Does anybody have advice for riding a buck?

[michal]

When my horse goes into a bucking fit...on the trail because of anxiety...what would you do to keep steady...Have any of you tried that seat pad that forms to your butt? I thought it was on this website that it was advertised..michal

[Horselover2]

Hi Michal!

Have you checked your tack to make sure it's not causing any problems? Also, has physical pain of the horse been ruled out? Many times that can cause a horse to buck.

Many times you can avoid a buck if you feel the horse start to bunch up. He will also have to lower his head, and if you can bring his head back up while asking for forward movement, he just may forget the whole idea.

If he's smack in the middle of a buck, try to stay centered in your saddle, and allow your weight to shift to the rear. Oh yeah, also try to keep your weight in your heels. I'm no expert, but these tricks have worked for me. Good luck!!

p.s. I'm not familiar with the pad you're talking about, sorry!

[Myrmex]

If you're sure he's not bucking because he's in pain, then you can try to stop him by making sure his head stays up and keep him moving forwards. Sometimes, pulling the head round sharply to one side and turning in a tight circle helps, but not if you're moving faster than walk (too dangerous - might slip over) and it really depends on the horse. If you can't prevent the buck, the trick is not to panic - try to get the forward motion back, don't tense up and hopefully your seat will be good enough to keep you on. My gelding occasionally does major 'handstands' (eg. when a scary pebble looks at him) and I find that bracing one hand on his withers and letting my legs come forwards (sod correct position when your life is flashing before your eyes)keeps me on board. Swearing loudly and threatening him with the petfood factory helps me keep my stress levels under control too...

[michal]

Myrmex - that is hilarious about the petfood factory...I know the tack is not the problem...it is mental...a tantrum. When he gets upset over something...90 percent of the time he is a doll.

Anyway...when he bucks at a standstill, I was told to keep my eyes looking forward at all times...and head straight. And weight in my seat. I like your idea of the forward motion...I usually just let him stand in place and get it over with...but making him go forward might bring him out of it?

Sometimes he gets into a really rough trot cause he is starting to get upset - this gets me off balance a little and then he goes into a series of bucks...this is the only time - I feel insecure in the buck at the trot. I feel really out of control. I guess I can sense his increased anxiety and speed intimidates me a little then the fits at a standstill. I did have a guy tell me that side reigns tied at the rings in front of the sturrups could help...I havent tried that yet... he only bucks on the trail.

I am starting the conditioning this week. He is pretty muscled up still - my trainer starts with me in 2 mos. for late show season. Thanks for the response...I have been trying to find videos that address riding out a buck & have found none!