Bucking into Canter??? What is the cause???????

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Lottie_Equestrian

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My 14.3 Connemara, Fern has recently started bucking into canter, they aren't large bucks and I am able to ride them quite easily but it's super weird as she is usually an angel in the school. In the past two sessions she's bucked into canter on almost every corner I can find on both reins, it's extremely unusual and am slightly concerned. She's had the saddle for the whole year and we've had it checked by a saddle fitter and the saddle is all fine. I have recently changed her saddle pad into a new smart le muiex one I bought and this is probably the root of the problem but I have yet to test it out as she's just pulled a shoe. Her normal numnah is super padded and holds the saddle really well but I have ridden her in other pads no problem before so I just want to know if anything else could be wrong?
 
When was the saddle checked?

A change of behaviour such as this usually means pain or difficulty doing what you ask. If the saddle was checked very recently ( like within a month) it's time to get the horse checked. Eliminate pain before anything else. :)
 
I would say it could be a few things
saddle or bridle
back
Muscle Myopathy
teeth
Misc pain related
excitement
Diet
escaping the discomfort
the way the aids are applied
Avoidance to do as the rider asks.

I would get one or all checked before it escalates into something more worrying.
 
It could be something as simple as the pad - I've heard a few people say that the spine of the Lemieux pads can cause pressure where they curve upwards, if used with a non high wither saddle. I'd rule that out first, by using another pad. If no difference, I'd be inclined to go straight for an MOT from the vet. It's good practice to have an annual checkup anyway, and if appropriate, your vet can then refer you to a physio/other bodyworker.
 
Nearly almost always saddle related. If you think saddle is fine and has been checked, get a 2nd opinion or even a 3rd!
 
tallyho! said:
Nearly almost always saddle related. If you think saddle is fine and has been checked, get a 2nd opinion or even a 3rd!
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Can't agree, sorry Tallyho. IME in any horse over ten is most likely to be hocks, especially as it's just turned cold.

How old is the horse, OP. Have you changed to keeping her in at night from being out full time? That's a great one to expose any arthritis issues.
 
I always think, 'start with the obvious', so go back to using your old pad. If that isn't the problem, check the tack thoroughly by riding bareback/lunging with/without tack to see if there is any difference. If not, time to get the vet.
 
The hint is in the comment that the saddle pad 'holds' the saddle. If the saddle fits correctly it shouldn't need to be held as won't move! Maybe ask someone to video you and see if you notice anything? Sadly not all saddle fitters are competent although they may well have completed a very basic saddle fitting course which could be half a day.
 
I would say its either the saddle or shes tweaked her back and I'd say check the saddle and maybe have a chiropractor have a look at her back, with our mare it was saddle /back related and she was bucking into canter or after a jump
 
Could be back or hind limb joint related, or lack of muscle strength behind. Horses who don’t have the required muscle tone to make the canter transition will sometimes ‘buck’ themselves into canter.

I’d be getting a vet or properly qualified equine physiotherapist to assess.

If nothing back / joint related shows up, you may need to change your schooling routine to include more exercises that get the hind leg engaged more.
 
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