Bucking only on the trail

[michal]

My gelding is a quiet 4 yr old. I ride him W.P. and have had no bucking at shows or at home. But lately when I am on the trail, He can surprise me with a bucking fit in place. He seems to do it when other horses are around. Im thinking it is a tantrum-The last time a horse ahead went around a corner & he suddenly bucked me off. Everybody stopped & My horse just stood there. He does do this fit when I put him in a pasture alone and he has been there 1 hr or so and then decides he wants back at the barn with my goat. As soon as I come get him he is fine. He can break out in a sweat when he does this. Do you have any ideas on a cure? He is such a loving horse - I dont think it is meanness.

[Sarah]

hello!

Sorry to hear about you being bucked off. When you were out on the trail and the other horse wnet ahead and round the corner, was your horse then left at the front of the ride? It sounds to me like your horse is feeling insecure out on the trail, particularly when left by himslef or or frint so he has to make the decisions about where to go and what is or isn't scarey. This is backed up by the fact that he has his bucking fit when turned out by himself.

horses are herd animals, they need the security and company of other animals to be happy when turned out. Can you turn him out with other horses at all, or can you turn your goat out with him?

With regard to your hacking problem, firstly make sure that he is listening to your aids and is responsive in the school. Try hacking him out with others, firstly with him tucked behind them, then with him next to then, then with his nose infront until you can gradually get him going in front with him being calm. This will take some time as it is his confidence in you as his leader that you are trying to establish.

If you can turn him out for long periods with other horses, you will probably find that the problem may well disappear.

If you are still having trouble, I would recommend having your saddler up to check the fit of your tack. Horses often change shape, especially as yours is a youngster be will be muscling up and changing shape.

Good luck!

bye!

[michal]

The last time - it was when the lead horse rounded a corner and disappeared for a moment but there was a horse between us and the lead horse that was still in front and 4 horses behind us. Could it be a competitive thing with the lead horse? He used to be afraid to lead but has been doing it the last couple ride pretty good before this last fit. He has grown a lot and filled out...so I will check it...just interesting that in the arena the saddle would not bother him...Thanks for the ideas. It is nice to talk about it.

[Horselover2]

Michal, have you changed any of your tack since this began? If that's not it, have you noticed that it only happens while in company ? My horse had been a foxhunter, and she's fine on the trail with 3 or less riders, but is prone to bucking, etc when there are more riders/horses than 3, AND if I'm holding her back to keep up w/them...it seems to make no difference what her position is, lead, rear, or inbetween!

[michal]

My trainer thinks that might be the reason - holding my horse back...I am only 8 mos riding and 36 and I am not ready to let my horse go completely. He is such a rough trot when he is excited. I guess I need more time on the trails with just one other horse...?

[beckys]

Well the other advice is good, but I had the same problem that you did. If he wasn’t bucking he was shying away from even stepping foot on the trail. I do not think that your tack is to blame for this. When he bucks you need to speak to him with a soothing voice. Also make sure that you don't go flying off by making sure you sit deep in the saddle and digging your heels deep in to the stir-ups. If he’s able to buck you off he has will learn the bad habit of always bucking you off when he doesn't like something. My horse and I got over our problems by working by ourselves on the trails. It is nice to have another horse around, but you need to also remember that maybe the other horses are causing the problems. When you are on the trail and he begins to buck, make sure you stay on and then walk him slowly through the area that he bucked through and let him sniff around. Sometimes he bucks because he’s scared and unsure of the surroundings. You need to regain his trust and he yours. It took almost two months for my horse to get over his bucking and shying episodes. Just remember that his bad habits won't go away over night, you must be patient and willing to understand that your horse my just be as frightened as you when he’s bucking.

Good Luck,
Becky

[michal]

Becky,

That is so sweet! I never quite pictured it that way, (us both being scared during the buck. But what if it is a tantrum? Where he just wants his way. I dont think that is completely it...it probably is fear driven or nervousness. But if it is a tantrum should I still be soothing & not reprimand with my voice? I took him out once by myself and he never bucked once. He seemed really scared but seemed more dependent on me. I just am not thinking it is wise now that he has bucked me off to do that again. I have increased my riding at home and am doing great with him. I love him soooo much!