Two thumbs up for sense of humor!
Aug 08 2007
There’s nothing better than finding people on the web who can laugh at themselves and their horses without getting their knickers in a knot and getting all traumatized. Many of you have probably already seen this site, but if not, here you go.
Hillbilly Farms
75 comments to “Two thumbs up for sense of humor!”
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“His back is fairly flat and his eyes are looking where he is going, which is straight to the ground.”
I just about died of laughter when I read that.
On the same note… I ran across this photo on google the other day and it made me cringe worse than any picture had before in my life:
http://www.montgomerypottery.com/photogallery/Saranac2003/DSCN1201%20(Medium).JPG
I think the horse has his eyes closed in anticipation of his impending doom.
I bet Hillbilly Farms Jumper Clinic could have fun with the students and not to mention the trainer/owner’s pics on this site.
Yeek.
Well, look at how the trainer rides.
http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/aboutus.htm
That’s my point. ^^;; The entire site made a Wall of Shame in another group that I’m a member of. Lol.
Oh my. I just realized the poor little paint horse is being jumped in a barrel racing gag bit.
http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/success.htm
You know what? I’ve realized that men’s jumping positions almost always suck. Just an oberservation. Anybody happen to know why? (As in, a more anatomy logical reason.)
“Oh my. I just realized the poor little paint horse is being jumped in a barrel racing gag bit.”
Actually, I’m pretty sure that’s just a normal 3-ring elevator bit that’s common with show jumpers, not a western bit. However, I would never, ever, let a kid that young ride a horse in a bit like that. That’s one of those that belongs in experienced hands only.
Oh, and unless I’m mistaken that type of bit is intended to RAISE the horse’s head, right? So isn’t using it with a standing martingale a bit of a contradiction to the horse?
Just would like to add that I know not all guys suck. Like take David O’Connor for example, he’s great. I’ve just noticed that men and women seem to have two completely different styles.
men have a higher centre of gravity as compares to women, but not sure if id say they suck at jumping as a result.
maybe theyre riding defensively as a groin protection measure LMAO!
OMG! I love the Hillbilly Farms site! So great to find people who know how to call a spade a spade!
As for the dreamcometrue site… Wow. All I can say is that I’ve obviously abused my niece by not letting her be overmounted and overfenced and by insisting on dressage lessons and proper flat work before lettign her even go over ground poles!
“maybe theyre riding defensively as a groin protection measure LMAO!”
HAHAHA!
I regards to the Continental Snaffle/3 Ring Snaffle/Elevator bit they were “The-In-Thing” as I recall in the west of Scotland in the Mid 90′s.
I never quite got why damn near every horse at a show was being ridden in one.
Despite the names I was under the impression that they were a gag bit that had poll action due to the leverage.
Attaching the reins to the top largest ring made the bit into nothing more severe that a jointed snaffle. Attaching the reins to the middle ring gave you some poll action and caused the horse’s head to come down (if used correctly by a capable rider with good hands).
Sticking the reins on the lowest and smallest ring gave you maximum leverage.
I got sick of watching ham fisted fashion following little brats yanking on their ponies mouths in those bits.
OMFG – Is this actually, seriously GEORGE FUCKING MORRIS doing this commentary, or are they pulling our leg!?
Even without the commentary, these pictures would be hilarious; the various ‘OH JESUS..!’ looks on the faces of the horses are absolutely priceless.
THANK YOU – I needed this today!
Hmm… those people ALL need to go back to ground poles. However, it seems that they skip the whole boring flat lesson stage and go STRAIGHT to fences. Who needs to know how to ride anyway? That’s boring.
I love how on the training page, they misspelled “filly”. You REALLY gotta wonder about those people. I mean, this isn’t some lousy message board post – this is a page which reaches future clients!
Seriously, though, I have never see such terrible legs on riders before and why isn’t the trainer and others seem to have inappropriate footwear on… like work boots and tennis shoes? It’s a wonder no one has died. I also love how very pricey these lessons are for what low level of instruction they offer.
And apparently, quotes make everything legitimate? Hmmm…. aint my dream come true.
LOL, no I think that is just a satire of George Morris. Although I am sure George has had some of those same thoughts over the years!
Actually, Alan, not to be pedantic, but the 3 ring is a lifter/elevator bit- which does exactly that- gets the horse off its forehand.
Therefore, using it as a way to drop a horse’s poll is like pedaling backwards to go forward. They are all over the place here in the States now, and while they work wonders when used properly, there sure are a lot of people using them without a clue. Go figure.
I love Hillbilly Farms- their GM clinic is priceless.
I don’t know about you all, but the picture of the 5 year old girl jumping a 3’3 wall on the pinto really scares me. Link is below
http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/samantha.html
arabian, it scares me, too… like a great deal. I mean, I am sure she is having fun, but I don’t think it is really safe. She is *barely* in the saddle.
In the bottom pic her foot is almost through the stirrup.
I know, I have no clue how her little stick legs manage to hold her on. It’s a miracle she hasn’t been seriously injured!
And then, there is the girl who is so far forward on her appaloosa’s neck, she is literaly laying down. look how far her legs are behind her !
http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/brittany.html
I should find the pics of the girl who got mad when we said she shouldn’t be jumping. Her foot actually IS out of the stirrup!! O_o;; *runs off to dig up juicy pics!!*
“Oh my. I just realized the poor little paint horse is being jumped in a barrel racing gag bit.”
Yep that is not a barrel racing or even western bit. And while many call it an Elevator that is a misname. The poll pressure on a horse that is trained and ready for a bit like this would cause him to lower his head not raise it like a True gag would. Even the term gag when used for a bit like this is misleading. It really only has a little gag action when you put it up against a true gag bit. Way, Way to much bit for that horse and rider as you can see why the horse’s reaction.
Personally I think some of those photos on the HillBilly site are more people going off then their true form. I’m sure they don’t have perfect form either but I have a feeling that most of them went off on the jump in the photo.
Okay. I’m gonna try this. Since most everyone here will crack their ribs laughing. The following thread asks for a critique. Followed by her eating our faces.
Here is the pic in question, if it doesn’t link to the thread correctly.
Clicky
In a recent thread, we just had commentary about how sometimes as a responsible trainer, you have to say no to an owner who wants you to ride a horse too young. It’s exactly the same with teaching. As a responsible instructor, you need to be able to say no to kids and parents who pressure you into letting them jump before they are ready. Jumping before you can w-t-c without your stirrups with a secure seat is a bad accident waiting to happen. Sure, it’s tedious to learn to ride the right way – but I honestly think if you do, you decrease your chances of an injury by about 95%. Parents should think about that first and foremost, and not about “getting their money’s worth” by “seeing progress” aka little Suzie jumping courses when she’s just not ready.
One word. Scary.
And yeah, Fugly, you are so right. It took me two years of flatwork before I was able to even jump a 2′ crossrail. My instructor was really thorough with me and I don’t regret it a minute.
Plus, I had a horse who liked to stop dead. A good seat paid off. I flew a few times, but not as much as if I hadn’t ridden english two years prior.
I just realized something… if you look through the pictures, ALL of their horses are wearing that same harsh bit. I think one horse is wearing a snaffle in one picture. That’s it.
Even this little girl on this poor little pony:
http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/annica.html
That bit looks way too big for his tiny mouth as well.
Look at this poor stallion:
http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/training2.htm
3 years old. Jumping 2’9″ oxers. IN A GAG BIT. With this wonderful “trainer” hanging on his mouth worse than the students. No, no NO. Ignorance at its finest!
I feel sorry for these horses… it looks like these people use that bit as a cure-all for when these horribly inexperienced riders suddenly can’t control their horses anymore because they weren’t taught to ride properly before they started going over 3′ oxers.
The only thing good I can say about these people is that it seems they do care about protecting student’s heads with helmets. Which is good because all of these kids would probably be dead or paralyzed in no time at all if they weren’t wearing helmets.
Oh my gosh, I love that site, I laughed and laughed. Too funny thanks for sharing.
That is true. On one of the forums I linger on, all the kids who can’t ride but jump don’t wear helmets. People plead with them, but they won’t.
Still doesn’t make up for riding a 3 yo. I love people who think “cure all” bits are out there. Like people with Wonder Bits. There is trainer here who rides all his horses in them and I have seen many-a-horse screwed up by it because it isn’t appropriate. He starts his horses with the reins on the leverage whole. In short, I think nothing of him.
equestrianflutist- I am cracking up laughing! I love her comments on the forum and how she said she has ‘improved so much’.
It shouldn’t be funny I know, it really is unsafe, but I can’t believe the people that love her never told her how horrible her equitation is!
She should go back to flatwork and groundpoles before she even attempts a calvetti set.
I know the Hillbillies and I can confirm that they are fine riders and horsepeople! No, not really GM, of course, but a satire.
Hmm, kids ponies that need dutch gags? Something is not computing there!
It’s almost mind-boggling that the Dream Come True people didn’t manage, even by accident, to display one picture of a student exhibiting decent jumping form*. A couple of the head-on pictures look like they *might* be okay, but I think that’s because the main fault that everyone else seems to have is legs slid back, which of course you can’t see in a head-on picture.
And these are the pictures they post on the web for everyone in the world to see! I’m sure I’ve made every single one of the mistakes that the people on that site are making, but I don’t advertise it, and neither would any of my riding instructors. The fact that they use these images as part of their advertising strategy really suggests that they have no idea how bad those jumps are…and, of course, they list the height of every jump, which I guess tells you what kind of rider they hope to attract: the one who wants to jump as high as possible, as soon as possible, and to hell with learning to do it properly.
* Actually, Holly (http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/holly.html) seems to have a decent lower leg, at least compared to rest of them. She’s also the only one not jumping big air–I think there just may be a connection. She ought to move to another barn where they’ll clue her in to the fact that you don’t actually *have* to lay on the horse’s neck in order to clear a jump, and maybe she can develop on her potential.
The way that little girl is hauling on that Duth Gag (most people call them either that or a ‘bubble bit’ in the UK) makes me cringe.
Dutch gags are a popular and usually effective (in the right hands!) solution to a horse that needs some extra brakes when jumping. Particularly handy when people are too lazy to change their whle bit over, and can just switch the reins from a hanging snaffle to high leverage in a two seconds. Unfortunately seeing showjumpers use it has made many kids snap up the fashion, because it looks stylish. It’s become a popular ‘pony club’ bit, and you see hundreds of kids hauling around their little angels of ponys at shows.
My opinion is that the bit is best used like a pelham – one rein on the snaffle and one on a lower ring. But then, people are too lazy to even use two reins with a pelham…
“Look at this poor stallion:
http://www.dreamcometruefarm.com/training2.htm
3 years old. Jumping 2’9″ oxers. IN A GAG BIT.”
I THINK that’s a normal snaffle, actually. Irrelevant anyway, given the abysmal riding, but at least it’s one less degree of discomfort for the horse.
And WHY does he appear to be lunging a horse from a rope around its NECK?
I’ve been riding since I was 5, with a break between the ages of 11 and 16 due to finances.
Before the break, I barely jumped -I was just starting in lessons, but my mum was very nervous of me riding and kept me to flatwork.
Since, I have had many hours of saddle time from working at a riding school and take regular flatwork lessons, where we are up to the level of learning lateral movements (with a LOT of no-stirrup work – our instructor is MEAN). I jump little rustic jumps when we go out hacking, and have a jumping lesson every other week with my uni club. Our class’s description says we will jump MAX 2’6″ (the ‘advanced’ group get to fo 3’3″).
TWO YEARS of this regime, and I have yet to jump above 2 foot in a lesson. I have yet to jump above 3 foot out on a hack, and that height is only because the XC-type jumps we do send the horses into push button jumping mode, so jumping them is easy in comparison anyway.
Why? Because I’m working on jumping correctly. I feel satisfied not when my instructor says ‘you’ve jumped 3 foot today!’ but when she says ‘your form has gotton better/stronger’. We work on changes, corners, using space, lines, combinations etc.
I have friends with the ‘bigger is better’ jumping mentality. They jump a single jump of 4 foot, but you wouldn’t want to see them try and get round a course. It’s not pretty. I’d rather do it my way.
Re: the girl with the myspace picture…I’ve done that exact thing (once), but I knew better than to blame the horse for it…fortunately, there are no pictures of the time I did it, but if there were, I wouldn’t post them on the internet for all the world to see unless it was to say, “OMG, look at this horrible picture of my worst jump ever!”
I want a T-shirt!
>>with a LOT of no-stirrup work – our instructor is MEAN< <
Yep, and probably going to be responsible for you having a long and safe riding career!
Ha ha, luvmyfuglyhorse, we just were talking about it’d be funny to have t-shirts for this blog last night. Supporters could wear them at horseshows and piss off all of the Andufriesianwalker breeders.
ok – Let’s hear some creative slogans for the FHotD T-shirts!
T-shirts? That’s what cafepress.com is for. Just design a logo and they’ll print it on anything. : )
I like the “Don’t you breed no fugly horse.” Then with the http://www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com on the bottom.
We could have a picture of Elmer the horse on it.
I don’t care who ya are or where yer from, that’s funny stuff right there. LOL
I just looked through the whole site and LMAO.
http://www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com
WHERE YOU WILL FIND THE UGLY
http://www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com
“Where You Don’t Want Your Breeding Operation Spotlighted”
Basically you can design all of those for free and then everyone can pick out their design and buy away. I’d totally buy the one that says, “Where You Don’t Want Your Breeding Operation Spotlighted”. So long as the URL was on the back over my shoulders.
“Your full Page Stallion ad…$500
Your vet bill for 1 month…$3,000
Your neighbor’s unregistered 13hh pinto “Quarter Horse” stallion on Fugly Horse of the Day blog…Priceless”
I’m pretty darn handy with CafePress … been a Top Shopkeeper a few times. If FHotD wants some tips, contact me.
Check out my CafePress horsey stuff here:
http://www.cafepress.com/freelief/1928494?pid=3220656
If you sign up, please tell them “freelief” sent you.
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/storeref.aspx?refby=freelief
LOL….I am dying laughing. I would definately buy one !
>>http://www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com
“Where You Don’t Want Your Breeding Operation Spotlighted” < <
Hahahahaha. Love it.
And I love Hillbilly Farms! And Dreams Come True Farm… Why in the world did I stick with trainers who wouldn’t let me jump until I had a secure lower leg?!
I can’t believe they charge $60 for an hour lesson. I wonder how many of their riders have fallen on their heads.
Did anyone notice the Lord of the Rings moment on the Hillbilly Farms site?? That was pretty funny. ^^;;
*Sometimes* those “elevator” bits really are useful for a pony that pulls hard. My lesson barn has one such pony, a very talented little guy, extremely well-trained, but much, much too strong for little kids, which is probably why he’s a school horse rather than someone’s private pony. He is 13.1 hands, and his neck is the biggest part of him (well, sometimes his belly is bigger, but you get the picture…)
With kids, the reins are put on the bottom or second ring, but with adults (such as myself) we just use it as a snaffle. His bit does not have the extra small ring at the top to fasten the bridle to, though, so when one is using the snaffle, it’s a true snaffle. But a little kid just will not get the leverage they need from a snaffle. He’s a really good pony for learning to jump; he doesn’t stop or run out or rush the jumps.
I do think he’d go well in a pelham but the extra pair of reins can be a problem for small, beginner level kids. There may be other reasons for using the elevator bit rather than a pelham.
Luckily he can carry up to 165 pounds, so the barn makes sure he’s ridden by competent adults several times a week, just so he remembers his manners. He’s also used in therapeutic riding lessons, where he’s a real star for carrying kids with little muscle control; someone wobbling on his back just does not phase him, and he doesn’t pull his usual tricks when he’s being led.
I just found this blog and am glad that I did. I agree with your comments about backyard breeding. Those people are idiots. I enjoy your humorous comments as well. I will continue to read with enthusiastic relish to learn more about what not to do. Thanks for the chuckle this morning!
Wow, I just looked at the “trainer” picture of him ‘prepping a horse for the racetrack’ and nearly fell off’ve my chair laughing. Where do you FIND these people omg? I put trainer in quote marks because I’d not dignify him with that title.
Seriously – western length stirrups for TB in fast work? And a death grip of iron on her head? Not to mention the surface he appears to be working her on… There’s clueless and then there’s people who appear to be from another planet. I mean, it’s not as though racing isn’t televised, so it’d be hard not to realise you need to ride short.
One thing above all others that stands out for me about all those pictures is how out of control all those kids look. They must have some saintly horses, because I see no reason why they should be jumping those fences for those kids. I bet you any money they’d never get round a course. And funnily enough – no combination fences there. *snort* I wonder why….
Only good thing I can say for the site is that they seem to have some nice facilities – but then at $60 a pop for a “lesson” I guess they can afford them.
I started jumping in elementary school but I started well after being in my ground class for years yep young but started riding at 5. I couldn’t get into the jumping class til I could w-t-c without stirrups and not hold on the my horseys mouth for dear life. Thank it was little jumps forever than I moved and got out of it. I was thinking about getting into classes again but would start back out with groundwork for probably awhile as my form has suffered from not riding for years. Jumping is a very dangerous sport people end up paralyzed all the time or seriously hurt it is something to not jump into lightly.
On another note the trainer in dreamcometruefarm wow I would NEVER take lessons from that guy and NOT for the prices for sure he trains the kids who their parents went oh lil suzie you’ve never been on a horse and you think jumping looks like fun alright sure this guy looks good. Nopers horrible.
Hillbilly farms made me giggle hehe
ann, for a pony like you described, who was strong with kids, I’d recommend using a pelham, but with roundings. Rounding were origionally engineered so that children could use a bit like this without having to fumble with two pairs of reins in too-small hands.
How about for a slogan
RIDE IT
FEED IT
BUT DONT BREED IT
fugly horse of the day.com
I think I really like “Don’t You Breed No Fugly Horse!” on the back with a pic of a fugly and then the website address in small lettering underneath that. The front could just have a picture of the ugly horse’s fugly head on the breast pocket area with FHOTD under it or something.
Hey, who posted that link with the “little cracker horse” they advertised for sale as ugly? That one could definitely be our poster child, and we’d be using it with permission. What’s that link again?
Regalsin, I like that too. We can offer a bunch of options.
If we do this, a large part of the proceeds have to go to some of the good rescues. I know the ones I like – which ones do you guys support? I mostly deal with OTTB oriented rescues, so recommendations on rescues for other breeds would be very welcome. Like, who is a rescue you all like that focuses on Arabians? Standardbreds? Tennessee Walkers? They don’t have to be 501(c)(3), but they have to have good reps and I shouldn’t be able to find them listed on the “Rip Off Report” web site.
Have some fun
Win a class
Just don’t let your mare get poked in the ass!
RESPONSIBLE BREEDING, THAT’S WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
http://www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com
^^^^^^was inspired by regalsin’s post^^^^
ALL OF THE RESCUES that I am familiar with, I wouldn’t give them a dime. I would most likely go with FUGLYS recommendation, I wouldn’t mind helping out a reputable OTTB rescue
I have a rescue that I will live and die by, that’s where I got my rescue! Yearling filly that had to be outbid by the meat buyer. She’s an infamous draft cross, PMU I suspect, but I have no way of knowing.
This rescue is actually one that puts the time and effort into rehabilitating horses rather than trying to turn a quick profit.
They sell their horses for a slightly inflated price than what they paid at the auction. They don’t charge for the vet fees and other care they receive once the horses are in their possession.
Although there is no strict breeding policy (some rescues I’ve looked at deny any breeding rights) all stallions or colts that come off the trailer are gelded before they are sold. Fugly or not, making sure the colts balls have been chopped off is one way to prevent a person breeding another rescue.
I agree with doing your research before you just go off donating money to resuces who are only trying to turn a quick buck off the horses, so I think the 501(c) is the best bet
And as for the people jumping… aren’t people honest anymore? If you suck at jumping, don’t ruin a perfectly good horse because “I think I can, I think I can… chugga chugga chugga WOO WOO”
In Illinois the Hooved Animal Humane Society HAHS had a good reputation. They not only take in all abused horses they work on getting better humane laws. They are also accredited to go in and impound horses with the complete help of the authorities.
Holy crap, is this a fugly horse or what?
http://forum.horse.com/tm.asp?m=411753
Built downhill, toes out in front and his head is way too big for his short stumpy neck. Egads. Thank heavens he’s a gelding.
Well he certainly isn’t an attractive horse by any means but at least he looks well cared for and hopefully has a nice personality. But definitely not breeding stock.
Oh God Wildcaballo your comment definitely caught me off guard and water came flying out all over the desk! Too funny!
In response to the question about which rescues we support, I donate to Horsesisters:
http://www.horsesisters.org
Not only do they rescue neglected or unwanted equines, they then use them to provide riding and driving experiences for the handicapped – sort of a two charities for the price of one deal. They are a 501(c) charity.
Oh yeah, forgot about the rescue thing.
I like this place alot, and there well trained OTTBs are next to nothing for adoption fees.
http://www.horseadoption.com/
“HorsePoor said…
Holy crap, is this a fugly horse or what? http://forum.horse.com/tm.asp?m=411753
Built downhill, toes out in front and his head is way too big for his short stumpy neck. Egads. Thank heavens he’s a gelding.”
OMFG!! I looked at that horse and dear Christ. Why didn’t anyone tell the person asking about the horse being fugly. >>;; I would have ripped that horse apart. Aside from what you mentioned that horse is also seriously camped out in the back. Gah!!
EquestrianFlutist said…
“Aside from what you mentioned that horse is also seriously camped out in the back. Gah!!”
It may be that his hind feet hurt and he’s trying to get his weight off his heels. Whenever I see a horse standing like that I start thinking about laminitis.
“OrangeElmo said…
EquestrianFlutist said…
“Aside from what you mentioned that horse is also seriously camped out in the back. Gah!!”
It may be that his hind feet hurt and he’s trying to get his weight off his heels. Whenever I see a horse standing like that I start thinking about laminitis.”
That’s what I thought at first, but generally you see them leaning back off the tips of their front hooves. At least that’s what I’ve always seen.
equestrianflutist – you are right. laminitic horses lean BACK on their heels to relieve the pressure in their feet.
hes hideous and lame for some other reason *LOL*
I second the recommendation of a pelham with a conversion to a single rein for tiny hands. My Section A gelding goes wonderfully in it and he DEFINITELY lets me know when we try something he doesn’t like! All the rest of my lesson ponies go in simple snaffles.
http://forum.horse.com/tm.asp?m=411753
His eyes look like he is in pain
man, I keep going back to the photo of that little kid who is still missing her bottom teeth jumping the big pinto horse. She is obviously talented or she would have flown off the horse… I would love to get my hands on her in my lesson program!
Those were my thoughts exactly. She looks like she has some natural talent that could really be nurtured elsewhere.