The Daily Dumb

[RHdobes563]

@Rackonteur

@endlessclimb

I think it’s great for horses to watch all the activity, and learn to relax even when there’s “stuff” going on. Almost like leaving a TV on. The barn isn’t open 24/7, so there’s still time for total quiet and rest.

Who leaves a TV on when they’re working or sleeping or trying to rest?

I do. I like background noise when cleaning/working on a project/on the laptop at home (I’m retired) so the television is on, often. Also, I put the television on ‘sleep mode’ when I go to bed. If I don’t, my mind goes over ALL of my daily and current problems, all the scenarios that MIGHT happen, all my WORRIES, etc. I can’t turn them off. Having the television on, letting me ‘listen’ to the program puts me to sleep faster than anything.

Right now, the ‘best shows’ to help me sleep are “Too Cute” (Animal Planet), 'Stories Of The E.R." (TLC), and “Time Team” (YouTube).

[trubandloki]

@RHdobes563

If I don’t, my mind goes over ALL of my daily and current problems, all the scenarios that MIGHT happen, all my WORRIES, etc. I can’t turn them off. Having the television on, letting me ‘listen’ to the program puts me to sleep faster than anything.

You nailed it. A fan or my white noise machine do not do this part. The TV is lovely mindless stuff that helps my brain shut down from the day.

[endlessclimb]

Another maybe stupid question after a video came on my facebook feed - why do horses being worked “at liberty” typically look so pissed off? I’m not talking about free lunging, I’m talking about the ones trained to stay close and do all the things - the handler typically has two whips and is guiding the horse around but god almighty do the horses generally look mad.

I notice this about horses who have been in natural horsemanship training for awhile too. They just look so… unhappy.

Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA1NOehaeaw

[avjudge]

I hadn’t thought about this before but when a horse is being made to move by a higher-ranked horse they look pretty pissed too - maybe this is related??

[Rackonteur]

Good point. I had a friend who listened to the radio a lot for the same reason. Worked for him.

[Rackonteur]

At least the horse seems to have some self-respect, unlike the woman, who seems to think her skill and her horse’s are not good enough to entertain the spectators, who presumably have to see her bare shoulder and other (accentuated) physical features in order to sit and watch. I can’t imagine a male trainer getting out there is such a revealing outfit which has nothing at all to do with being a horse trainer.

[Rackonteur]

Very likely.

[TheDBYC]

I about had a heart attack when she pulled the horse to lie down towards her Fairly sure he clipped her in the back getting up again, too.

I think the horses look pissed off because this kind of interaction is inherently unnatural. Horses aren’t dogs. Blind obedience shouldn’t be the goal with them. Yet, that’s exactly what these folks are asking for.

[endlessclimb]

Maybe! But horses just being normal-lunged don’t tend to have such a permanent grouch face. Well, mine don’t but I guess that might not be universal. I sometimes get a flash of grouch on an upward transition but then the expression relaxes. I’d be worried if mine looked perma-pissed, thinking pain/discomfort!

[endlessclimb]

I wouldn’t complain if I got some man eye-candy during a horse show.

Top less classes. Yeessss

[Ghazzu]

I know this isn’t liberty, but it is a nice example of ground-training, without a sulky looking horse.
This young horsewoman is the daughter of friends of mine.

2021 Virtual NJ Extreme Mustang Makeover - Youth Freestyle

[TheJenners]

@endlessclimb

The hay barn and the horse barn are connected with an enclosed breezeway that has additional stalls and enclosed shavings storage

I’d love pictures Feel free to PM me if you wish

[skydy]

That is so sweet! Thanks for posting.

[Sleipnir]

What an ugly example. Poor timing and body language, and I especially hated that predatory “hug” on the horses’ neck, attempting to keep him down (unsuccessfully). There are so many better examples of liberty displays around…yet I do agree that the horses often look pissed, especially when worked in larger groups together.

I think that partially a reason for that is that the horses just get fed up of repeating the same performance over and over again, and running side by side with other horses doesn’t help - it’s competitive behaviour and, if we’d observe that in nature, we’d see it occur between horses who challenge each other. Another thing is that the trainers, big names included, rely on learned helplesness on the horses’ part, so it’s rarely true liberty we see - more like extreme mental pressure to stay put. And that does not make for a happy horse.

[Rackonteur]

LOL I wouldn’t mind it either!

But I can’t imagine any man doing it.

[Rackonteur]

Brilliant! I love this. We have competitions similar to this where I live.

[endlessclimb]

I tried to find an example with just a handler and one horse because of exactly what you described. With multiple horses it’s hard to say what’s “pissed at each other” and what’s “pissed about the activity”.

[OTTBs]

@Rackonteur

You do that and can still get insurance for your barn? I have been told that in some places barns with hay storage don’t get insurance coverage.

I sure don’t remember a question about hay storage when I got my farm policy.

[anon40672407]

@OTTBs

I sure don’t remember a question about hay storage when I got my farm policy.

Check the exclusions in your actual document. It may be hidden in there.

[TheJenners]

@anon40672407

Check the exclusions in your actual document. It may be hidden in there.

Whether it is or isn’t, I will add to definitely check your policy even IF the agent says X is covered. I specifically asked if I would be covered with a release if someone rode a horse of mine that was for sale and was told yes; read the policy and not only NO but any activity related to sales was specifically excluded, even personal horses. Ugh