inconsistant bucking fits

Question
I have a 4 yr old Anglo Arab Gelding who goes well for weeks on end then out of no where he bucks and when he does whoever is on him either gets thrown or has to bail out because he doesn't stop. It is like he is a different horse. His saddle fits and all his gear i have checked everything, i don't want to get rid of him as he is the most talented horse i have had.

Answer
Hi Jodie!

You are dealing with a baby...never forget that.  Being 1/2 Arab makes him very clever and I guarantee you he will not suffer fools gladly.  That is a hallmark of the breed.

I would stop riding him for a few weeks and work on ground manners and longeing.  Make sure you have his complete attention in all aspects from walking him, to turnout to grooming.  You must be firm and consistent.

He should be longeing, either on a line or free in a round pen, at all 3 gaits and responding to voice command.  Ensure you have his full attention and are putting him through his paces with a plan and a goal.  People often mistake longeing for just running a horse in circles to get the sillies out. You can Google some excellent exercises for you both to work on to gain his attention and obedience.

When you feel he has all his upward and downward transitions cemented and he is doing them well longeing,  then, get back on him and work at just the walk and trot.  

Everytime you touch him it must be a training session.  He is too young and impressionable to be left to his own devices...he is a baby, not an old-timer who knows everything.

Always longe him, putting him through a set routine and then ride him...you can even longe him in his full tack.  This will help to set his mind to "work mode" and get you both warmed up.

I am concerned that you do not anticipate the bucking and pull him up and out of it.  He is trying to tell you something with these fits...What?  I cannot say.  

Maybe you are asking for gaits inconsistently and he is confused which leads to frustration and then anger.  Maybe you are riding him too long and asking too much and frying his baby brain.  Riding sessions should be short and sweet and often, instead of 1 or 2 times a week for long periods.

Just always think "BABY IN TRAINING"!!  You must be firm and above all, consistent.  Force will never work on him.  Clever training and patience will carry you both through his green days and land you safely in a trusting partnership instead of on the ground!

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange