Bucking when asked for canter on lunge...

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thehorsediva

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Just wondered what the best way to deal with this is...

I have had my new horse a few months, he is 5yrs, ISH, 16.3hh. From the day I got him home he has been very quiet, giving me tonnes of confidence and settled straight away. Unfortunately we have had to move yards twice in two weeks (long story!) and it has all been rather traumatic but we are now at lovely yard and he seems v happy, as am I. However since the moves I have had trouble with him on the lunge and every time I ask for canter he puts a buck in (well at least the first 3 times then he settles a bit). I dont always lunge him tacked up- this doesnt make any difference, and he doesnt seem to do it with side reins on but equally I always let him warm up first so its usually out his system by then. I am just not sure how to react to the bucking. If I growl or get after him after a buck he seems to just panic and start charging round, if I am quiet he will soon settle. Obviously I dont want him to think that bucking is acceptable but equally I am unsure if he is doing this out of worry as this all started when he was beside himself with panic/ fear all the time.

I am really reluctant to get on him as I have a terrible fear of bucking after a nasty incident. He hasnt yet bucked with me on him but this is now a big concern :-( Any advice gratefully received...
 
Mine used to buck on canter transitions in the school because she found it the easiest way to get her legs in order. Solved it with lots of trotting uphill to make her back end stronger. Not sure if this is the same issue though, but maybe a thought?
 
Ignoring it sounds like the best reaction, just stay calm and unconcerned and carry on. My horse always bucked on the lunge but very rarely under saddle.
Why not lunge him before you get on so that he can get it over and done with? I am also nervous of bucking after an accident, so I know how you feel, its daft really as other forms of mis-behaviour don't worry me at all, its strange how the brain works! Its early days for you both and he's had a lot to deal with, lunge him first and try not to focus on the bucking, then take it slowly. Good luck. :)
 
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Thank you.

He is big, long and still growing so I wouldnt be suprised if he cant get his balance very well so this might be contributing but I dont think its the full cause.

I will just carry on lunging quietly and hopefully it will go away in time. Hope to be able get on board at the weekend and I will lunge him first incase he still has it in him. I dont know if he is terrified of the lunge whip but I do need it really as he (on a normal day!) isnt the most forward going chap.

This forum is great to reassure you that your not alone and to get advice, horses arent always the easiest of animals- so thank you for replying!
 
On the lunge my lad is like a wild thing. He bucks, broncs and leaps around - he is just having fun. I have owned him for 12 years and he has only bucked 3 times with a rider. Once when the rider was being a numpty, once when he was in pain with his feet and once when he was over-excited. If you saw him on the lunge no-one would ride him. (He does calm down after a few minutes :-) )
 
My Connie also bucks on the lunge sometimes when you ask for canter, and sometimes he will spook, buck and try to take off. He has been know to buck under saddle, but not too often.
 
I know exactly how you feel...when I was bringing my ex racer back into work he was razy on the lunge until he settled. I used to watch him hooning around bucking and farting, shadow boxing and chucking his head about and think s*** ive got to get on this at some point :eek: He has never ever put 1foot wrong under saddle in 3 years and to be honest If he ever did I would be gob smacked. I still occasionaly lunge him and though he is abit calmer he still likes to have a couple of laps doing his own thing...I always know he is safe though as he never ever does any thing like that unless he is well away from whoever is lunging him and still maintains a nice circle!
 
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