4 yr old bucks going downhill?

Question
I have a 4 yr old warmblood gelding that I have owned since he was weaned. He was started very lightly as long 2yr old and then went back to the same trainer last spring for 30 days of just riding in the mountains mostly because he had been off most of the winter because I had knee surgery and I just wanted him tuned up a bit before I rode him.  trainer had no problems whatsoever with him and when I got him back this summer he was 99% wonderful - the 1% is why I'm writing.  When I take him out trail riding, he bucks, just little- almost more like kicking out? when we go downhill?  I have checked everything I know that could be bothering him - he's perfectly sound and does not appear to have any back, hip or shoulder issues - I'm riding him in the same saddle (western) that I used on him last year and it appears to fit fine even considering his growth.  He's about 16.2h and probably an honest 1300lb, so he's a big strong guy and even a tiny little buck feels quite unsettling.  He's very soft mouthed and seems to just want to go really slow down hill but even seems to want to sidepass down the hill rather than go straight - on even a mild hill.  I don't know what else to look for? I'm kinda stumped, he's never done anything the least bit agressive or that could be considered mean, when he's really fresh, he'll just jog a bit - doesn't act like he want's to buck except going downhill?  then only other time he's done anything is when I was out with a few friends and they decided to gallop off and I didn't want to and he got pretty agitated and upset and did buck just a little bit then, but that issue appears to have gone away. Any advice would be appreciated?
thanks
sharon

Answer
Hi Sharon!

Your horse obviously does not like going downhill. I cannot tell you why without seeing him, even then though some behavioral problems you never find the root of.

The trainer had no problem you said. This would indicate that the problem is relativly new and therefore simpler to correct than if you had allowed it to become ingrained.

In cases like these where the cause of the problem cannot be found or removed one must simply treat the symptoms as they manifest.

In going slowly and sideways down the hill he is trying to escape having to proceed forward.

Is he athletic and well coordinated? 4 is still very young and the peak of their " gawky " growing phase. He may not feel confident physically. If you feel this may be the case I reccomend:

1) roundpen work at all 3 gaits both ways.
2) longeing him over groung poles and small jumps
 ( under two feet).
3) speed and gait transitions under saddle.

These exercises if varied and preformed regularly will improve his balance, stride and weight placment.
Also, he should become bolder when confronted with more dificult terrain.

If you feel he is totally capable physically then we have a case of the " I don't wannas".

When faced with a tempermant issue you always need to strengthen your aids.

Use your hands to lift and support his head, strong leg aids will also be necessary to force him to move straight.

He needs to maintain an even speed and tempo. I understand that if traversing a steep decline you always want to walk down carefully.
But, you said even on a mild hill he loses impuslion.
You may need a crop to help push him along. I will warn you though, if he is being cranky and you give him a whack... he may buck because of the correction.
It is a means to an end.
If you do not feel comfortable pushing him past these little angry baby bucks you need to seek the help of a knowledgeable rider in you area whom you trust.

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