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  Discussion on Bucks at trot
Author Message
Member:
Cmora

Posted on Saturday, Oct 1, 2005 - 4:45 pm:

Hi everyone.
I have a TB/Shire cross that is 2 1/2 and nearly 17 hands. Very sweet natured. We do a lot of Parelli ground work together. I have been on him bare back three times with a halter and lead rope. The first time he was fabulous. I even asked for a little (LITTLE!) trot which he gave to me easily. The 2nd and 3rd time I got on him he gave a little crow hop buck as I asked for the trot. Today, he actually gave me a bit more of a buck and tried to tuck his head between his legs. He stopped fine but I admit I was planning an emergency dismount in my head! It's a long way down! I think it was since I was asking for the trot with a bit of soft pressure on his sides. Perhaps too much pressure as my riding friends were here and maybe I was asking too much. (You know how we can all do that! You want to be proud!)

I dont intend on officially starting my gelding under saddle by myself. I just like to get on and plop around a bit.

I wonder though......and this is my question......
do you think I could be starting bad behavior or is do you suppose it is just because he is young and only been ridden bare back 3 times? Perhaps I need to stick with the walk and flexing and let the trot coming more naturally?

I dont want to instill bad behavior but I would really like to continue getting on him and getting him used to having someone up there.

Do you think I am doing more harm than good?

PS - I only ride him when I have someone with me so if you're thinking I'm a bit crazy......Maybe a little bit but I am careful and I only do this in my 50' round pen. And wear my helmet. So please dont think I'm too unresponsible.
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Saturday, Oct 1, 2005 - 5:37 pm:

I think maybe a trot is too much for him. He is a baby. Just because is is big and 17 hh does not mean he is emotionally able. He is telling you he is confused and maybe its too much for his back at this young age. Bare back is not easy on their back as you might think. If he doesn't like it dont do it till he is ready is my motto. If he likes walking I would stick to that for a while.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Saturday, Oct 1, 2005 - 5:43 pm:

It sounds to me like you might be going a little too fast for him. He needs to be comfortable and responding to pressure on his sides (and elsewhere) when you're on the ground before you get on him.

Do you lounge him in the round pen? Do you give him a verbal cue to go from the walk to the trot? He should be given the same cue to go from the walk to the trot when you are on him, and roll forward with your seat a tad, and give him a little rein by lifting your hands forward a little.

Personally, it sounds to me like he needs more ground work. You can play around with him and have him get used to weight, but imo you shouldn't ask him for transition from one gait to another until he is comfortable doing it with a bit in his mouth and on the long lines with you on the ground. Just my two cents.

If he bucks and you come off, you could be teaching him how easy it is to get ride of someone.
Member:
Cmora

Posted on Saturday, Oct 1, 2005 - 6:02 pm:

I have to go get ready for dinner out.....
thank you for your responses. I will get back with you in the morning. Really appreciate your feedback.
Member:
Cmora

Posted on Sunday, Oct 2, 2005 - 11:49 am:

Yep, you're both right. Too much, too soon and I need to continue focusing on ground work. I think the idea of the bit and long lines is one I will add to my time with him.
I am the one who always tells people "he's young, just because he's big doesn't mean he's not a baby" I need to remember that myself, I guess.
He hasn't even had a saddle put on his back yet. I think I'd better work on that and the long lines and then resume riding at a walk only with a saddle instead of bareback. I figured bareback would be easier on him.
I had a quaterhorse that worked better bareback so I figured most horses preferred that!

I've never worked with long lines. Any tips for a beginner? Would you suggest I have an experienced trainer come work with me a couple of times before I do it myself?
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Sunday, Oct 2, 2005 - 12:29 pm:

If you've never worked with long lines then I think working a few times with a trainer is a good idea. Meanwhile, use a long, soft rope and get your boy used to having a rope touch him all over his body, down his legs, etc. so when you use the long lines they won't scare him.
Member:
Cmora

Posted on Monday, Oct 3, 2005 - 9:01 am:

Thaks Sara. Will do! I know who I will call already! My guy is so used to having ropes and bags and flags and hose all over his body I dont think it'll be a problem but I understand I'll be asking him to work with the lines this time so it may prove a different story, eh?!?!
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Monday, Oct 3, 2005 - 11:06 am:

If he's used to all that, I'm sure he'll do fine. I like all the ground work because it makes it so easy when you start riding. The horse already understands what you are asking, and you're asking from atop is usually no big deal
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