horse started to buck downhill.. :(

S

showaddy1

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 August 2011
Messages
499
Visit site
We bought a scruffy little cob last year as he was an absolute bargain - with a view to daughter to work with through the summer and then make a small profit.
He turned into a flying machine, daughter loves him so he stayed.
She has been complaining f about two months that he likes to throw in a buck - esp if going downhill. Tbh I didn't really pay much attention - he's a very forward, frisky ride and has been in since Oct.
We had his teeth done (routine check) - all good.
Back lady came out - found a bit of pain on the one shoulder from the saddle becoming too wide - manipulated him out and narrower gullet used.
He is still bucking - and getting worse.
Now, the worst part is my husband left before christmas - and in my financially induced panic, I have cancelled all insurance.
What do I do next? Should I have back lady again? Would you advise I go straight for xrays?
Murph has always had a strange gait - almost as if his back half and front half are working seperate - but he has hackney in him - so put it down to that...
Any advice gratefully received.
 
My boy sometimes does this too, only going downhill. Obviously there could be other things going on with your boy but mine just found it very difficult to balance. I found doing zig zags down the hill rather than going straight down soon stopped it. Good luck
 
showaddy1 said:
We bought a scruffy little cob last year as he was an absolute bargain - with a view to daughter to work with through the summer and then make a small profit.
He turned into a flying machine, daughter loves him so he stayed.
She has been complaining f about two months that he likes to throw in a buck - esp if going downhill. Tbh I didn't really pay much attention - he's a very forward, frisky ride and has been in since Oct.
We had his teeth done (routine check) - all good.
Back lady came out - found a bit of pain on the one shoulder from the saddle becoming too wide - manipulated him out and narrower gullet used.
He is still bucking - and getting worse.
Now, the worst part is my husband left before christmas - and in my financially induced panic, I have cancelled all insurance.
What do I do next? Should I have back lady again? Would you advise I go straight for xrays?
Murph has always had a strange gait - almost as if his back half and front half are working seperate - but he has hackney in him - so put it down to that...
Any advice gratefully received.
Click to expand...
Maybe get the vet out runs some bloods in case he has a issue
 
I wouldn't say 'safe' as his bucks are rodeo style - but I'm guessing she's going to have to pad up and try.
The back lady pointed out that he holds himself like an old man - drops his belly so his back isn't held strong - but without ridden work I'm not sure how to improve.
 
SusieT said:
Get a saddle fitter out first, then vet.
Click to expand...

I think this is the best but brace yourself to need the vet
When and if you get the vet be very clear about your financial position and discuss options openly before you start
Better a credit card bill than a broken daughter which you do risk if she has a fall
 
Thanks all - now for the difficult task of finding a reputable saddler!!
As for the credit card - im not sure I'd get one as things stand! I do have an account at my local vets, trouble being having been taken for a ride yrs ago, and left with no horse and a huge bill - im very cynical as to whether they are doing things for the money or if they are actually beneficial for diagnosis.
 
Mine was very unhappy going downhill and it was KS. Or it could be as simple as lack of balance and he needs to do loads of hillwork to strengthen his back end. Mine would be a poppet and then suddenly, especially with hills flip out, found it difficult to come through from behind and use weight correctly to be able to balance, so would panic and thrown himself in the air to avoid doing it. Does he work well behind normally and does he have good even muscle through his back & bum? Also look at feet - are there any changes in how he is trimmed/shod?

Am not saying it is ks, far from it but he sounds as though he is uncomfortable behind which could also be caused by saddle creating pain and him compensating in his movement as suggested in earlier posts.
 
Agree re checking saddle, esp as it's got worse since having it narrowed. It can mean the tree points are digging into the shoulders painfully, or that the saddle is bridging. Good to try eliminating that first! :-)
 
Getting the saddle and his back checked again should be the first port of call, as well as getting the vet to have a look at him. As regards improving his posture and getting him to lift his back (which should make it easier and more comfortable for him to carry the rider's weight), there are some ground exercises you can do that pop up every so often in horsey magazines etc. The one that springs to mind is called a belly lift (there's some youtube videos out there on how to do it if you need them).
 
I also think it sounds like a saddle issue, I find it strange that the saddle has become too wide horses should get wider not narrower, sounds like the saddle may have been too narrow to start and has now caused muscle damage so his back appears narrower, saggy belly and not wanting to lift the back and use abdominal muscles is also a sign of the saddle not being comfortable.

I would get the saddle looked at by someone else then get a physio to help you with exercises to get him stronger through his back, as the above poster has said belly lifts and carrot stretches can really help but the saddle has to be right.
 
Last edited:
Being uncomfortable or slow and unsteady/ not sure footed down hill is a sign of foot pain.

This could be early warning signs of hoof issues, navicular etc.

Take off his shoes as a start. (obviously there is a transition period)


But if bucking at other times, you need to rule out pain everywhere before you can be sure he just needs educating and learning he has to behave!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top