Feeling totally demoralised.

Reashi

Reashi

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I have an ex-racehorse that I bought in December. I used to ride him last summer and he was as good as gold. I was getting him fit to go to the racing yard, which he then went to but he wasn't up to it as he backed off when surrounded by the other horses. The owner then decided to sell him and I bought him. I was quite shocked when I went to collect him as he was very very skinny and poor looking. I rode him for about two months, but 1)he wasn't putting on weight whatever I did, and 2)he would buck. One time he bucked me off into a fence and gave me a black eye. I then gave him about five months off in a field, and he is looking a lot better, still skinny but a lot better.

I bought him back into work about two weeks ago. First time I rode him, he was as good as gold, I even trotted him a bit. Second time, all was good until I asked him to trot, and then he would just jump as if he was going to go into canter, but didnt. I eventually got him into trot, but then he did a broncing buck that was definitely aimed to get me off. I managed to stay on, but dismounted as soon as he'd finished (not very brave!). I then lunged him and got back on, managing a few strides of trot. Ever since then I've been lunging him first, then walking him a few laps round the arena mounted. Someone suggested he might just be bored, so I took him for a short road hack today. On the way away from the yard it wasnt too bad, but on the way back he was practically jogging and putting his head down as if he was going to buck. It scared me so much that I started brimming with tears.

I'm not a novice rider by any means, I have always had horses and won elementary level BD with previous horse, but I have no confidence when it comes to horses who misbehave in a dangerous way. I am bringing on our youngster who is 4, and she is amazing compared to him and I have no qualms about riding her, but now I feel I never want to ride my horse again! Angela is selling Phil and was going to buy a youngster, but I suggested her taking Frankie (my horse) instead, and she at least is thinking about the idea, as she is a lot braver than I am. I just feel really depressed about the fact that I'm too scared to ride my own horse! Sorry its so long I just wanted to get it out.

P.S. He has had his saddle checked, teeth checked, and back checked. The back lady said he had a vertabrae (sp?) out and his pelvis had dropped on one side slightly.
 
Sounds as though that there is something physically really wrong with him. Sounds like classic kissing spine symptons?Have you had a good vet check him out? I know that youve had the back lady, but a vet check would be better.
I battled for ages with my horse trying to get him fixed by 'back people' physios and massage people and lots of so called experts, not one of these people were able to help him. Got the vet out and he immedently diagnosed Kissing spines and was able to put us on the right path towards his rehab.. At the time I was furious for wasting all that time and money on the back people/physios etc when I shouldve just gone to the vet in the first place. Yes the physios etc are good at helping superficial problems but pretty hopeless in dealing with more sinister probs which sounds highly likely with your lad.
Hope you can sort something out. Ex racehorses, sadly, do often have so many things wrong with them that need extensive veterinary attention.

P.S Very sad to hear that Angela is selling the super Phill!!
 
Sorry to hear that Kat. Would Angela not be able to take him on for at least a few weeks to get him to behave himself? It could just be a case of regular work with a confident rider to get him back on track perhaps?
 
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Sorry to hear that Kat. Would Angela not be able to take him on for at least a few weeks to get him to behave himself? It could just be a case of regular work with a confident rider to get him back on track perhaps?

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Maybe, but I think just knowing that he could potentially buck at any time would make me worried all the time, as when you tell him off for misbehaving he gets even worse. I think I've just bought the wrong horse for myself
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Kissing spine has crossed my mind, but I don't know much about it - other than its very expensive!!! Think I'll get the vet out then. Thank you!
 
Don't be too hard on yourself!
I have a 5 yo that i bought from the sales and he bucks llike a b******d if the winds blowing the wrong way!?!
TBs are a bit that way out.
Its only a matter of time till mine decks someone.
Seak help from a knowledgeable instructor is the best advice,turn out before riding,always have a neck strap lunge him before you ride.
If all this fails maybe a month away with a experianced rider to get him through this phase.
some of my most talented horses have been frightening buckers a some point some always buck...just to keep you on he ball!!
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Goodness! He sounds a bit like Antifaz was when I first got him; at first he was an angel, then, almost overnight he turned into a bucking, tantrum-throwing loon! Terrified me!!
I got the vet out to check nothing was wrong and then took him right back to basics and worked him consistently, every day, changing his routine so he wasn't bored. I ALWAYS lunged him before riding him and eventually he settled down and is now back on his best (sorta) behaviour. Doesn't matter now if he has a couple of days off
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You might like to PM Charliesmum as she bought a young, skinny ex-racehorse and I know she had similar problems with their relationship in the early days. Might not be a vet thing...might be just how they train them to race. Leg the jockey up and anything other than walk pretty much means gallop to the finishing line! Bucking might be just a misunderstanding of why the previous rules have changed? I agree with PapaFrita - back to basics and re-start him as if he is a green youngster. My friend's TB is now doing really well as a dressage horse and has recently qualified at Novice level so there may be hope yet. Very best of luck with him.
 
I think you need to find a way of getting your confidence up, as if you're that scared of him there's just no point - horses are very intelligent and he will be able to sense your nervousness which will only make his behaviour worse. I felt like that with one of mine for a bit as he used to rear; I found always having an experienced person whom I trusted on hand whenever I rode for a few days/weeks helped, whether that be hacking out with them or having a lesson, or just having someone on the ground to offer support and advice.
It won't take long to get over this, you just need a few good sessions and you'll be back to normal. Just take a deep breath, try and relax, give the horse a pat and try talking to him, it will help you relax as much as him! And keep telling yourself you ARE good rider, you CAN do it and it WILL get better.
Good luck and don't give up!! x
 
Sounds as though he has been ridden by a muppet who has yanked his mouth about (not you, in training).
If the vet check shows up nothing I would remouth/back him.
ETS: I would doubt the credibility of the back person going on that assessment.
 
Possibly, and if you can't get it sorted 100% it may be better to sell him on rather than lose any more confidence, or possibly pass him onto Angela. How is Afro getting on anyway?
 
The bucking on the way back is very similar to my ex-racer's jigjogging on the homeward stretch - I believe it is because they used to walk him up the gallops and then sprint back. It takes time to teach them new rules, you have to assume they know nothing and explain in clear simple terms what you want. If he is learning to buck with you, I'd try and not put yourself in the situation where he might do it - rather try doing circular hacks so he doesn't know the 'homewards' bit and even do longreining and stuff so you can teach him to go forwards better.

I found epic hacks with my horse were the best way to let him let off steam with lots and lots of long trots so that he learned to listen and stretch out a bit. As a racehorse they do very little trotting so it does take time for them to understand.

I used to do 30mins schooling followed by 30mins hack which seemed to work as he used the hack as a wind-down and knew he'd already worked hard so he wouldn't be asked for a gallop(!). keep up his workload, vary it with lungeing, longreining and riding and he'll get the idea in the end.

Also you could try a barley-free feed as it can make them act out of character. Good luck, it takes time but you'll get there!
 
If all is ok when the vet checks him then I personally would get someone who is more confident to ride him for you for a while. Horses sense when you are nervous and many will play on this which could infact make him worse and nibble at your confidence each time. Once you see him going well with someone else, which may take some time (and if this happens of course) you will feel more confident to get on and the horse will be more relaxed.

If possible get someone to ride him consistently. If you get off or stop doing what you are doing when he bucks he will learn very very quickly that this is how he gets out of doing what you want him to do and then you will have an even longer road ahead of you to get him back on track. If there is no one to ride him for you then I suggest having some lessons on him so there is someone on the ground to help you through his tantrums and advise you what to do. Or as 3rd option send him away for reschooling.

Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.
 
I do agree with what the others have said but I also think you should not be so hard on yourself....my youngster played me up when I first got him, I think due to the last owner being very novice he managed to scare him into selling him really...I have always been a confident rider and never had any problems but he was bucking and spinning and even at times doing little rears which would make me nervous....I had a couple of lessons with him and found out he was just trying it on and being lazy...since then I have gained confidence and he never plays up...he is pretty laid back anyhow....
I rode a horse once which was lovely in the yard and 1/2 mile up the road and once into a field she went bonkers...she was an ex-racer too.....would spin with me, buck big time trying to get me off but I stayed on and was bolting and then harshly stopping...it was a clear sign she wanted me off her back....in the end I tried to walk her back to the yard as I was shaking in the saddle and she took off and jumped a 6ft bush just as I was trying to dismount....I was so scared - managed to stay on but squealed with worry...it really shoke my confidence...once I got her back to the yard( my legs were trembling) the owner told me she had broken her pelvis about three years ago...! so she was obviously in pain or had some issues with it...
Def call the vet to have a look at him as it might be a simular problem...
good luck
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my TB was like this - a total angel to begin with - and then was a bit of a nutter, jogging and bucking if I repremanded him. It was lot to do with his sefl confidence, and as he kept on knocking mine we were in a vicious circle - I am far more confident now and he is far more calm.

if his back is okay - then try and build on your confidence together - don't pressure yourself to ride him, do lots of groundwork and build up your trust in each other - I took it really slowly (cos I was so scared!) with my TB and it has been very rewarding.
 
Sounds like classic kissing spine to me - get him to the vets and get him scanned/xrayed to eliminate any problems.

Sorry to hear its not working out with him
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xx
 
I agree with this comment on your back person. He sounds like he needs a proper evaluation and anyone who comments that a horses pelvis has 'dropped' isn't someone I'd put faith in.
 
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