"Hump in back" of young horse being started?

[JoZ]

I have just sent my 4-year-old off to a trainer I respect to be started under saddle. Here at home, he had been taught ground manners, as well as being longed and long-lined. He had worn both a saddle and a bit. He did buck with the saddle sometimes but I was HOPING it was just poor saddle fit -- I use an old beat-up saddle just to get the youngsters used to it, knowing no weight will be placed in it.

The trainer worked on the ground for a week and a half then he had his first ride. Apparently he had a hump in his back the whole time she was walking him around, but he did not buck. The next night he was supposed to be ridden again. I haven't been able to reach the trainer to discuss that ride, if indeed one occurred -- but I heard secondhand that he was going back to getting more groundwork. I am guessing either the hump (feeling he was going to buck) continued, or he actually did buck.

I haven't started that many horses or had them started, but NONE have bucked or showed an inclination to do so. Is this really bad? And what gets them through it? If the trainer is reverting to groundwork... what kind of groundwork would actually help or even affect an under-saddle issue?

I plan to ask the trainer these questions but she is away at a show this weekend. In the meantime I'd like to get opinions here!

[Equilibrium]

Humping up could be almost anything. Like you mentioned saddle fit, no girth cover, being a bit over sensitive, or plain ole this is just uncomfy because I'm not really used to this yet.

Stretching the legs before works can sometimes make a difference for a youngster. My filly that's just going now stretches herself. Once when I'm bringing girth under her belly, and then when I tighten up. But I always do tightening in stages. I never just girth right up. Right before I get on, after a walk, I tighten the last time and let them walk off. Young horses can be particularly unforgiving when it comes to that last tightening and not letting them take a couple of steps.

But if all that is fine, and horse is in no pain, it is something that has to be ridden through provided all groundwork is up to scratch. And since it sounds that way, it probably is just being an extra touchy baby. I don't think your trainer is doing anything wrong with going back to basics, but at the same time that bridge has to be crossed or you don't get anywhere. Most of the time in a few laps at the trot they start to relax. I haven't had any that have humped up like you're describing and take off broncing. Usually, if they're going to do it, they don't wait around! Just sounds like it will take her longer than some to be comfy and confident with the saddle and rider.

Terri

[Doodlebug1]

Hi JoZ

I think I know what this trainer is describing, but I am a bit surprised she hasn't felt it before. It can be quite common (about 10% horses) for young horses to have that feeling - it doesn't mean (IME) that they are going to buck, just that they are a bit tense/worried.

I find getting on the horse, walking away from mounting block a few strides and then rising slowly to the walk for a few strides (does that make sense) gets them to relax almost instantly. You might want to suggest the trainer gives it a try. They might need to do this for a week or a month depending on the temperament of the horse. Generally going back to groundwork doesn't help, as you've already said, the groundwork is fine... (Sidethought: I wonder if it is more common with horses that have had an extended period of groundwork: 'what the heck? You mean you sit on that thing? I've just spent six months carrying it around..')

Obviously, the trainer needs to be secure enough in their seat that when they rise and sit, they do not either tip their body or grip with their legs... But from what you've said, it is someone experienced, so shouldn't be a problem.

IME it does tend to be a temperament thing. my (TB) mare certainly did this when she was being backed. Temperamentally she is very sweet and easy but is also very anxious to please. Though anxious in that respect, she is not overall an anxious horse; in fact, she is very nosey (on a trail ride, if you'd let her, she'd walk right up to the front door of someone's house:eek:. She is the ultimate nosy neighbour, if she sees something's changed, it doesn't bother her rather is like -- 'oh, have you seen? They have a new car port, oh, you won't let me go look, well, let's cruise past a little slower so we can really see *craning neck to take in all new information*.'), she's also sensible and bold XC -- and when put in new situations. I only purchased her when she was 3, so maybe something happened in her first couple of years to cause her to want to please so much, but I doubt it, I think it's just her - and I'm not sure it's a bad 'fault' to have!

Having backed horses before and after her it does seem to be that kind of horse that does this 'rumpleback' as we called it, but I never got to see (or influence) how others turned out temperamentally, they did though as youngsters all seem of this ilk.

~ Also, I will, will, will *promises not to get distracted by COTH BB* email you later today....

[greysandbays]

A hump in a horse's back means he's uncomfortable and actively defensive in that discomfort (as in primed to do something about it instead of being stoic about it).

If a green horse routinely has a hump in his back in fine weather, I'd expect either something has been rushed too fast in the training process, or the horse is naturally a "bronc" that maybe can't be trusted very far.

In cold, windy weather, however, almost any horse can have a hump in his back when the rider first gets on. A well schooled (or kind-minded) horse who acknowledges and accepts that bucking is forbidden will work out of it with a little warm up. With horses not so well schooled (or kind-minded), it can be taking something of a chance to insist on doing serious riding under those conditions.

[mvp]

If you trust the trainer and your horse's foundation, ignore it for now.

It's the baby's way of saying "Oh, wait a minute. This is different. I know I'm not supposed to say "No!" ('cause everyone taught me that much), but I'm not quite ready to say "Yessir, may I have another," either.

My smart, mellow, self-preserving baby did this, too. The good (western) trainer ignored it but at the end of the planned 60 days, she suggested I leave him for another 30. Her point was that while he did everything he was asked, the remaining hump in his back meant he hadn't really accepted his new job. She and I ignored it, he kept putting on his uniform and going to work everyday and the problem resolved itself.