Playful Bucks

[lizijj]

Hi, my 6 year old 17hh TBxID bucks when initially cantering. They are not nasty bucks, but still too much for my nerves! He is otherwise pretty much bombproof for his age. Is the solution simply more exercise? I was hoping to hunt him this NY but can't stand the stress of him bucking if excited! Thanks for any advice

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

Might well be unbalanced, our youngster used to do this until we did alot of groundwork, cantering circles etc, the more balanced he became the less bucking! X

 

[lizijj]

I haven't got a school, but have made a round pen in the field where I loose school them - would this help?

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

we literally used the field, a sloping one, did lots of transitions on each rein, just a couple times a week, a few mths on he doesn't buck going into canter, it was like he didn't know how to go forward so bucked instead, its very common in young horses.

You must make sure there is no other reason for the bucking too, usual checks, teeth,saddle etc etc.

 

[Bikerchickone]

My equine osteopath has told me that a horse with some tightness in their lower spine would buck upon canetring, especially in a small space (arena) when they may not do so when out and asked to canter in a straight line. I'd suggest getting someone out to make sure there isn't a back problem. Good luck.

 

[lizijj]

Thanks both, have had back checked before and no problem, he bucks in school or in straight line out hacking when asking for canter. Will have a back update again though. Despite his top notch breeding, he is a REALLY LAZY horse - on his own terms will float around the field with Grand Prix movements, but if you ask anything of him, he is really reluctant, like a sulky teenager. He actually drags his feet - vet has checked no problem. He is the easiest to handle on the yard, will actually 'walk' and 'stay' to voice command, even through our flooded river and wait for you on the other side for a carrot. Not bothered by much, but just seems a bit immature and 'sulky' if you are asking something of him not on his agenda. If the bucking stopped he would be an amazing hunter. So frustrating!!! One minute he is bombproof Billy, then next he remembers he has racehorse in his blood and can throw one....

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

Thanks both, have had back checked before and no problem, he bucks in school or in straight line out hacking when asking for canter. Will have a back update again though. Despite his top notch breeding, he is a REALLY LAZY horse - on his own terms will float around the field with Grand Prix movements, but if you ask anything of him, he is really reluctant, like a sulky teenager. He actually drags his feet - vet has checked no problem. He is the easiest to handle on the yard, will actually 'walk' and 'stay' to voice command, even through our flooded river and wait for you on the other side for a carrot. Not bothered by much, but just seems a bit immature and 'sulky' if you are asking something of him not on his agenda. If the bucking stopped he would be an amazing hunter. So frustrating!!! One minute he is bombproof Billy, then next he remembers he has racehorse in his blood and can throw one....

Our baby was relunctant to move forward, took us a long time to acheive gallop under the saddle, he hunted and found that gear! It's hard for them to go forward under the saddle,they feel like they are going to fall flat on their face, especially if the rider isn't the quietest in the world, its very very easy to unbalance a green horse , it will come x

 

[lizijj]

That does make sense, he does worry when the footing is unstable or he is going down a steep hill. I thought he was just being a wimp, but I guess he's not a native type and is a big horse so that makes sense. So the best way to help him with his balance is just schooling?

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

Yes, ours didn't like going downhill either, now he hunts and can gallop down steep hills, its all about doing lots of ground work! X

 

[mulledwhine]

Our pony does the same, he is fine once settled, has been checked, is happy and thriving but did not do it in his last home !!!

We are stumped, but we love him any way, I guess it helps to know it is just a whoo whoo, eater than nasty and only for the first couple of strides