Bucking 3 yr old

Question
QUESTION: I started training our 3 year old quarter horse mare in May 09. I spent all month on ground work and respect. We did have several bucking episodes while longing with and without the saddle. I just ignored them and kept working her until she would stop. I started riding her the first part of June. The first day with a rider she practically fell asleep while we were sacking her out. The second day she got spooked along the side of the corral and bucked the rider off. Since then she has been really good and we where even out in the pasture walking. Yesterday she was being very barn sour so I decided to trot her in the round pen. After a few minutes of this and not wanting to trot she went into a very hard bucking fit that I couldn't pull her out of. I tend to think that she was just rebelling but she continued to buck for a long time after I bailed off. (at lest 45 seconds to a minute) I was so disappointed that this happened because I don't want her to think of bucking as a solution to a disagreement. I hadn't done any ground work on her that day but I sure did after that. She also started backing away from me when I tried to mount her. I worked her in the round pen until she would stand still for me. Do you think this is a respect issue? I am wondering if I should go back to walking only. I am just afraid she will use this as a solution to get her way... and buck whenever she doesn't want to do something. Do you have any suggestions on how I should proceed from here?

Thanks for your help

Rickayla

ANSWER: Rickayla!

Before I recommend anything specific, I would like some more information.  Please describe all tack on her.  Do you wear spurs and if so, how big and how often?  Exactly how many times have you been on her?  Bucking each time?  Exactly what happened right before the bucking?  Was it connected to you asking for an upward transition?  What are the cues you have taught her for all transitions?  Please include anything else you deem relevant to the bucking.

Solange

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Solange,

I am using a western saddle that I have been riding on other horses for years. I also use a snaffle on her with a 4:shank. I don't use spurs and barely touch her sides with my heels. She moves forward pretty good with clicking. This was the tenth time on her and only the second time she bucked. right before she bucked I had been trotting for about 4 minutes which required constant encouragement. for upward transitions I lean forward, click then gently squeeze. She is a really sweet horse but lazy. Thanks for your time!

Rickayla

Answer
Hi Rickayla!

This sounds like a classic case of over-facing a youngster and when pushed the horse acts out.  Breaking a young horse is a complicated and arduous task that should only be undertaken by experienced trainers.  

Right now I can see at least 3 major flaws in your breaking of this filly starting with a leverage bit (this should never be used on a baby) a lack of time put into ground training (a month is not nearly enough) and the ridiculous assumption a horse is "lazy".  While this word is bandied about freely, it is never true and does nothing but show the ignorance of the person using it.  A horse who will not move is not properly prepared or it is over-bitted or the rider is sending confusing and unclear signals.  It is ignoring or tuning out the human and being balky out of self-defense.  And then the explosion arrives the second their patience disappears.

I strongly suggest you stop "training" this baby and consult a professional trainer to clear up this issue ASAP before it turns into something that cannot be fixed.  Correct groundwork, tack and a fresh start may solve this.

Take the time to watch and learn.  Educate yourself about how horses think, bits/tack and breaking.  Become the best and most informed person you can be about all things horse.  That is how you should proceed from here.

Solange