What exactly is bunnyhopping?

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Charla

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A friend of mine has bought a horse (sold as seen) although has seen it at shows being ridden in the past, she didn't ride it herself before buying. The seller said the horse sometimes 'bunnyhops' and rear plunges. What exactly does 'bunnyhop' mean?
 
Imagine a long grid of poles about eighteen inches high and spaced so that each gap is a short bounce! And then imagine riding it on an excited horse - that is what it feels like. :D:D:D OK if you have a very secure seat, and can stop when you need to.
 
Digger66 said:
Imagine a long grid of poles about eighteen inches high and spaced so that each gap is a short bounce! And then imagine riding it on an excited horse - that is what it feels like. :D:D:D OK if you have a very secure seat, and can stop when you need to.
Click to expand...

I'm trying my hardest to picture this haha :p
 
as above - horse seems to "hop" - all 4 feet come off the ground and yes, you do need a secure seat to stay put! mostly because the movement is quite sharp and if you are not prepared can dislodge the rider.
 
My old boy used to do this all of the time,and actually once you got used to him,and didnt try and fight him it was fine!
Never once unseated me,it was just his way of going,and no point in trying to alter him.
 
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Thats what I'd call bunny hopping! Bit like broncing but without the buck
 
mine does it going into canter when he's fresh. Like pathetic half hearted bucks which are uncomfortable to sit to. when people ride him for me (like my YM or the girl i've organised to ride for me whilst im off) i remind them to sit tight on the first canter as if you're not expecting it it can throw you forwards and unseat you.
Once you're used to it, with my boy they're fairly easy to sit to. not sure about the rear plunges.... cant picture it. But themules photos are just what mine does.
 
I see bunny hopping as a little 'up' with the front, followed by the rear! My old horse does it constantly, and I wouldn't say its that hard to sit to.

Think of how a bunny hops along and you've got it, only in horse size!
 
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