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Horseback Riding/Questions Answered by Expert Rick Gore Horsemanship
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Which is better? | 11/24/2011 |
| Q: Me and my friend both love riding our horses but we both ride very different. I don't hold the horse ... A: I would not know since I can't see you ride. Keeping the reins loose shows better control and more ... | |
| Mounted patrol | 1/9/2011 |
| Q: I'm an 18 year old female measuring 5'3" and weighing 135lbs. I have ten years riding experience, ... A: Ride more, the more you ride the better your balance, the better your confidence, the more the horse ... | |
| I bounce when I ride - Rick Gore Horsemanship | 12/27/2010 |
| Q: I am a 58 year old woman who is somewhat overweight. My problem is, ever since I was young and ... A: Well without seeing you bounce I would say it is a combination of things. One when overweight means ... | |
| Draw Reins | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a 16 year old Quarter Pony mare who I think would improve with draw reins. She is a western ... A: draw reins are a cheat and not good, it will only teach a horse to pull more and then you will need ... | |
| trotting: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: i have an ex-racehorse. He is a standardbred so he did the trotting races. Even after 23 years of ... A: He trots since that is all he has known, he has to be walked..... I bet he does not trot when you ... | |
| please read then judge: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: Ok i know you don't answer questions too often but i am so desperate i am willing to take my ... A: I would say you what ever is going on is YOU. A horse is only a reflection of us, so if you feel ... | |
| How Old is Too Old?: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: My 29 stock horse hasn't been riden in a year, has lost muscle tone, slight spine slump with ... A: It depends, what you weigh, how good your saddle pad is, how good your saddle is, how good a rider ... | |
| Teaching a reining horse to jump: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: I don't think it is a problem; but I had someone tell me that they would try and jump out of the ... A: lol, all horses know how to jump, if they want to jump out of an area, they will and you will not ... | |
| Respect for a Horse's Need: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I don't think you'll consider me a petty person as I have not complained about your answers. I very ... A: I did not see video, but there are lots of people that don't understand or treat their horses like ... | |
| what height horse do i need?: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: Im looking to by a horse but unsure of what height to get.I am 15 years old and about 5'4 or 5'5. ... A: You are not going to be 15 forever and you may or may not get taller, but for sure you will get ... | |
| Slow Canter | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I ride western and want to try to advance a bit and learn to do a slow canter. I've hear it's quite ... A: time and being in a hurry is the worst enemy of a horse. This, like all good training takes time so ... | |
| riding according to height: Rick Gore Horsemanship - www.thinklikeahorse.org | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: there’s a jockey called manikandhan in India. He stands around 5 feet 10 inches. He’s too tall but a ... A: Not sure, I have not heard that term, but it sounds like he keeps his balance and center of gravity ... | |
| characteristics of a good rider | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: can you give me characteristics of a good rider. I meant what all he/she should have? A: You need understanding of a horse, how they live and what is important to them. Knowing what ... | |
| Police Horse Relief: Rick Gore Horsemanship - wwww.thinklikeahorse.org | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: There was a photo I saw on YouTube, where two mounted policemen where crossing an open grassy area ... A: Where a rider sits on a horse is where the horse's kidneys are at. So it is considered good ... | |
| bareback riding advantages: Rick Gore Horsemanship - www.thinklikeahorse.org | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: may i know how does bareback riding gives a good balance to the rider? A: Riding bareback is just one way to get better balance. If you ride in a saddle with stirrups you ... | |
| trainig an older horse: www.thinklikeahorse.org - Rick Gore Horsemanship | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: I have had my 17 year-old horse, Charlie, for about a year. I was bucked off and he was put in ... A: The horse is not the problem, you need to learn to have soft hands, the horse hangs on a rein ... | |
| western saddle shopping: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I have ridden dressage for years but, am riding a skiddish arab mix and I need a western saddle that ... A: You need to work on your horsemanship and stop thinking that a saddle will keep you safe or help you ... | |
| leg pressure: www.thinklikahorse.org | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I've been riding for some time..Owned horses and was always taught leg pressure on the left side for ... A: I would say not a right or wrong way in anything with horses, a horse can learn just about anything, ... | |
| Horse hieght and scared of horse | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm 13 and 5ft 7. I am looking for my second horse as have outgrown my old one. I don't know what ... A: Your weight is more important then height. A horse can carry up to 20 percent of their weight, A ... | |
| Improving the quality of my jumping: www.thinklikeahorse.org - Rick Gore Hrosemanship | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I am 22 years old, have been riding for about 6 years, (jumping for 2) my horse is a 8 year old ... A: I am not a jumper so I am not familiar with the technical aspects of jumping "correctly". I jump my ... | |
| horse care: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: Gore, - my age : 27 - I've been riding for more that 6 years and I'm a new owner (just 5-months ... A: Here are a couple of links with good info and I cut and pasted a couple of other articles I found. ... | |
| FEAR OF TRAIL RIDES: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I am 57 yrs.old. I bought a 13'2 hand high norweigen fjord pony. She is 13 yrs old. My mare is ... A: You are in a very common position. Lots of people get back into horses later in life. Fear is ... | |
| Skittish horse: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: I've been hired to train 6 horses this lady "rescued". There's 3 three year olds, 2 two year olds ... A: All horses are skittish and spooky, so when someone says a horse is that way, I have to ask why they ... | |
| 6 year old... My Fear: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: Heey.. Im 15 years old and have been riding for round about 2 years now.. I ride my aunties horse, ... A: Fear is one of those things I can't help with, your fear is not a horse issue. Your can help your ... | |
| trotters: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I ride a standardbred who used to do the trotting races. Until recently he has been good but now he ... A: All horse bite and all horse kick. If people allow a horse to bite then the horse bites. Biting is ... | |
| trotters: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I ride a standardbred who used to do the trotting races. Until recently he has been good but now he ... A: Trotters are normally beat or hurt if they go into a canter or different gait so it will take lots ... | |
| FEAR/TRUST/SELF PRES??: www.thinklikeahorse.org Rick Gore Horsemanship | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I am riding a 7 year old gelding. I am a novice rider. the horse has only about 2 years of ... A: This sounds more of a confidence issue between you and your horse. We all get upset, horses are ... | |
| My Pony is stupid with me, taking advantage of me in trot: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: my name is Channel Wilson, i'm 12 years old, i've been riding 4 years, my pony is 13hh, is an ... A: Well maybe you should sell her, it does not sound like she is having a good time either. This ... | |
| Encouraging a horse to be forward in the school | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: I have had to change the horse I have lessons on. He is lovely, not a nasty bone in his body and ... A: Do more ground work so he knows what you want when you ask, then when you get on he will know what ... | |
| saddle: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: how do i know what size of saddle seat to purchase for me? A: I think you should ride a few different saddles to be sure, some like a smaller saddle and some like ... | |
| Am I too to far into my teens to get good? www.thinklikeahorse.org | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: I'm a 16 year old girl on the heavy side(Though I'm working on that) and I've been riding for about ... A: I know lots of people in their 40's and 50's that start riding. Your weight can be an issue. Your ... | |
| Riding your horse bareback: www.thinklikeahorse.org Rick Gore | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: I am fifteen years old and I have been riding since I could wallk. Even with this experience, ... A: This is hard to explain, if you are not very tall it is harder, but can be done, you have to work on ... | |
| sore knees: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I am a 49 yr old female that is a very inexperienced horse rider. I went riding for about 30 ... A: Yep there is a connection with sore knees and sore butts, sore stomach muscles and sore shoulders, ... | |
| too fat to ride? www.thinklikeahorse.org Rick Gore | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: I use to backpack all through the High Sierras, even climbed Mt. Whitney, but I'm much older (57) ... A: A draft mule would be good, they can go 1500 pounds or more or a draft horse would do. They say a ... | |
| horses: Rick Gore www.thinklikeahorse.org | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I'm 13 and started riding about two years ago i really enjoy but i get a bit worried sometimes as i ... A: don't worry about being tall, weight will affect riding more than how tall you are. I know many ... | |
| NO RYTHM: www.thinklikeahorse.org | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: My Granddaughter, 6 years old, it taking English riding lessons. Now I know she is very young and ... A: It may be a slow down, but it will probably teach her to improve and learn. Not too many kids can ... | |
| single ear headstall: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: I am 49yrs old, recently adopted an 8 year old QH. Great horse, very easy keeper, loves his new ... A: The loop probably goes forward. You want the head band straight across the back of both ears so if ... | |
| horse/rider Height: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I convinced my parents to buy me a horse (yay!) and i want to know what height would be good for me. ... A: It depends what you want the horse for, what riding you are doing, how old are you, riding ... | |
| my ponies respect: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: ive been riding since I was 2 yrs old ive had my own pony before but sold him on to a friend of ... A: trust with horses come from lack of fear, but they have to see you as the leader. If you read my ... | |
| leads: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: im rather new to riding and do not understand the consept of being on "the right lead" Could you ... A: The lead is normally the way a horse is running. If he is running to the left, he should be in the ... | |
| Marcus My Horse: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: I need some help with a couple of things. First one is about my horse Marcus. Marcus is a four year ... A: Read these sections on my web site and I explain these terms better and in more detail. Lots of ... | |
| slow the lope: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: Thanx for taking my question. I am 50 and have been starting colts for about a year. I am at the ... A: If your horses know what to do on the ground then they will do it easier once you are in the saddle. ... | |
| scardy horse: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: My paint is so scared of everything. Hes about 7-8 years old still kinda greenbroken he dosent ... A: Read my sacking out section on my horsemanship page of my website. All horses are scared it is how ... | |
| confidence: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I just got a new horse and he is pretty fast and spooky but pretty much only when I'm nervous, he ... A: Spending time with you horse and not asking anything from it will help you and your horse grow in ... | |
| Horse won't take bit: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: I am 18 years old and have been trail riding for about 5 years now. I bought an 8 yr. old ... A: like most horse problems it is people problems. I assure you this is you. All the other things ... | |
| Hackamores/bitless bridles: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: WHAT IS YOUR AGE: 20 WHAT IS YOUR HORSE EXPERIENCE: Riding English since I was seven, riding western ... A: I explain this on my web site on my bosal and hackamore page. You can neck rein with a halter, but ... | |
| selling: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: My name is Erin, i am 16, and I am selling my 5YO QH mare. I have someone coming to look at her, and ... A: Well I would be honest and all your questions relate to how to get rid of your horse, none were ... | |
| National Show horse: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I recently aquired a nine year old NSH, He quite lovely, with a deep body and chest, expressive eye ... A: Not sure what level the horse is now and how much ride time and training it has had. If you are ... | |
| building a relationship with my horse: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: how do i rebuild a trusting relationship with my 14.2 welsh section d gelding after I got on him ... A: Read my site about horses, it will give you a better idea on how they think and once you understand ... | |
| Games on Horseback: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: I have a game show coming up on horseback. There is a game that nobody really seems to know much ... A: Here is what I could find. Rick SCUDAHO The Scudaho course consists of four poles, three barrels ... | |
| reins: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: Hey, I am 13,I do not own a horse but have had about 3 months riding lessons and was curious to know ... A: Alex, read my web site and it will help you understand horses better. You need to understand how ... | |
| How tall should a horse be for me to ride: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I'm 27 and I am a beginner when it comes to horses, I am 5'8 and weigh 225lbs and was wondering how ... A: Height is not the only thing you should consider. Add your saddle to your weight, most are about 30 ... | |
| Fearful horse: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I am an older "re-cycled" rider and have an 8 year old gelding that is inexperienced and fearful in ... A: Maybe, you have to know your capabilities and your comfort level. I do think the horse is learning ... | |
| Dressage to Saddleseat to Western: www.freewebs. com/horseawarensess | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: WHAT IS YOUR AGE: 16 WHAT IS YOUR HORSE EXPERIENCE: 11 years around horses. 10 years riding (1 year ... A: No, that is not correct. Neck reining is over rated. It is called that but what it really is, is ... | |
| Centerfire rigging on McClellan type saddle | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: I just got a McClellan type Paso Fino saddle, the type with the front and back rings. What do you ... A: The design I think you are talking about is the old Calvary design. Some people just use the one ... | |
| saddle pads: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: we have an old gelding whose loin muscles have atrophied leaving very high withers and a dished ... A: A good one inch pad with a proper fitting saddle should work, but too much pad can hurt and too thin ... | |
| show disaster: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: so I took lessons and my teacher found me a 25 yr. old retired QH, gentle, mature and quiet ...he's ... A: Don't be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes with our horses, we are only human. But learn ... | |
| show disaster: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: so I took lessons and my teacher found me a 25 yr. old retired QH, gentle, mature and quiet ...he's ... A: Well, anyone that cares about their horse has cried at sometime. As for your question was it your ... | |
| Horses: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: I have this paint/appy gelding who is 6 years old. He is very unsensitive and I would like to change ... A: Glad you don't want to spur him that never works. You have to teach him how to understand what you ... | |
| Unhappy horse? | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: I am currently working with a paint/draft mix and have run into a couple of problems. His name ... A: If a horse is trying to kick you and bite you on the ground, I would not be riding him. He does not ... | |
| Daughter;s sore knees | 6/15/2008 |
| Q: My daughter and I have been taking riding lessons in an english saddle and we love it. For the first ... A: I got this question off the pool. I would think it is the saddle. It would be that stirrups are ... | |
| flat walk | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: I have owned my horse for 8 years now-I was 12 and he was 6 when I bought him. He is at college ... A: It sounds like he is anticipating since you have taught him to. You have let him or made him go ... | |
| Holding a crop | 4/12/2008 |
| Q: I am 13 years old and have been riding for about a year with a short crop. My riding teacher asked ... A: Sorry Mesha, I do not ride with crop and don't think they are fair to the horse. If you understood ... | |
| western saddle | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: I am 47 years old and rode frequently when I was younger ..up to about 23 yrs old. Have always ... A: Howdy, I am 48 and on top of a horse is the best seat you will ever have. Saddles always loosen up ... | |
| looking for some advice. | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: hey Rick, You're just the person I need to talk to! I've been riding for 2 and a half years and I ... A: Being big has nothing to do about being a horse person. Gem is not giving you a nasty look and she ... | |
| looking for some advice. | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: hey Rick, You're just the person I need to talk to! I've been riding for 2 and a half years and I ... A: Well Hayley, it sounds like you have been getting some bad information about riding and handling ... | |
| Trouble mounting (www.freewebs.com/horseawareness) | 2/3/2008 |
| Q: .. recently got a 13yo standardbred gelding. big boy 16.3hh. great ground manners - easy to saddle ... A: Hey Derek, this sounds like a smart horse. First realize that this horse is not mean or is not out ... | |
| How Tall should my horse be? (www.freewebs.com/horseawareness) | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: im just wondering to tell you im getting my first horse/pony but i dont know exactly what height i ... A: Rick Gore: Height is not very important for your first horse. Knowing what you will use the horse ... | |
Horseback Riding
Answers by Expert:
Rick Gore Horsemanship
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Visit Rick Gore's Horse Site: www.thinklikeahorse.org
--Rick is a student of the horse. I have over 200 free videos on Youtube about horses. I believe in and practice "Natural Horsemanship". I ride mainly western and don't use or promote spurs, bits, or whips. Reins are only one cue for the horse. Using the entire body helps the horse understand. I define riding as a human and horse working together for the enjoyment of both. Pain and fear should not be part of the equation. If you expect feel good advice, you will be disappointed. 95% of all my answers will include the problem is you and not your horse. About 90% of most answers that I give out are on my web site, so if you read it you will probably answer your own question and may learn a few other things. If you ask me a question that I answer on my site or video I will send your question to the question pool.
Experience
I am an experienced horseman with over 30 years of riding and handling horses. I grew up in Texas around horses and horse people. I have started colts, ridden many horses with behavior issues and worked with problem horses. I believe that most horse problems are normally people problems (lack of understanding of the horse).
I believe in and practices natural horsemanship. I have never met a horse that could not be fixed. I believe it is never the horse's fault and with proper handling, all problems can be fixed, if the person handling the horse realizes that they are causing and contributing to the problem.
Visit Rick Gore's Horsemanship
Education/Credentials
I have life long experience in being around and working with horses. Over the years I have watched good horsemen do the right thing and seen the wrong things done with bad results. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
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