I dismounted when my horse bucked - im so worried now ive taught him something bad!

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darkhorse123

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If you saw my other post my horse bucked 4 times in succession yesterday on a hackout.

I stayed on but fearing he was in pain (hes never bucked in the two years ive owned him) I jumped off straight away to check him - because there were no obvious things to show what had caused it, fearing he was in pain - i led him the last mile home.

Now Im worried I shouldnt have done this - hes a happy hacker and since getting him home and checking him thoroughly and speaking to others we have concluded it was flies.

The last thing i want to teach him is if he is naughty I will dismount - (he wasnt beign naughty he was truly worried by something)

I just know people say this encourages future bad behaviour.

So if this happened to you - would you stay on, check horse then remount or do as i did and lead him home?
 
Just because it wasn't caused by pain, doesn't mean it wasn't a genuine response to something unpleasant for him (wether acceptable or not!). If in doubt re pain then I would always hop off. Now you are happy that you have a reason for his bucking, then should it happen in future you can tell him off/reasure him as appropriate and carry on with your ride. I wouldn't over analyse this episode, leave it in the past and carry on enjoying your hacks!
 
No, I have done the same when I have thought a horse was in pain and it did not make them more likely to buck again. I think you did the right thing. Unless the bucking is obviously high spirits then I think it is best to dismount.
 
I'd have done the same, and wouldn't worry that a one off had caused my horse to learn to buck to get me off :)
 
Don't worry. As he's a genuine horse who has never done this before, your reaction was quite reasonable. You felt it was a pain issue, ie fly bite, sting etc. It could have been a bite under his numnah, you didn't know at the time.
However, in getting off, you showed empathy and concern for his well being. Horses aren't daft. He didn't buck you off out of naughtiness, something bothered him.
Strolling back together was a nice way to end your hack. Good horses aren't ruined by one incident, if he's a good lad, he'll still be that tomorrow.
 
ThePony said:
Just because it wasn't caused by pain, doesn't mean it wasn't a genuine response to something unpleasant for him (wether acceptable or not!). If in doubt re pain then I would always hop off. Now you are happy that you have a reason for his bucking, then should it happen in future you can tell him off/reasure him as appropriate and carry on with your ride. I wouldn't over analyse this episode, leave it in the past and carry on enjoying your hacks!
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Ditto this
 
Naturally said:
I'd have done the same, and wouldn't worry that a one off had caused my horse to learn to buck to get me off :)
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ditto above.

It was a just a one off, horses are quick learners but not that quick :D besides it was a sensible thing to do, probably just a fly bite, hopefully nothing serious but if he doesn't usually have these out bursts then he was telling you there was something wrong. :)
 
ty all - we did have a lovely stroll home - hes not a cuddly horse but he wasnt happy - he put his head under my arm for a nice cuddle on way back :)
 
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