my horse bucks

Question
Hello Mitzi
I have a 15 yr old TB gelding never raced and he has been bucking myself and daughter off when we canter him  . You never know when he is going to do it and he doesn't do it everytime we ride him. I have the vet coming out if there is nothing physically wrong with him can he b trained to stop bucking?

Answer
    Hi Lori,

I need more information. When did this bucking start? How long have you owned him? Did he just start this with you lately?

Has anything changed in his environment, i.e.saddle, footing in the ring, anything physical that you know of including a lameness different bit, your training demands, etc.

Bucking can be caused by factors such as:

1. Pain or discomfort caused by physical reasons, or
2. Bad fitting tack
3. Asking the horse to do something he is not ready for, example flying changes
4. Change of footing
5. Pain from a bit  
6. Rider error....the rider too harsh with their hands, pulling, not having an independent seat
7. Too much energy....if a horse has not been exercised recently or able to play a lot when he is turned out it can just be high spirits.
8. Bucking as a learned vice....that he can have an "attitude" and just want to unload his rider, is a dangerous behavior. If it is this case and none of the others, you probably need a professional who is a good rider. What he (she) should do is to ride the horse energetically forward when he bucks, with a big kick as punishment or a "whop" from a riding bat.  (never a dressage whip). As soon as the horse goes forward, it needs to be rewarded-no more punishment.

Let me know what your vet says, but meanwhile feel free to get back to me about my questions. meanwhile, I would do ground work with your horse, including correct lungeing....not just chasing him about, but teaching him to respond to body language and your voice.


Mitzi
www.MitziSummers.com