'Nagsman' - define

Gamebird

Gamebird

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 April 2007
Messages
8,776
Visit site
Not a term we use up here but one I've come across in a couple of contexts recently.

I get the gist of the meaning but would anyone like to offer a fairly concise official definition?
 
As I understand it it's an old fashioned term for someone employed to make hunters ready for their owners ie. "nagging" them about, making sure they jump ditches, hedges, stand when they're told to etc. Sadly they're a dying breed and there are very few under the age of 40. Barbara Rich has one (assuming he's still there), and I know of one other in Leicestershire off the top of my head.
 
A mysterious male loosely associated with the local hunt to be called upon as a 'last chance saloon' for horses who have discovered the art of the unseat. Easily identified by his unique apparel of million-year old jeans, million-year old crash hat, droopy fag at all times and unconcerned expression during bronking displays that would put Texans to shame. Actual profession uncertain.
 
[ QUOTE ]
A mysterious male loosely associated with the local hunt to be called upon as a 'last chance saloon' for horses who have discovered the art of the unseat. Easily identified by his unique apparel of million-year old jeans, million-year old crash hat, droopy fag at all times and unconcerned expression during bronking displays that would put Texans to shame. Actual profession uncertain.

[/ QUOTE ]


fabtastic!!
laugh.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
As I understand it it's an old fashioned term for someone employed to make hunters ready for their owners ie. "nagging" them about, making sure they jump ditches, hedges, stand when they're told to etc. Sadly they're a dying breed and there are very few under the age of 40. Barbara Rich has one (assuming he's still there), and I know of one other in Leicestershire off the top of my head.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah - I got asked to 'nag' a young racehorse about yesterday. The resident yard horse breaker/maker has broken his ankle and I was told I was the only other person who'd know what to do (and the only other person that could ride it in a double bridle
shocked.gif
)
blush.gif
confused.gif
. Got sent off around the lanes on it for an hour so sounds like I was doing the right sort of thing!

That episode wasn't the point of the question but did remind me that I'd been meaning to ask it.
 
Kit279 - Crash hat? I was imagining a battered flat tweed cap of undiscernable colour and vintage which would remain mysteriously in place during aforementioned rodeo displays and a proficieny in the more colourful parts of the English language that would put a seasoned sailor to shame
wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
why a double bridle??? intrigued
smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

So was I! The reasoning was that it was a little numb in the mouth region (not strong, just unresponsive) and the trainer likes them to be able to go in a semblance of an outline at times so as to develop a bit of topline and self-carriage. Have to say it went very nicely in the double, flexed both ways correctly in trot and canter and carried itself a bit better. Whether it makes it a better racehorse remains to be seen but a couple of schooling-whilst-hacking sessions like that should at the very least make it a nicer horse to ride.

Not my idea but I'm always open to suggestions, especially when it's the boss suggesting!
 
makes sense - I had a hurdler for a few weeks in between trainers and she did grid work and worked to elementary on the insistence of her (Dutch) ex show jumper owner.... very eccentric woman but lovely horse - and she won 1st time out. Not sure it was because she could shoulder in though!!
smile.gif
 
It's funny you should say that.. We got one hunting hounds with us at the moment. Going XC schooling with him was particularly great - his unbelieavbly ancient standing martingale broke and he improvised using his belt. Which unfortunately meant his jeans got lower and lower and lower and by the end, I didn't know where to look. I think I talked a lot about the weather...
 
[ QUOTE ]
A mysterious male loosely associated with the local hunt to be called upon as a 'last chance saloon' for horses who have discovered the art of the unseat. Easily identified by his unique apparel of million-year old jeans, million-year old crash hat, droopy fag at all times and unconcerned expression during bronking displays that would put Texans to shame. Actual profession uncertain.

[/ QUOTE ]

You forgot the bit about him being able to read the horse's mind before the horse knows itself what it's going to do - which is usually turn itself inside out with you somewhere in the middle if you're lucky but other than the jeans bit, you've got it spot on. A good one is amazing to watch and they are worth their weight in gold. Some of the NH jockeys and decent SJ'ers would be brilliant at it if they had the time; they have the balance, the tact and ability which only comes from when you're completely at home on an explosion. I used to love riding on the hunting youngsters around the lanes but I was useless at school work! Wilf White of Nizefela fame was a fantastic nagsman even in his seventies, nothing ever got the better of him and he was only just over 5 foot tall! Mick and Nick Passey, local to here are both brilliant too.
 
Good riders, good at breaking-in, teaching manners. Done 100s of horses, probably ridden 1,000s, done everything, racing, hunting.
Never heard of dressage.
 
For me a Nagsman is a good old fashioned no nonsense horse man/woman who keeps things simple & "thinks like a horse". They instinctively know what the horse is going to do before the horse has even contemplated the idea. They care about the horse a great deal but dont pussy foot around. They give young horses a mouth, & more importantly manners. They can do most things on long reins & by the time they actually get on board, their just is not any problems whatsoever. A true horseman (Nagsman) is born with the skill, I dont think it can be taught. A when you meet them & see them work with horses you just know immediately how special these people are. I know of two, & they are amazing.
grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
why a double bridle??? intrigued
smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Ooh I am soo pleased that some people still do this. My two TBs are both much easier to manage and kid along in a double bridle in fact the big lad is 100% happier in the double he's just such a pain in the arse to tack up that I use it only when really necessary!

Nagsman as described above BUT and IMPORTANT, the fact that they usually 'outsmart' their charges and very rarely rarely resort to brute force.
 
Does anyone know if Nick Passey still does breaking/schooling? If so where from? I did here maybe Embla Stud? I remember he was brilliant and would like to send my filly to him next year if he is still at it.
Thanks.
 
My grandad was one, but today I'd say I know just one true nagsman who takes the worst horses and ponies, tells them off, sticks them in the shafts and drives them about until they understand what they are neded to do.

Some say he's harsh, but there is no denying it, he's saved many, many lives from the knackerman and he really is one cool dude.
 
Last edited:
tiggerette said:
yes, it's the name given to someone employed to 'nag' a green horse until they understand what riden life is all about
wink.gif
Click to expand...

This, so far as I know the term is not reserved just for the hunting world. I can't remember the exact wording but Andrew Nicholson refers to "nagging" a young horse on by whoever has the time in his XC training book.
 
A nagsman broke in my youngster and is schooling her.
Lunging and long reining in the field, up to the village, backing, riding away, explaining moving away from the leg and standing next to the mounting block. No issues, no fuss, no violence, calm and efficient. Can see an evasion 10 seconds before it happens, corrects it so it doesn't happen.
Can tell at a glance if a horse is off colour or needs the back lady, and if he suggests reducing the feed I do it.:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top