Help!

[Katoms_midnightx]

I recently bought a section b gelding and rode him twice before I bought him, he was perfect and did not have any problems in sight, I even had him going around bare back, now I have him home, he bucks every time I canter him. I don't know how to stop him? X

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

There could be several reasons.

Checking the saddle fit would be a good idea. Even if you're using the same saddle he was sold with, he could have been sold with any old spare one that was hanging about, with no concern to whether it fitted him. He could also have put on weight at this time of year and a saddle that fitted him a month ago might not fit now.

The next thing to look at is routine. What was his routine with old owners and is it different to his routine with you?

Things like if you turn him out less so he's fidgety from being cooped up in the stable. Or if you turn him out more, or onto better pasture than the old owners had, so he's getting more grass and possibly has a little "spring fever" from it. Lots of people find their sensible horses go a bit nuts in spring when the grass starts growing.

How often do you ride him? If you ride him less than old owners he could be one who is better with more work. Not all ponies can be left in the field for a week then work perfectly when ridden.

What are you feeding him and how does that compare to old owners feed and workload? Too much feed can lead to fizzy behaviour like bucking.

Once you've sorted all the basics out that leaves your riding. It could be you're asking for canter in a way that's causing him to buck, eg legs too far back, wobbly body or hands. There's the possibility he's always been like this and old owners rode him before you arrived for the viewing, to get it out of his system. A lesson on him with an instructor would help you find out if its something you're doing and either way, the instructor can give you help to overcome the problem.

As a general rule, really raise your hands (to pull their head up, they often tuck it down to buck) and kick on if a pony is bucking. They can't buck so easily if they're going forward. Once you've got that forward movement then you can return to a normal riding position. Don't be worrying about looking pretty and riding correctly when you've got a problem, far better to ensure you're riding effectively for those few moments you're dealing with it, no matter what you look like.

The last possibility is your pony has pain somewhere. Anything from lameness to ulcers to back issues could cause bucking. If you suspect pain you'll have to get the vet out.

 

[Katoms_midnightx]

Yeah I had the saddler, and I have an instructor out every weekend. My instructor recently said he could still be settling in and seeing what he can get away with, if it carries on, I will consult a vet x thank you! X