occ. bucking

Question

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I have an older horse(20)I've owned him 3mths) I recently urged him into a cantor @ the end of our ride. He took about 2 lopes and I heard the change in his rhythm,then realized I was getting bucked off.I see him kick up when he starts a run, I'm not sure if that's what happened. 2 days later, I had his teeth checked. the vet said his teeth had'nt been done in 5 years and he had open cuts.Maybe the bit was bothering him.Anyway, I had facial fractures and I'm nervous about getting back on him.He is very affectionate and I have a soft bit for him. We usually walk/trot.Occasionally cantor

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Answer
hi Karen,
im sorry about your accident. but you know, your not a cowgirl until you get bucked off. and honey your a cowgirl!falling off is all part of riding. no one ever said it was easy or safe. with what the vet said im sure that is the main factor why he bucked. open wounds in his mouth combines with a bit is a very painful experience. its understandable that your get nervous here are some things you can do if he ever bucked again. one way is to turn him in a tight circle and make him keep circling for about a minute. then ask him to canter again. another way is to kick him forward out of the buck and make him run until he cant run anymore. he might be old but he knows whats going on. basically horses buck and act up because of lack of exercise. in the wild they are constantly moving around and here they just stand in stalls. ride him more, spend longer just trotting him and cantering him. its ok if he sweats, its how you know hes working his muscles. so just keep him exercised, face your fears, and use those tactics when and if he bucks again. good luck and let me know how things are going for you and your old man.
amanda groff