new horse came yesterday - bucked me off today
- Thread starter hessy12
- Start date
Echo Bravo
Well-Known Member
After seeing some posts on here tonight, Know I now why some many have problems. give him time and yourself to get to know each other. Tell me would you have got together with your OH after 1 day??
JanetGeorge
Well-Known Member
Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!
But I HAVE to say that unless you ARE a confident rider - and your post would suggest maybe not - get rid!! Loads of people will no doubt tell me I'm wrong, but having owned a Cleveland Bay x, I wouldn't touch another with someone else's barge pole! And a X with a Welsh cob makes it more so! Thankfully, the only Welsh Cob x I have EVER owned is 3/4TB - so just normally a bit barmy - but we've had about a dozen or so Welsh Cobs/Welsh Cob x's for backing, schooling, re-schooling etc. They've ALL been more 'difficult' than most of the horses who come in. If this horse incorporates the worst of both breeds .........
nativetyponies
Well-Known Member
Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!
But I HAVE to say that unless you ARE a confident rider - and your post would suggest maybe not - get rid!! Loads of people will no doubt tell me I'm wrong, but having owned a Cleveland Bay x, I wouldn't touch another with someone else's barge pole! And a X with a Welsh cob makes it more so! Thankfully, the only Welsh Cob x I have EVER owned is 3/4TB - so just normally a bit barmy - but we've had about a dozen or so Welsh Cobs/Welsh Cob x's for backing, schooling, re-schooling etc. They've ALL been more 'difficult' than most of the horses who come in. If this horse incorporates the worst of both breeds .........
I agree 100%.
I wouldn't touch anything with CB in it..AT ALL.
thinlizzy
Well-Known Member
How sorry for you, but dissapointed old owner didnt at least offer advice /support if i sold a horse and seemed was acting not himself id be round to help within a certain radius or offer phone support .Im sorry but that would give me alarm bells , im afraid .
Let horse have time to settle, and just handle, groom and chat, leading around a familiar route daily short distance .
I think you should get a instructer to help as we cannot give advice over forum to rectify issues, it could be a back/pain issue ?
Feed ?Whats her turnout like ?I would definatly have lessons to help and i hope, this has happy ending.Take care.P.s. my instructer spotted immediatly my boy had a pelvic/backpain and pinpointed it to the very spot -he went lame four days later -he had been bucking when asking to canter .
Let horse have time to settle, and just handle, groom and chat, leading around a familiar route daily short distance .
I think you should get a instructer to help as we cannot give advice over forum to rectify issues, it could be a back/pain issue ?
Feed ?Whats her turnout like ?I would definatly have lessons to help and i hope, this has happy ending.Take care.P.s. my instructer spotted immediatly my boy had a pelvic/backpain and pinpointed it to the very spot -he went lame four days later -he had been bucking when asking to canter .
Happy Hunter
Well-Known Member
Oh come on - Cleveland Bays's arent that bad!
I have to stick up for them here - Ive had 4 now - and all have been Rocks!!!
Sounds like OP's is just being a little bugger - but if i read it right - she rode him out within a couple of hours of arriving. i'm sure the heard politics had only just begun let alone a hirarchy sorted out, I would have given him at least a couple of nights.
Sure - he will have travelled and seen shows - but with the old owner!
mind you - im not saying the fact that they dont want to know isnt a bit fishy!
Hopefully your week will end on a happy note - if your worried try lunging for a bit to get anything out - then try some company - he doesnt have a flipping clue where he is, some calm hacking company will do him the world of good!
Hope it gets better!
I have to stick up for them here - Ive had 4 now - and all have been Rocks!!!
Sounds like OP's is just being a little bugger - but if i read it right - she rode him out within a couple of hours of arriving. i'm sure the heard politics had only just begun let alone a hirarchy sorted out, I would have given him at least a couple of nights.
Sure - he will have travelled and seen shows - but with the old owner!
mind you - im not saying the fact that they dont want to know isnt a bit fishy!
Hopefully your week will end on a happy note - if your worried try lunging for a bit to get anything out - then try some company - he doesnt have a flipping clue where he is, some calm hacking company will do him the world of good!
Hope it gets better!
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eggs
Well-Known Member
I agree with what a lot of people have said. A steady schoolmaster should not really need time to settle in and should be able go for a gentle hack without bucking. However, not having seen you ride I don't know if maybe you were a little nervous and transmitted this to him.
I also agree with JanetGoerge re CB x Welsh. Having know a couple of CBs I would not touch them with a bargepole. However I have a CB x Welsh D who was sold as TB x Welsh. It was only after we bought him and got his passport that we saw his breeding. That being said he is a lovely horse but is a worrier and panics if he thinks he has done something wrong - not a problem for us as we are experienced riders but he would not be suitable for a nervous novice.
I am also very suspicious of his previous owner's total lack of interest. It does sound as though maybe they are glad to have got shot of a problem horse. Did your vetting include having bloods taken? How soon was the vetting done after you had tried him?
On the assumption that this was a private sale his previous owner do not have to take him back or give you a refund and it would probably not worth the aggro of going through small claims court.
I would not hack this horse until you have got much more familar riding him in the field at home or hiring a school to ride in. Then only hack him with one other steady horse for a while.
Only other thing could be that the yard he is in now is very different to the one he came from. My mare never settled in a large yard and was a much calmer horse in a yard of no more than 6 horses. Some horses need the activity of a larger yard to feel comfortable.
I also agree with JanetGoerge re CB x Welsh. Having know a couple of CBs I would not touch them with a bargepole. However I have a CB x Welsh D who was sold as TB x Welsh. It was only after we bought him and got his passport that we saw his breeding. That being said he is a lovely horse but is a worrier and panics if he thinks he has done something wrong - not a problem for us as we are experienced riders but he would not be suitable for a nervous novice.
I am also very suspicious of his previous owner's total lack of interest. It does sound as though maybe they are glad to have got shot of a problem horse. Did your vetting include having bloods taken? How soon was the vetting done after you had tried him?
On the assumption that this was a private sale his previous owner do not have to take him back or give you a refund and it would probably not worth the aggro of going through small claims court.
I would not hack this horse until you have got much more familar riding him in the field at home or hiring a school to ride in. Then only hack him with one other steady horse for a while.
Only other thing could be that the yard he is in now is very different to the one he came from. My mare never settled in a large yard and was a much calmer horse in a yard of no more than 6 horses. Some horses need the activity of a larger yard to feel comfortable.
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Poor you! I bet you're feeling even more worried after all the mixed advice you got too!
Don't worry about the breed for a start! Plenty of people own CBs and welshies without problems! Different people will tell you they had problems with whatever breed it was!
Do take the advice about finding a local instructor. They may ride the horse for you/ hack out with you. Definately lunge the horse. Be nice to it and let it settle, but keep doing things with it so it learns you're the boss and can be trusted.
Don't leave the horse doing nothing "to settle in". In my opinion this can lead to them getting fresh and bolshy - causing more problems next time you get on.
To me it sounds like the horse was in a new situation with a new rider, and it was partly spooky - and not getting enough "herd leader" from you as a rider... It will get better. You need to either get someone to ride it for you, who is very experienced, or else ride out with someone else who has a schoolmaster - whatever you do don't go out alone feeling a bit nervous or the situation will escalate. Its nice for you to have your husband with you, but remember that the horse wont take confidence from a bike like it would from another horse...
So to summarise, give it time to settle, but keep it working and be firm with it- lunge if no other alternatives. A horse will take confidence from nice but firm commands - both on and off the horse.. Try and find an instructor to ride it/ teach you in the field/ hack out with you. Only hack out with equine company until you feel totally happy.
Don't lose heart. I'm sure it will be fine..xx
Don't worry about the breed for a start! Plenty of people own CBs and welshies without problems! Different people will tell you they had problems with whatever breed it was!
Do take the advice about finding a local instructor. They may ride the horse for you/ hack out with you. Definately lunge the horse. Be nice to it and let it settle, but keep doing things with it so it learns you're the boss and can be trusted.
Don't leave the horse doing nothing "to settle in". In my opinion this can lead to them getting fresh and bolshy - causing more problems next time you get on.
To me it sounds like the horse was in a new situation with a new rider, and it was partly spooky - and not getting enough "herd leader" from you as a rider... It will get better. You need to either get someone to ride it for you, who is very experienced, or else ride out with someone else who has a schoolmaster - whatever you do don't go out alone feeling a bit nervous or the situation will escalate. Its nice for you to have your husband with you, but remember that the horse wont take confidence from a bike like it would from another horse...
So to summarise, give it time to settle, but keep it working and be firm with it- lunge if no other alternatives. A horse will take confidence from nice but firm commands - both on and off the horse.. Try and find an instructor to ride it/ teach you in the field/ hack out with you. Only hack out with equine company until you feel totally happy.
Don't lose heart. I'm sure it will be fine..xx
TarrSteps
Well-Known Member
Well, he's yours now and you obviously bought him because you like him so breeding is now incidental. Try to keep in mind all the positive things you liked about him that led you to make the decision in the first place. (Although, for the record, my experiences have been similar to the above - wouldn't warn me away from a horse I otherwise liked but I'd look at a few things extra carefully.)
I'd second getting yourself some professional help, especially if you've not had tons of experience with many horses.
Could be saddle, unless he's wearing the one you tried him in. It's all well and good to expect a horse to behave as expected but there's a reason why, when someone comes on here with a misbehaving horse, so many people say check the saddle. Also, check bit/bridle. Is his routine/feeding/level of companionship similar?
Were you riding him exactly the same way as you did when you hacked him at the viewing? Same confidence level, routine etc? Was "his" person with you the whole time? Did anyone else assess him, other than you?
What have your previous hacking experiences been? Have you hacked confidently on a large number of horses? When he "hopped" the first time - as horses do - what was your reaction? Are you generally stable and independent in the saddle? (Is the saddle familiar to you? An ill fitting saddle can make a rider very insecure.)
I'm not saying any of this to cast aspersions, just that I think it's a bit unfair to say "it's the horse's fault" without knowing all the variables, which NO ONE can do over the internet.
BUT someone can help you in person. He/she can check your tack, have a sit on the horse, hopefully walk out with you etc. and get to the bottom of the issue. It might be something very minor and with a steer in the right direction, it will all be ironed out in no time.
As far as horses being the same in different situations . . . when horses go out to show we don't turn them out, feed them new food, change their tack, ask them new questions and put strangers on them. Many horses are fantastic at shows - where things are familiar even if the venue is different - but would flounder in a completely different situation.
Try to keep in mind all the positive things you liked about him that led you to make the decision in the first place. (Although, for the record, my experiences have been similar to the above - wouldn't warn me away from a horse I otherwise liked but I'd look at a few things extra carefully.)I'd second getting yourself some professional help, especially if you've not had tons of experience with many horses.
Could be saddle, unless he's wearing the one you tried him in. It's all well and good to expect a horse to behave as expected but there's a reason why, when someone comes on here with a misbehaving horse, so many people say check the saddle. Also, check bit/bridle. Is his routine/feeding/level of companionship similar?
Were you riding him exactly the same way as you did when you hacked him at the viewing? Same confidence level, routine etc? Was "his" person with you the whole time? Did anyone else assess him, other than you?
What have your previous hacking experiences been? Have you hacked confidently on a large number of horses? When he "hopped" the first time - as horses do - what was your reaction? Are you generally stable and independent in the saddle? (Is the saddle familiar to you? An ill fitting saddle can make a rider very insecure.)
I'm not saying any of this to cast aspersions, just that I think it's a bit unfair to say "it's the horse's fault" without knowing all the variables, which NO ONE can do over the internet.
BUT someone can help you in person. He/she can check your tack, have a sit on the horse, hopefully walk out with you etc. and get to the bottom of the issue. It might be something very minor and with a steer in the right direction, it will all be ironed out in no time.
As far as horses being the same in different situations . . . when horses go out to show we don't turn them out, feed them new food, change their tack, ask them new questions and put strangers on them. Many horses are fantastic at shows - where things are familiar even if the venue is different - but would flounder in a completely different situation.
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Tiffany
Well-Known Member
He's had a big change so may just need a few days to settle but if you had blood taken at vetting I'd have it analysed particularly, if you don't really know people you bought him from.
If I'd sold a virtually bombproof horse that bucked new owner off within 24 hours I would be upset andcertainly be offering some help.
Can understand you've had a confidence knock but just give yourself time to get to know each other. Do you know anyone else who would get on him once he's settled to see how he behaves?
Good luck with him
If I'd sold a virtually bombproof horse that bucked new owner off within 24 hours I would be upset andcertainly be offering some help.
Can understand you've had a confidence knock but just give yourself time to get to know each other. Do you know anyone else who would get on him once he's settled to see how he behaves?
Good luck with him
Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!
But I HAVE to say that unless you ARE a confident rider - and your post would suggest maybe not - get rid!! Loads of people will no doubt tell me I'm wrong, but having owned a Cleveland Bay x, I wouldn't touch another with someone else's barge pole! And a X with a Welsh cob makes it more so! Thankfully, the only Welsh Cob x I have EVER owned is 3/4TB - so just normally a bit barmy - but we've had about a dozen or so Welsh Cobs/Welsh Cob x's for backing, schooling, re-schooling etc. They've ALL been more 'difficult' than most of the horses who come in. If this horse incorporates the worst of both breeds .........
I had to laugh at this (even though you disagreed with me JG)! I hadn't registered the breeding! I used to know a very laid back CB, flobetty-bop, flobetty-bop, boinggggg was his way of going. He bucked his rider off on several occasions for no apparent reason. He also split her thigh open when he kicked her on loading, he was a regular hunter so was very used to loading, goodness knows what was wrong that day. I used to have a WelshDx and she was crackers. I must admit I would never have gone to look at a CBxWelsh myself.
NeverSayNever
Well-Known Member
couldnt agree more, and amen to that!!
i have been in this situation - got bronced off on day 2.... i persevered, spent a lot of money on lessons/schooling help and within a month i was on crutches. Go with and trust what your gut is telling you. There is no shame in being strong now and saying ' this isnt for me'. Dont listen to anyone who tries to tell you otherwise - it isnt their neck on the line and horses are too bloody big, dangerous and expensive to fa**y about with and get sentimental over.
RuthnMeg
Well-Known Member
If Iam right in thinking (maybe wrong?) CB's are bred to be carrage horses, preferably in teams of 4? The only CB horse I knew first hand, couldn't cope being on his own, but WAS ok in company.
As for your experiance, sorry it happened - hope you are ok. BUT alarm bells are ringing when 'previous owner doen't want to know'. Any horse can take months to settle in a new place, but bucking and reacting like your horse did, considering he is unfit and fat?? doesn't seem quite right.
I'd give it another few weeks, keeping in contact with previous owner, so they have a record of whats going on - whether they like it or not. If he hasn't improved by X time, then send him back. (be prepared to lose money on it though).
As for your experiance, sorry it happened - hope you are ok. BUT alarm bells are ringing when 'previous owner doen't want to know'. Any horse can take months to settle in a new place, but bucking and reacting like your horse did, considering he is unfit and fat?? doesn't seem quite right.
I'd give it another few weeks, keeping in contact with previous owner, so they have a record of whats going on - whether they like it or not. If he hasn't improved by X time, then send him back. (be prepared to lose money on it though).
YorksG
Over the hill and far awa
Am also of the 'give him time to settle' school of thought, while making sure you spend plenty of time with him. I would also suggest that your way of riding could well have been different today, much more anxious and more likely to have your loser leg in the wrong position, which may have caused the buck. Try and ensure that you ride out with another horse for a while, not all horse will take confidence from a bike (you know your OH, the horse doesn't).
Just fore the record, my mare has not spent a night away in the 4 years she's been here, very few horses are used to spending time in strange places, with strange people.
Just fore the record, my mare has not spent a night away in the 4 years she's been here, very few horses are used to spending time in strange places, with strange people.
rubysmum
Well-Known Member
i dont want to sound to pessimistic BUT - i bought a 2nd horse last spring - very quiet & well behaved when tried out - came to my yard - given a few days to settle - then solo hack - which ended in him bolting home
I put it down to settling in nerves & oddly enough his previous owner was VERY disinterested at this point too - 8 months down the line - he was still a nightmare - despite much professional input & i am not a novice owner - I should have sent him back within 5 days of owning him - if you have misgivings - walk away now
I put it down to settling in nerves & oddly enough his previous owner was VERY disinterested at this point too
- 8 months down the line - he was still a nightmare - despite much professional input & i am not a novice owner - I should have sent him back within 5 days of owning him - if you have misgivings - walk away nowposie_honey
Well-Known Member
tbh a school master who's been out and about should behave from the beginning - by all means give him time to settle but if your heart of hearts has alarm bells ringing then i'd dispute it with previous owners straight away
noblesteed
Well-Known Member
Don't panic - it's not the end of the world! My current horsey bucked me off several times when I first brought him home too! I bought him as a calm 2nd horse as well. Thankfully it happened in the school. I think moving owners/home/herd blew his mind. Having since looked into characteristics of his breeding I should have expected him to be sensitive! It took him nearly a year to settle in and even then he wasn't perfect and my confidence was in tatters. His old owners were 'surprised' by his behaviour. However I couldn't bear to send him back because his feet were in a state, his bit didn't fit and he has spur scratches down his flank 
I had no choice but to keep persevering. Thankfully now, 2 years on I have the horse of my dreams (or near enough).
I had to accept the bucking, because I think they either buck or they don't, and yours sounds like a bucker. Mine still does it occasionally but I'v learned to preempt them or ride them out, because now they are not intended to unseat me, they are little excited cheeky ones.
So depends on your level of commitment to your horsey, whether you give him the benefit of the doubt, have the patience to allow time for him to settle, and accept he may be sharp and throw the odd buck at times. Remember NO horse is perfect, they all have their moments. I'm sure it will turn out fine!!!!
I had no choice but to keep persevering. Thankfully now, 2 years on I have the horse of my dreams (or near enough).I had to accept the bucking, because I think they either buck or they don't, and yours sounds like a bucker. Mine still does it occasionally but I'v learned to preempt them or ride them out, because now they are not intended to unseat me, they are little excited cheeky ones.
So depends on your level of commitment to your horsey, whether you give him the benefit of the doubt, have the patience to allow time for him to settle, and accept he may be sharp and throw the odd buck at times. Remember NO horse is perfect, they all have their moments. I'm sure it will turn out fine!!!!
hackedoff
Well-Known Member
I think this depends on the individual horse. Mine took 6 months to realyl settle down when I bought him. He shied into the path of a car the first day I rode him after being given a day to get used to me. He threw me off the first few weeks I had him and broke my cocxy bone, he regulalry used to run of with me and he also knocked me out in the field.
I was really tempted to sell him but husband said 'well your the one who will have ruined him and he will probably go for meat' and local tack shop owner said 'hes a native pony, they are quircky and take time to settle!'.
he did calm down eventually and took me from a riding school arena only rider who had never hacked out alone to advance level endurance, doing well at local shows and being placed in local level dressage. I have had him 15 years now!
I think those who are posting saying it should take a horse a day to settle are perhaps forgetting that for a horse nobody tells it that it is about to lose its routine, home, herd, owner etc overnight and be expected to cope with new and very different versions. No wonder they change wouldnt you if you woke up one morning to find your family gone, old job gone and in a different house?
I was really tempted to sell him but husband said 'well your the one who will have ruined him and he will probably go for meat' and local tack shop owner said 'hes a native pony, they are quircky and take time to settle!'.
he did calm down eventually and took me from a riding school arena only rider who had never hacked out alone to advance level endurance, doing well at local shows and being placed in local level dressage. I have had him 15 years now!
I think those who are posting saying it should take a horse a day to settle are perhaps forgetting that for a horse nobody tells it that it is about to lose its routine, home, herd, owner etc overnight and be expected to cope with new and very different versions. No wonder they change wouldnt you if you woke up one morning to find your family gone, old job gone and in a different house?
AmyMay
Situation normal
Give him more than a few hours to settle in - 5 days is what I would do.
Don't ride him in open spaces, until you are more confident with him.
Ride out with another horse, don't hack alone, until you are more confident with him.
Understand that he will be unsettled initially, and need a time of settling in - so is bound to perhaps be a little more on his toes than in his old home.
My horse took quite some time to settle when I bought him. And I'd say it was 6 months before we really had any kind of partnership.
R2R
Well-Known Member
If alarm bells are ringing you need to get this sorted now, with the owners. You know where he was picked up from so drive there if necessary.
I understand the school of thought for settling in however my point is, if a horse has been bought as a genuine allrounder the fact it has bucked you off on day one would indicate it is not as genuine as sold therefore you have a problem that needs to be addressed.
I understand the school of thought for settling in however my point is, if a horse has been bought as a genuine allrounder the fact it has bucked you off on day one would indicate it is not as genuine as sold therefore you have a problem that needs to be addressed.
legaldancer
Well-Known Member
Give it another go in a day or two, maybe having lunged him first. If he's a git then aswell I'd be back on the phone to the old owners.
I had the same problem with a horse I bought. He was ok for the first week or so, then began to try it on. I rode him through it, but he was totally destroying my confidence & I'm not a novice, but am a mother of three children. Like you, it's something you just don't need - you're not a proffessional horsewoman, but a mum first & foremost. Previous owner made out it was me, but he decked a friend of mine too.
I paid pounds out on sending him to a proffessional & when he came back he was the same. After 4 years I got rid. I should have done it after 4 weeks.
I had the same problem with a horse I bought. He was ok for the first week or so, then began to try it on. I rode him through it, but he was totally destroying my confidence & I'm not a novice, but am a mother of three children. Like you, it's something you just don't need - you're not a proffessional horsewoman, but a mum first & foremost. Previous owner made out it was me, but he decked a friend of mine too.
I paid pounds out on sending him to a proffessional & when he came back he was the same. After 4 years I got rid. I should have done it after 4 weeks.
Elsbells
Well-Known Member
When you say he bucked you off? Was it a super buck that would get John Wayne off, or an excited bumpy flick/trot across uneven ground and you kinda rolled off like my OH did once?
Are we talking terrible must get rid of dangerous horse here, that's got a tendancy to bolt for home and possibly kill me, or a novice rider that's got caught unawares on an anxious new ride?
I'm not saying the OP is at fault and I hope I don't upset anyone, but I for one am not getting the whole picture from the OP's first posting.
Are we talking terrible must get rid of dangerous horse here, that's got a tendancy to bolt for home and possibly kill me, or a novice rider that's got caught unawares on an anxious new ride?
I'm not saying the OP is at fault and I hope I don't upset anyone, but I for one am not getting the whole picture from the OP's first posting.
teddyt
Well-Known Member
Not at all. i have a pony that gets insecure just leaving his paddock and going to the stables. And ive owned him all his life. Hes 12! Thas just his character, hes very insecure.
Every horse is different and some are more unsettled than others. But it is totally normal behaviour when a horse has just moved. Apart from anything else does the rider communicate exactly the same as the old one? I doubt it. And horses arent mind readers. they can only go on what they see and feel. So if moved to a new home and the water tastes differently and the human speaks differently and there weren't hares at the old home why should we expect the horse not to react differently? They are not robots.
AmyMay
Situation normal
Comments like this make me wonder why people have animals. There is a total lack of understanding and empathy.
This is a sentient being we are talking about - and one of the major things we all bang on about on here is how they can be unpredictable, sensative, easily upset.
The OP has clearly not posted about a competition animal, rather about a normal 'all rounder'. There is no comparison between the two, and how you can expect them to react. That coupled with the fact that competition animals are used to this way of life - and have the same handlers also makes the situation totally different.
When I moved my horse to a new yard in October, I was worried about how he would react (given how tricky he was to settle when I first had him). He didn't bat an eye lid when arriving at the new yard - because he had a well established and trusting relationship with me.
Now the OP's horse may actually be a bit of a bugger - but it's in a new home, with a new and quite probably novice owner and is clearly feeling unsettled.
In most people's world - this is accepted and indeed expected.
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hessy12
Well-Known Member
I did hack him at old yard for 40 minutes, he was very chilled, and had to use fair bit of leg.
I phoned old owners several times yesterday and begged them to take him back, for less than i paid, but they refused. I said to hubby "let's drive over there with him in trailer and demand money back" but being a non-confrontational guy, he refused.
I stupidly did not get a receipt, they seemed such genuine people. IN hindsight, i think i have been had. And then some, because on the phone, sellers said "we've got rid of him now". I think that comment says an awful lot.
An expert rider (who rides naughty horses for a living) is taking him out for me today or tomorrow, and then the following day will accompany me on a bike. Tonight, after repeated ground work and grooming, i am going to ride him round the field. She thinks what he did was unacceptable, given that he is used to hacking alone and has done all the PC things and travelled to many places and been ridden from a trailer in new places.
Last night, i groomed him, scratched and tickled him in his favourite places, led him up and down road at front of house on my own. He was still rather nervous when being led, despite loads of reassurance although he did put his head down and chill a little. Did lots of starts and stops on voice command; said "back" and he went back many times, he did all that was asked of him but was wary.
He really does seem like a completely different horse. I am considering getting the bloods tested from his 5-stage vetting last Thursday, but with no receipt i know i have no chance of proving much. I feel SO, SO stupid for being a trusting person with his sellers.
My costly lesson is learnt, for if he does not improve, with LOTS and LOTS of time and patience, taking it slowly, how on earth would I sell him?
My boys' little mare, who is older at 16, came here, settled, was hacked out lead rope and never really batted an eye lid. Is this just the luck of the draw, or have i bought a horse that was drugged?
AmyMay
Situation normal
Do you think you may be over reactnig just a tad?
Someone earlier asked what sort of 'buck' he did. Was it a full blown 'throw you off', a bunny hop? a jump????
How secure is your seat??
Have you googled the sellers telephone number??
Possibly because you were?
NeedNewHorse
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately this is the world of horses! They simply are not robots and can suddenly feel any emotion at any given time! Maybe without knowing it, you were apprehensive about the whole saga of a new horse and hacking out and he just did not feel secure - Maybe he takes a while to settle in - Maybe all sorts of things really, all I can suggest is as the others have said and take it a bit easy. Don't set yourself up for problems. Get the help of this instructor and spend some time with your new horse and put in some basic gound rules for him to stick to and you will have started the foundation of your new bond.
Try not to reassure him too much, more so take the lead and keep a quiet confident manner about yourself (i.e fake it that's everythings alright.. lol)
If it's worth anything my mare bucked me off the second time i rode her...
I am sure you will be fine with some understanding and some hardwork chucked in too. XX
EquestrianFairy
Well-Known Member
My Lad bucked someone off on his 2nd day (I wasnt brave enough to get on him that soon so the yard numpty did!) However- two weeks after he was a lamb as he had settled, found his place in the herd and was happy. Ive never ever had a single issue since.
I have also never ridden a new horse after only its 2nd day arriving at a new yard and hence never had this problem myself.
I think you may be jumping the gun somewhat thinking he was drugged- i suggest you give him a little more time to settle first before coming to this conclusion. Im not saying it may not be the case, but at least give the lad a chance to settle first.
Its clear you are stressing over something that simply could be general nerves and this is going to reflect on him.. i agree it wasnt the best way to increase your confidence but to be totally fair to the horse hes moved from a settled family/herd to you and within 48 hours your expecting him to have enough confidence and trust in you to hack out alone.
Regardless of his background, this is alot to ask personally.
I have also never ridden a new horse after only its 2nd day arriving at a new yard and hence never had this problem myself.
I think you may be jumping the gun somewhat thinking he was drugged- i suggest you give him a little more time to settle first before coming to this conclusion. Im not saying it may not be the case, but at least give the lad a chance to settle first.
Its clear you are stressing over something that simply could be general nerves and this is going to reflect on him.. i agree it wasnt the best way to increase your confidence but to be totally fair to the horse hes moved from a settled family/herd to you and within 48 hours your expecting him to have enough confidence and trust in you to hack out alone.
Regardless of his background, this is alot to ask personally.
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WishfulThinker
Well-Known Member
You say he is a cob type and 8 - they do mature later. I know mine didnt till about 10 and he was a ****! I rode him 5 or 6 times before I bought him and he was as good as gold - but then, it was on sunny warm days and he is dark bay so he was lethargis as he was cooking! He was also VERY fat.
I bought him a month or so later. Got him to new yard and then well..............he bucked, reared, threw off anyone who tried to canter him (he was sneaky and would jsut stop dead and you came off) and I couldnt catch him. He was eyes on stalks all the time.
I found a nice older woman who was more experienced than me and she rode him - and boy heloved her. He was a different horse. She had to move away and so he was back with jsut me again and well, he was naughty on and off. I moved him to my parents as thought the 1 on 1 might help - it did a bit then in March he broke my ankle - wasnt his fault tho as a bird scarer made horses bolt and he followed and I had to jump off as bridle broke and he was heading for a dry stone dyke and farm road.
Anyway..........after another few moves and a few sharers and him being naughty for a year and me being scared all the time I spent a night crying and loaned him out for 8 months to a girl who evented him. He came back a different horse. All he needed was someone to REALLY make him work and help him mature. I am a very nervous rider with new horses so I wasnt up to it.
Are you in general nervous? If not too bad, I would say to get some lessons with him, and advertise for someone more experienced to ride him for a bit even on a share basis. Sec D's can be feisty beasties to, so even though he is a cob he is a hot head I bet. They may or may not have drugged him, I know my boy can be a real plod then - like yesterday - just bolt off for no reason other than he wants to. Its like he has brain farts! He is a shire X cob (not sure if welsh or irish)
I bought him a month or so later. Got him to new yard and then well..............he bucked, reared, threw off anyone who tried to canter him (he was sneaky and would jsut stop dead and you came off) and I couldnt catch him. He was eyes on stalks all the time.
I found a nice older woman who was more experienced than me and she rode him - and boy heloved her. He was a different horse. She had to move away and so he was back with jsut me again and well, he was naughty on and off. I moved him to my parents as thought the 1 on 1 might help - it did a bit then in March he broke my ankle - wasnt his fault tho as a bird scarer made horses bolt and he followed and I had to jump off as bridle broke and he was heading for a dry stone dyke and farm road.
Anyway..........after another few moves and a few sharers and him being naughty for a year and me being scared all the time I spent a night crying and loaned him out for 8 months to a girl who evented him. He came back a different horse. All he needed was someone to REALLY make him work and help him mature. I am a very nervous rider with new horses so I wasnt up to it.
Are you in general nervous? If not too bad, I would say to get some lessons with him, and advertise for someone more experienced to ride him for a bit even on a share basis. Sec D's can be feisty beasties to, so even though he is a cob he is a hot head I bet. They may or may not have drugged him, I know my boy can be a real plod then - like yesterday - just bolt off for no reason other than he wants to. Its like he has brain farts! He is a shire X cob (not sure if welsh or irish)
MontyandZoom
Well-Known Member
I have to agree with AmyMay. Sometimes horses buck, it doesn't mean that they are not safe allrounders 99% of the time. My old boy had been in the same place for 3 years with me and was 28 years old. We went out IN COMPANY on a hacking route we had done twice a week for 3 years and one day he did the most almighty flybuck!! (all four hooves touched and went 'clink' rodeo style)
He also spun round and buggered off. I managed to stay on, just. To this day I have NO idea what caused that! Bee sting, ghost, gust of wind, just general being an ********ness??
Give him a few days, you may soon see the return of the lovely horse you tried. If you don't, sell him on, there are alot of people who don't mind horses that throw the occasional buck.