My horse bucks me off!?

Question

This is the second time in 3 months my 3 year old gelding has thrown me. Any tips on a better way to hold on and stop this nonsense?

Answer 1

Well he likes me more cause he likes to run with meeee!!! lol j/k kiddin get advice from someone who knows horses.

Answer 2

Don't worry, i was thrown by a very cranky shetland pony, and i got back on.he was still mad, but it showed i was boss, and i wasn't thrown again. He could have been in a bad mood, or, if this is the first time ever, he might be challenging your authority over him, which means you need a steely resolve if this happens again. Get back on him, and handle him firmly, not yanking or being deliberately hurtfull, just show that you are not pleased with his behaviour, and that it shouldn't happen again

(This is such a cliche`) If the problem persists, seek further advice.

female_robinhood

Answer 3

Tell him to stop? Eh?

Answer 4

Sounds like he seems to need some well placed disipline.

Its in charge not you.Better start that when he does that again.

Hit him hard with a quirt several times across the neck right after he throws you.This is the only possitive way you'll get results.He'll think twice before he does that again.If he doesn't get it and he does things you don't want reinforce disipline.You should be in command.

Answer 5

Cowgal:

Depends on why he is bucking. You ride, you know they have moods but if he is getting into bucking of course you want to stop the nonsense.

Decide what kind of respect you wish you had :the fear of being hurt and frightened by being hit, backed,spun,hurt and better obey or get hurt worse? or:

listening and interested and respectful because there is a bond of mutual respect founded on understanding,sanity,kind words and good feelings-respect.

Hitting a horse gives it permission to disregard gentleness and safety.. so  that will make him worse.

Perhaps change up his environment with totally different work for a week, like do some cross rails or ride at a friends arena,hand graze etc. Anything to break the cycle of " I don't care if I hurt you" that hes showing. Gentle respect earns a gentle return of affection. Ride safe and can you get a friend to ride with you and give you feedback on whats going down? Its not about holding on and surviving it, but about changing how he respects you-strong and kind or aggressive and physical.

Answer 6

There are many things that could be causing this.  First, have a vet and/or horse massage therapist (or horse holistic practioner) to check for any muscle problems or spine problems, including underdeveloped muscles.  Does the tack fit?  Check it inside and out, and don't forget the underside of the saddle.  Don't just look, also feel.  Hint:  If you close your eyes while you are feeling the tack, it will enhance the sense of touch.  If you aren't sure about the tack fit, check his back before you put on the saddle and after your ride.  See if there are any "hot" spots or very tender spots.  You may need a special pad or even a new saddle or a repair.  Some tack shops will let you trailer your horse in and help you with the fit.  Make sure you also check his bridle and bit.

Next check yourself--in your training and riding.  Is he too young or underprepared physically to do what you are asking? Is he comfortable and relaxed or tentative and reluctant?  Are you pushing him too fast (past his comfort zone) in his stage of training at this time?  There are times when things happen in baby steps to keep the horse in his comfort zone, but with patience he will still move forward...at his speed, not necessarily yours. Does he need more groundwork/stretching excercises?  What happens before the bucking starts?  Is he acting spooky or just plain p.o.'d?  Does he use up more energy by bucking and evading your cues than if he had just done what you ASKED, not demanded, him to do?  Can you feel or see or get any hint he is getting wound up to buck?  this also means do you just have a feeling he is getting ready to buck although you don't know why you feel that...trust your brain to pick up on clues you are missing.

Are you overfeeding high energy food?  Is he just overly engergetic and just needs to work some of that off first before riding?  Is the only time you bring him in or take him out of his stall is to ride?  

Are you using spurs?  If so, take them off or wear the least punishing you can find and make sure you have a good steady leg and use them sparingly. Whipping is also something to be done very sparingly.  Is your own riding form correct or are you shifting your weight erratically, hittting him in the mouth, or kicking him even lightly?

You would be well served to talk with more experienced riders (asking a trainer, unless you are really good friends is asking him to teach you for free...not cool).  You might try reading books or watching videos or going to a clinic run by one of the natural horsemen (women).  Avoid the "show him who is boss" or "lay into him until he won't dare buck" school of training.  Depending on the breed and the severity of the training, this will sooner or later create a horse who is obeying you only because he is scared, intimidated and resentful.  Eventually, this time bomb will explode and the results are rarely pretty for you and sometimes not the horse either.  Many "unrideable' or bad tempered horses are made, not born.

If his bucking gets worse, or even stays occasional, work with an experienced, reputable trainer.  At first let the trainer work him (with you watching the sessions).  If you have any doubts about what the trainer is doing, either take someone more experienced with you or just "drop in" for a session or two when he is not expecting you.  Surprise visits can  be very enlightening  Eventually, the trainer should also be working with both of you until you (and hopefully the trainer) are confident with you and your horse working on your own or with much fewer lessons.

Instead of trying to figure out how to hang on better, learn the emergency dismount.  It is much better than getting bucked off.  

Remember 99% or so of the time the horse has a problem in behavior it is our fault in some way.  Doing some reading about how the equine brain works and understanding how this has helped this prey animal survive may go a long way for you, as well as helping you bond.

Good luck!