Bucking horse

[theresamallett]

Hi, I had a horse in livery ten years ago, but since then not ridden much, just a few lessons here and there. He sadly died three years ago. After years of longing to have my own horse at home I have have recently purchased two horses from the same equestrian centre so that they knew each other And would settle well together. Both passed their 5 stage vetting. I’ve had them for a couple of weeks now and the seem to have settled in well. The problem I have is that the 8 year old Connemara keeps spooking, and fairly badly. I was on him a couple of days ago and he spooked over what seemed nothing, went sideways and I didn’t so came off of him. Then yesterday I lunged him and again he spooked badly, throwing in a huge buck. I need advice on how to progress, I feel that I’ll loose my confidence on him if he carries on. How do I build his confidence and encourage him not to bicky when he spooks? Many thanks in advance

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would start with a tack check, then, if nothing is found, get the vet to check, starting with teeth and back. There could be all sorts of reasons. Another initial place to start is feed. Your horses won't be doing as much work as they did in the EC, so shouldn't need much if any, extra feed. If you are feeding alfalfa, cut it out, many horses react badly to it.
Good luck!

 

[Pinkvboots]

Agree with pearl get everything checked out to eliminate any pain response before you carry on.

Might be worth getting some help from an instructor to give you confidence maybe get them to ride him first.

Were they sold with tack?

 

[Wishfilly]

How recently did you purchase the horses, and how long had they been at the equestrian centre? If they were there for a long time, and settled into a routine, then they have just had a huge change in their life, and it is not surprising that they would become spooky.

As well as this, if they have been used to always doing things with other horses, and are now being asked to do things alone, then this is a huge change for them.

Are you asking them to do things that they regularly did in their previous home?

In general, I think a lot of people recommend against getting horses from this sort of set up as a first horse (I know they aren't technically your first, but in terms of riding you sound quite rusty?) because they are often used to doing things a certain way, in a very specific environment, in relatively hard work compared to the average private home, and there are often staff able to ride them if a problem develops.

If you've changed tack, I would definitely get that checked too.

I'd probably also get an instructor out to help.

How is the other horse doing?

 

[theresamallett]

I would start with a tack check, then, if nothing is found, get the vet to check, starting with teeth and back. There could be all sorts of reasons. Another initial place to start is feed. Your horses won't be doing as much work as they did in the EC, so shouldn't need much if any, extra feed. If you are feeding alfalfa, cut it out, many horses react badly to it.
Good luck!

Thank you for your reply. Tack wise I’ve gone for a second hand saddle but fitted but a saddle maker, and new bridle. She’s come back this week to check it’s fitting ok and she said it’s fine. Teeth: I was told at the vetting that he would need a dentist and the vet came out last week to sort them so they should be fine now. Think he’d been privately owned for some time, with only one other horse. but then went back to the EC recently Because the old owner wanted a thorougbred. Maybe it’s just such a huge change for him he’s basically moved twice in a month or so? Thanks re the food ill make sure he’s not given that

 

[theresamallett]

Agree with pearl get everything checked out to eliminate any pain response before you carry on.

Might be worth getting some help from an instructor to give you confidence maybe get them to ride him first.

Were they sold with tack?

no tack came separately, but I had a saddle fitter check out his saddle (they were asking for money for it) and it seemed to slip,to the right, so I bought a second hand one from her. I’ve tried to find an instructor who comes to my house to help, but not sure where to start lookimg. I’ve looked on line but can’t find many mobile instructors

 

[theresamallett]

How recently did you purchase the horses, and how long had they been at the equestrian centre? If they were there for a long time, and settled into a routine, then they have just had a huge change in their life, and it is not surprising that they would become spooky.

As well as this, if they have been used to always doing things with other horses, and are now being asked to do things alone, then this is a huge change for them.

Are you asking them to do things that they regularly did in their previous home?

In general, I think a lot of people recommend against getting horses from this sort of set up as a first horse (I know they aren't technically your first, but in terms of riding you sound quite rusty?) because they are often used to doing things a certain way, in a very specific environment, in relatively hard work compared to the average private home, and there are often staff able to ride them if a problem develops.

If you've changed tack, I would definitely get that checked too.

I'd probably also get an instructor out to help.

How is the other horse doing?

He hadnt been long there and had been privately owned before hand (I’ve commented in another reply about it) I agree maybe asking too much too soon. Just aware that he may need the exercise? You’re definitely right, I am very rusty! Any idea how to find a mobile instructor? I’m also going to speak to someone about his and her nutrition and if I need to include/exclude anything. The other horse is doing well, she doesnt spook like him and is good to lunge and to ride

 

[Wishfilly]

He hadnt been long there and had been privately owned before hand (I’ve commented in another reply about it) I agree maybe asking too much too soon. Just aware that he may need the exercise? You’re definitely right, I am very rusty! Any idea how to find a mobile instructor? I’m also going to speak to someone about his and her nutrition and if I need to include/exclude anything. The other horse is doing well, she doesnt spook like him and is good to lunge and to ride

I would ask on local facebook horsey groups, and you will normally get recommendations. There are lots of freelance instructors out there, so I'm sure you will find someone!

It sounds like he has had a lot of change in a short amount of time, so unless he desperately needs exercise for weight loss etc, maybe he needs a little more time to settle? If you are enjoying riding the other horse, maybe focus on that for a little while to build confidence.