bucking horse update and question

[stormy's mum]

i have a qyestion for you all i am helping my friend retrain a horse who has a bucking issue as for getting on his back should iget on and let him buck me off and when he does work him hard to show him that it would be better to be calm then buck or should i try another way he accepts the saddle just fine but im not sure about a rider

[KateWooten]

No. You should take the time to find out why he's bucking, fix the problem and then bring him back into work slowly and carefully building up his back strength before putting him into situations where he had a tendency to buck.

[Bay Mare]

he accepts the saddle just fine but im not sure about a rider


Just because he accepts the saddle doesn't mean that it fits or that he doesn't have a back problem. Most horses are very forgiving and very generous and will work for you in spite of some discomfort.

I agree with Kate, try and find the issues that are causing the bucking rather than trying to make him mask his discomfort.

Back, physical and tack checks are in order for this one :)

[BeachRiding]

Agree with other's most likely a pain issue!

[stormy's mum]

hes not in pain because hes been checked several times by a vet and a horse chiropracter. He was abused before and had an intense fear of the saddle . its not his back that is the problem its that he associates the saddle with being hit . he has done several good sessions with the saddle and moves fine with it and i think hes gained more trust in me and my friend he is easier to catch he relaxes in the round pen and is seeking attention from us which he never did before.

[jenren!!]

Right well in that case you need to work to gain his trust to accept a saddle. Its unfair to expect a horse to carry a rider when he's scared of the saddle. First of all work on lots of natural horsemanship methods, work on him getting used to you touching him all over, using sweeping hand movements all over his body. Once he's comfortable with this then work on the saddle cloth, gently placing it on his back until he is comfortable then start swiftly throwing it over, with no sudden movements, then move onto the saddle, stirrup-less and girth-less.

Re-back him, basically. He has to be comfortable with the saddle on his back otherwise there's no point in placing your foot in the stirrup. Good luck with him.

Jenny xx

[stormy's mum]

ya thanks its a western sadle so idont think it can go stirrpless but the nh sounds like a good idea i will try it but i will ahve to ask my friend shes trining himforthe owner with my help. but yesturday he came to me in the pasture and layed his head on my hsoulder so relaxed he tries to b a good boy but dont worry iwont scare him i will re back him slpwly

[jenren!!]

Thats good. I do think you need to go back to basics with him :) Its good hes showing signs of trust.

Jenny xx

[doris]

Jenren's advice is good. It sounds as if he wants completely restarting because of past issues, and although this may take a while, it will be time well spent in the long run and you will avoid making any further problems.
All of Jenren's advice can be done in hand. Introduce some poles to walk over in hand in different patterns, this will keep him interested. Do lots of whoa's and walk-on's and get him really listening to you. This will help with his co-operation, co-ordination and his balance, thus making it easier for him. Keep us posted.

(tteam practitioner in training)

[stormy's mum]

hes verygood on the ground so ithink he will do well over poles he relly listens when you lead him im gonna try lounging (sp) him with the saddle today to let him get used to the fell then walk him over some poles and stuff