We can never get enough of Oliver's video. He's such a gentle horse, patient, quiet, and stands majestic. Loves JR. As with all the animals, large and small. Homestead horsemanship is a great loving home. Thank you, and God bless.
Retire a 100 per cent healthy 2,5 year old horse is madness. He will be a beatuiful stallion and great drafthorse in the care of your family. Go Oliver!
Absolute insanity. That would be like being in prison. Nothing to ever do but eat. What a depressing life. There is a lot of mental illness in the world today. I pray for them.
To rescue is divine. And to give a 2 1/2 year old old horse a mission, a job, any activity that makes him feel useful, something that he wants to do for his own physicality is a blessing.
Hello JR and family -- Loved this informative video. The woman who sold you the harness was really generous with her knowledge of the harness and how to fit it to Oliver properly -- thank goodness, right? JR -- your discussion at the end of the video regarding Oliver having a purpose -- the importance of his interaction with you -- and how those things add immeasurably to the quality of his life -- so smart -- so logical. I happen to agree with those concepts -- but for anyone who had not agreed -- the examples you cited with the 'purpose' of various dog breeds drove the point home convincingly. Your prioritizing of Oliver's health care is made clear in the fact that he is examined by both a veterinarian and chiropractors. I've said it before -- that perhaps the reason Homestead Horsemanship is one of my favorite channels -- has a lot to do with your "heart" with the horses. Just love it! Best regards to you and the family. JV
Agree. Many animals are not happy without a job. As people with malinois or border collies know. They get destructive and bored without something to do.
Oliver was such a well behaved boy during his fitting !! You got a very good lesson on hitching everything. Good thing you have it on video. I would never be able to remember everything she told you . I'm glad you like the new cart you got for working Oliver. Becca was a good sport !
That was a fantastic video! I never knew how much it takes to put a harness on a horse. Oliver was so calm for the whole thing. You have come so far with him. He obviously loves and trust you. He is so healthy and his coat shines just like all of your horses. I just love watching the adventures of Oliver. Your family is just the best! Can't wait to see him pulling whatever. He will be great as he has your guidance and love ❤ God bless you and your family for the love and care you have given Oliver. Can't wait for the next video 😊
What an adventure with a young Clydesdale! 😅I am so impressed by Oliver's behavior and patience with this new experience. So many horses have a promising beginning, but life happens to their owners, and the horse may have detours from this peaceful path, to become like BLACK BEAUTY........like many young girls, I agonized over that story, which remains in my heart to this day. (And I am now 86, going on 87, God willing!)
Oliver will be happier if he has a job and something to occupy his mind. If he got neglected and bored he might get bratty. Discipline is a good thing.
I have never seen a young horse be so trusting in a new place getting new things done to him. The fitting of the harness astounded me, I never realized how much is to make it work. Many kudos to our ancestors for figuring it out. Many blessings to you for making the effort. Hugs to all!
Oliver is such a darling. We are so glad you rescued him. He has such a sweet temper. Horses need to work to be mentally and physically fit. He will love this.
I can’t understand people that think like that . Oliver is going to be happier doing what his best friend is doing. He will be happier being a horse. Doing what horses do.
For a 2year old who was so ill when you got him he's amazing you all have done a brilliant job with him It's a joy to see his & all your fox trotters journey Thank you so much for sharing your farm & life Penny UK
Oliver is such an amazing horse. I used drive horses and it was always an incredible experience ... totally different from riding, and it takes more concentration to stay safe, especially when a horse spooks. Can't believe people think you should get a horse and let it do nothing for thousands of dollars a year in expenses. It's like buying a car and never driving it. People forget that a short 100+ years ago, EVERYONE used horses as a daily driver, growing food, going to town and church, hauling wood, hauling coal, and the list goes on and on. People can be so silly 😂
WHEN I WAS ONLY 10 (IN 1957), MY GRANDMAS TOLD ME HOW THEY USED TO HITCH UP A WAGON. ALL THE OLDER PEOPLE HAD THOSE STORIES TO TELL! IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL AND SIMPLISTIC TIME! WE COULD USE SOME OF THAT TIME NOW! 🕊️💖🕊️
My Mother went to school on her Shetland pony from the time she was about five. School was 3 or 4 miles from her home. She would spend half an hour catching him in the morning, he spent all day grazing, but coming home she told me she would have to tie down her hat snuggly and hold on because his little legs didn't stop until he was home again. Interesting to note, to this day, it's written into the educational handbook that schools have to supply fodder and water for horses that come to school, even though it's been more than half a century since anyone did that.❤ 🤣🤣
Your daughter can woop you 😳🤣😎 That’s a dad’s life !!! Oliver was a real champ today - 4 hr drive, being fitted with new gear , 4 hr rude home … and he was so well behaved! What a sweetheart ❤
I have found animals love learning new things. As happy as Oliver is there and so calm and trusting of you I think it is great you are going to teach him to pull. Now for the future you need to get a sleigh for when it is winter and go out sleighing out on the snow with bells ringing. Have fun teaching OLiver. Look forward to watching him learn.
Every living thing needs a purpose and needs to feel useful, including Oliver. He’s only 2 years old (that’s like a teenager in human years). He is so eager to please you even in this video. I’m sure Oliver will thrive with the cart… he has already come so far I am excited see what is next.
You can start training at 2 years, but save the heavy hauling for 5 years old. Drafts mature later than light horses, and are still growing for another year after lights stop growing (drafts stop at 4 to 5 years, lights at 3 to 4 years). If you wait to put your draft horse into heavy work (under saddle or in harness) until he’s 5, you’ll have a sound, healthy horse for 30 years
'lights' keep growing. My Arab mare will be 6 this November - she 'grew' her wither over the last 6 months and the spine doesn't mature until about 6-7.. She is still bum high so another years growing I reckon. Generally speaking, the longer you leave a horse to grow up to 8 years or so, the stronger it will be physically and mentally..
I honestly don't know? On horses? I know dogs specifically German Shepard type dogs & that's true of the imports they do mature later - that's all I can knowingly add to y'alls conversation - it's interesting enough to make me want to research that so I can learn more about horses thank you both 🙂👍
I learned a lot about working horses from a fellow You Tuber Jim Gordon on his channel Working Horses with Jim. His knowledge about all aspects of working horses from training to harnessing is extraordinary.
Yess and you can learn each time you watch with all the young colts and training, hè explains it really well time en time again. Also such a nice family ❤
Oliver is such a sweetheart. He was so calm and didn’t seem to be bothered by all of the apparatus that was being put on him. Does anyone know how heavy all of that stuff is? Looking forward to seeing how well Oliver does when he finally get to pulling. Love seeing these videos and how far Oliver come. He was at deaths door and now he’s a healthy young boy. Keep up the good work.
Oliver is a sweet, sound boy. He is so blessed to be rescued by a good, kind family. Please always be gentle with him.. and all your animals. Please don't overwork him. Even though he'll be big, strong.. it's a lot of weight.. harnesses, carts, big people.. and very hot weather can be exhausting. 🐴 I know you'll take good care of him. He's part of your family! God bless❤️
Never realized how much there is to harness a horse. I would never remember all of that. Oliver is so patient. Doesn’t seem phased at all. He really trusts you.
Oliver ❤. Could he be any more patient and gentle? What a CHAMP!!! I agree, JR. Every being has a purpose, Oliver will be his best at what draft horses do. What an amazing adventure you have ahead of you. Never stop learning. Your friend (a retired teacher, still missing my classroom) from New Mexico, Carla 🎶💐💗
I wholeheartedly share your viewpoint, JR. Having a sense of purpose is essential for everyone, and daily exercise is an important component. In this case, Oliver's work will serve as both a purpose and a workout. Imagine the sense of accomplishment Oliver will feel after a productive day.
The adventure continues with the harness and the cart. Way to go entire family and Oliver. His patience and kind disposition were so very impressive for such a long day and so much quiet standing in the barn. I look forward to seeing JR and Oliver work with the cart and show off in the ring in next years draft horse show.😊
Wow, so complicated! But soon it will be second nature. Oliver did great, but he would be bored with nothing to do. There’s a difference between forced labor and work, and we all need purpose…🥰💕❤️🐴👍👍
That adjustment on the front of your cart is to offset your whiffletrees if you wanted to go 3 abreast or something like that. Great learning video, it’s funny how people do things differently to get the same results. A couple of time I said to myself “why is she doing like that? That’s not how I do it” but it ended up with the same result lol Best of luck in your training
Oh my gosh, Oliver is so well behaved! I know he will be loving being put to work! Just like a little kid, if they sit around and do nothing but eat they just go to waste. Oliver is blessed to have y’all! I can’t wait to see him as he progresses❤😊
As a retiree, it is much, much better to have something to do. Oliver is a young, now very healthy horse! You are not going to work him from sun up till sun down. Or work him to exhaustion, And as kind and loving you both feel about each other, I can't imagine Oliver or you not totally enjoying your time together! My dogs just love laying around the yard and enjoying fresh air. But there is nothing more that they love when I get them out for a long walk in the woods by a river, and they are panting and dirty, lol! But they still don't want to go home, want to keep going even when this old lady is ready to stop. Oliver and you are going to have some very special times together ❤️ 💙 ♥️
I think Oliver loves you so much hed do anything you ask within his ability. Hes no dummy. You made him well again an gave him life back to. Your daughter a good sport.
I love that Oliver is now healthy enough to do what comes natural to him! He is a beautiful horse and has such a gentle disposition thanks to all of your care and training! Thank you for continuing to share his progress and story.
Oliver is going to be one LUCKY as well as handsome Working Clydesdale! I totally agree with what you had to say about animals knowing when they have purpose and a job. Some people do over work the drafts, use them til they drop---but no way is that going to be Oliver's future with you folks. Well Done, Oliver.
Years ago I saw a documentary about the Budweiser Clyde's, and in it they had a bit about how the team travels. They also showed how involved and lengthy a process it is to get the team hitched & then unhitched for a pull. Very educational and more than a little amazing!! Oliver already knows how to do his part - JR just needs some practice/experience to do his. Hopefully Emory will have some treats for him as he becomes more proficient! 😊😊 Thanks again for a great vlog!
I love your family and they fact they are so involved too. Oliver looks 1000 times better than when you got him. I want to also comment on the purpose thing, we ALL have a purpose in life, why wouldnt animals? I think its awesome of you to want to give all your horses a better way in life. You guys are great and keep up the good work. Oh yeah Becca, good job on not dumping your dad!!!
I find the mentality of having a purpose in life goes for everybody dog horse or human etc..... if properly implemented .. when I was 14 I went on the dog sled racing scene with my father .. these dogs are so keen to pull you could hardly contain them .. I feel like it is going to be the same way with Oliver when he gets into the groove of it all .. plus you folks are helping the environment by not using fossil fuels for regular farm stuff
When draft horses are in a pulling competition they get so excited to pull that it is often difficult to hitch them to the sled, they "jump the gun" frequently because they think they are hitched up and can't wait to pull. Just watch a pulling competition and you'll see that they love to work!😊❤
Oliver knows that whatever ya'll are doing to him and with him is something good. He instinctively understands since you saved his life. He respects you and your family. ❤
This is so awesome that you videoed everything for us but also for you as well .. It will help you remember.. Step by step how to do everything again.. Oliver is such a Beautiful patient boy .. You can tell how much he loves and trusts you.. ❤
Oliver is a true champ. The person who made the comment about letting him retire perhaps may not be familiar with the life cycle and purpose of the various equine species. No worries though - Oliver is in good hands and well loved. As always, thanks for sharing. 🐎🐎💖💖
Oliver is a beautiful handsome horse! I'm so glad he was taken away from those horrible auctions. He is so gentle and sweet. You can tell he's very contented and happy. Thank all of you who helped him get to where he is today. Oliver is doing so well for as young as he is. Being in a strange place can be difficult. He's handling like a champ. He's being so patient!
What an adventure Oliver is having! I truly look forward to many, many years of watching your videos! How wonderful and blessings to you and your family!
Oliver will love having a purpose in life. A job horses love having something to do. That's why Oliver stood so still while trying all the harnesses on. It's their purpose
Oliver is my handsome boy! He truly is a gentle soul!! He is my favorite animal on earth! Taking Oliver shopping is awesome! That cart is going to be great! Every man and animal need's purpose in life! Oliver will love helping you work on the farm! Thats just more time you will get to spend together! He'll do anything for those treats!! He's so spoiled, but in a good way!! God bless you all!!
I’m so excited to see Oliver pulling his cart in his harness! And see how he evolves as a working horse! Such a great sweet boy! Loved watching the fitting! So much fun learning about the harness and how it goes on!
😂😂😂 So much for you all to learn! Of course he will love working with you. Appropriately worked and cared for horses are happy horses. He'll probably learn how to put the harness on by himself! Great work Becca!
Oliver has captured my heart. He was so sick and miserable and now he is stunning, muscled, bright eyed, safe, cared for, and most importantly loved. I look forward to all his videos as his story has truly captured my heart. He gives me hope somehow, though I know this makes no sense. When he looks at JR with complete trust, it is truly beautiful. Out of curiosity, how much did all the tack featured in this video cost for Oliver? Harnessing definitely seems complicated. Please pet him for me. I can't wait to see more of this big, shiny boy.
Wow what a process. Oliver looks so handsome in his harness. What a learning process! I hated hearing the lady say that Clydesdales tend to be stupid. I suspect Oliver won't be anywhere near that. He is so loved and well behaved, and I look forward to following his progress. Greeting from south Texas.
I agree with you totally. Our animals were bred for a purpose and they need a job to be happy. I bought a red or field golden retriever to be my service dog. They are bred to retrieve birds. I don't hunt birds but I know she needs a job, so she retrieve a ball at least twice a day. Helps me up and down stairs and has to go swimming as much as I can get her to the water. I wish I had your swimming hole. I love how much you and your family love Oliver and your other babies. They are so beautiful. 😊
Haha Oliver has to show us he's a stud because we forget since he is so gentle and even tempered. I 100% agree a dog, horse, child, anything, needs a purpose and brain work to be healthy and happy. And, he's leaving that first year and a half of his life in the dust! Other more important and fun things to do and think about than starving on that ladies farm.
There aren't enough treats in the world for this wonderful horse. I'm certain I wouldn't remember the harnessing process by the time I needed to remove everything. I'd have to use chain cutters and something to cut the leather. Oliver would get back to grazing and following Emory around. The mares would gossip about how incompetent I am. Colt would be somewhere laughing out loud.
