Pony keeps bucking after fences?

Question

soo i've been riding this pony and he's pretty good over jumps except sometimes he just randomly bucks! its only when we go over a jump thats over 2 feet. yesterday he was fine until he knocked over a pole, and then he freaked out and started bucking. but im pretty sure that was just because he was scared of it lol. so anyway today were going over this jump thats like 2'3" and he was fine if he cantered just a couple strides into it, but if i let him canter anymore than that before it he would start bucking after the fence! its probably because im not keeping him in control enough, but i wanted him to canter a little faster so he could make a better fence. so anyway, yeahhhh, any ideas?

Answer 1

as the fences are getting bigger you could be over-exaggerating the fold and over-riding the jump (common problem) or getting left behind a bit (not folding enough) over the fence, which could mean you are pulling hard on the reins on landing, which could be the problem, and both of which could mean you are landing a bit hard on his back, causing him to buck, even if it is several strides from the jump. His back also might just be a little sensitive to weight, which is not a problem and fairly common, try not to mess with his head too much after the fence.

here's some advice: try to think of the fence as a cross pole, no matter what height it is because as long as you know how to set a horse up to a fence, you should always ride the fence the same, whether it is 10 centimeters or a meter. You will fold as much as the horse jumps as long as you sit up, wait for the jump and look where you are going, and remember, it is the horse that is jumping, not you!

good luck, and i am sorry for my european terms and mesurments!

EDIT: if you are jumping outdoors it could be flies annoying him upon landing in which case, fly spray!

Answer 2

Well, either he's really enjoying it and he's just showing his good spirits, or else he's hurting. If he only bucks after bigger jumps, maybe his feet are a little sensitive and he could use some front shoes for extra support. If it's all in good fun, work on your control issue. Jump smaller jumps to learn control. Or trot them. Ask for a trainer's opinion if it continues.

Answer 3

You might not be staying in 2 point long enough and coming down on his back too early.  That's probably why he knocked a pole and started bucking.  Oh, and don't make him go faster at the canter, more impultion maybe is the correct term.  Good luck.

Answer 4

sounds like he's been hit with a stick after a fence he' s maybe knocked so he bucks in anticipation of being hit.  but check his tack fits ok and that he hasn't got back problems.  then do a lot more schooling by riding past the jumps, in front and behind them.  do some grid work of small jumps so he hasn't got the time or space to buck.  later try jumping the fence as if you are on a circle as that would make it harder for him to buck.  don't let him put his head down at any time you are riding.  head down means they can buck so easily so make it harder for him by correct contact on the reins.

good luck.