What to do?

[emilyriddell]

I have a new horse, been with me nearly 4 weeks now and he is bucking whenever I ask him to do something that he is not comfortable with, eg hacking on his own, when I push him in the school to do something he is finding difficult (under instructor supervision).
He passed 5 stage vetting and my instructor has checked his tack.
Do I persevere with this horse, or should I quit while ahead as I am beginning to lose confidence on him now?

 

[4leggedfurries]

Get a qualified saddle fitter out to check his tack, dentist for his teeth and physio for his back. Check that everything is ok first, then perservere as you've only had him a few weeks he's probably testing you and seeing how far he can push you. Perhaps lunge him before you ride to take the edge off him, get someone to hack out with you and just have some regular lessons. How about getting the instructor to pop on him and see what he/she can do?

 

[AmyMay]

So he's napping essentially?

 

[emilyriddell]

yes, I would say very nappy, except it surprised me at the weekend when he bucked in the school for the first time.

 

[Booboos]

I would get a vet to check for pain in all the usual areas, e.g. back, teeth, lameness and go from there. If there is a problem you may find he is fine once it is treated. If he is physically OK it sounds like he is napping and you need to find a way round it - what does your instructor recommend?

 

[AmyMay]

yes, I would say very nappy, except it surprised me at the weekend when he bucked in the school for the first time.

Will they hack out happily in company???

 

[emilyriddell]

yes will hack in company fine, has spooky moments but nothing a strong leg doesn't sort out...