How to prevent future Bucking? (and help with Rider fear)

[LookinSouth]

Is there really any feasible way to prevent a buck or train it out of the horse (besides just riding through it)???


Or, does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on how to help a rider overcome fear related to prior bad accidents from bucking? How can a rider learn to deal with the occasional buck calmly and with confidence when they have been hurt several times and are afraid of getting hurt again? Not to mention they are at an age where they don't bounce as much anymore...

Any thoughts, experiences or ideas would be appreciated.

[slc2]

They can't buck when you get them going fast enough.

[bort84]

Consistently not letting them get by with it. I think that's about the only way. Most horses will eventually quit this habit (for the most part...), but I think it's more about the rider learning to anticipate the buck. I know many buckers just do it randomly, but there are usually warning signs, though sometimes very slight. As soon as he even THINKS buck, you make it completely clear that he will NOT, then you get back to work immediately. No resting and recovering.

With known buckers, I usually try to give them a lunge with the saddle on to let them "get the kinks out" and then hope for the best but be prepared for the inevitable buck. Some horses really just need to get that buck or two out before they'll settle down, no need to fight it. Once in the saddle, if the horse consistently gets firmly reprimanded for his actions, he'll usually find an easier way. So probably no "cure" like you can sometimes do with a rearer (hot water ballon over the head, etc). But this is usually a habit that can mostly be minimized to the point of almost not being there.

If the rider in question needs a little brushing up on her technique on how to ride through and reprimand a buck, it's something that's pretty easy to demonstrate by a more experienced rider. Also, a horse that is convinced that whoa means whoa and responds to your voice is much easier to verbally "scare" or "soothe" (whichever is most appropriate) out of bad behavior if you feel it coming.

[sketcher]

Even big bucks while running up hill are not that bad, momentum is in your favor. When I have known feel good buckers I always wait until we can be cantering up a hill to get the initial bucks out. Are they over horsed? How long have they had him?

[vbunny]

I wish.

[Queen Latisha]

The horse may have had a little extra energy and let out a playful buck. Horses are living creatures, not robots.:D

[LookinSouth]

Even big bucks while running up hill are not that bad, momentum is in your favor. When I have known feel good buckers I always wait until we can be cantering up a hill to get the initial bucks out. Are they over horsed? How long have they had him?


The rider is not overhorsed but has had several bad accidents as the result of "buckers" so needless to say riding out the bucks isn't what they want to do. Up until the now the horse hasn't done anything wrong.
We think that maybe the horse is testing the rider as she hasn't had him more than a few months....

[LookinSouth]

They can't buck when you get them going fast enough.


not true. I've had a bolting horse at a GALLOP headed home buck 4 times and on the 4th got me off..

[sketcher]

The rider is not overhorsed but has had several bad accidents as the result of "buckers" so needless to say riding out the bucks isn't what they want to do. Up until the now the horse hasn't done anything wrong.
We think that maybe the horse is testing the rider as she hasn't had him more than a few months....

You're probably right. I had a friend who got a mare and that mare had her number. My friend, while sort of a pretty rider to look at because of the finishing school posture but not a good rider, did not have hands independent of seat. The mare was very sweet and you could put almost anyone on her but she learned very quickly that if she just dropped her head she could unbalance this particular rider. This changed very quickly to some decent sized bucks.

If she is trailriding, is she riding in a western saddle? That sometimes gives a little more security than an english saddle. Also, don't let the horse get it's head down. Unless extremely athletic, talented and determined, most horses can't give a good buck without putting their head down. If the horse pulls the reins out of her hands and she has soft hands then use a bit that gives her a little more leverage. But I'd be concerned that there are experience issues if this rider does not do these things naturally (keep the head from going down) and changing a bit is only going to do more harm than good if your friend is an insecure rider and may make the bucking worse if she hauls on the horses mouth as the only means to stop the behavior.

[LookinSouth]

If she is trailriding, is she riding in a western saddle? That sometimes gives a little more security than an english saddle.

she's currently riding in an english CC saddle. Nice leather but not a whole lot to help hold you in. I suggested a deep seated, suede seat Barrel saddle so maybe that would be the next step. She didn't end up coming off but she is very scared of getting hurt again so she's not sure what to do now.

[saultgirl]

Is there really any way to "cure" a bucker?

Lets assume the horse has a saddle that fits, isn't sore behind, is not overly hot/young, well trained, has been in regular work and just out of nowhere decides to put in two fairly bad bucks going uphill while out on trail and departing into the canter. Lets assume the horse had no reason to be overly excited since the one horse in front transitioned to canter in a 100% calm and normal fashion. In addition, lets assume the horse has cantered behind other horses in the past 100% fine.
In other words there is no logical reason why the horse would buck but the horse bucked bad enough to scare it's owner though luckily they stayed on.

Is there really any feasible way to prevent an unpredictable bucker from bucking(besides just riding through it)??? Any thoughts, experiences or ideas would be appreciated

I think she was probably holding him back and he has learned to run up hills.

Also I wouldn't call this horse an "unpredictable bucker"; I would call it a HORSE.

[sketcher]

If she is VERY scared then maybe she has the wrong horse. He has now done the dirty deed and she's going to have trouble trusting him, especially if she has serious fear issues. Either that or I'm projecting my own issues on her! I broke 4 ribs in my last fall and have fear issues I'd never dreamed I could have.

I think though that if she was cantering uphill, the bucks really couldn't have been that awful. So is it fear making them seem horrible or are they truly horrible. There is a big difference between a feel good big buck and a nasty, I'm going to get you off my back buck. Which one was it?

[Linny]

They can't buck when you get them going fast enough.

I've seen TB's bucking pretty hard while galloping pretty fast. In fact one set out bucking during a big Australian race a couple of weeks ago.

[LookinSouth]

If she is VERY scared then maybe she has the wrong horse. He has now done the dirty deed and she's going to have trouble trusting him, especially if she has serious fear issues. Either that or I'm projecting my own issues on her! I broke 4 ribs in my last fall and have fear issues I'd never dreamed I could have.

I think though that if she was cantering uphill, the bucks really couldn't have been that awful. So is it fear making them seem horrible or are they truly horrible. There is a big difference between a feel good big buck and a nasty, I'm going to get you off my back buck. Which one was it?


You make excellent points and I think you might be right...that the fear might be making the experience seem worse than it actually was. I did not see what happened. We don't really know if it was a feel good big buck or a nasty type big buck. My guess is *maybe* a feel good big buck as the horse continued cantering forward afterwards w/o continuing bucking.

[archieflies]

I wouldn't be too quick to label the horse a "bucker" that needs to be "cured" if this is the first time it has happened. Even if there were two in a row, and even if they were big. Give the horse a break... just see if it happens again, and go from there. But if you start thinking, "oh no, now he's a bucker," I bet he'll live up to your expecations. :)

And even if someone doesn't have a REASON to hold a horse back, and even if they SAY they didn't, that doesn't mean they didn't. Heck, if you asked me, I would usually SAY my heels are down and my back is straight, and I have no reason to ahve my heels up or my back roached, but it's not always so simple. I'm not sayign that's her problem- just don't ask for advice then get all defensive when someone gives you a probable response.

[Beethoven]

Personally I would not call a horse, a bucker, if he has bucked on 1 ride and only 2 bucks, espically a bucker that needs to be cured. If he wanted her off, he would of gotten her off. He is a horse on a trail and maybe he felt good and let out of couple of bucks. I would not completely freak out and call him a bucker because of that. I would call him a horse.

WOW 2 whole bucks! Damn I would consider myself lucky if I rode a horse that never ever bucked. They are horses not robots.

Tell her to get over it.

No maybe if she rides him again and he bucks okay maybe there is a problem but on 1 ride and 2 bucks. WOW really. I think she is overreacting.

[LookinSouth]

[quote=archieflies;3938376]I wouldn't be too quick to label the horse a "bucker" that needs to be "cured" if this is the first time it has happened. Even if there were two in a row, and even if they were big. Give the horse a break... just see if it happens again, and go from there. But if you start thinking, "oh no, now he's a bucker," I bet he'll live up to your expecations. :)


your probably right, I am only trying to help the friend. I dont' really think the issue can be "cured" just looking for honest suggestions rather than assumptions and criticism on how I word a post..but this is COTH afterall...surprised? Nah.

[archieflies]

Now if you have an actual, confirmed bucker... of course it can be "cured." My mare was a nasty, nasty little bucker until I got her... took her off sweet feed and put her on Strategy, and she hasn't bucked since, except for tiny little happy-dances once in a while. So if it DOES become an actual problem, check the feed.

[archieflies]

Not sure what happened to your last post, but maybe the better question is how to help a rider get over previous accidents. No matter hte horse, that will be the bigger issue if her fear is getting in the wya that much.

[LookinSouth]

Not sure what happened to your last post, but maybe the better question is how to help a rider get over previous accidents.


suggestions?

[glimmerling]

Just a suggestion; canter departs up a hill which result in bucking could be a result of a subluxating patella. I had a horse do just that exact thing and after it happened several times out of the blue but only in canter departs, I called the vet out and sure enough, his patellas were slipping. Changed his shoeing and did some non-cantering hillwork and he was fine within a month and never bucked again.

[LookinSouth]

Just a suggestion; canter departs up a hill which result in bucking could be a result of a subluxating patella. I had a horse do just that exact thing and after it happened several times out of the blue but only in canter departs, I called the vet out and sure enough, his patellas were slipping. Changed his shoeing and did some non-cantering hillwork and he was fine within a month and never bucked again.


very interesting... thank you!

[archieflies]

It may be difficult on a new horse, but what's helped me has been time on a horse I know can be trusted. Lunge lesosns with no reins, and even eyes closed can be helpful in learning to relax and trust (on a turstworthy horse, of course!). When I've lost confidence because of small problems, it's also helped me regain total confidence by overcoming small, unrelated obstacles. I thought my mare was a hopeless bucker, but working with a good event trainer and realizing the potential she had totally took my mind off that. Each improvement in a dressage lesson and each success in a jumping lesson made me "like" my horse a little bit more until I saw her as an "event horse" and not a "bucking horse." Once my mind was on other things and my horse was on the right feed, it just wasn't an issue anymore.

Also, remind your friend that every horse bucks from time to time, and that doesn't mean her horse is bad.

[Trevelyan96]

I can personally attest to the fact that some horses mean business when they buck, and that business is 'I want you off my back, now!'. Trav did this as a 4 year old. The first time resulted in an overnight hospital stay and 2 cat scans before they decided I could keep my spleen. After a week of bed rest and another 6 of no riding, I told myself it was just a youngster tantrum and got back on. After the 6th time he sent me sailing, while sill being held on a leadline, I put him away and spent a year looking for a trainer willing to take him on, as I knew that all I was teaching him at that point was that bucking worked!

We worked through it, eventually, but it took me 2 years before I had the courage to get on him again. He hadn't bucked in 3 years, but at his first show, he launched his rider 2 seconds after entering the schooling ring. And believe me, she never got on him again, and I don't blame her a bit. Fortunately, we learned to read the signs from that point on of those moments when he was just 'upset' and it never happened again, but once you've had that done to you, its not an experience you forget easily or ever wan to repeat. Its not the same as falling off... as my husband observed, I was 'launched and airborne', and so was that poor rider at the show that morning. And when you weigh 105 lbs., do you really think there is a chance in he!! that you can keep a determined 1,100 animal from pulling its head down and bucking?

There are buck, and then there are buck, and any experiecned horse person can tell you that there are some bucks that can't be sat or ridden through. So if OP's friend experienced one of those, then the best answer for her is to find someone who knows what the trigger is for the bucking and train the horse to tolerate it, but also always be aware that a good buck can come out of that horse at any time, and you need to be able to read the signs and GET OFF THE HORSE before it comes. It sounds chicken, but its better than teaching your horse that he can unseat you at will.

[phoebetrainer]

How well does your friend cope with a shy or a spook? Does that sort of thing stress her too? I ride lots of young horses. I have been doing it for 40+ years (so obviously not that young anymore) and am better than ever at sticking on, but even better at anticipating and stopping it!! I ride all the youngsters with a neck strap and a buck strap and ALWAYS hold one of them. Anyone who rides a young horse with me also always holds either neck strap or buck strap.

If my horse spooks and I am holding to a strap, when the horse finishes the spook (or start of a buck) I am still near the middle and mostly on top. I have not frightened the horse by nearly falling off or even by falling off. I have not shortened my reins and clung with my legs so I have not frightened him more.

If you want to ride, and you want to ride something less than say 20 years, then you need to be prepared for spontaneous behaviour. Bucks while transitioning to canter, going up a hill, following a mate sound like normal behaviour to me. Actually, it sounds like expected behaviour. If I was in this situation I would be expecting my horse to buck. I would keep him straight and his head up, have my heels down, head up and a good firm grip on the buck strap or neck strap.

[sublimequine]

I would really REALLY suggest getting her with a trainer who can help, and one who preferrably has experience with "confirmed buckers", which this horse doesn't seem to be, but it's good if the trainer can kinda say, "Oh, I've seen worse." :lol:

Anticipating the bucks, being fearful of them, getting nervous and defensive about it is going to make things 100 billion times worse. Ask me how I know this. :no:

FWIW, I have a "confirmed bucker". I SWEAR, this mare has bucking bred into her, even though there's no bronc horses in her lines. :lol: While I've been taught how to diffuse the bucks before they happen, the SECOND I slip up and get lazy about it, the bucking comes back with a vengence. If I ride her properly and confidently, and don't think, "Ugh, I hope there's not a buck coming..", everything's fine. Otherwise, look out!

[Beverley]

Is there really any feasible way to prevent a buck or train it out of the horse (besides just riding through it)???



Yes, there are several possibilities.

Does the rider wish to work through this or get someone else to do it? My suggestions either way involve lots of wet saddlepads. If the former, she should work the horse well in an arena and then head for the trails. The notion that horse is testing rider is a cogent one. So the motto is, not gonna give up, and thoughts of bucking will earn the right to more of a workout. If the latter- someone else, not concerned about the potential bucks, needs to just get out there and put some miles on, and report on any tendencies to buck- and more importantly, when there is a buck, 'that' paid person works on through the buck and the works the heck out of the horse. Bucking = way more work than you bargained for. Not bucking = pleasant ride, less work.

Combination of the two- concerned rider on her horse, with willing partner on a steady eddy. When concerned rider feels cause for concern, switch horses. Switch back after a spell. Rinse and repeat as needed. Some pluses here- concerned rider, after switching horses, can see that maybe the anticipated behavior isn't as bad as was feared- and/or, if it occurs, the willing partner can ride the horse through it.

'Most' horses do get over the playfulness of youth.:) I can tell you that my 4 yo mare has a world-class buck- discovered when she was stung by a bee last fall- but she bucked so long and so hard that I think it hurt her back just enough, and after I finally hit the ground a perfect scenario developed, she went about 3 strides, stepped on rein, and stopped and waited. I got on and rode another hour and a half or so (yeah I was in pain for days thereafter!). She hasn't after that even THOUGHT about bucking, and I've created good chances for her- saddle up and ride after days off, with no turnout beforehand, etc. She really, really doesn't want to buck under saddle any more. She did it the one time (and a reasonable reaction, since she'd probably never been stung before), and it seems that was enough for her. Turned out, you bet, some really fancy moves, but not under saddle.

Another thought- much bucking is caused by nothing more than too many groceries. If it were me, in the interest of science, I would feed hay only for a few days and see if there's a difference.

[slc2]

Horses have to slow down to buck. It's really that simple. You can make it more complicated, analyze it to death, or you can just take care of it by applying that very basic information.

[Chall]

Horse used to dump me *every* lesson. For when I was away two weeks, and someone else hurt him mounting, I had the best professional I knew out and he rode it out (buck, rider kick, buck, rider kick etc). That cured that particular problem (caused by riders poking him with toe during mounting).
For my regular class dumping, I had him actively free longed by groom (with long whip to ensure he cantered) before lesson. He got his bucks out then.
Cutting back on the grain.

Long term ? Horse had physical problem (chip in hoof - had 3 surgeries). So I think it was all due to pain. He was then retired. So bottom line look for the physical causes.

[thatmoody]

Most of my horses through the years have thrown a few bucks from time to time - the only one who really frightened me was a very determined 16.2 paint horse who was HUGELY built and who bucked with a determination that I've not seen this side of a rodeo. Actually, my ex-DH, who was a saddle bronc rider, wouldn't get on him because he didn't have any rhythm or tempo and was too difficult to ride through. I rode that horse for several months but I hated him with a passion, and I was not really too sad when he eventually vented his generally bad temper at the wrong stall wall and broke his leg.

My current horse throws a buck or two every so often, but it's easy to ride through, as he's not really trying to get me off. So there is bucking and there is bucking. I've seen horses that can crowhop with their heads up, but most horses can't do MUCH when they're held up and pushed forward agressively. You will encounter the rare extreme athlete who can, but they're not usually an ammie ride anyway.

I would recommend a western saddle that you KNOW is a good fit, and VERY regular riding (she needs to have her butt on that horse every day for at least 2-3 months). If he still bucks at the end of that time period, you have a bucker. If not, she's built a nice little bond with her horse and the horse has had the recommended amount of work. Most horses buck because they're not ridden often enough and are fed too much, or they have pain issues. I've found the former to be more the cause of those sudden explosive bucks, though - the pain ones you can usually feel coming as they get tense and pissy, then try to relieve the pain.

Edit: I do understand that she's scared, so she may want to ride under controlled conditions, but you can't cure this problem without time in the saddle.

[jubilee43]

Do you want to borrow my mare to pony her? This mare will pin her ears at the first sign of misbehaviour and heaven help the horse that thinks it is going to buck while she is ponying it. She leans over and chomps it in the neck and the bucking always ceases! Never leaves a mark either...we then continue the exercise and I have never had a horse buck after leaving her company.:lol:

[TikiSoo]

I have a youngster who has bucked twice without warning; we're riding along and all of a sudden I'm airborn and waiting to hit the ground. Luckily, I've not been too hurt and get back on and shakily ride her to let her know she's gotten away with nothing.
Sure, I'm terrified of a repeat, but more ANGRY than scared. I'm so determined this beast won't get the better of me, I just keep trying.

First thing I did was retire my old smooth all purpose English saddle and start using a nice close contact western saddle. Amazing what a difference a high cantle and big shoulders for a pommel makes for feeling secure.

Secondly, I started trying to "ride back", keeping my balance over her hind quarters by keeping my heels down and rolling my seat under. Believe me when I tell you I'm sore in all sorts of new places, but I feel braced and secure which is more important.

If I feel any "coiling up", I am ready to turn her in a circle to stop any thought of bucking. That worked well with my last greenie, so I'm ready. It would certainly be nicer to have lessons with a trainer, but I'm on my own at this barn.

I think the biggest hurdle is to change your thinking from, "Horse has my number and is gonna try something bad" TO "I have this horse's number and will thwart any attempt at bad behaviour"

[fordtraktor]

My guess would be that even if the rider didn't feel like she was holding her horse back, the horse felt like she was. If the horse in front of her started cantering smoothly but her horse was still trotting, her horse probably was thinking "oh my! Need to go faster and stay with Leader! This rider didn't tell me to canter and clearly is trying to interfere with my safety, argghh!!" Then his fear and frustration are manifesting themselves in bucks.

I would suggest having your friend's horse in the lead to the extent you guys need to canter on trails, until she gets enough confidence to work him through his "left behind" issues.

Many, many horses will do this same thing when following on trails. Often if they get wound up it will come back. Your best bet to get over it is to get a good cowboy to teach the horse how to be left behind on trails without losing it.

[eponacowgirl]

I posted a thread on helping a timid adult rider having a similar issue- it ended up being several pages long and VERY, VERY helpful- if you go looking through my posted threads, you should find it. Its all about rehabilitating the rider to be confident in herself through several exercises. Go check it out, I think you'll get some good info out of it!

[sublimequine]

Horses have to slow down to buck. It's really that simple. You can make it more complicated, analyze it to death, or you can just take care of it by applying that very basic information.

So what do you propose? Keep the horse at a dead run at all times and hope for the best? :lol:

[Sunsets]

I think she's really just going to have to learn how to ride through this.

Western saddle or Wintec dressage or all purpose for stickability. Helmet (if she's not already wearing one) and even a body protector if she can borrow one. Assume the worst, and be prepared. If she feels more confident, she'll be more likely to ride through any issues.

Anecdata: I am a pretty timid rider, and when I was a student I was exercising a quarter horse for a friend. He was well-trained, but had been sitting in a paddock for over a year. I started him just walking and trotting around the paddock, a few rides later we ventured into the field next door. Well, horsie REALLY wanted to run back to the barn, and started bucking every time I slowed him down. Lots of hanging on to the saddle horn and cursing on my part, then I spun him in a circle. We did lots of spinning that day. And I was very happy I was wearing my helmet (cowboy town, no one else did). But we made it back with me still on board, and while I was scared, I was really glad I stuck with him. And he never did that again - he was a perfect gentleman from then on.

[meaty ogre]

From the perspective of a scaredy-cat adult rider, there are lots of things an instructor can do to help build confidence, all of which start with the right horse. You have to let them develop a comfort zone, and then stretch it. Challenge them each lesson to do something that scares them a little, and with adults it can often be helpful to give them a choice to give them some control over the situation (for example, if she's afraid to canter and jump, give her the option of cantering a lap or trotting an x-rail...either way she's stretching her comfort zone). Building each time stretches the comfort zone and thus builds confidence.

Now the same works even better in reverse to erode confidence. Put her on a horse that's a notch above her, let the horse buck, spook or shy once, and she's rattled. That shrinks the comfort zone. Start out the next ride nervous and tense, guarantee something (albeit probably something small to those on the ground) happens and the comfort zone has constricted to the size of a pin head. She absolutely needs to develop the skill set to ride through a buck in order to be a rider, but you can't start with that skill set unless you're a braver-than-smart child or teen, or a type-A adrenaline-junkie adult. The rest of us have to start with baby steps on the saintly horses.

Now as far as the bucking, I have little experience. (Being a scaredy-cat adult rider, I avoid known buckers...however as others have mentioned...if it has 4 hooves it bucks at some point, and you need to be able to deal). When discomfort has been ruled out, most are seriously deterred by work. I.e., if you buck, you get the snot rode out of you, and then you resume your normal routine and work some more. Smart horses will decide that the buck results in even more work and they will either come up with some other evasion or return to their regular routine. Of course this works much better with your stock breeds who prefer not to work any harder than they have to, and less well with your TBs who love to have work and may even see it as a reward. You'll have to determine if this horse has got her number or if he's a sourpuss with a bad work ethic (some of the lazy, dead-broke guys can be the worst offenders as they protest vehemently when asked to work any harder that they are willing to). Either way, it sounds like this lady's skill set just isn't there yet. If she does continue to ride him, she will need a more advanced rider on hand and at the ready to hop on when he does buck to put him through the paces, though she will eventually either have to develop the skill set to work through it herself or she needs to sell.

And lastly, I'd suggest videoing her. Sometimes the mind of a scaredy-cat rider warps the "buck" (which was actually a crow-hop) into a rodeo-worthy, dust-flying, back cracking nightmare. Seeing that it was actually a crow-hop, and that only one of the horse's hooves actually left the ground may embarass her enough to cowgirl up and stick it out.

[sketcher]

And when you weigh 105 lbs., do you really think there is a chance in he!! that you can keep a determined 1,100 animal from pulling its head down and bucking?


You bet you can, with the right piece of hardware in their mouth. If I were 105 lbs on a big bucker you bet I would have more bit than I need just for those special occasions so the horse can not just pull their head down at will.

[arena run]

Not sure what happened to your last post, but maybe the better question is how to help a rider get over previous accidents. No matter hte horse, that will be the bigger issue if her fear is getting in the wya that much.

Totally a great point.

And for all you folks who say "Just get over it". The op's friend has a CONFIDENCE and FEAR problem. Is she over reacting? Yeah, probably... but that's not the issue, now is it?

I would suggest to those who posted this... "Just get a compassionate heart, why don't you."

<sweet smile> sylvia

[thatmoody]

And lastly, I'd suggest videoing her. Sometimes the mind of a scaredy-cat rider warps the "buck" (which was actually a crow-hop) into a rodeo-worthy, dust-flying, back cracking nightmare. Seeing that it was actually a crow-hop, and that only one of the horse's hooves actually left the ground may embarass her enough to cowgirl up and stick it out.

This is excellent advice. Often it FEELS worse than it is, and she probably won't believe anyone on the ground who tells her it didn't look that bad. That one horse I had was BAD, so I tend to compare every other one to him (one time he pile-drived me into the barn's manure pile) and they just don't measure up. I have a rearer, and I swear he hits straight vertical, but one day I saw a video of him, and I swear his front legs weren't popping up a foot. Now rearing is my own personal bugaboo, so it felt worse because of my nervousness, but today when he did it as a spook I just popped him on the butt and forward we went.

[veebug22]

Hey LookinSouth! I thought I knew who you were talking about, but now I'm thrown off by the "new horse" thing. Hmm....

Anyhow, as you know, Junior has always been a chronic bucker. I really don't think there is any way to "cure" it. I'm just much better at keeping his head up and his hind end under him and moving forward. I've learned all the tricks in the book so that as soon as I start to feel it go down, I can get it RIGHT back up. Once it's down between his knees, it's too late, no matter who you are. Chances are they're going to win. You only have leverage up until a certain point.

I don't have much to say about gaining back confidence. The only way to do that, if you're going to continue to ride a bucker, is to get stronger and realize you CAN prevent it if you have upper body strength, a strong base, and know how to effectively use it. You can't hop on a few times a week and expect to be able to deal with a chronic bucker. Doesn't work that way :) I'll be the first to admit that although I have felt in the past like I could ride pretty much anything, and could laugh off the occasional attempt at a bucking fit, when I'm not in shape... like, erm, right now... I don't feel nearly as confident. There's a big difference between how confident you feel handling this kind of thing when you're riding at least 1 horse a day 7 days a week versus only a few times a week.

Now I have to find out who bought the new horse!!!

[goeslikestink]

They can't buck when you get them going fast enough.


Horses have to slow down to buck. It's really that simple. You can make it more complicated, analyze it to death, or you can just take care of it by applying that very basic information.

you are such a novice slc2



op--- you had an accident ok baiscally you need to get your confidence back on school horses preferable 1st time horse as beignners horses and learn to use your seat via no stirrup work

horses buck for many reason - mostly is rider error
some are exciting as horse gets happy like say jumping a horse will buck
some get happy via galloping other get happy bucks as they are over fed or not fed the right foodstuff for the amount of work they getting
or it can be health issues tack issues
now juding by what people said on another thread as to how yard use old clapped out tack
wouldnt suprize me if the horse actually was in pain- only way they can tell you is to buck
if riding in same stables 1st check the tack to include the bridle

f the tacks crap or bitted to high in gob-- then horse is going to say no in big way
if your heavy in bridle as in handset hrose will say no in a big way

my point -- the horse bucked ok, and you came off and its done your confidence in as it does to most people
2nd as i have been there myself - ask yourself what made him buck
horses that buck arnt nessarcarily a habit can be re trianed and sorted if you find the cause thats causing the buck

so you want to get your confidence back- start off wih an old schoolie, and go back to workign without stirrups as this will encourage your balance - and balance is what keeps you in your seat
so plenty of working riding without stirrups this also gets you to work from an independant seat
with secure legs- so if at anytime you lose a stirrup or have a happy buck you wil be able to sit to it -
if bucking in canter - then one would put themselves in x/c position bridge reins if nessacary
and lift the botty up of the saddle - as youcan feel when a horse is going to buck, then
as the horse comes up to buck your not there to meet him, (so cant buck you off or less liekly to ) but can sit down hard and stop him and push on forwards and pass the buck and continue with the canter in other words you have ignore his plight of the buck and asked for more by being a stronger rider

[LookinSouth]

Hey LookinSouth! I thought I knew who you were talking about, but now I'm thrown off by the "new horse" thing. Hmm....


Now I have to find out who bought the new horse!!!


same person....just a new horse:) Pm'd you.

[Mtn trails]

Horses have to slow down to buck. It's really that simple. You can make it more complicated, analyze it to death, or you can just take care of it by applying that very basic information.

Haven't you ever seen a horse running full out bucking the entire time? They didn't show any sign of needing to slow down. I'd like to know where you got your information that they have to slow down to buck.

On another note, three years ago I took a nasty fall off my horse while cantering. The ground was frozen and I messed up my shoulder, cracked some ribs and severely bruised my hip. It took me a full year before I could canter again without an anxiety attack. I had to force myself to do it.

[LookinSouth]

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice and suggestions:) My friend decided to go shopping for a deep seated western saddle next week so she will feel more secure and confident while out on trail . In addition, she will be getting help from a pro that can take him out on trail rides and work with her on dealing with any further issues that may crop up.

I think all in all everything will work out fine and hopefully the issue was just a one time thing. Thanks again!

[threedogpack]

I can relate to this. I have never been able to ride a bucker. I come off easily. So....I taught my mare that she may play and buck HARD when she has a halter on and is loose, but not with a saddle, a bridle, a lunge line or a lead rope. I'm mostly a positive reinforcement trainer, so I don't punish her a lot but the one time that I did for bucking, I really really got after her. She got that figured out almost right away. Now she doesn't even think of it.