Rearing and bucking, run away

Question
I am writing to ask a question concerning a horse that I have. He is 6 years old. His previous owner rode him on the trails and he had a bad experience. A chainsaw was started and he flipped out. HE took off and she fell and was dragged, apparently unable to get her foot out of the stirrup. She finally came untangled and he ran home 2 miles. UP to that point in the ride, there were no problems. He went back to the person I bought him from and that is where we start. When riding he rears and bucks at a trot. He is fine lounging, driving and on the ground. I hate to give up on this man as I am convinced that once he got past this, he would make a great horse. He is a perfect gentleman around my kids and dogs and is very personable and smart. I am moving to Alaska in 4 weeks so I don't have alot of time to work with him. If you have any suggestions or tips, I would greatly appreciate it. I just can't give up on him. Thanks in advance, Tammy

Answer
Hello Tammy,

This horse has taken advantage of that old situation to learn a great lesson:  He can get rid of his rider and out of work.  He is having a great time.  It is unfortunate for the earlier rider that this happened, but now it is time for him to "come back".  Here is what I suggest.

Before mounting, lunge him until he is tired.  This may take as much as 45 minutes or an hour, but make sure his head is "down" and not "up".  Then mount him in an enclosed arena. Do not take him on the trail.  Ride him in that arena for another hour or so.  Then when he is good and tired, in the company of another older, quiet, horse, take him out of the arena and on a close by trail.  The solution is that you have to outlast him and make sure that IF he bucks, you do not go off.  If you are not a good enough rider to feel sure, get a better rider for this first test.  For the rearing, there is a good solution.  The first instant that you feel he may rear, let go your right rein, take the left rein and pull his head around to your knee.  Leg him and make him go in a tight left hand circle until he almost falls down dizy.  Do that each and every time he attempts to rear.  This is a tried and true way to break that habit.

This is my advice and I hope it works for you.
Happy riding,
Dorothy