Nappy broncing pony

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It looks like he is just pulling his head down and stretching rather than bucking? After a thorough physical check I'd get a good teacher to help if nothing is found. Hopefully someone here much better than me can help. Some of the riding school ponies do that if you have too strong a contact.
I agree with this, he certainly doesn’t look to me to be in any pain. It looks naughty to me 😊
 

TheMule

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I don’t think any of the videos show enough for anyone to watch and make a recommendation on whether the pony is ok or not ok. You need a vet and the involvement of a good trainer once the vet gives the ok.
The rider needs to learn to sit up and keep the pony's head up- that's just experience, a good core and a bit of determination! But I would advise a full MOT first
 

scats

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I think the pony isn't sound. Ignore the legs, look at the head in trot on the corner. For me there is a clear upwards nod, which would usually indicate hind leg lameness. It can be bridle lameness, but I would start with a vet who has been shown this video.

I also don’t think he’s quite sound on corners. Perhaps a bit of discomfort that’s causing him more of a problem in canter? So my first line of enquiry would be SI, hocks, suspensories. Might be worth ruling those out before you crack on.
 

WelshD

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These ponies with showing backgrounds can have very high mileage joints. I wonder if he has previously had his hocks injected and now its worn off. I'd expect a pony of his breed to be powering along from the hind (and he does seem to do that much better on grass) but his movement in that school is definitely more stilted.

Another line of enquiry not mentioned is ulcers, its a sad fact that many ponies (especially dark coloured ones) who have come from showing homes have not always had the turnout they need and combined with hard feed and lots of travelling this can result in stress but in your case I would start with the hocks and back.

obviously look for the cause but in the meantime consider a pair of balance support reins to help your daughter with his front end short term.
 

Dynamo

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I also don’t think he’s quite sound on corners. Perhaps a bit of discomfort that’s causing him more of a problem in canter? So my first line of enquiry would be SI, hocks, suspensories. Might be worth ruling those out before you crack on.
This and this. Pony is definitely unsound behind on corners on a soft surface. No ifs, buts or maybes about it. Pointless getting saddle fitter, chiro, etc. You need a veterinary work up under saddle, not on the lunge without a rider, and show the videos to the vet, including the different surfaces. Insist on investigating hock, stifle and SI. The indoor surface is completely different from the rubber outdoor surface and it is the latter that is irritating whatever is amiss, particularly on corners. It may feel similar underfoot, but trust me, the smallest differences in arena surface can highlight a physical issue. In straight lines cantering up hill he is able to manage. On a firm indoor surface in a large area where corners are wider he is able to manage. Hacking out he is able to manage. On the rubber outdoor surface the extra millimetres of give in the rubber, coupled with the tighter turns, are showing that the pony is unsound and in discomfort. Don't get fobbed off by an inexperienced vet and don't spend money on non-veterinary interventions at this stage.
You have a lovely pony and very, very nice rider and it will be well worth it for them.
 

maya2008

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That’s a good outcome, easy to fix with time off and a new saddle. Perhaps your saddle fitter could show your daughter how to check the fit so you know before the bucking starts next time? Most are happy to help clients know when they need to call them out!
 

AWinter

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I wouldn't say that is bronching, to me it looks like he's trying to get away from having to work hard. We've had a very similar situation with our pony who we've had just over a year. Golden pony, he's amazing. November he has started the odd buck in canter...it got a bit worse so we did as you did...teeth, vet, physio, and finally saddle. Saddle was poorly fitting, too narrow across his withers. So that was adjusted and he seems more comfortable. He had some soreness and stiffness in his back, physio definitely helped.

However we do have an instructor who has always maintained that he is probably just annoyed at having to work harder, particularly as he's had very light work over winter...and is feeling very fresh! My daughter is 8 and is pretty balanced but on occasion he snatches down like this when he's asked to work, particularly as he gets tired. She's learnt to kick on and make him go forwards now...the grass has started to come through too now which hasn't helped!

So you literally found a pain issue and your instructor still says he’s just annoyed at having to work harder……
 

bz88

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Hi all! Thank you so much for all your replies and support. Who would have known strangers on the internet would be so supportive! Here’s an update.
vet didn’t want to see our pony as per previous checks she didn’t have any concerns so physio came out. Sore back due to not fitting saddle. Pony had treatment and electro therapy and he’s on the mend. Saddler came out confirming that saddle does not fit him. She brought our new saddle which we were waiting for three months and I doesn’t fit! Pony lost so much weight which is a good thing! Luckily she had another saddle with her which she tried and it fit him just right. It’s temporary saddle until our new one gets adjusted but as long he’s comfortable that’s all it matters. With treatment, few days off and new saddle he’s back to himself! We will still take easy on him until we make sure his saddle fits him properly.https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cp-3RIkjoKy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
 

bz88

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AmyMay

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That looks fab. And what a cracking little jockey!!
 

Bobthecob15

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So you literally found a pain issue and your instructor still says he’s just annoyed at having to work harder……
No she doesn't still say that, she now knows he also has 2 issues which have probably contributed. My point was some horses do behave differently when in less work than they were before
 
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