme a break:))

Same Arab mare will insist on jumping into the duck pen every damn day, yet expecting her to figure out to jump back out, causes major re-construction needed of said pen.

A shetland pony who turns and kicks you in the stomach, becomes surprising docile when you bite her ear in revenge. ( I was 8 )

Teaching a horse to drink from a beer can is dangerous, as you will get mugged anytime you walk into his pasture with a can from that point onward, and be required to give it over or run for your life.

Keeping a horse with the cow herd only works well if said horse doesn't decide he is a cow and you have to launch yourself inwards through the entire bunch to catch him everyday, because he's now happily laying in the middle of them covered in cow poop.

According to my one gelding, metal mailboxes are very lick worthy (don't ask me - he's odd)

The amount of energy a horse will use to avoid being caught directly correlates to how fast you need to catch them and get them somewhere. I think they send out memos.

Same as above for trailering.

The lighter a horse- the more of a mud pig they are.

White leg wraps look awesome for the show ring, right up until your horse drools green slime down himself. Usually right when on deck of course.

Chasing canadian geese on horseback is fun.

Being chased by a fawn, not so much. (yes, this did happen.. horse, very unimpressed)

When a horse gets loose, expecting them to actually 'run away' never seems to work. All they ever do is trample my garden and poop on the walk and impatiently wait for you to come let them back into their house.

That a tree lying on the ground is just plain wrong, and horse will go nuts because it's not standing up straight and tall like he rest of dem dere trees.

The boulder you've passed 200 times will suddenly grow horns and launch an attack as you ride by it the one day you are finally expecting said horse to NOT spook at it.

Garbage cans are prospective food bins and previously mentioned gelding feels the need to dumpster dive at all times.

Fly masks are awesome fun to take off all the other horses and then hold between your teeth and proceed to beat your pasture mates with (same gelding)

Same with rubbermaid feeders... saddle pads... well anything that flails well.


Cats have lovely tails that make handy handles for picking up- yes..he actually did this with my poor tomcat.

The same ATV that arrives 4 times a day carrying their hay is suddenly evil and scary when it arrives with no hay while you are riding them, and becomes worthy of a buckfest.

[4whitefeet]

..that if you loan a friend $20 and they don't pay you back, they act like it's your fault.:confused:

[talkofthetown]

If the horse you're leading decides to bite you, and you swing around to smack him on the nose or chest..you will ALWAYS end up hitting the buckles on either the halter or blanket. Every time.

[Penthilisea]

If you reach around to smack a truly naughty horse with a crop, and you hit not the horse, but either the saddle pad or your own leg, the same effect will occur. Made me wonder for a loooong time....

[Stacie]

That fixer-upper horse will take much longer and cost a whole lot more money to get sound than buying a horse of equivalent talent who doesn't need fixing.

What you learn fixing up a fixer-upper is worth the extra cost and time.

[War Admiral]

1. It's ALWAYS pilot error.

2. A good HALT is your best friend.

3. It takes the time it takes. No amount of pushing, rushing or device intervention will help.

4. (Saying of my old trainer's) "The only hoss you can trust is a dead hoss."

[Paint Hunter/Jumper]

I have learned that if their is something just not right with your body after you fall, go to the doctors!

[cheval convert]

Never pass up a chance to use a bathroom.

Never buy a horse because she makes me look elegant.

[Gnalli]

If you've had a really crappy day at work and you're in a "mad at the world kinda mood" don't get on your sensitive greenie and expect a fun ride...

Yep-goes along with don't go out to work a greenie in the round pen when you are mad at your kids and distracted. Said greenie WILL get your attention

The minute you have people around, you WILL do something stupid and never live it down. Plus, you lose all credibility as knowledgeable.

If it has teeth and hooves, it will bite or kick, no matter how well behaved they are normally as they have grumpy old man days too.

After 30 or several children, you don't bounce-you go SPLAT.


Even pros get dumped occasionally, why should ammies be any different?

Horses are on a suicide mission from womb to tomb.

If your gut tells you to leave that horse alone, do it.

No hoof no horse.

You can't ride the papers.

[Gnalli]

...that the horse that wins your heart is the one you least expect.

OH my stars, ain't that the truth of the matter!!!

[tabula rashah]

....don't second guess your gut feelings
....if you have a question ask, then once you get some answers, go do some research on your own:)
...don't forget to take the time to enjoy the horses

[RV]

. . . that using a credit card is NOT a good way to pay for entries

[talkofthetown]

. . . that using a credit card is NOT a good way to pay for entries

ooops..that doesn't sound good..:lol:

[mrs.smith]

....that if ponies where human, most would be in prison.

[mkevent]

LMAO!!!

[eventchic33]

~~~That they know more than we think or want to believe sometimes.
~~~To always be open to learning something new
~~~That my horse will always make my day feel better no matter how awful the ride.

[ManyDogs]

The vet is always three counties away when you have an emergency.

Good hay is worth the price.

Non-horsey husbands really do like to show off their acquired horse knowledge. They are also worth their weight in gold.

[LLDM]

That this is the best thread ever and needs to go into the favorite section!

That there is nothing better in the world than being raised by a pony. :cool:

That the worst thing our horses ever do to us is leave us. :sadsmile:

That we make really bad horses, but our horses forgive us anyway. Example: Horse spooks, whirls and bumps us in that old "we gotta get outta here now" universal horse language. We fall down and lay there bleeding instead of leaving with the herd. Horse forgives us (once we are healthy enough to return to the barn) even though we a stupid and clumsy and slow. And is torn between being worried about us getting eaten by the mountain lion and being relieved that the mountain lion will be eating us while they get away. :uhoh:

SCFarm

[tidy rabbit]

After 30 or several children, you don't bounce-you go SPLAT.



I had to re-read that because I was all "Damn dude, that's a lot of kids! Wait that doesn't make sense." :lol:

[supernatural]

Don't send your horse out on consignment without a contract. Don't send ANY horses to that Lady in Pennsylvania that stole Carol's horses:eek::eek::eek:

[hosshopper13]

From my first trainer:

That even on their best day, they can still kill you.

amen.

and I have learned... not to fall in love with wannabe cowboys, especially ones boarding in the stall beside you :(

[JohnDeere]

If someone tells you

"De worst thing dis horse does is _______________"

dis horse WILL do it to you. Eventally.


And durned is that horse wont sneak under your ribs and steel your heart. Then break it to bits when he dies. Letting them go is hard. That is the most important lesson Ive learnt.

[ellemayo]

If that feeling in your gut is telling you that something's wrong, odds are that things only get worse from there.

There's no better medicine for worries than a look in those eyes, a nicker in your ear, and whiskers in your hair.

[Serendipity]

When you first start riding, do NOT go onto the forums and read every.single.post. about falling off! You will fall off immediately after, and it ain't the horse's fault!

[Sonic Boom]

If your gut tells you not to ride for some reason (no I don't mean just because you're cold! ;) ), don't!

That if said ride ends with some part of your body making a sound it should not, go to ER.

That there is no such thing as moving too slow. There is such a thing as moving too fast.

That if you let yourself THINK it will be a terrible, horrible, bad ride, it probably will

They always find a way to injure themselves, and they, like us, age and need some maintenance. You should decide what you are willing and can afford to do long before you get there. It will be good for you AND your horse if you have at least an idea, if not a plan.

No matter how much you love your horse, you will have bad days. You will question how you handled something. You will think you did not do right by your horse. But your horse forgives you if you try your very best to do better next time. They are incredibly forgiving.

That no matter how badly you want it to work, not every horse is meant for every rider. You should be able to let go and you will both be happier for it. But do it as responsibly as you possibly can.

That there IS a horse for you out there. He won't be perfect, because nothing and no creatures is. But he will be right for YOU.

That, at the end of the day, seeing your horse will make you feel better. No matter how good or bad the day, ride, weather, anything. They make you feel better. Nothing beats that eager look, the trot across the field, the sweet nicker that I know makes all of us swell a little inside, even if you partly know said horse is happy to see you BUT would like a cookie too. ;) I have learned that nothing makes me happier than simply laying eyes upon my horse that day as he goes about his own business, before he even knows I am there. It is, to me, truly a beautiful, heartfelt sight. Unconditional love is something that is permanently burned into your mind, heart, and soul.

I wish I knew now what I didn't know then.

[Woodsperson]

If the barn starts to go downhill leave now. It will not get better it will only get worse.

Pay attention. Just because he didn't spook at it the first 56 times, doesn't mean that he won't spook the 57th time.

[mkevent]

Sonic Boom-that was very excellent advice-thanks for making my morning!

[mysandi]

...never to buy cheap saddle pads because they end up costing me more in the long run.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I don't know if I mentioned this one.

DO NOT chew gum while you groom your shedding horse.

[mvp]

Its hurts less to wear gloves than to wish you had.

Let your horse choose your friends-- you won't go wrong.

-mvp

[bamboozled]

That what goes around, truly does come around.

[Parker_Rider]

- You can have the best vet doing 7 ultrasounds... you can still end up with *surprise!* twins and the subsequent heart attacks and panic attacks-...

- Never take "the guys" for granted.. Juan is still the only one who can clip my horses ears and vacuum him... AND he got my filly to stop kicking when she's mad. now THAT's worship worthy ;)

- "If the barn starts to go downhill, run!" - I second that. Similarly, if the trainer starts to flake out and go downhill... bolt.

- Smartpaks = best things of life for busy horsepeople!!

- Breathing on course is the first step to a good round. In the event you need help breathing on course, Rescue Remedy is a great homeopathic to settle the nerves. Barring that... chop a xanax in half :lol: haha, just kidding!

- Someone said it before, but it's worth saying again... Nothing in the world is better than being greeted with nickers from your babies :D

[JRG]

If you fall down the stairs, and think you have broken your big toe....wait longer then two days to ride.

That will be the day that your otherwise dosile gelding will let you know..................
"your not asking me correctly" and call you out on it.

[kellyb]

a) Choose your wardrobe carefully when body clipping. Windbreaker + windpants = great. Normal sweater, and then washing said hairy sweater with undergarments later on = a very uncomfortable, awkward day at work.

b) Don't pick a fight with a horse that you know you can't win/don't have time to finish that day.

c) If you're in an absolutely awful mood, just go for a trail ride. Trying to mold your defiant greenie into a A circuit winner that day will only make both of you more pissed off.

d) When you have a really great horse friend, treat him/her right. Horse people that you are on the same level with and can trust are absolutely invaluable.

[TrakGeorge]

....to give my horse a chance. Usually they know better than me and will save my butt...(on icy trails, over jumps, and even being run into by another horse) :yes:

....that they are my best friends, even when I feel I have none. They will also never share any of my secrets

....that my horses never stop teaching me, even when I no longer can ride them

....quality is better than quantity

[PhoenixFarm]

that while there is no such thing as a free horse, one man's trash can eventually, with time, and sweat equity and the judicial application of heart, soul and money, be someone else's treasure.

that the person who wants you to sell their horse for them and says, "I'm not worried about the money, all I want is a good home for them," is the person who will instantly turn into Gordon Gecko when the first offer from a perfect home rolls in and haggle as though the fate of nuclear arms negotiations depended on the outcome of the sale. They will often drive away a buyer with their tactics, and just generally turn the process in a complex and hellish process on part with middle east peace talks. They will then b!tch and complain when the horse isn't sold in 60 days.

that people, with the best of intentions, will look you right in the eye and lie to your face about a horse or rider's history.

[Juneberry]

A woman only needs two animals in her life, her dream horse and the jackass to pay for it. :)

[TBMaggie]

Not to clean the metal water tank and hang on to the electric fence for balance.
Not to schedule riding lessons during cocktail hour (trainer's, not mine. Trainer was grouchy.)
That when horses get out of their paddock, I'll never catch them by running after them.
That I should probably give up smoking. See above sentence.
No matter how carefully I take care of my horses, they'll find a way to get themselves hurt.
That I was born loving horses, and there ain't no cure.

(Oh, I'm with you tidy rabbit - I thought it said 30 kids too.:lol::lol::lol::lol:)

[silver2]

It will be harder to get your boots back off than it was to get them on.

[cu.at.x]

Never expect a seller to tell you the full story.

Don't buy cheap saddles.

Never buy a horse based purely on emotion.

[Kaeleer]

- that friends come and go, but if you don't have your integrity intact, you are nothing.

- that it is more important to have heart in a horse than talent.

- that there is very little that is thrown at you that you can't overcome, if you dig deep and soldier on.

- that losing somebody you love hurts more than words can tell, but it doesn't kill you, and you can love again.

- that, IRL, who you are speaks louder than what you say, but on-line, the opposite is true ;)

- that I am closer to God on horseback than in a Church.

[bugsynskeeter]

~A good farrier is worth the price.
~It is never as easy as it looks.
~Try a different discipline once in a while. You will learn more then you thought you could.
~Horses provide the best shoulder (or mane) to cry on.
~Horses don't care what you look like or when you last washed your hair. Scratch them in the right spot and they are puddy in your hands.
~There is no better feeling then when your horse and you click.
~In the end, the blood, sweat, and tears really are worth it.

[FlightCheck]

World Peace does not depend on your perfection at a horse show. Even if your trainer acts like it does!

[TBMaggie]

...that 'jumping the oxer backwards' was NOT what my trainer meant when
she said "Come back over that again.":eek::eek:

...that unless its fun, you've forgotten what you're doing it for.

...life is short. A horse's life, even shorter. Appreciate the moment.

[Hunter Mom]

That the older I get, the further away and harder the ground gets.

[Riley0522]

To trust my gut and my horses instead of listening to "experts" (excluding my vets and my farriers, of course)


This is exactly what I was going to say! My vet (whom I found through trusting my gut and getting a second opinion when my former vet was WRONG) always says to me "Well you tell me what you think is wrong, you know your horse best!"....I love that he thinks that way because it is SO true!

[sisu27]

that in some parts of the world (like Europe) they may have different spellings or usage of "English" words.

...like Canada. I'm sick of spellcheck telling me "colour" and "cheque" are not words!

[Trevelyan96]

To give crazy trainers and crazy horseshow moms a wide berth, because they will eventually find each other, and you don't want to be around when they do.

[Ibex]

That the words "Don't worry about it, just..." means roughly the same thing as "hey y'all, watch this!"

[Invested1]

- Never let your horse hear that you entered a competition or he will injure himself just after closing date.

- Don't let a competition be the first time your horse sees a liverpool.

- Know that some horses can balance on 2 feet thus being able to smack you in the noggin while swatting at a fly with a back hoof while you're busy picking out the front.

- Don't expect your horse to spook at what you find scary, expect them to spook at ridiculous things.

- Never discount how big your heart will swell when you call your horse and they answer you.

[2DogsFarm]

[quote=Invested1;3996463- Never discount how big your heart will swell when you call your horse and they answer you.[/quote]

:) SO TRUE!
Something about that just does me in.
More so when I remember they don't generally call so loud to each other, they are doing it for us stoopid, vocal, humans.

Glad this thread is still going because I have now also learned:
-The day you finally get your act together to ride right after work is the day both horses will thoroughly coat themselves in mud that requires your last store of energy to remove to bring them to a barely-rideable state.
And then you will be too mud-covered & exhausted yourself to bother.
I had mud in my teeth for crying out loud! :mad:

[equest]

Just as soon as you start congratulating yourself for not falling off in ages, you will fall off!